"Rohan... possesses a territory of 100,000 square miles. All this time, we have only used a small fraction of it. Our fertile lands lie fallow, our forests we fear to enter, and our valleys are merely passages for enemy troops."
He pointed to spots on the map.
"From now on, every inch of this land will speak. We will live, work, and grow upon it."
Thalion then turned around and gestured to the guards. They entered, carrying dozens of thick books and scrolls, each wrapped in different colored cloth.
"These are not just books. These are the scriptures of development, written with the thoughts and knowledge I received from many places. From the history of Gondor, from the architecture of the Dwarves, from the art of living of the Elves, even from ordinary folk who taught me about water and soil."
The nobles fell silent as servants distributed one book to each of them. On the cover was inscribed: "Noble's Directive – The Building of New Rohan, by Thalion."
He began to assign tasks:
Lord Eadric of the North: responsible for agriculture, livestock, and food security. He would lead the development of King's Landing as a vibrant outer gate of life and economic power.
Lady Brima: tasked with opening foreign trade routes, and establishing international markets and logistics warehouses.
Lord Galen of the South: leading the construction of canals, artificial lakes, and irrigation, in collaboration with the Dwarves.
Sir Halrad: leading the construction and training of military barracks, outer defense systems, and the Great Wall of Rohan.
Lord Theowen of the East: tasked with building residential cities and organizing Rohan's education system and first schools.
Lady Nessa: entrusted with building healthcare systems, hospitals, places of worship, and healing gardens.
Lord Beren: would renovate and expand Helm's Deep into an underground mountain fortress city capable of accommodating up to 200,000 people in an emergency.
And Thalion himself would directly lead the development of Bandung — Rohan's center of government and philosophy — a place where beauty and wisdom walked hand in hand with strength and discipline.
Thalion spoke in a soft but strong voice:
"We will build the last paradise in Middle-earth. A kingdom that does not await salvation but provides protection. Not just for men... but also for Elves, Dwarves, and all creatures who wish to live in peace."
He paused, then uttered:
"Except Orcs. For light cannot unite with darkness."
The nobles stood. No one cheered. But they nodded — with determination in their eyes. They received the book not as a burden, but an honor.
Thalion closed the meeting with words that would be remembered for generations:
"Rohan will be a new kingdom — not because its walls are high, but because the hearts of its people are vast. We begin tonight. We work tomorrow morning. And 60 years from now, we will see what the world calls a miracle — and know that it was built with our own hands."
Spring winds swept across the plains outside Rohan, carrying the scent of damp earth and new hope. From a hilltop southwest of Edoras, Thalion gazed far across the plains where King's Landing would be built — Rohan's outer gate, where its people and the outside world would first come to know them.
The land was vast and sprawling, with wild grasses dancing beneath the sky. But this time, the grass would be manicured, trees would be planted, and the outer kingdom would be built from its foundations to its splendor.
"Starting today," Thalion announced to the architects, construction commanders, and people standing before him, "King's Landing is no longer a dream in my head. But the first pulse of the new Rohan. We build life from here."
Thalion divided the vast plain into several key sectors:
Agriculture & Livestock Sector – located on the south side, near canals and waterways leading from the Entwash River. Farmers began to till the land, and Dwarf engineers built small dams to hold back the flow of rainwater.
Military Barracks Sector – built with stone material layered with hardwood from Fangorn. The buildings were designed to be semi-submerged in the ground to withstand assaults and attacks from above.
Market and Horse Stable – located in the center, forming an economic hub, with gold-layered wooden structures, adorned with Rohan's distinctive carvings. The finest horses would be kept here — not only Rohan's but also for guests and traders.
Inns and Banquet Halls – tall, two-story buildings with balconies overlooking the meadows. Their walls were decorated with green and yellow flags, symbols of peace and strength.
Above it all, Thalion pointed to the site for building the Sun Tower — a tall tower serving as a lighthouse and observation post. Not for war, but so the world would know: this was the gateway to the new Rohan civilization.
While King's Landing began to rise, another great work resumed — The Great Wall of Rohan.
This gigantic wall was already one-quarter complete before the War of Erebor. Now, Thalion summoned 500 Dwarves from the Blue Mountains, known as masters of stone and iron. They brought ancient techniques for building walls in open terrain and wild winds.
This wall would:
Encircle the outer part of King's Landing for 15,000 miles.
Have 4 main gates, each guarded by 100 soldiers.
Be reinforced with patrol paths on top of the wall and hidden arrow slits behind stone carvings.
At the base of the wall, large waterways were built to ensure irrigation continued even during a siege.
Thalion walked with the chief engineer, an old Dwarf named Dromin.
"We are not building a wall to shut out the world," Thalion said. "But to ensure the world does not trample us without permission."
Dromin chuckled. "You are a wise young man, but let me remind you: a good wall is not only made of stone, but of the steadfastness of the people who guard it."
Thalion nodded. He knew that was true.
Days turned into weeks. And weeks turned into months. Citizens began to arrive, workers, carpenters, farmers, sculptors, even musicians. King's Landing was not just a field of hard work — but the initial stage of hope.
Thalion remained in the main camp. He refused to stay in the comfortable command tent.
"As long as my people sleep under the stars, I too will sleep on the same ground."
Every night he took notes. He wrote down all progress, crossed out failures, redrew canals, and rearranged market positions. Sometimes he mused, gazing at the wall that slowly towered upwards.
"This is just the beginning," he whispered to the wind. "But from here, the new kingdom of Rohan will be known. Not by lineage, but by the determination and labor of all its people."
The evening sun cast a golden light over the peak of Meduseld. Rohan's golden hall gleamed, but the atmosphere was calm, almost sacred. Inside, King Théoden sat on the Horse Throne, accompanied by his oldest advisors and generals who had fought alongside him for dozens of seasons.
Thalion stood upright before them, his robe dark green, embroidered with the symbols of a galloping horse and a shining sun — symbols of new hope. In his hand, a map of Middle-earth was unfurled, marked with red ink.
"Father," he said with a respectful yet firm tone, "I have divided tasks among the nobles and the people. King's Landing has begun to be built. Padjajaran and Talaga Manggung have local leaders ready to carry out orders. And Bandung I will handle directly upon my return from this journey."
The elders whispered softly. Only King Théoden remained silent, looking at his son as one would gaze at a roaring fire made from old wood — burning with resolve.
"You wish to leave?" the King finally asked.
"Not merely leave," Thalion replied. "I wish to fly to places no man of Rohan has ever reached. I wish to visit Rivendell and Erebor, Mirkwood, Rhosgobel, even Gondor and the border regions of Rhûn. I wish to bring workers, architects, water engineers, garden painters, weavers, even poets and teachers from all nations."
"What is your purpose, Thalion?"
"So that the building of Rohan will be completed within these 50 years. We will build a new kingdom not just with muscle, but with knowledge and brotherhood. For that, I will fly with Griffindor, the mighty horse I have raised myself since childhood."
"Alone?" murmured the advisors. "That is too risky... The outside world may not be friendly..."
King Théoden raised a hand. Silence filled the hall.
He descended from the throne. Stepping closer to his son. His hand touched Thalion's shoulder, their eyes met — one generation with wounds, the other with hope.
That morning, the sky over Rohan stretched clear and cloudless, as if nature itself held its breath awaiting the journey that would change history. On the high courtyard of Meduseld, the people gathered. The nobles stood tall, wearing their official robes. Rohan's banner fluttered softly, struck by the east wind. Among them, King Théoden stood on the palace steps, his eyes gazing at the horizon as if to engrave his son's face in his memory before the sky swallowed him.
Then heavy footsteps were heard. Griffindor — a mighty golden-brown stallion, with a body as large as a bison and a silver-golden mane — emerged from behind the palace. He was the result of crossbreeding between descendants of the Mearas horses and a mystical bloodline from the north. Many believed Griffindor understood human speech.
On his back sat Thalion, son of Rohan, wearing light leather-layered armor embroidered with leaves and fire — symbols that he was not just a knight, but a bringer of life and a guardian of the world. A long sword was sheathed on his back, and rolled maps and diplomatic documents were neatly arranged in saddlebags on his right side.
He gently pulled the reins and stopped in the middle of the courtyard.
"People of Rohan!" he cried out loudly. "Today I leave not to abandon you. But to bring back hope, cooperation, and glory for all children of the nation!"
Cheers echoed. But many eyes wept silently.
King Théoden stepped forward and stood beside Griffindor. He raised his hand and touched his son's chest.
"Remember, my son. It is not only strength that makes Rohan stand, but also loyalty, sincerity, and justice. Do not draw your sword too soon. Carry your words first."
"I swear upon this land, Father," Thalion replied, "I will bring Rohan to the world, and the world to Rohan."
Thalion then raised his right hand and saluted the people, then pulled the reins.
"Hya!"
Griffindor sprang forward, with the power of a storm and the grace of a wind dance. The thud of his hooves echoed across the Meduseld courtyard, then he cleaved through the main road, leaving a trail of golden dust behind him. The horse descended the high plains of Edoras, past saluting guards, and headed northeast — towards the Misty Mountains.
They crossed valleys, misty meadows, and small rivers with a speed impossible for an ordinary horse. Birds of the sky followed them like a natural convoy, and the sky seemed to open a bright path for them.
On Griffindor's back, Thalion looked ahead — towards a place he had only heard of in song: Rivendell, the valley of the immortals.
"Wait for me, Eldar," he whispered. "Rohan comes... bringing the future."
After days of riding Griffindor across meadows, misty valleys, and quiet old forests, the sound of trickling rivers and the whisper of wind from the trees finally greeted them. High cliffs began to loom, adorned with ancient trees whose leaves shimmered like crystals. The wind in this place carried a distinctive scent: Telperien flowers and morning dew. The twilight falling to the ground made the path to Rivendell seem to glow from within.
And there it was—Imladris, the hidden jewel among the mountains. Waterfalls merged with the air, arched bridges connected towers and halls with timeless elegance. Behind all that beauty stood the home of the immortals — a peaceful place in a turbulent world.
As Thalion entered the wooden gate formed from ancient roots and stones, he was not stopped. Instead, several Elf guards of Rivendell emerged from behind the foliage, their faces bright with smiles. He was already known here.
"Thalion ap Taurë," one Elf said, his voice soft as a harp string. "The son of Rohan returns to the valley of light."
"And the light remains as it was," Thalion replied with a calm smile.
They allowed Griffindor to rest in a special stable usually used by honored guests. The horse was greeted with reverence, and some Elves even gave him soft leaves from the Valinor trees that had been cultivated by the garden keepers.
Thalion, now on foot, followed a path of white marble wet with waterfall mist. Every step brought him memories — nights on the balcony bathed in moonlight, long conversations with Arwen under the shining mellyrn trees, and Lord Elrond's endless wisdom.
Upon arriving at Elrond's Hall, two guards silently opened the large wooden doors. Inside, amidst the candlelight and the faint singing from the upper floor, stood a tall figure with silvery hair and a dark blue robe adorned with thin gold trim.
Lord Elrond.
"Welcome back to the house of peace, Thalion," he said.
Thalion bowed deeply in respect. "I come bearing the burden of the future, Lord Elrond. And also... longing."
Elrond nodded slowly, as if he knew the two burdens he spoke of.
"The first burden we will discuss later tonight. The second... is in the back garden, waiting patiently for you. Like the sun waiting for morning."
Thalion was silent for a moment, then smiled and respectfully stepped back. He knew who was meant.
He turned, walking down a small corridor that led to Rivendell's back garden — a garden where the moon and stars seemed to descend to touch the earth.
And there she was...
Arwen Undómiel, sitting on a stone bench, her dark hair falling to her shoulders, the twilight dancing in her eyes. Around her, night-blooming flowers began to open, as if nature knew whom they honored.
As Thalion stepped closer, Arwen turned. Her face was as it had always been — indescribably beautiful, but with a newfound strength.
"You came," she said softly.
"There is no world I can explore without returning to you," Thalion replied.
He sat beside her, and for a moment, the world was silent. There was no sound but water and wind. No burden but the longing that had been healed.
But the night was not yet over.
And the world still awaited news from Rivendell.
Night slowly descended upon Rivendell. The first stars began to twinkle in the sky, like the eyes of the Valar watching from afar. Under the soft moonlight, Thalion and Arwen walked side by side, their steps tracing the softly glowing corridors of crystal and valley stone.
Few words passed between them — they both understood that this night was not just about memories. There was a world waiting to be reshaped, and the shadow of darkness slowly rising from the eastern horizon.
They arrived at the Hall of Light, the meeting hall at the heart of Rivendell, where the wise gathered and history was written in word and song. There, Lord Elrond awaited, seated on a tall chair carved with telperien leaves, flanked by two Elf guards clad in sea-blue.
The warm candlelight made Elrond's face appear calmer, but behind that tranquility, there was a gaze that watched the world — and time.
Thalion and Arwen bowed politely. Elrond nodded, then said:
"Be seated. This night is long, but our time is always short when speaking of the future."
Thalion sat, taking a rolled map from his cloak. On the round table of white stone, he spread everything out. The map of Rohan, the lines of waterways, the city layouts, even the design of the new Helm's Deep — complete with security symbols and military barracks locations.
"Lord Elrond," Thalion said in a deeper voice, "I come not merely as a son of Rohan. I come as the bearer of my people's future."
Elrond gazed at him intently, not rushing to answer. Thalion continued:
"I believe that within the next sixty years, war will once again engulf Middle-earth. Greater than anything that has ever happened. Perhaps darker than the wars of the last age. And before that comes, Rohan must not merely be a nation of horsemen. We must become a fortress for mankind."
He then pointed to the three new regions of Rohan: King's Landing, Padjajaran & Talaga Manggung, and Bandung which would replace Edoras.
"We build cities not only to endure, but also to be a light. A safe haven for all peoples except those who bring destruction. I want Rohan to be both the last bastion and a garden of peace."
Arwen listened proudly — her gaze was not merely full of love, but also respect. She knew that the Thalion now sitting before Elrond was no longer the youth she had known at the beginning of spring. This was a leader.
Elrond then spoke, softly but with an undeniable power:
"Your steps are great, Thalion. And only those who can see far know where the world will turn. I see no greed in your plans. I see hope."
"But hope needs more than just dreams. It needs hands, it needs allies, it needs those who are willing to believe even before results are seen."
Thalion nodded. "That is why I am here. I have come not just to seek workers, Lord Elrond. I have come to seek hearts that are still willing to build together. Elves who will teach us to shape stone into beauty. Dwarves who are willing to lay foundations. Men from the south and west who are willing to till the land with us."
Elrond pondered, then stood, walking to the large window that opened towards the waterfall.
"The world must indeed be rebuilt before darkness spreads again. And I know, you do not just wish to build Rohan. You wish to build a civilization. So listen, Thalion..."
He turned, his eyes glowing softly.
"I will send craftsmen from Rivendell. Stone carvers, architects of light, even forest guardians to teach your people to care for the land with love. And if you come to Lothlórien... I am sure Lady Galadriel will also welcome you."
Thalion stood. His eyes misted, but his voice remained firm.
"Thank you, Lord Elrond. This is not just aid for Rohan. This is the first spark of a new light that will ignite in Middle-earth."
"And that flame, Thalion," Elrond replied, "you must guard until the end of your time."
Arwen bowed gently, holding Thalion's hand.
"I will be with you... if that is also the will of the stars."
And that night, in Rivendell, a great decision was made. That the light of Rohan would shine from all directions — not merely through strength, but through the willingness to build together.
The morning sun slowly permeated the glass room where Elrond usually meditated. Golden light slipped between the leaves, dancing on the walls of ancient carvings, touching faces that sat in silence.
Thalion stood before Elrond, upright yet respectful, while Arwen stood beside him — graceful, yet resolute in her silence. The air in Rivendell felt heavier than usual, as if nature itself held its breath to hear the plea that was about to be uttered.