As the Valar convened to deliberate among themselves on the unfolding events and the path forward, the rest of the guests, including Maiar and Elves, gradually dispersed from the solemn circle of the Ring of Doom. Eönwë, with his commanding presence and gentle demeanor, took charge of guiding the mortals to their place of rest within Valmar.
As they exited the Ring of Doom, the mortals stood frozen in awe, greeted by the breathtaking sight of Valmar, the capital of Valinor. The streets were paved with gold and silver, and ethereal structures glowed with a soft, otherworldly light. Beyond the city limits stood the Two Trees of Valinor, imposing yet beautiful, casting their radiant glow across the land.
A vast multitude of Elves—Vanyar of the city, as well as members of the royal courts of the Sindar, Noldor, Teleri, and Sylvan—had gathered to see the mortals. Their expressions ranged from curiosity to admiration. Among the crowd were many reporters from different news networks, hoping to capture a story or at least take a good picture of the travelers.
The scene was chaotic as people pressed closer to get a glimpse of the newcomers. Lúthien and Aredhel exchanged worried glances, aware that all this attention might be overwhelming for the mortals, who came from simpler lands and were not accustomed to Valinor's modern society. Now that their presence was known, there was little they could do to protect them from the exposure.
"Look at all these people, Mr. Frodo," Sam exclaimed, his voice betraying his nervousness.
Instinctively, Nellas stood behind him and put a comforting hand on his shoulder, drawing him close as if to shield him. Her presence was a calming influence, her touch reassuring.
"Follow me," Eönwë said gently, navigating through the multitude with practiced ease, ignoring the reporters. The group followed him, with their Elven friends doing their best to form a protective barrier between the crowd and the mortals.
The travelers were bewildered by the attention and noise, some Elves calling their names. The atmosphere was a cacophony of voices and flashing lights.
"Thorin... I love you!" someone in the crowd shouted. Thorin's stoic face changed to an expression of shock, his cheeks flushing a deep red. The dwarven king, unaccustomed to such direct displays of affection, looked around in bewilderment. A group of young Elven maidens giggled at his reaction, their laughter musical and light-hearted. Finduilas exchanged a comical look with Ariel, both amused by the unexpected turn of events. Thorin, flustered and clearly out of his element, managed to regain his composure but continued to glance nervously at the crowd, his discomfort only adding to the amusement of the Elves.
The grandeur of Valmar was overwhelming, yet it carried a sense of peace and tranquility that slowly began to ease the travelers' hearts. The Elves who watched them, despite their initial curiosity, began to sense the exhaustion and vulnerability of the mortals, their admiration turning to empathy.
As Eönwë led them through the golden streets of Valmar, the chaos of the crowd gradually faded, replaced by the serene beauty of Valinor. The ethereal light from the Two Trees bathed the city in a soft glow, casting long shadows and creating a landscape that was both dreamlike and real.
The streets were lined with tall, elegant buildings, their walls adorned with intricate carvings and precious gems that sparkled in the light. Flowers of every color bloomed in abundance, their fragrance filling the air with a sweet, calming scent. The architecture was a harmonious blend of nature and craftsmanship, each structure appearing as though it had grown organically from the ground.
Elven children played in the streets, their laughter ringing out like the chiming of silver bells. They paused in their games to stare in awe at the newcomers, their eyes wide with wonder. The older Elves watched with a mixture of curiosity and respect, recognizing the weariness and bravery of those who had come from the distant lands of Middle-earth.
As they reached their destination, a stately mansion on the edge of the city, Lúthien and Aredhel, along with Ariel, Finduilas, and Nellas, assured the mortals that they would soon join them. "We must attend to our families," Lúthien said, her voice gentle and reassuring, "but we will be with you as soon as we can." Their words brought some relief to the mortals, who found comfort in the familiar faces amidst the overwhelming splendor of Valinor.
"Rest well, travelers," Nellas added. "We look forward to hearing more of your tales."
Once they left, Eönwë led the group through the mansion, its halls adorned with tapestries and statues depicting the rich history of Valinor. "This place is tended by my kin, the Maiar," he explained. "You can rest now, and once you feel ready, you can explore the city and its surrounding area, or visit the Two Trees."
The travelers, exhausted yet enchanted by the beauty around them, found solace in the promise of rest and the hospitality of their hosts. The majesty of Valinor, combined with the warmth and kindness of the Elves and Maiar, made them feel welcomed and at peace, a stark contrast to the trials they had endured. As they settled into their quarters, the soft light of the Two Trees filtered through the windows, a gentle reminder of the hope and renewal that awaited them in this blessed land.