The turmoil ended as abruptly as it began.
This battle targeting a new city and a major stronghold of the Free Cities concluded within mere days. Though in scale it was second only to the Battle of Five Armies in nearly a century, the records gave it only a few brief strokes.
Year 2949: Riverside Keep was established. Three Nazgûl led fifteen thousand orcs and dozens of giant beasts in an attack on Riverside Keep. Five thousand soldiers defended for one night. At dawn, the lord returned with six thousand cavalry and annihilated all orcs.
One grey-robed wizard and one dwarf of Erebor participated in this battle.
Rivendell sent troops to intercept trolls and dispatched an elf lord to support Riverside Keep.
The same day, Dale, Lake-town, and Roadway Town came under attack. All Erebor dwarves mobilized to assist Dale's defense. The Woodland Realm deployed forces to eliminate invaders at Lake-town and Roadway Town. Midway through, the lord arrived, leading defenders in a charge against the enemy—a great victory.
The historian paused, his brush hovering over parchment. After roughly summarizing the events, he began recording the battle process in detail: actions taken by various squads, the overall commander's strategies, and the ebb and flow of combat.
Further subdivisions included battlefield minutiae and the names and deeds of important participants—like Gandalf running back and forth along the walls, using his flames to kindle hope in the defenders' hearts.
There was also the brave dwarf Balin's feat of charging at a Nazgûl, and Glorfindel appearing wreathed in golden light, leaving deep impressions on many who witnessed it.
After this battle, the lord returned to his territory and did not venture out for a long time.
His citizens found this quite novel and were somewhat unaccustomed to it.
"To most of your citizens, you exist only in legends and stories—a phantom felt only through others' words."
Three months after the battle, Gandalf walked alongside Levi by the lake, slowly approaching the territory's most conspicuous structure—the nameless tower.
While walking, Gandalf lit his pipe and discussed some territorial matters with Levi.
Wizards providing advice and guidance to lords was quite common, after all.
"Now that you've returned for an extended period and they can see you daily, perceiving your existence with their own senses, many cannot reconcile their understanding of reality and illusion."
He continued describing the curious phenomena within Levi's territory.
"Rather than unaccustomed, they feel it's somewhat unreal."
"Human memory isn't long—they'll adapt soon enough," Levi replied.
"Probably."
Levi stretched lazily, savoring this rare leisure.
Yes, he'd finally relaxed.
"Good heavens, this tower is truly tall."
An exclamation came from before the tower as a dwarf craned his neck upward.
It was Balin, who had arrived at the nameless tower's main gate ahead of them, clearly having stood there for some time.
On the other side, Gandalf also looked up, staring at clouds occasionally drifting past the tower's peak, quite agreeing with Balin's words.
"I must say, it's indeed very tall—taller than any tower I've seen in Middle-earth."
"This tower cost me considerable effort, especially the internal structure and room design," Levi said, looking at the tower with every detail crafted by his own hands. He fell into reminiscence.
"This tower has been built on and off for several years since construction began."
"If I'd done nothing else but build the tower, the time could've been shortened considerably."
"But procrastination is the normal state for... well, never mind."
The main door opened as all three entered the tower.
Unlike when first established, the tower's internal structure had greatly changed. Enchanting altars and other dangerous facilities had been moved to higher levels, while below was arranged as a great library containing massive volumes from all directions. Dedicated personnel were responsible for sorting and placement, with regular maintenance and cleaning.
"Truly a place full of wisdom."
Upon entering, Gandalf quite consciously extinguished his pipe.
He walked through a side door, and his mouth fell slightly open.
Looking up, all that met the eye were books—nothing but books—plus endless interconnected staircases and sturdy shelves bearing countless volumes.
These staircase entrances thoughtfully displayed signs indicating which led to which category section.
"This place is wonderful."
Balin entered, looking left and right, constantly gazing around.
First, as a dwarf, such massive and magnificent architecture suited his aesthetics perfectly.
Additionally, as a rather scholarly dwarf among his kin—Erebor's strategist—books were also among his most beloved things.
Both stimulated his senses together, making him feel pleasure from head to toe.
"I didn't mention this tower to Bilbo. Of course, when visiting him I didn't yet know what this interior would look like," Balin said. "If Bilbo knew, he'd be willing to send his written works to enrich these shelves."
"Books?" Levi questioned.
"Yes, books. Bilbo said he plans to write one, though he hasn't even thought of a title yet. It'll probably be some time before he actually starts writing."
"Then I shall look forward to it."
While they chatted, Gandalf raised an eyebrow, suddenly spotting a relatively new book displayed alone on a counter.
"This is..."
He picked up the book. The title read General History of Roadside Keep.
Judging by the book's appearance and handwriting, someone had recently handled it and written new content.
"That's one of the few ongoing serials in the great library." Seeing Gandalf's interest, Levi mentioned it.
"It's specially written and revised by Roadside Keep's historian."
"Hmm..."
Gandalf nodded and opened the book.
"Third Age, year 2940: Roadside Keep was established, and thus miracles appeared."
"...Levi walked upon the earth. From the first oak tree he saw, he knocked down a section. He gave this piece of oak to his people, telling them this was the length of 'one block.' A new measurement term appeared."
"Later Levi revised it to 'one meter,' further subdividing it into centimeters, millimeters, and other units."
"Was it like this?" Gandalf looked up.
"Uh, consider it so. But citizens still habitually say 'blocks' verbally. Only stricter written records use 'meters.'"
"Mm... using 'ten' as a whole unit—this measurement method is quite good."
Approving the method, Gandalf continued reading and soon finished the volume.
The most recent major event recorded was that great battle three months ago.
"A brave Erebor dwarf—isn't this talking about me?"
Balin looked at the records with a smile nearly splitting his face.
This trip was truly worthwhile.
Unlike Balin's simple appreciation, Gandalf looked at this library and the tower's various facilities with a more contemplative expression.
"Higher levels?"
"That's a secret—inside is where I do research."
"Research?"
Levi waved his runic rings. "Yes, research."
Rings.
Gandalf looked at those two amber-set gold rings, then stared at Levi for a long moment without speaking.
"I hope it's nothing dangerous."
"It won't be. Very safe."
"Quite safe."