When the aroma of mushroom soup began wafting through the air... wait, was that truly an aroma?
Garrett felt as though his sense of smell had abandoned him.
Regardless, when the scent of mushroom soup drifted out from the kitchen, Morwen emerged from her chamber. After feeding the child and coaxing him to sleep, and giving strict instructions to the household servants to keep watch, she came to check on the cooking.
"You're preparing that soup again?"
"Indeed."
Hearing the confirmation, Morwen's expression became difficult to read.
"Garrett taught me this recipe himself," Thengel said with pride.
Morwen's expression grew even more indescribable. She turned to look at Garrett.
Under that gaze, Garrett felt as though he had just lost something precious, namely, his reputation in culinary matters.
"Nearly finished."
Rubbing his hands together eagerly, Thengel stared at the bubbling chunks of meat and sliced mushrooms in the pot.
After watching the pot for several more minutes, he stirred it with a wooden ladle and announced it was ready.
The very first thing he did was ladle out a bowl and present it to Garrett for tasting.
Garrett accepted the bowl and studied the mushrooms floating within.
Well... judging from past experience, they appeared properly cooked, so it should be safe enough. Hold on, what was that beside them? Fatty pork?
Just looking at it felt greasy. However...
Seeing Thengel watching him with such hopeful expectation, even handing him a spoon with such earnestness, Garrett found it difficult to refuse.
Very well, greasy was greasy. Surely it couldn't be worse than Erebor's oil-drenched barbecue sauce, could it?
Just as Garrett lifted a spoonful of the soup and prepared to taste it, he suddenly felt another pair of eyes upon him.
It was Morwen. Behind Thengel, she was frantically shaking her head. Fearful that Garrett wouldn't understand, she quickly pointed at the bowl of soup, then waved her hands dismissively.
Don't drink it.
She nearly mouthed the words aloud.
Garrett caught her eye, signaling that she needn't worry.
I've choked down spoiled meat and maggoty bread, would I be afraid of this...
Gulp.
The moment the mushroom soup filled with fatty pork touched his tongue, his breath caught, and his whole body froze.
Too careless by far.
He closed his eyes, and forced the soup down with difficulty.
His tongue had never endured such torment since he was born.
Perhaps he knew mushroom soup well enough, but clearly, Morwen understood Thengel better.
Garrett took a steadying breath and glanced at his status display.
[Nausea: 10s]
No health lost, no poison effect, just a taste beyond words.
Yet, in a strange way, one had to admit, this fellow was truly gifted.
"Well then, how is it?"
Thengel asked eagerly, eyes bright, his face brimming with the joy of an apprentice proudly displaying his very first creation to his master.
Garrett felt a pang of sympathy.
The man had reached such an age, and it hadn't been easy for him to develop an interest in learning a new skill. If Garrett were to crush his spirits with harsh criticism now, he might not recover for quite some time.
"It's... it's not bad," he managed to lie.
There weren't many people in this world who could make him go against his own heart.
"Then have some more. There's plenty remaining in the pot."
Thengel, apparently oblivious to the scalding heat of the cookpot that could easily burn someone, actually attempted to lift the entire vessel with his bare hands.
"Wait!"
Garrett quickly stopped him.
"What's wrong?"
Thengel looked puzzled.
"I didn't mean to hide it from you, but… actually, I already ate before coming here. Forgive me for not telling you sooner, I'm really not that hungry. This one bowl is more than enough."
"...Very well then."
Thengel appeared slightly disappointed, but soon brightened again. He ladled himself a bowl and began drinking with pleasure.
"Thengel."
"Yes?"
"Have you recently felt unwell? Caught a cold or something? Illnesses like that can dull a person's sense of taste."
"Impossible."
Thengel shook his head, flexed his muscles, and said with confidence:
"As you can observe, I'm in perfect health. Such diseases may trouble those who don't maintain their fitness, but I'm certain, even if I ran bare-chested through the streets in winter, the following day I'd be just as hale."
"...That's, ah, good to hear."
Garrett nodded, but gazed down at the bowl of soup with a troubled expression.
He stirred it absently with his spoon, making idle conversation with Thengel, forcing laughter, but unable to bring himself to take another sip.
It wasn't until Thengel finished his bowl and went to serve himself a second helping that Morwen, standing to one side, discreetly gestured toward the waste bin.
Garrett immediately understood. He swiftly poured the soup away.
"All finished?"
Thengel suddenly turned to look at him.
Garrett's hand froze mid-motion. Feeling somewhat guilty, he nodded.
"I'll fetch you another bowl then."
As he spoke, Thengel reached out to take Garrett's empty bowl.
Garrett confessed, at that moment, he truly did panic slightly.
"No!"
"Ah, what I mean is, no need. If I want more, I'll help myself."
Hearing this, Thengel hesitated, then withdrew his hand, wearing a faintly puzzled expression.
Why guard an empty bowl like that?
And so, a simple meal ended in this fashion.
Garrett had no intention of remaining another moment, at least not during mealtimes.
He feared Thengel might prepare another pot of soup, leaving him with no way to refuse.
Better to leave that "delicacy" for Thengel to enjoy by himself.
But before departing, Garrett still took out what he had brought with him.
It was an amulet strung with cord. The outer frame was crafted of pure gold, and set in the center was a gem glowing faintly with magical light, a green one.
"I'm giving this amulet to Théoden."
"It can protect its wearer from outside harm, whether by sword or by magic."
"Of course, it has limits. When the gem's magical glow fades, it means the amulet has lost its power."
"But if the day comes when its power is gone, you can bring it to Wayfort. I will restore its magic so it can continue protecting its wearer."
Hearing Garrett's words, Thengel grew solemn.
He carefully accepted the amulet, holding it up to examine it more closely. The gem set within its golden frame radiated a sense of weight and heaviness, reminiscent of the earth itself.
And indeed, there was no mistaking it, the amulet truly contained the power of the earth.
[Emergency Shield Amulet]
It was the same type Garrett wore himself. It provided 7 points of shielding, and once that shield was broken, it would immediately grant another 7 points, hence the name "Emergency."
Altogether, it amounted to 14 points of protection, something that could easily preserve a life in a critical moment.
But more important than physical defense, the runic shield was especially effective at blocking magical attacks. That was how Garrett had managed to counter the Nazgûl so thoroughly.
If it could restrain their sorcery, it could just as surely guard against the spells of certain ill-intentioned wizards...
As Garrett was considering this, Thengel suddenly gripped his shoulders with both hands.
"I will never forget this friendship. This gift shall always remain with my child."
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Completed at Chapter 405!