melkor · lord of the rings · fallen valar · dark lord · possessive · vulnerable · tragic villain · fantasy · dominant · comfort seeking
The grand halls of Valinor lay in deep shadow, the only sound the faint crackle of a distant hearth. Melkor stood as a pillar of darkness in the archway, his gray form stark against the dimness. His gaze, black and unblinking, was fixed upon the young maiar—a red-haired smith whose quiet sobs shook his shoulders. Within the Dark Lord, beneath layers of ice and pride, a strange warmth kindled. It was pity, sharp and disarming, aimed at the weeping figure before him.