"You mean the road you want to build will cross directly over Mirkwood, correct?"
"Yes, exactly."
"Very well."
Thranduil agreed with surprising readiness, then added with generous hospitality:
"Whether it's our ancient Elf-path or the Old Forest Road further south, both are completely available for your use."
Mirkwood contained two existing thoroughfares: the 'Elf-path' and the 'Old Forest Road.'
The former was a narrow trail leading directly from the Forest Gate to the Elven-king's magnificent palace, originally extending all the way to the forest's eastern edge. Travelers could traverse the entire woodland via this route and reach the Lonely Mountain directly, but due to the gradual spread of the treacherous Long Marshes, the latter half had been flooded and subsequently abandoned. Now only the first section leading to the palace remained safely passable.
It was precisely because Gandalf hadn't traveled this road for far too long and mistakenly assumed the latter half remained in good condition that he had originally suggested Thorin take this route, indirectly leading to the Company's unfortunate capture.
As for the latter road, it was a long-neglected major thoroughfare on the southern side of the Mirkwood mountains. Due to decades of disuse, it had been completely overgrown by aggressive trees and vines, while dangerous creatures frequently appeared in the vicinity, making passage extremely unsafe.
"Actually, neither of these roads is in very clear condition. If needed, I can certainly provide some assistance with restoration."
Having someone willing to voluntarily construct roads was definitely beneficial for everyone involved. Such mutually advantageous matters certainly deserved wholehearted support.
In fact, Thranduil's attitude at this moment was already quite transparent. He not only permitted this ambitious undertaking but was also willing to send skilled workers to help with the project.
He was obviously very supportive of infrastructure development.
But no matter how extensively he considered the possibilities, he couldn't imagine Levi's true intended route.
"No, I won't use either of these existing roads."
Levi shook his head decisively, pointing to the bold straight line he had previously drawn across the map.
"I want to build this road instead."
"An entirely new road?"
Thranduil studied the map with growing amazement.
"Crossing the Anduin valley and the treacherous Misty Mountains, and... is that the notorious Trollshaws?"
"Are you absolutely certain this road would really be safe for travelers?"
Thranduil very much wanted to remind his ally not to waste precious manpower and resources on seemingly impossible endeavors.
"Of course it's completely safe. I intend to build it above the forest canopy, a 'sky road.'"
When Levi described his extraordinary vision, not only Thranduil but even Gandalf beside him developed deep frowns of concern.
They briefly attempted to imagine the "road" Levi spoke of with such confidence.
This concept was truly difficult to believe or comprehend.
Thranduil looked meaningfully toward Gandalf, giving him a questioning glance.
Did you know about this already?
Gandalf slowly shook his head, providing a clear response:
I had absolutely no idea.
"This road will feature many convenient access points. In the preliminary design, each major node will include a road for horse-drawn vehicles and a completely separate path for pedestrians."
Levi continued describing his ambitious vision with obvious enthusiasm.
Is this still Middle-earth?
Old Gandalf couldn't help but stroke his gray beard thoughtfully. At this moment, he very much wanted to suggest that Levi travel to Lindon to find an ancient elf called Círdan, have that master shipwright build him a vessel, and once he sailed to the Undying Lands, he could ask the Valar themselves to construct this impossible wonder.
This wasn't something mortals could reasonably accomplish.
Thranduil also shook his head with obvious skepticism.
"This is far too absurd. By the time this road could possibly be completed, even the immortal elves would have withered away from old age."
Meaning it was fundamentally impossible.
"Is it really so impossible?"
Levi rose to his feet with confidence, switching to his Wall-builder title with deliberate emphasis.
"Guess how long it took me to build that massive wall at Dale."
In front of the two skeptical observers, Levi held up three fingers with dramatic effect.
"Less than three days total."
"Actually, if not for carefully laying the lava layer and defensive traps, that time could have been cut in half."
"You mean you would personally build this entire road yourself?"
Gandalf asked this crucial question on Thranduil's behalf.
"Of course I would participate directly in the construction."
"Then it makes perfect sense."
Gandalf's deeply furrowed brow relaxed slightly with dawning understanding.
Given Levi's supernatural construction abilities, if he worked on this project continuously without rest, this road should probably be completed within ten years or so.
"Makes sense?"
Thranduil felt genuinely confused hearing this assessment, suspecting whether both people seated before him had somehow drunk enchanted water from the dangerous Enchanted River.
"Are you still completely lucid, Mithrandir?"
"Yes, thank you for your concern. I'm quite lucid and thinking clearly."
Thranduil nodded slowly. Now he was certain that he was the only rational elf remaining at this table.
Levi smiled with obvious amusement and said:
"Your Majesty needn't worry about this matter at all, nor feel obligated to provide any assistance. Just leave everything to my judgment and capabilities."
"Now it's time to return to the main topic. I want to build a road above the forest canopy along this exact line, one where the sun and moon can be directly seen without obstruction."
"Will this matter be officially permitted or refused?"
Thranduil studied Levi with intense scrutiny, rose to his feet, and replied with considerable resignation:
"Why not, my ambitious friend."
"Do exactly as you please."
Obviously, he didn't intend to spend more precious time debating this fantastic topic.
Let his ally pursue whatever impossible dreams he desired.
In fact, given Levi's current legendary reputation, as long as he wasn't planning to drill through the palace beneath their feet or commit some truly outrageous act, Thranduil would basically have no serious objections.
"Then please keep your eyes open and prepare to witness my masterpiece."
Levi replied with quiet confidence.
"Then I shall eagerly await your miraculous masterpiece."
"By the way, since you two have both visited together, I've arranged a proper banquet where we can discuss other important matters."
After delivering this invitation, Thranduil turned and departed with graceful, measured steps.
Levi watched the king's retreating figure and suddenly observed:
"Is he treating me like an overly ambitious child?"
Gandalf shrugged with knowing amusement.
"I'd say that's exactly right."
Levi took a deep, calming breath.
Fine, you're far older than me. I won't argue with an elder who's lived for millennia.
At least I secured my official construction permit.
The Woodland Realm wasn't the only political faction along the sky road's proposed route. There were also orc territories to consider.
But that presented no real problem. Once he defeated the orcs in battle, they wouldn't possess any territorial claims anymore.
With Thranduil gone, Gandalf redirected his attention and continued speaking to Levi with obvious urgency:
"I think it's absolutely necessary to tell you about the Saruman matter I mentioned earlier."
"Saruman is the most powerful among us wizards in terms of raw magical ability and extraordinarily wise in matters of lore."
"If it weren't absolutely necessary, I wouldn't want to suspect him, but his research content and recent activities are becoming somewhat suspicious."
"Oh?"
Levi became genuinely interested in this development.
"Can you tell me exactly how he's behaving suspiciously?"
Logically, Saruman's betrayal should occur decades later in the timeline. What could possibly be suspicious at this early stage?
Gandalf glanced around cautiously, then lowered his voice to confidential tones:
"Levi, I discovered he's conducting intensive research on things related to rings of power. His extensive library contains numerous notes, all focused on studies of the forging methods for 'Rings of Power.'"
"Of course, given his special status as a servant of Aulë the Smith, having some scholarly research in these areas isn't particularly strange or concerning."
"But besides these academic studies, I found he's also researching some magic, very strange and unusual magic. Some of his notes are difficult for even me to understand, giving an overall impression that's somewhat..."
Evil.
Gandalf didn't speak this damning word aloud, but it hung unspoken in the air between them.