This year would undoubtedly remain memorable for Gondor: southern Haradrim armies decisively defeated, Mordor's forces retreating in disarray, the Witch-king publicly humiliated, and thousand-year-old grievances finally repaid in full.
And all of this had been accomplished by a single individual.
After the grand celebration and ceremonial gift exchange concluded, the people's taut nerves could finally relax for a precious span of time. The weight of constant vigilance lifted from shoulders that had carried it for far too long.
But as long as existential threats remained lurking beyond their borders, some individuals were destined never to find true peace.
Following the festivities came the formal Gondorian Council session.
The Gondorian Council represented a governing body composed of the kingdom's highest leadership, assembled to offer counsel and strategic advice to the reigning king or ruling steward. The king's authority naturally superseded the steward's position, while the steward's rank stood above the various princes and regional lords who comprised the council's membership.
This particular session differed significantly from their usual proceedings. Many agenda topics revolved around one extraordinary person: the Legend of the North, founder and supreme leader of the free cities, Levi himself.
First and foremost, establishing a formal alliance with Levi and the numerous settlements under his command was absolutely inevitable. This point required no debate whatsoever. Anyone foolish enough to voice objections would find themselves in serious trouble, with the steward himself first in line to physically remove them from the chamber.
After confirming the alliance framework, the meeting proceeded to routine territorial reports covering Gondor's various strategic concerns, including the fallen province of Ithilien and critical southern coastline defenses.
"The Haradrim forces have maintained unusual quiet recently, remaining peacefully south of the Harnen River. Only skeleton crews of soldiers remain on guard at Northbank watchtowers, displaying minimal aggressive intent. Even their customary harassment raids have completely ceased."
"Mm." Turgon nodded with knowing acknowledgment.
I'm well aware of this development. It's the fruit of wholesaler Levi's diplomatic efforts.
"Messages from Osgiliath's garrison report that Uruk-hai armies previously gathered near the crossroads have begun dispersing toward Ithilien's wilderness territories, with overall troop movement trending toward complete retreat into Mordor proper."
Also quite familiar with this situation. Another achievement of evil's bane, the architect Levi.
"Intelligence from southern Lebennin's river mouth indicates that a pirate fleet attempting to raid coastal fishermen was utterly destroyed by our naval warriors."
Turgon hesitated briefly, quietly inquiring of an aide beside him: "Did Levi participate in that engagement?"
"No, my lord. We have no activity records placing him in that coastal region."
"Excellent work, truly commendable. Those pirates needed to learn the severe consequences of trespassing on Gondorian territorial waters."
The Lebennin region, particularly the great port city of Pelargir situated at the Anduin delta, served as Gondor's primary shipyard and main harbor facility. In ages past, Gondor's twelfth through fifteenth kings had constructed magnificent fleets there, using massive naval forces to dominate surrounding maritime regions. These four rulers earned the historic title of "Ship-kings" for their maritime achievements.
However, subsequent monarchs had grown fond of comfort and pleasure rather than military excellence. The mighty fleets gradually decayed and weakened, dragging down Gondor's overall national power year after year in a slow decline.
Gondor's fall from its golden age peak had begun during that period of naval neglect.
Umbar's corsairs clearly recognized Pelargir's growing weakness, having observed it patiently for decades. The moment Pelargir's vigilance relaxed even slightly, massive corsair fleets would immediately launch devastating attacks against the vulnerable harbor.
Those pirates had grown far too bold and rampant in recent years. Even when they typically feared Pelargir's garrison too much for direct assault, they still occasionally dispatched smaller fleets to raid defenseless coastal villages, terrorizing innocent fishermen.
Such behavior was long overdue for severe punishment.
Discussion of various territorial and military matters continued throughout the lengthy session. Commanders reported troop movements, administrators detailed supply chain logistics, and regional governors provided updates on local security situations.
Finally, all official business had been reported, everything necessary communicated, and expectant silence fell across the great hall.
No one spoke or moved to leave.
Turgon also remained silent, only occasionally glancing toward the chamber's main entrance with obvious anticipation.
What's happening? Why isn't adjournment being announced?
"My lord, is there additional unfinished business requiring our attention?"
A battle-scarred commander recently returned from frontier duty voiced everyone's growing confusion.
"Don't rush matters, Thengel," Turgon replied, his formal bearing relaxing somewhat now that official proceedings had concluded.
"I'm waiting for someone special, an individual I believe you all should meet personally."
"Especially you, Thengel. Didn't you express a desire to meet him just a few days ago?"
"Could it possibly be..." The Gondorian commander named Thengel raised his head with sudden interest, his eyes brightening with anticipation.
As Turgon spoke these words, other council members began exchanging meaningful glances. Some were clearly making educated guesses, while others appeared completely bewildered by the mystery.
"That's absolutely correct. Levi himself."
Now everyone understood the situation perfectly.
Recently, this legendary figure had blazed as brilliantly as the midday sun overhead. Everything remotely connected to him became the subject of intense public fascination, including that modest tavern he'd visited days earlier. The establishment now overflowed daily with curious patrons, even drawing nobles who followed popular trends, sampling common beer while wondering what made the experience so remarkable.
Meeting this living legend through the council chamber would indeed prove extraordinary.
"Has he perhaps forgotten about our scheduled meeting?" Thengel questioned with growing concern.
This direct inquiry left Turgon momentarily stumped.
He drew a deep, steadying breath before responding with evident frustration:
"Not at all. The truth is, I simply cannot locate him anywhere within the city."
"Gate guards confirm he never departed Minas Tirith, yet messengers I dispatched searched thoroughly all day without finding any trace of his presence."
Clearly somewhere within these walls, yet impossible to locate.
Definitely a master of concealment and evasion.
"But you can rest assured about this situation. Before our council session began, Ecthelion personally volunteered to track him down. He should return with our guest very soon."
"If any of you have urgent matters requiring immediate attention, I won't detain you unnecessarily. Please attend to your duties."
Thengel nodded respectfully, choosing to remain seated and continue waiting patiently.
Beyond him, no other council member questioned the delay or moved to depart.
Partly this stemmed from genuine curiosity about the legend's actual appearance and demeanor, but partly from deep respect for Ecthelion's established reputation. They all trusted this wise leader, soon to assume full stewardship, possessed the capability to successfully locate and escort their distinguished guest.
Though not yet wielding official power, his reputation was already firmly established, commanding obedience and confidence.
When the afternoon sun had shifted noticeably across the sky, the great hall's entrance finally showed signs of activity.
Gondor's assembled high leadership turned their attention toward the doorway, observing Ecthelion as he entered while wiping perspiration and attempting to straighten his somewhat disheveled appearance.
"Slow down there!" came a cheerful shout from behind.
Levi followed Ecthelion into the chamber, casually enjoying an apple pastry gifted by grateful Gondorian bakers he'd encountered during his wanderings through the city's market districts.
Upon entering the formal council hall, every gaze immediately focused upon him with intense scrutiny, nearly causing him to choke on his current bite.
He quickly swallowed the pastry to avoid the embarrassing spectacle of spitting crumbs before Gondor's most important officials.
"It appears our distinguished guest possesses quite a healthy appetite," Turgon observed with rare humor, allowing himself a gentle joke at their expense.
Levi efficiently finished the remaining pastry, meeting the smiling steward's gaze without taking offense at the elderly man's light teasing.
"Very well, though I must admit I still don't understand why my presence was requested here."
That Ecthelion fellow had been far too rushed and urgent to explain specific details during their hurried journey.
"I wish to introduce you properly to these individuals. They represent some of the most important people in all of Gondor."
Turgon rose from his ornate chair, personally approaching to serve as escort and guide.
Ah, a high-level networking session.
Levi nodded with understanding, choosing not to be dismissive of such diplomatic courtesy. He followed along dutifully to meet each distinguished person.
"Greetings and honor to you, my lord."
High-ranking Gondorian officials, regional administrators, military commanders, territorial lords, and princes were introduced by Turgon individually, each offering respectful greetings to their legendary guest.
The procession continued smoothly until they reached a particularly tall prince, where Levi suddenly paused with obvious interest.
"Your bloodline carries something quite unusual," he observed with genuine curiosity.
"Indeed, my lord, your perception is remarkably acute," the prince replied with evident respect.
"I represent the noble House of Dol Amroth. Most family members carry traces of ancient elven heritage within our blood."
"I must say, it's quite unexpected that you would notice such subtle details upon our first meeting."
Levi smiled knowingly. "I maintain friendships with many Dúnedain and elven companions. Spending considerable time in their company makes it relatively easy to recognize such distinctive differences."
"Fascinating. Your perceptive abilities are truly exceptional," Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth nodded with convinced admiration.
Levi glanced discreetly at the man's impressive 25 health points displayed above his head and smiled quietly to himself, choosing not to reveal the true source of his supernatural awareness.