The Shire, a pastoral realm inhabited almost exclusively by hobbits, stood as one of the few places in all of Middle-earth where true peace still flourished.
This was the life the Creator had envisioned for all His children when the world was first sung into existence. A life of simple pleasures, abundant harvests, and nights spent by warm hearths rather than huddled in fear of approaching darkness.
But in this age of growing shadow, precious few could claim such tranquility. Even those at the pinnacle of power, kings and great nobles alike, often lay sleepless, haunted by thoughts of the Great Enemy stirring in the east and the Dark Peoples gathering strength beyond their borders. Luxury meant little when survival itself remained uncertain.
Yet now it seemed that west of the Misty Mountains, a growing number of folk had begun to taste that long-forgotten peace once more.
The small trading company returned triumphantly to Roadside Fort, their cart laden with exotic goods and successful transactions. The moment they passed through the gates, an eager crowd swarmed their wagon, searching for the specific items they'd commissioned. Laughter and excited chatter filled the air as neighbors examined spices from distant lands, tools crafted by skilled artisans, and fabrics woven in patterns their territory couldn't yet produce.
"This seems quite promising," Levi mused, settling into a roadside chair to observe the cheerful chaos.
Traveling merchants served purposes beyond simple commerce. They were ambassadors of culture, living advertisements for their homeland's prosperity and values. Each successful trade mission expanded Roadside Fort's influence, showcasing their unique way of life to communities throughout Middle-earth.
The math was simple: they possessed abundant supplies with no immediate use, so why not put them to work spreading goodwill and generating wealth?
Having reached this conclusion, Levi wasted no time in implementation. Within days, a formal trading company had been established, expanding the original eight-person team to a proper dozen-strong organization.
The new members had all been recommended by their neighbors and expressed genuine interest in mercantile activities. Four served as merchants, responsible for inventory management and sales negotiations, while the remaining eight functioned as guards and support staff.
The merchants wore distinctive woolen sweaters and leather clothing that had become synonymous with Roadside Fort, each carrying defensive weapons appropriate to their civilian status. The guards, however, were equipped for serious business: elven-crafted armor that gleamed like starlight, long swords that could cleave through iron, and bows strung with cords that sang like harp strings when drawn.
Three large wagons replaced the previous single cart, each pulled by carefully selected horses bred for endurance rather than speed. Faster mounts might have been impressive, but overturned wagons full of shattered goods served no one's interests.
Their planned route would take them westward through the Bree region, deep into the Shire's rolling hills, onward to the coastal realm of Lindon, and finally to the Blue Mountains where dwarven communities had established their new homes after the loss of Moria. From there, they would complete the circuit back to Roadside Fort.
Safety concerns were minimal for several reasons. This route had always been relatively peaceful, as long as travelers maintained common sense and stuck to established roads. More importantly, the expedition itself projected strength: each horse wore protective barding that gleamed like silver mail, while the fully armed guards looked capable of handling anything short of a small army.
As a final precaution, Levi crafted a banner on the spot, inscribing his name in the flowing script of the Common Tongue. Any bandits foolish enough to consider an attack would think twice upon seeing that particular name fluttering in the wind.
Thus prepared, the expanded trading company departed into the winter morning, each member wrapped in warm clothing and weather-resistant cloaks that would shield them from the worst of the season's bite.
They carried goods that would seem miraculous to settlements struggling through winter's lean months: fresh fruits and vegetables, preserved meats of exceptional quality, and crafted items that showcased their homeland's prosperity. More than that, they carried news of Roadside Fort itself, living proof that peace and abundance were still possible in this troubled age.
"If you encounter homeless wanderers or refugees on the road, you can guide them back here," Levi instructed as the wagons prepared to roll. "But remember, Roadside Fort doesn't accept ruffians or parasites. Those who want to enjoy benefits without contributing to the community can seek their fortunes elsewhere."
The lead merchant, a weathered man named Gareth who had once traveled extensively before settling in their territory, nodded solemnly. "I swear by my name that I will handle this responsibility with all due care."
"Same here," echoed the other company members, their voices carrying the weight of genuine commitment.
After seeing the caravan disappear down the road, Levi turned his attention to the snow-covered landscape beyond the fort's walls and assigned his remaining residents a crucial new task.
Ice harvesting.
Most work could be performed year-round, but ice collection demanded winter's cooperation. Under Levi's direction, labor allocation shifted dramatically. A small crew maintained the miraculous garden harvests that continued even in freezing weather, while the remaining workforce split evenly between two priorities: excavating the mine tunnel that would eventually reach the iron ore deposits and harvesting ice from the frozen fields using enchanted Silk Touch pickaxes that Levi provided.
Ice collection took precedence over mining. The tunnel could wait for spring if necessary, but winter's frozen bounty was available only during these precious cold months.
Blocks of pristine ice began accumulating at a steady rate. While the pace couldn't match Levi's superhuman harvesting speed, it offered the invaluable advantage of continuity, freeing him to pursue other essential projects.
Projects like the ambitious highway construction awaiting him in the Nether.
The portal's purple flames welcomed him like an old friend as he stepped through into that realm of crimson skies and floating islands. Consulting his carefully drawn maps, Levi placed markers at regular intervals along the route that would eventually connect Roadside Fort to Dale.
What he envisioned was more than a simple path. This would be a true infrastructure marvel: three parallel roads serving different purposes. The first would be an ice highway, currently postponed due to insufficient frozen block reserves. The second would accommodate normal travel on horseback, with a smooth surface designed for maximum speed. The third would feature minecart rails for mass cargo transport and those lazy days when he preferred to ride rather than walk.
One hundred and forty kilometers of construction stretched ahead, a daunting project by any measure. But once completed, it would create an unobstructed high-speed corridor with no terrain obstacles, no winding turns, just a straight line between two vital territories.
Even without the ice highway finished, horse travel would reduce the journey to a mere two hours. Converted to overworld distances, this meant crossing over 1,100 kilometers in the time it once took to prepare for a single day's travel. The ice road would cut that time in half again.
Building it would test his patience and resources, but the results would revolutionize transportation between his territories.
Thus began what promised to be his most ambitious construction project yet.
Along the predetermined route, Levi advanced all three road types simultaneously, a logistical dance that required careful planning and endless materials. The sheer scale demanded innovative solutions: he crafted dozens of minecarts with attached chests, filling them with cobblestone and other fire-resistant blocks, then had these mobile supply depots follow him as he worked.
Even his supposedly limitless ender chest storage was emptied to accommodate the material requirements.
Time flowed like water through his fingers.
Half a month vanished in what felt like days. Levi had completed roughly one-tenth of the projected highway and exhausted his entire blue ice supply when Vide approached with important news about the residents.
"Sir, during this time many of our people have achieved advancement. They can all access the community storage chests now."
"Excellent news. Encourage them to maintain that progress," Levi replied while organizing blocks in his inventory.
"This proves they're qualified to call Roadside Fort home, provided they continue their current contributions. Remember, reputation can increase, but it can also decrease. If someone stops working and producing value, their standing will gradually diminish unless they're genuinely unable to contribute due to age or infirmity."
Vide's expression grew serious as he absorbed this crucial information.
"I will remember your words, sir, and ensure the residents understand these principles."
Levi continued his explanation while preparing another load of construction materials:
"Achieving official resident status also grants access to minecart storage systems, which will prove essential for the iron ore mining operations we have planned. The mine tunnel isn't completed yet, so current work assignments should continue unchanged."
After filling his backpack with building supplies, he paused thoughtfully.
"I'll be deeply involved in this construction project for the foreseeable future, but I'll suspend work on the first day of each month. You can bring me status reports and concerns during those times."
"I understand perfectly, sir."
Vide bowed respectfully before returning to his duties, leaving Levi to resume his monumental task of connecting two worlds with roads of fire-resistant stone and ambitious dreams.