The tall trees whispered to her. The leaves on the wind spoke soft words. The grass beneath her feet sent messages to her conscience. Nature all around her was alive.
Melyanna of Aman, servant of Yavanna, queen of Eglador, tóril of Doriath. Melian the Maia.
She bore many names, but more than her name, people always remembered her voice. Her singing was alike to the nightingales beneath the starlight of the Elder Days. And that was how Elwë had found her in the magical forest of Nan Elmoth, ages ago. Before the Shadow had returned.
Swiftly she strode through the woods, listening closely to the tale of the trees all around her. They were still in turmoil over the arrival of Anár and Isíl, the two great lights in the sky that had suddenly begun to appear some time ago. Sharp pain Melian had felt during the hour of darkness, when the Two Trees died, even though she had not dwelt within Valinórë's guarded walls for a very long time and even though the Sundering See separated her from it. But as a Maia of Yavanna, and thus, nature, she had a deep connection to all living beings, be they small or large, and trees were no exception. And when Sun and Moon first rose, she knew that the last offspring of the Two Trees had survived, and was glad. But for everyone else living in Beleriand, this new source of light was surprising, strange, and took time to get used to.
Arriving at Menegroth, she quickly passed through the large gate. The guards bowed their heads in deep respect. Her raiment, a elegant yet suitable lime dress, flowed around her as she passed through Thingol's great hall and found her dearest sitting on his ascendant throne.
"You have returned, fairest of all beings," he greeted her warmly, a light shining in his immortal eyes.
"Words I bring from the trees. A fateful arrival is drawing near," she spoke, taking her seat at her king's right. "Your kin are approaching, o great ruler of Beleriand. I will allow them passage of our borders, if you wish so."
After the dreadful battle that ravaged Beleriand during the Shadow's return to Ennórë, Melian had created a magical barrier, named Melian's Girdle, around Elwë's realm, so his people would never have to fight again if they did not wish to do so. None could pass beyond the Girdle without the Maia's permission, unless someone were to come who wielded greater power than Melian.
Her far-seeing eyes and foresight perceived many things. The Noldor, who had given chase to the Shadow, were espied even before Fëanor and his sons could make landfall at the coast of Hithlum. She had learnt of their victory over the forces of darkness, and of Fëanor's demise, even before word of these events reached Thingol's secluded realm. And now new messages had been brought to her senses: A second, and larger group of exiles, bravely crossing the Helcaraxë in the far north had entered Beleriand, bringing the rising sun with them. And among them were some who were kindred to Elwë, children of his niece, Eärwen of Alqualondë. They drew near to Doriath. Melian could feel it clearly, as if witnessing it with seeing eyes.
"I do, queen eternal," he responded. "My kin shall always be welcome in this realm of ours. Verily, their tale of their travels from Aman will be a most interesting one. I greatly anticipate this meeting."
She heard more in his words than he could express. It was obvious to her that Elwë desired to reunite with his family he had not seen for three long ages and the Sundering Sea between them. The King wanted to know what Eärwen's children looked like and what personalities they possessed. With them having a noldorin father, Melian was unsure if Elwë's expectations would be fully met. But even though she could perceive some doom that hung over the Noldor, something they brought from the undying lands with them, she also saw that it did hang less heavy upon the children of Finarfin. Her mind at ease, she bent the girdle to her will and allowed them passage into Doriath.
"They will arrive in a few days," she said softly.
"Then we shall greet them here, within my halls. Let us welcome them as relatives long lost, and let our reunion be most glad!" answered the king.
Melian took his hand, tenderly holding it. "So be it, my beloved. So be it."