Compared to the total number of wizards and the vast population of ordinary humans in the Central Continent, the numerical gap between the two was simply too great, and it only continued to widen as time passed.
Although wizardkind possessed powers that could pose a serious threat to ordinary people, magic gradually faded into obscurity across Middle-earth.
Especially as ordinary humanity continued to develop technologically, the gap between the two sides slowly narrowed. Saruman's explosive technologies had already begun to be adopted by the armies of Gondor and Rohan, while Sylas's application of elven steam engines left a lasting mark on human civilization.
Sylas had no ambition to rule the world, nor did he wish to elevate wizardkind into a dominant race. He understood clearly that the future of the world belonged to ordinary humanity. Even the elves were destined to withdraw from the stage of history, wizards even more so.
Sylas did not know whether, in the distant future, there might arise an ambitious wizard who sought to overturn the established order and rule the world. But he was certain of one thing: such an attempt could never succeed.
Even if wizardkind were to gain temporary dominance, the powers of the West, Valinor, would never allow it. A war between wizards and ordinary humans would be nothing less than another Sauron-level calamity, and in the worst case, could lead to the total destruction of the wizarding race itself.
Sylas would never allow such a future.
Thus, he chose prevention over suppression, guiding wizardkind to gradually withdraw, to form independent societies hidden within the world, avoiding direct conflict with ordinary humanity.
The Passing of Ages
Time flowed on, and the world entered the 120th year of the Fourth Age.
In this year, Aragorn, the legendary King of Gondor and Arnor, passed away peacefully at the age of 210.
The King of Anda, descended from Murs, had long since died as well, and the kingdom was now ruled by the fourth monarch of that line.
The presence of elves within the Great Forest had become exceedingly rare. After sending wave after wave of elves westward, the last remaining Elven King, Legolas, finally departed as well.
Before Aragorn's death, Legolas visited his old friend one final time. Afterward, he traveled to the White Mountains to meet Gimli. There, both of them felt the call of the West stir within their hearts.
Gimli, uniquely among the dwarves, had received a summons from Valinor, becoming the first and only dwarf ever granted that honor.
After passing the kingship of the White Mountains to his son, Gimli set out together with Legolas and their companions, journeying north to visit Lórien, the Last Sanctuary
Under the protection of the Earth Ring's Kaiya, Lórien remained as radiant as ever.
Within the Golden Forest, the Silvan elves continued to dwell in peace. Alongside them lived spirits from the Far East and forest spirits of the wider continent. Their lives were carefree, untouched by conflict.
Yet with the full arrival of the Fourth Age of Humanity, magic across Middle-earth began to wane.
Spirits who chose to remain would gradually weaken over the ages, eventually fading into beings barely distinguishable from mortals. This process was slow, immeasurably so, but inevitable. Even immortal spirits could not escape the gradual decline of Middle-earth itself.
Only places like Lórien and the Hidden Valley, protected by Kaiya's power, resisted the erosion of time. There, spirits retained their vitality and need not fear the loss of strength.
Thus, Lórien became the final sanctuary of the spirits of Middle-earth.
Wood elves wandered the sacred forest beside unicorns, sometimes riding them beneath the golden canopy. From time to time, the distant cries of phoenixes could be heard echoing among the Mallorn trees.
Standing upon the platform of the tallest Mallorn tree, Legolas and Gimli gazed out over the forest.
"Such beauty," Gimli said, eyes wide with awe, "I fear even Valinor itself may not surpass it. Queen Arwen is truly extraordinary, she has made Lórien even more splendid than before."
Legolas nodded. "Yet Sylas's contribution cannot be denied. Without his power guarding this land, Lórien could not have endured."
His keen ears twitched.
Sensing movement, Legolas turned and saw two figures emerging from the palace gates.
The woman wore a crown woven from Mallorn flowers and an elegant white elven gown. Her gentle smile carried both warmth and majesty. At her side walked a tall man clad in pure white robes, bearing a crown of wisdom, his eyes deep and weathered by ages.
They were the masters of Lórien, Queen Arwen and Sylas.
Following them were their children: Elseth, poised and graceful, and Elroth, calm and sharp-eyed, walking side by side behind their parents.
Now one hundred and eighty years old, they had long since matured, their appearances increasingly resembling those of their parents. They inherited both Sylas's and Arwen's features and talents, making them outstanding even among the spirits.
Both were exceptionally beautiful, their facial features strikingly similar, differing mainly in stature and temperament.
Elseth, perhaps inheriting traits from her maternal grandmother Galadriel, stood nearly 1.9 meters tall, a height exceedingly rare even among elves. Her long black hair cascaded almost to her heels, simply bound behind her ears with a silver ribbon.
The once lively and energetic little girl had grown into a woman of gentle grace and unmistakable dignity, bearing herself like a queen. Elseth's temperament resembled neither Arwen's softness nor Sylas's calm rationality; instead, she mirrored Galadriel, tall, proud, and possessed of an unshakable inner will.
Beyond governing Lórien, she devoted much of her time to alchemy and ancient lore, even using her father Sylas's Resurrection Stone to summon the souls of deceased High Elves, such as Fëanor and Celebrimbor, to learn lost elven knowledge firsthand.When choosing her weapon, she selected the divine spear of the High King Gil-galad, Aeglos, inheriting both its legacy and its burden.
Elroth, by contrast, was even taller, nearly two meters, his brows and eyes strongly resembling his father Sylas. Yet his temperament differed greatly. Calm, gentle, erudite, and steady, he embodied the quiet wisdom of his maternal grandfather Elrond.
Despite these differences, Elseth and Elroth were Sylas's greatest pride.
Elroth governed Hogwarts and the wizarding territories, while Elseth ruled Lórien and its affiliated sanctuaries. Under their stewardship, both realms flourished, so much so that Sylas and Arwen were finally able to enjoy a well-earned retirement.
Sylas took Arwen's hand and smiled warmly as he greeted Legolas and Gimli.
"My friends," he said kindly, "is there anything here that troubles you? If so, please do not hesitate to tell us."
Legolas smiled and shook his head sincerely.
"Lórien's beauty has captivated us completely. There is nothing here that causes discomfort."
Gimli nodded vigorously, his voice loud and cheerful.
"This place is magnificent! And staying here makes me feel decades younger. If I had my way, I'd never leave!"
Sylas laughed softly.
"Lórien welcomes all sincere friends. Stay as long as you wish, consider it your home."
Legolas gazed across the golden forest, his heart clearly stirred. Yet after a long silence, he straightened, his expression resolute.
"I have made my decision," he said solemnly.
"I will soon leave Middle-earth and sail west."
He turned to Sylas and Arwen.
"Sylas… will you come with us?"
...
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