With the passing of winter, spring arrived in quiet glory.

Ameliah, leading her team of healers, and Joanna, leading the architects, returned safely from Rivendell under the escort of the Elves. During their stay, many new talents had joined their respective ranks: the healer corps had grown to 250, and the architects now numbered 200.

Alongside them came a long-missed figure—the Grey Wizard, Gandalf the Grey.

Bathed in the warmth of spring sunlight, they returned to Elariel, where Kaen had been awaiting them for some time. As the company approached, they offered him respectful bows.

Ameliah's face bore its ever-gentle smile. Her bright eyes looked upon Kaen as she spoke softly:

"Though winter had not yet long begun, I found myself yearning deeply for its end. Only then could I return—to once again stand at your side."

Joanna, too, wore a smile and said, "Here stands a land with walls yet to rise, and a kingdom—still to be built. How could I not feel the urge to bring forth my talents, under your mighty reign?"

At their words, a warm smile rose on Kaen's handsome face. He spoke gently:

"I once longed for the sun through countless winters. Yet when spring finally came, it did not stir my heart as I had imagined.

Only now, with your return, do I realize—what I truly yearned for was never the sunlight, but you."

Those words painted the cheeks of both women with a flush lovelier than any sunset cloud.

"Ahem."

Feeling rather ignored, Gandalf gave a dry cough. "I may be shorter than an Elf, but I'd thank you not to treat me like thin air."

Kaen shrugged. "You know me, old man. Given the choice between pouring out my heart to a white-bearded elder or two beautiful women, I trust you know where I'd lean."

Gandalf scowled in mock displeasure. "And here I thought you'd matured into a proper king under Elrond's tutelage. Yet I see now you're still the same Kaen—full of honeyed words and mischief. Very well, I shall leave this place, which reeks so strongly of youthful romance."

The moment broke into laughter all around.

But soon, the jesting ended.

Kaen turned to Gandalf and said sincerely, "In truth, you and Lord Elrond are both my mentors. He taught me how to be a king—you taught me how to face the darkness with courage."

At this, Gandalf smiled.

"From ages past until now, whether among the Númenóreans or the Dúnedain, many great figures have arisen. Yet none, at your age, have reached the height you now stand upon."

"You cleansed the Troll-woods, freeing the folk here from the horrors of dark creatures."

"You opened your gates to refugees, and in the heart of winter, gave the homeless a new place to call home."

"Where once lay barren wilderness in the northern reaches of the Western Continent, we now see fertile fields—some waiting to be tilled, others already yielding harvest."

"Kaen, you have become a true king. Since the fall of Arnor, you are the first mortal sovereign to rise in the West in thousands of years. I am glad to have witnessed this."

Just as he had done when his civic officers returned, Kaen held a feast to welcome the healer and architect teams back. He accepted the oaths of loyalty from those who had followed from Rivendell and officially joined his realm.

The next day, Kaen set about assigning their roles.

The 250 healers were divided into three groups:

– 100 were dispatched to Azure Spring to establish a hospital.

– 100 remained in Elariel to found another hospital.

– The remaining 50, under Ameliah's leadership, formed the Royal Medical Academy.

The 200 architects were similarly split:

– 50 were sent to assist in expanding Azure Spring.

– 50 remained to begin constructing the town's defensive walls.

– The final 100, led by Joanna, established the Royal Academy of Architecture.

Under the protection of the rangers, Joanna took her team deep into the forests to survey terrain and draw up the blueprints for the kingdom's future capital—laying the groundwork for what would become the heart of Kaen's realm.

…..

A few days later, Gandalf came to bid farewell. Kaen personally walked him to the edge of Elariel.

They strolled together along the great road. On either side stretched vast, newly-tilled farmlands as far as the eye could see.

Gandalf sighed in wonder. "It is difficult to believe—you truly have built a kingdom here. Look at this land! So smooth, so rich, so full of promise."

Kaen smiled. "If you find it to your liking, you're welcome to stay longer."

But Gandalf shook his head, his gaze drifting westward with a distant light.

"I have made a promise to someone—to help him reclaim what was lost. Now I must find a master thief."

Kaen already had a sense of whom Gandalf spoke, but he still asked, "May I know who this man is?"

Gandalf grinned. "Of course. But you must promise not to tell Elrond—I haven't exactly informed him of this errand."

Kaen nodded solemnly.

And so Gandalf began:

"His name is Thorin Oakenshield, once prince of Erebor—the Kingdom Under the Mountain in the far north of the Eastern Continent. He is of the royal line of Durin."

"His home was destroyed by a dragon. His grandfather, Thrór, fled with him and his father, Thráin. Seeking to reclaim the ancient Dwarf-kingdom of Moria, they waged war against the Orcs that had taken root there. But Thrór was slain by Azog the Defiler, a savage Orc-lord."

"They lost their last great army. Thráin led what remained of their people into exile, wandering westward to the Blue Mountains, where they eventually settled."

"But Thráin vanished. And Thorin, in time, rose as the leader of the House of Durin in the Blue Mountains. After a century of rebuilding, their numbers and strength have slowly begun to return."

"Yet the memory of their homeland haunts them still. They sing of Erebor—of that lonely mountain in the north."

"I fear that the dragon, Smaug, may one day ally with the forces of darkness, becoming a threat to the northern borders of the East."

"That is why I must find Thorin. I intend to help him recover the Arkenstone, the gem that symbolizes the right to rule Erebor."

"Only with that in hand can he rally the Dwarven hosts of other realms and raise an army capable of facing the dragon—of restoring the Kingdom Under the Mountain."

"I do not know whether this is wise or foolish, nor whether it will end in triumph or ruin. I only know that some things must be done, no matter the cost."

After hearing all this, Kaen nodded.

"You are right, old friend. To know the darkness is gathering and do nothing—that is the greatest folly."

"Thank you, Kaen."

Gandalf smiled. "This will be the path home for the Dwarves. Around midsummer, I will bring them here."

"I will aid you," Kaen promised. "As I've said before—should there be any fight against the dark, you need only ask. I will stand with you, with all my strength."

Gandalf nodded but said no more.

They walked in silence for a long while, finally stopping on a quiet hillside.

"This is far enough," Gandalf said. "It is only a brief parting—no need for lingering sorrow."

Kaen nodded. "Then may the road ahead shine each day with sunlight as bright as this one."

"Thank you for your blessing, O rising king," said Gandalf, his eyes gleaming.

Kaen watched as the old wizard walked away, disappearing down the road. A deep tide of emotion welled within him.

He knew what was coming next—the Battle of the Five Armies.

And he would be there.

To grow stronger.

To train his soldiers.

To temper his heroes.

He would join that grand tale of legend.

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