Snap.
After storing the letter in a dedicated classification box within the castle, Levi stood up and greeted the Gondorian messenger outside.
"I'll wait for you in Gondor."
"What?"
The messenger looked confused.
What did "I'll wait for you in Gondor" even mean? The meaning of this statement might only become clear when he returned to Gondor. And from Roadside Keep to Gondor's capital, Minas Tirith, even riding a fast horse, it'd take at least ten days to half a month.
Shaking his head, he didn't overthink the mysterious legend's words.
People said that digging too deep into mysterious matters would only scramble your brain.
The messenger was quite sensible. He didn't delve into this matter. Instead, after completing his message delivery mission, he immediately began Thengel's second assigned task:
"Take a good look at Roadside Keep for me. See what this great city built by Levi's own hands truly looks like. I await your account."
The words might be somewhat roundabout, but essentially it meant helping him scout the scenery. Look around and write something like a travel journal. So he could return and tell those too busy with affairs to come themselves, letting them experience it vicariously.
"Quite shocking. No less impressive than Minas Tirith. Perhaps only those lost cities from history could compare."
The messenger looked at the city's scenery, then at the lakeside building people called the "Tower of Knowledge," making his assessment.
Rumble rumble...
On the broad roads, carriages continuously traveled back and forth, mostly heading to the newly established market near the Sky Road entrance.
This territory was increasingly prosperous now. As the Sky Road's endpoint, countless people came and went daily. Just to glimpse this legendary place, gaze upon that miraculous road, and walk a section of it.
Poets sat on roadside stones composing legends. Caravans brought their specialties and took away Roadside Keep's goods. Travelers looked up to witness those amazing sights.
Roadside Keep's reputation gradually spread throughout Middle-earth with these people's movements.
People began calling it "the center of the northern world, capital of the Free Cities, birthplace of legends."
Just as the Gondorian messenger settled his horse and began curiously looking around the city, Levi had already entered the Nether and set foot on the highway.
That same day, he arrived at Gondor's capital.
"I didn't expect you to come so quickly."
When Levi found Thengel, the man was simply amazed.
"It seems the rumors about 'often disappearing without a trace, then appearing far away the next moment' aren't without basis."
"No need to be surprised. I just run rather fast."
Levi symbolically adjusted his armor and entered Thengel's home.
Thengel poked his head out the door, looking left and right, but couldn't find the messenger he'd sent out.
"Hasn't my messenger returned?"
"He should still be at Roadside Keep now. If you've got anything to say, I can relay it."
"Nothing important. I just thought you'd come together."
Thengel shook his head and closed the door.
"For your messenger to return... you'll have to wait quite a while."
Upon entering, Levi immediately looked around.
"You mentioned in your letter that you have a son. Where is he?"
"He'll be back soon. Morwen took him to get some sun in the back garden."
Just as he said this, sounds came from inside.
Creak.
The door opened as Morwen walked in slowly, holding a lively, active little fellow in her arms.
"My son."
A smile spread across Thengel's face as he immediately went over, carefully playing with the baby with one finger.
You could tell that for his first son, also the youngest child in the family, he truly cherished him.
That cautious yet hesitant manner was as if he feared his rough hands might scratch the child's skin.
A man who remained unfazed even facing fierce Uruk-hai armies now seemed somewhat at a loss.
Morwen noticed this too. She smiled. "He's not a girl. He'll definitely grow into a strong warrior. No need to be so careful."
"You're right."
"Come, let my son meet his Uncle Levi and say hello."
Thengel took the child, his movements still gentle.
Levi approached, immediately drawing the baby's attention.
Babies were always attracted to curious things, especially this rather lively and active one. His large eyes were full of curiosity, reflecting the dark figure within.
Levi naturally extended his arms. After slight hesitation, Thengel still passed Théoden over.
"Use your left hand to support his bottom. Yes, like that. Then put your right arm around his back, and let his head rest in the crook of your arm. Yes, yes, yes, this prevents him from falling..."
Thengel nervously provided instruction while Levi also broke a sweat, carefully receiving Théoden according to the guidance.
Finally successfully holding him.
"Whew."
With the child successfully transferred, both grown men sighed in relief.
Finally managed to hold one.
Unable to grasp the current delicate atmosphere, Théoden just found it fun. The little fellow grabbed Levi's index finger, kicking his small feet meaninglessly.
When Levi wasn't paying attention, he suddenly tilted his head and began sucking on Levi's finger.
"He might be hungry," Thengel said helplessly.
Who could control baby matters?
Just as he said, the child might indeed be hungry. After sucking the finger, he turned his head toward Levi's chest, but what awaited him was only dark netherite armor with traces of bloody rust.
Now he was confused.
All three laughed.
Before long, Morwen took Théoden inside the house, leaving only Levi and Thengel in the hall.
"I really look forward to seeing him grown up."
Thengel gazed in the direction his wife had left, murmuring: "When his height surpasses mine, perhaps my life will be complete."
Levi smiled slightly: "He will."
"He'll grow up healthy and live well."
"Thank you." Thengel responded, taking this as an ordinary blessing.
"It's getting late."
He turned and said: "Your timing's quite perfect. Just yesterday I went out and picked some fresh mushrooms. The same kind we ate together in Rohan during our travels."
"This time I've slightly improved the recipe and cooking method. It's sure to succeed."
"This time?"
Levi asked with some confusion, highlighting the key point.
"Oh yes, last time I used this dish to entertain a grey-robed wizard. Gandalf, you should know him."
"Unfortunately, I made a mistake that time and didn't cook it thoroughly. There were probably some unpleasant remnants, and after drinking it, he fainted... fell asleep, only waking up a day later."
"But fortunately only he drank it then."
Thengel said somewhat shamelessly.
If Gandalf were present, he'd definitely give his head a good whack with his pipe.