Seagulls cried as they flew into the sky, with white waves and beaches appearing in the distance.
Mithlond, the Grey Havens—built at the mouth of the Lhûn River flowing into Lune Bay, it had over six thousand years of history since its establishment.
The lord here was Círdan the Shipwright, an elf suspected of being born in the Years of the Trees. Older than any other elf remaining in Middle-earth.
He was so ancient that as an elf, he appeared as an old man. This could be said to be unique in Middle-earth.
When an immortal elf grew a grey beard and his hair turned silver-white, it meant his age was truly great. So great that he might've witnessed the history of all ages.
Including the withering of the Two Trees, the great war between Morgoth and the Valar, the sinking of the western continent, Sauron's rise and development, the War of the Last Alliance...
And everything Levi had done recently.
"Welcome, new legend Levi."
When Levi arrived at Grey Havens' gates, Círdan the Shipwright came to greet him personally.
This elf was extremely tall with a very long beard, appearing quite aged, but his eyes were clear and sharp.
He looked at Levi and bowed slightly: "I'm honored you could visit here. I've been waiting for some time."
"I've been delayed by various matters these past years. Only recently found time."
Levi dismounted and returned the courtesy, casually handing the reins to an elf who'd come with Círdan to receive him.
He would take good care of this horse.
"No matter."
Círdan responded, shaking hands with Levi.
Though he looked like an old man, his bearing was vigorous and steady. The muscles under his clothes appeared no smaller than Thengel's in outline.
This old fellow was extraordinary.
Due to his great height, even Levi had to look up when meeting Círdan's gaze. His height was at least over two meters.
Such an elf, if he took a great sword and charged into a pile of orcs averaging four and a half feet tall, could truly wreak havoc. One sweep could send a large group of orcs flying.
"This place isn't suitable for conversation. How about we go rest in the hall for a while?"
"That'd be best."
The two walked along stone-paved roads into the city's interior.
This seaside city was planted with many birches and poplars. With the weather growing cold, many poplar leaves were changing color, painting both sides of the road golden yellow.
Grey Havens had a different kind of beauty.
The Lord of Grey Havens and its guardian, Círdan the Shipwright, thus walked with the Wall-builder Levi through the entire city, viewing all the scenery.
When they reached the harbor, Círdan couldn't help gazing westward. His eyes were full of longing and yearning.
"When swept along by one's people, it becomes difficult to maintain oneself."
"Valinor holds everything I deeply love. Missing it causes me pain, yet I can't go there, for I'm guided by the Valar. Only when the last elf sails west will my figure appear on that ship."
"I've lingered long on these mortal shores, yet still can't see the end of this chapter."
"Now..."
He looked at Levi.
Perhaps everything was finally approaching its conclusion.
"Probably won't be much longer," Levi casually replied.
But these words held deeper meaning in Círdan's ears.
"Thousands of years ago, when Lord Gandalf arrived at Grey Havens, I gave him the Ring of Fire. Perhaps it could help him resolve fatigue and kindle hope."
"Now you've also arrived here, yet I have nothing on me."
Círdan withdrew his gaze from the sea surface, turning to Levi: "If there's anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to ask."
"There really is something."
At the harbor, looking at the brand-new white ship just launched, Levi said:
"Círdan the Shipwright, I was hoping you might teach me your techniques."
Actually, in that sentence Levi had essentially called Círdan by name twice. 'Círdan' itself meant 'shipwright,' so he was called Shipwright because he built ships.
"It would be my pleasure."
The golden-red sunset light shining on the sea surface illuminated both men until only shadows remained.
Círdan accepted this request.
Year 2948, autumn—Roadside Keep scholars recorded: The lord departed westward, not returning for an entire month.
"Seems like he never came back," the scholar murmured.
But this time there really was important business.
[Shipwright Module Added]
For a month, Levi followed beside Círdan, personally participating in building a ship.
During the construction process, new modules were unlocked, with many new recipes appearing in the crafting table. Various ship components.
Rudders, anchors, measuring instruments, hull structures...
Looking at these newly learned recipes, Levi sighed with emotion.
Entrusted with great responsibility by the Valar, Círdan's shipbuilding techniques were undoubtedly masterful. Even Númenor's navigation and shipbuilding techniques were taught by him, and Gondor's fleets also bore his influence.
Splash.
Waves washed against rocks.
An elf looked at ship components on the workbench, his eyes showing wonder.
"My lord, this component is perfect," he couldn't help saying.
"Perfection exists only in Valinor," Círdan corrected his statement.
However, when Círdan came over to see the component the elf was pointing at, he fell silent.
Too precise. Simply the ideal state, without any flaws.
Where did this come from? Is this still Middle-earth?
"This is a component made by Lord Levi."
"Mm. Then it's normal."
Círdan nodded.
"Where is he?"
"At the harbor."
After determining Levi's location, Círdan walked there without stopping.
A month ago, when Levi proposed learning shipbuilding techniques, Círdan immediately provided personal instruction. He gave very detailed explanations of various aspects.
After completing all basic knowledge and practice, he'd assigned Levi a small task: try building a small boat that could carry 2-3 people.
"If there's anything you don't understand, you can ask me anytime."
After assigning the task, Círdan had said this. But though the words were spoken, Levi had never come to find him.
Could this new legend be rather introverted?
Originally Círdan thought this, but after seeing that component made by Levi, he changed his mind.
Perhaps he should go personally see how this student's first practical attempt was progressing.
While thinking this, before reaching his destination, Círdan suddenly stopped. His gaze became somewhat dazed as he looked toward the sea.
Under the setting sun, a massive shadow was stretched very long, even completely covering nearby houses.
Círdan took a deep breath and walked over.
"Good afternoon."
Levi crafted another component and greeted Círdan.
"You came too early. This ship isn't assembled yet and can't operate."
"Come back this time tomorrow, and it should be about right. By then I should be able to complete the final step and demonstrate for you."
While speaking, Levi stretched and patted the massive object beside him.
"Valar preserve us."
Círdan finally recovered from his shock.
"I told you to build a small boat to test your learning results, and you... this..."
He looked up, seeing beside Levi a massive ship that even Círdan would call a "flagship."