The Realm and the Throne
The gentle wind that swept through the Forest of Shadows seemed to carry a promise of change. Thranduil walked among ancient trees, his steps firm and eyes attentive, reflecting on the future of the realm now resting in his hands. Melian followed him, as always, but this time closer, her presence shrouded in a delicate veil that concealed part of her face, revealing only the intense glow of her eyes.
The veil did more than hide her breathtaking appearance from the other Elves; it was a symbol of mystery and respect, a silent warning that someone of immeasurable power walked there. The other Elves of the court—guards, counselors, and artisans—maintained a certain reverence, sensing Melian's presence without fully understanding its magnitude.
"This place will be the foundation of our power and beauty," Thranduil said, pointing to a wide clearing, surrounded by trees that seemed even older under the soft light of the setting sun. "Here we will build the palace, and here my throne will stand, firm and majestic, as a symbol of the kingdom I intend to create."
Melian, her voice soft yet firm, replied, "You have chosen well, Thranduil. The clearing is perfect; the forest's energy is concentrated here. Any construction must respect this harmony."
The young king smiled, observing every detail of the trees, the filtered light, and the small streams that meandered through the land. "I want this place to be unique, like the old legends, capable of inspiring not only Elves but all beings who recognize the grandeur of nature."
Around them, the Elves watched silently, some exchanging curious glances, others bowing their heads in respect. No one dared question the presence of the Maia beside the king, sensing, even if vaguely, that she was more than a mere counselor. Melian remained veiled, moving with ethereal grace, her body softly illuminated by the light that seemed to dance around her.
"Thranduil," spoke one of the counselors, a silver-haired Elf named Faelir, "the throne… it must reflect the kingdom's power. Not only your strength, but also the protection over this forest."
"Exactly," Thranduil replied, his gaze firm. "The throne will be made of miltri, a rare, resilient, and living wood, with properties that amplify the king's connection to the forest. And at its center, there will be an extremely rare gem, to radiate light, protection, and authority."
Melian tilted her head, observing the mental design in the king's mind. "The choice is wise. Miltri and the gem… both will ensure not only beauty but a power few would dare challenge. And they will serve as a reminder that this realm is not just a refuge, but a sanctuary of strength and magic."
As they discussed the palace's details, Thranduil walked to a spot where the earth seemed ancient and almost sacred. "There is something more we must find," he said, lowering his voice. "The seeds of the Trees of Valinor. Not copies, Melian… the true seeds, carrying all the essence that brings light, healing, and vitality to the land."
Melian smiled faintly, her eyes shining beyond the veil. "It will not be easy. They are hidden in ancient places, protected by time and by Middle-earth's own magic. But we can find them. And when they are here, planted in the Forest of Shadows, nothing will ever be the same."
Together, they began the search, traversing secret trails and forgotten ruins, guided by Melian's intuition and Thranduil's vision. She always stayed ahead, alert, protecting not only the king but also observing subtle signs in the forest indicating the presence of the seeds.
During the walk, Thranduil gave brief orders to Legolas, who patrolled the forest's edge. "Check the western side of the clearing and ensure no intruders approach. Take only the trusted guards."
Legolas departed with speed and dexterity, his actions observed by Melian with an almost imperceptible smile. She appreciated the young prince's precision, even without directly interacting. Legolas's mother had fallen in the war, but Thranduil's son showed signs of greatness, reinforcing the need for care and guidance from both his father and the Maia.
After days of exploration, they finally arrived at an ancient sanctuary hidden among giant roots and ancestral moss. There lay two seeds, small but radiant, emanating a subtle light reminiscent of Valinor's very essence. Melian approached carefully, touching each seed with reverence.
"They are… exactly as they should be," murmured Thranduil, fascinated. "The light, the strength, the healing… all is here, intact."
Melian nodded, delicately removing her veil for just a moment to observe Thranduil's reactions. Her golden hair reflected the seeds' light, and her eyes shone with an intensity no Elf could match. "Now, when planted in your realm, Thranduil, the Forest of Shadows will hold power and beauty like never before. And you will have the responsibility of protecting not only your people but the very magic of Middle-earth."
Thranduil looked at her, feeling the Maia's profound presence beside him. "I trust you, Melian. We will walk together, and we will make this kingdom worthy of legends."
The planting of the seeds was done in a carefully chosen clearing, around the place where the miltri throne would be raised. When Thranduil finally sat, the gem embedded at its center radiated a soft light that spread across the ground, as if the earth itself breathed magic. Melian remained by his side, the veil once more covering her face, yet her aura of protection and power was unmistakable.
The Elves of the court watched with fascination and respect. Some exchanged silent glances, sensing the presence of something far greater than they could comprehend. Faelir, the silver-haired counselor, bowed before the king. "My lord… it is as if the entire forest recognizes your authority and vision."
Thranduil smiled faintly, but his gaze remained firm. "It is not only my vision. It is our kingdom, and now, with Melian at my side, we possess something few can understand. This forest will be protected, beautiful, and alive, even in the darkest of times."
As the sun set, casting golden and crimson hues, the clearing seemed to breathe magic. The seeds of the Trees of Valinor radiated pure energy, the miltri throne with its rare gem gleamed with majesty, and Melian's silent presence enveloped Thranduil, reinforcing the strength and stability of the realm.
And though no one could know at that moment, the future held challenges, wars, and trials. But together, Thranduil and Melian would walk with patience, wisdom, and a silent bond that would grow slowly, marking the beginning of an era of beauty, power, and protection for the Forest of Shadows.