Chapter 299: Good Old Man, Bad Old Man
Water City, also called the "Water Capital."
Once established, it immediately became one of the largest cities ever built in Middle-earth. At the convergence of three rivers stood the gleaming white Sky Garden, with rainbows perpetually shimmering through its cascading waters. The massive lighthouse was bright, even in the full glare of daylight, and a majestic statue overlooked all the Lone-lands, stretching far beyond.
When poets and travelers spread word through song and written record, many people instinctively believed these wanderers had exaggerated their descriptions to appear well-traveled and worldly. Yet this time those skeptics didn't argue. They simply told disbelievers to see for themselves firsthand.
So many people rushed eagerly to visit. Ship after ship crossed beneath the lighthouse and past the statue, sailing into the magnificent city. Every sight astounded visitors completely. Bustling prosperity filled every direction, inescapable wherever eyes turned or feet stepped. They marveled that poets had finally written truthfully without exaggeration for once.
Of course, Water City wasn't merely a scenic tourist destination for casual viewing. The massive shipyard at the city's center and the flagship surrounded by numerous vessels constantly reminded visitors that this wasn't just a beautiful garden designed for leisurely contemplation. When necessity demanded, it could transform into a formidable fortress capable of defending all surrounding lands.
"Compared to this, Long Lake is like a small village," Bard remarked in 2972, rarely finding time to visit west of the Misty Mountains. Currently, he and Levi sat in a small wooden boat with Bard paddling while Levi reclined, conserving energy. Boating required considerable skill, but the oarsman was an expert. A lifelong Lake-town boatman who regularly ferried empty barrels from Mirkwood, Bard's rowing technique was genuinely excellent. Yet even he eventually had to stop, lean back, and sigh with exertion.
"Huff." Bard caught his breath, wiping sweat from his weathered brow. Years ago, this distance meant nothing. He could row dwarves from north to south and back again without excessive fatigue. Now...
"Let me take over," Levi offered kindly, taking the oars while Bard gratefully rested.
White-haired Bard didn't resist, simply reclining comfortably, enjoying the breeze while observing the scenery on both sides. Water rippled beneath them; the boat glided forward gently through the current.
"Hmm?" Suddenly, Bard's eyes narrowed with recognition. He pointed ahead. "That person there. Is that a wizard? Wearing white robes? He's watching us quite intently."
"Oh?" Levi turned, following Bard's direction to see a stern elderly face watching their approach.
Saruman. He was waving enthusiastically.
Levi looked away deliberately. Bard, why must you have such sharp eyes?
"I see you saw me. Are you ignoring me?" Saruman shouted from shore, his voice carrying across the water with wizardly projection.
Sigh. Reluctantly, Levi paddled the boat closer to Saruman's position on the riverbank.
"Our wise one visits frequently lately," Levi observed, bringing the boat alongside the shore.
"Do I?" Saruman fixed his piercing gaze on Levi stepping onto shore, then glancing at Bard remaining in the boat behind him. "I don't think so. For mortals, considerable time has passed since our last meeting."
Wizards' words always held multiple layers of meaning. Levi didn't respond to the cryptic comment, simply asking directly. "So what brings this white-robed wizard to visit Water City?"
"Nothing particularly special," Saruman shook his head slowly. "Simply heard the scenery here is pleasant and remarkable. Thought I'd visit for myself."
Levi doubted this explanation entirely. Could his intentions really be so pure and innocent? He couldn't help glancing at Saruman's contribution display. [+103.2]
Interesting indeed. This man's contribution to the territory was demonstrably positive and substantial. That meant he'd genuinely done beneficial things for the land's actual development over time.
Levi's suspicion visibly faded, his attitude noticeably improving toward the wizard.
"Hmph, as it should be. That's proper guest treatment," Saruman said with obvious pride and satisfaction. "From your tone, I sound like some savage barbarian. I've always known how to host guests properly."
"Really? I haven't experienced particularly good hospitality from you personally."
"You brought that upon yourself through your own actions."
"Have you never erred in judgment yourself?"
Neither yielded ground. They argued while walking along the riverbank. Bard found this exchange typical of their interaction. He wouldn't even be surprised if Levi suddenly grabbed Saruman's staff and ran off with it as a prank.
Mid-argument, Levi's eyes flickered with sudden awareness. He felt something shift significantly and instinctively looked up. Saruman's contribution had decreased noticeably.
"What did you do?"
"Me?" Saruman seemed confused by the accusation. "I did nothing whatsoever."
"No, you definitely did something. This is my territory, Saruman. Nothing escapes my awareness here."
"Put away your suspicion immediately. If you believe I did something problematic, investigate yourself rather than asking wildly here like an uncertain child."
Levi fell silent, considering this response carefully. Although Saruman's contribution had dropped slightly, he remained positive overall. Levi couldn't hold onto this minor issue indefinitely without evidence.
Perhaps Saruman had done something problematic behind the scenes, but without concrete evidence, the best Levi could do was physically beat him. That would be ultimately pointless and unproductive. Besides, striking too harshly might anger the old wizard, which could actually affect Levi negatively in return. Mainly, his reputation would suffer—appearing to bully elders unnecessarily would damage his standing among various people.
"Fine," Levi decided pragmatically. "Enjoy viewing the city. Look however you wish. If you grow tired, visit Riverford for tea and refreshments."
"That's better," Saruman nodded approvingly, parting ways to explore the wonders elsewhere.
Levi's thoughts drifted as he watched the wizard depart. Seeing Saruman reminded him of Isengard and Rohan. He wondered how Rohan fared currently and where Aragorn had gone. He'd heard nothing concerning either for over a decade. The ranger had simply vanished from all reports.
"How's Bain recently?" Levi suddenly asked Bard, preferring to focus on nearby people he genuinely cared about.
"He's doing well," Bard replied warmly. "Though something I haven't mentioned. A few months ago, his first child was born—a healthy boy named Bran."
Bard beamed with obvious pride at this news.
"I hadn't heard that," Levi said, catching his breath with genuine surprise. "The news caught me completely unprepared."
"You've been occupied here for years without visiting Dale," Bard explained understandingly. "I discovered Bran's birth late myself. I was investigating ancient ruins north of Buckland, supposedly where Rohan's ancestors once dwelt before marching south to establish their kingdom. Beorn consulted me about potentially rebuilding that fortress as a forward defense against Gundabad's mountain orcs and the Grey Mountains' dangers."
Levi checked his mental map thoughtfully. So Bard's visit wasn't entirely casual and social. The archer never missed practical opportunities or strategic concerns.
"Framsburg," Levi identified the historical location, recalling old records of that northern city where people once lived before marching south to defeat Gondor's enemies and establishing the Rohirrim kingdom.
"Then proceed freely," Levi approved after brief, careful consideration. "Rebuild as needed."