Chapter Text
“So, Ecthelion,” said Penlod, “we have a problem. Lord Turgon has decided to ban all beasts of burden from his new city.”
“Really? Why?”
“He will not have his pristine white streets befouled by their leavings.”
“I… see. But then, how are we to transport goods?"
“How, indeed? Fortunately, I have a counter-suggestion: what about developing an efficient road-cleaning method, instead? Like, say, flushing all thoroughfares with water several times a day? Would that work?”
“Well.” Ecthelion frowned. “With all the reported volcanic activity, we should have enough water pressure. But such a process would turn roads into shallow canals, and what would the pedestrians do then? Wait it out? Get their feet wet? Quickly leap aboard conveniently portable flat-bottomed boats?”
“Boats! Ecthelion, you are a genius!”
“Hardly! I mean, I have no idea what you— Ah! You propose to make the canals permanent? And use them for transport?”
“Yes. But not just for transport: for decoration. Just imagine it! Those glittering waterways would reflect all the marvels of the city, doubling their effect. As for the boats… our shipbuilders are sure to get bored, away from the sea. They would surely welcome a chance to craft vessels of incomparable beauty. And the whole world would envy the glorious boats of Gondolin. Our… gondolas!”