Several days later, in Rohan's capital—Edoras.
"The river itself is also part of the investigation. Now I'm certain this river can lead directly to Edoras. Its defense is indeed quite important."
Ecthelion spoke with complete seriousness.
Denethor hesitated, wanting to speak.
The three were each rowing flat-bottomed boats, slowly advancing in the river near Edoras.
"Is this really alright?"
Denethor was somewhat worried.
Ecthelion called out loudly, "Set your mind at ease, Denethor. Didn't I leave a message at Cair Andros?"
"You mean that note saying we three went to investigate the 'surrounding wilderness' around the island?"
Across from Levi, Denethor responded from his boat.
"This definition of 'surrounding' is far too broad—all the way to Rohan."
"When did you become so timid?"
"No, Father, I'm just—"
"Alright, alright. Since we've come, just relax."
Levi ended the father-son exchange.
"Perfect timing—we can visit Thengel on the way. I could see he greatly misses Gondor's life. He uses the Gondorian language at home."
"Is that so..."
Ecthelion felt quite moved.
Thengel had only left Gondor a few years ago—not long at all, even for humans; his memories remained fresh.
"Gondor will remember his contributions. I also believe we'll maintain friendship indefinitely."
Levi smiled. "I believe this as well."
Denethor absentmindedly gazed at scenery on both riverbanks, unconsciously nodding.
Young Denethor, in his twenties, didn't know how the future would unfold. He only knew this land's scenery was also quite beautiful. Though the terrain was relatively open and monotonous, this was also its charm.
Precisely such open plains could raise the fine horses and cavalry renowned throughout all Middle-earth.
Rohan's horses were considered spirited and handsome—at least compared to Roadside Keep's.
"What?"
In the Golden Hall, Thengel looked at the visitors with astonishment.
"Old friend, you look somewhat haggard." Ecthelion greeted him first.
Out of politeness, Thengel still responded, "Indeed, recently many matters trouble me. I simply don't want to stay here anymore."
"But never mind that—how did you come here? Did Mordor launch a total offensive?"
"No, no, no."
Ecthelion waved his hand, saying with feigned seriousness, "We came here to investigate terrain."
"Investigate Rohan's terrain?"
"Investigate wilderness and river conditions near Cair Andros."
"But this is Rohan."
"Yet you can't deny that the river indeed flows through here."
"Then I should say it connects with Levi's territory too."
"Good idea. We can go see it together."
"You..." Thengel frowned, about to say something, but suddenly stopped.
"Indeed a good idea."
They all looked at Levi.
The three exchanged glances with barely suppressed grins.
Denethor, excluded from this conspiracy, immediately sensed something wrong.
This 'investigation' probably won't be finished in less than a month...
Fortunately, this was a peaceful period—only during such relatively peaceful times could rulers travel so far without worrying about crises back home.
And this peace, to a large extent, was also because of someone in the group.
Three days later, on wasteland near the Wold, Thengel shouted loudly at the three behind him.
"Hey, guess what I found!"
Where was his previous exhaustion? He seemed years younger; even his facial wrinkles seemed fewer.
Atop a high mound, after shouting, Thengel raised freshly picked mushrooms in his hand triumphantly.
Levi's expression changed dramatically.
But Ecthelion and Denethor didn't realize the matter's seriousness—they were still smiling.
Carrying mushrooms back, Thengel set up a campfire on the spot and boiled water in a pot.
"Let me cook this time. Don't worry, I'm not someone who's never entered a kitchen. I even learned this mushroom soup recipe from Levi."
"Really? Then it seems we can immediately enjoy a delicious mushroom feast."
The father-son pair beside him joyfully looked at that pile of fresh mushrooms.
Levi opened his mouth to speak, hesitated, and tried again, but the words wouldn't come.
Smoke rose into the air.
Gurgle gurgle...
Water in the pot boiled. Mushrooms and meat chunks floated above, surrounded by oil circles.
"Soup's ready!" Thengel announced.
Ecthelion and Denethor immediately rushed over, each ladling a bowl.
As for Levi, he had his back to everyone, fishing by the stream.
No matter how Thengelcalled, there was no response—pretending he couldn't hear.
Ecthelion suggested, "Never mind him. Let him fish first. I'm already hungry."
"Alright then, I'll save him a portion."
Thengel thoughtfully ladled another bowl, setting it aside to cool.
The three couldn't wait to taste their soup.
Young and vigorous Denethor moved fastest. He lifted the bowl and poured it into his mouth.
Pfft—
"Cough cough..."
"What's wrong?"
Ecthelion, who hadn't yet tasted it, quickly set down his spoon to check on his son.
Denethor took a deep breath, looked at his father, and said calmly, "The soup is too hot. Remember to drink slowly, Father."
Ecthelion smiled, patted his son's shoulder, saying, "Your composure still needs work. Learn from your uncles—be more composed. This will help your future career."
"Mm, I'll remember, Father."
Denethor stared unblinkingly at Ecthelion, watching his next movements intently.
Sensing Denethor seemed to be learning from him, Ecthelion straightened his posture, becoming serious.
He blew slightly on the spoon, confirming the temperature was suitable before bringing the soup to his mouth.
Then this mouthful of soup just stayed in his mouth without being swallowed.
Ecthelion set down the bowl, supporting his chin with his hand, looking left and right, seemingly admiring the scenery.
When he turned back to look at Denethor, soup was already dribbling from the corners of his mouth—clearly leaked soup.
Denethor couldn't help laughing.
"Denethor."
Ecthelion suddenly called him.
"You eat first. I'll deliver soup to Levi."
After instructing, he carried his soup and the bowl reserved for Levi toward the stream.
"Father, I also—"
"Delivering soup doesn't need two people. You stay here."
Thengel watched departing Ecthelion with a knowing smile.
He spoke to Denethor with an elder's care. "Your father is still so considerate. Back then soldiers serving under him felt the same—he never minded a person's status. As long as someone was outstanding enough, they could gain his trust and promotion."
"This point is worth learning."
"Yes, Uncle Thengel. Then I'll also go care for Uncle Levi..."
"No."
Thengel held him back. "Soldiers must understand obeying orders. Since your father told you to stay and eat, then eat first. Moreover, do you have the heart to watch me eat alone?"
"Just keep an elder company. Come, I'll ladle you another bowl."
On this day, Denethor experienced what was called an elder's relentless hospitality.
"How's the taste?"
Gulp.
Denethor struggled to swallow a spoonful of mushroom soup, slowly nodding with a frozen smile.
Moments later, Levi finally finished fishing.
Ecthelion and his son returned carrying two empty bowls, plus several newly caught fish.
Levi placed fish beside the campfire. While roasting them, he said, "Soup alone won't feed four people properly. How about adding some fish?"
This voice sounded like salvation to Denethor's ears.
"I'll help too."
Thengel reached out to assist. The next moment, a hand grabbed him.
Denethor said earnestly, "Please let me do this. You just made soup. Leave this matter to me."
"Alright. It seems you've begun to learn how to care for others."
Thengel withdrew his hand, somewhat gratified.
The incident was quickly forgotten.
Three days later, they each rowed their boats across the Anduin, arriving at the North Undeep.
This desolate stretch of the Brown Lands was also where Levi would establish an outpost.
Ecthelion crouched down, touching this land burned by orcs. He said to Denethor, "In the last age, our ancestors once fought on this very land."
The same was true for Thengel ancestors.
The three felt moved by history, while Levi moved slightly farther away, pulling out some blocks and starting to build.
He first placed a campfire, then horizontally placed several oak wood blocks beside it. Finally, he pulled out a shovel and dug a circle around the campfire in the dirt, creating some grass paths.
And so, a simple resting camp took shape.
This place could serve as a marker. When construction teams come here in the future, they could directly build outward following this camp as a foundation.
Many years ago, this place served as a landing point for Gondor and Rohan's armies during joint campaigns.
Now, it would continue functioning as a 'foothold,' though its function would be far more extensive.
It might transform from a military foothold into a civilian transfer station with multiple functions—trade, travel, and diplomacy.