"You mean the road you plan to build will cut straight across Mirkwood, is that right?"
"Yes."
"Very well."
Thranduil agreed readily, then added, "Whether it's our Elven Path or the Old Forest Road farther south, you're welcome to make use of them."
Mirkwood had two existing routes, the "Elven Path" and the "Old Forest Road."
The former was a narrow trail leading from the Forest Gate directly to the Elven-king's halls. Originally, it extended all the way to the eastern edge of the forest, allowing travelers to cross the entire woodland to reach the Lonely Mountain. However, due to the spread of the Long Marshes, the latter portion of the path had been submerged and rendered impassable. Now, only the front section leading to the palace remained usable.
Gandalf had suggested this route to Thorin's company because he hadn't traveled it in many years and assumed the latter part was still intact. This oversight had indirectly led to the company being captured.
As for the latter, the Old Forest Road lay along the southern edge of the Mirkwood Mountains. It was an old and neglected route, overgrown with trees due to years of disuse, and often haunted by dangerous creatures. It was far from safe.
"In truth, neither of these roads is in good condition. If needed, I can offer assistance with their repair."
Someone willing to take the initiative to build a road was certainly welcome. Such a mutually beneficial endeavor was naturally worth supporting.
Thranduil's attitude made his position very clear, he not only permitted the project, he was even willing to send aid.
But no matter how he thought about it, he couldn't guess Garrett's true plan.
"No, I won't be using either of those two roads."
Garrett shook his head and pointed to the straight line he had drawn on the map earlier.
"I'm going to build this road."
"A new road?"
Thranduil took a closer look at the map.
"It crosses the Vales of Anduin and the Misty Mountains... and, is that the Trollshaws? Are you certain this road will be safe?"
He really wanted to remind his ally not to waste manpower and resources on something so unrealistic.
"Of course it will be safe. I plan to build it above the forest, a kind of 'Sky Road.'"
When Garrett described his vision, not only Thranduil, but even Gandalf furrowed his brow. They tried to picture the "road" he was describing.
It was difficult to believe.
Thranduil glanced at Gandalf and gave him a meaningful look:
You knew about this?
Gandalf slowly shook his head and gave a response:
I did not.
"This road will have many vertical nodes. In the preliminary design, each node will include a pathway for wagons to ascend and descend, and a separate walkway for pedestrians."
Garrett continued to explain his concept.
Is this still Middle-earth?
Gandalf couldn't help stroking his beard. At that moment, he really wanted to tell Garrett to go to Lindon and find an Elf named Círdan. Then, Círdan could build him a ship, and once he sailed it to Valinor, he could ask the Valar themselves to construct such a marvel.
This wasn't something mortals could possibly achieve.
Thranduil shook his head as well.
"This is preposterous. By the time this road is finished, even the Elves might have faded from Middle-earth."
In other words, impossible.
"Is it really impossible?"
Garrett stood up and activated the title of [Master Builder].
"Guess how long it took me to build the wall around Dale?"
He held up three fingers before the two of them.
"Less than three days."
"In fact, if it weren't for laying the magma layer and traps, I could've shaved even more time off."
"You mean you're going to build this road yourself?"
Gandalf asked the question that was on Thranduil's mind.
"Yeah, of course I'll be involved."
"Well, that explains it then."
Gandalf's furrowed brow eased slightly.
With Garrett's construction abilities, working tirelessly without rest, this road... could probably be completed within a decade.
"Explains it?"
Thranduil looked rather puzzled when he heard that. He began to wonder if these two had been drinking from the Enchanted River.
"Are you still in your right mind, Mithrandir?"
"Indeed, yes. Thank you for your concern. I'm perfectly sane."
At this point, Thranduil was quite certain he was the only rational being at the table.
Garrett chuckled and said, "There's no need for Your Majesty to worry about this matter, and no help is needed. Just leave everything to me."
"Now, let's get back to the main point: I want to build a road that runs along the path I marked, above the forest, where one can see both sun and moon."
"Will this be permitted, or denied?"
Thranduil glanced at Garrett, then stood up and said with some helplessness, "Why not, my friend? As you wish."
It was clear he didn't want to spend any more time on this topic.
Let his ally do as he pleased.
In truth, with Garrett's current reputation, as long as he wasn't trying to tunnel through the palace or do something outrageously absurd, he wouldn't really object to anything he proposed.
"Then keep your eyes open and get ready to witness my masterpiece."
"I shall await it with great anticipation, then. Oh, by the way, since it's rare to have both of you visiting at the same time, I've arranged a feast. We can continue our discussion over dinner."
With that, Thranduil turned and slowly walked away.
Watching the king's retreating figure, Garrett suddenly said, "Is he treating me like a child?"
Gandalf shrugged.
"Looks that way."
Garrett took a deep breath.
Fine, you're old, I won't argue with you.
Anyway, I got the construction permit.
The Sky Road would pass through more than just the Woodland Realm, there were also orc territories to consider. But that was fine. If he wiped them out, they'd lose any claim they had.
Once Thranduil had left, Gandalf turned his attention back to Garrett and said, "I think it's time I spoke to you about what I mentioned before, concerning Saruman."
"He's the most powerful among us Istari, and incredibly wise. If it weren't necessary, I wouldn't question him. But his recent research and behavior are... troubling."
"Oh?"
Garrett's interest was piqued.
"Can you tell me exactly how it's troubling?"
As far as he recalled, Saruman's betrayal wasn't supposed to happen for decades. What could be suspicious already?
Gandalf glanced around, then lowered his voice.
"I discovered that he's been researching matters related to the Rings, he has a collection of notes in his library, all concerning the forging methods of the Rings of Power."
"Of course, given his high standing and his service under Aulë the Smith, it's not entirely surprising that he would study such things. But beyond that, I found he's also delving into some very unusual magic. Some of his notes... even I can barely comprehend them. They give off a certain..."
Evil.
He didn't say the word aloud.