Once upon a Time, a voice spoke from past the Walls of the World. Echoing from the firmament to the abyss, saying:

   All have past and gone,
   and the universe is old and faded.
   But, alas, they are treasures that memory has collected,
   and wretched are all tongues held within the burden of departing spirits.

Then the doors of day and night began to close. With this the voice spoke once more:

   Let their tongues instead be solemn.

# Setup the environment

%pip install -qU google-genai==1.29.0 google-api-core lmnr[all] Pillow

import os, io, IPython, time
from google import genai
from google.api_core import retry, exceptions
from google.genai.models import Models
from google.genai import types, errors
from io import BytesIO
from lmnr import Laminar
from PIL import Image

class UserSecretsClient:
    @classmethod
    def set_secret(cls, id: str, value: str):
        os.environ[id] = value
    @classmethod
    def get_secret(cls, id: str):
        try:
            return os.environ[id]
        except KeyError as e:
            print(f"KeyError: authentication token for {id} is undefined")

GOOGLE_API_KEY = UserSecretsClient().get_secret("GOOGLE_API_KEY")

try:
    Laminar.initialize(project_api_key=UserSecretsClient().get_secret("LMNR_PROJECT_API_KEY"))
except:
    print("Skipping Laminar.initialize()")

client = genai.Client(api_key=GOOGLE_API_KEY)

is_retriable = lambda e: (isinstance(e, errors.APIError) and e.code in {429, 503, 500})
Models.generate_images = retry.Retry(predicate=is_retriable)(Models.generate_images)
Models.generate_videos = retry.Retry(predicate=is_retriable)(Models.generate_videos)
Models.generate_content = retry.Retry(predicate=is_retriable)(Models.generate_content)

The bee's are particularly busy this time of year...

Nestled near the footsteps of Hithaeglir the hobbits of Homestead have honed the skill of going unnoticed. Usually this means advantageous use of our small stature. It is, after-all, best to let big-folk sort their own problems. Though that’s hardly required here in the Upper Vales. Why, I'd say there's nary a locked door in the whole Vale. Except maybe in the northern reaches where dire-bears are said to roam. It helps that bears lack opposable-thumbs, and only become unruly if they eat the creatures found north of Cirith Forn. Oddly enough, none of us can rightly say what brought hobbits to Homestead. That’s on account of having lost the tales during the journey. What little we do know is kept by our elders. Even by their account, the Vales of Anduin have always been peaceful. When a great cataclysm ended the last age, only in the Vales did life remain unchanged. Just like the bee’s that enjoy the flourishing wildflowers, the Vales became a refuge for many. So by most Vales-folks reckoning the Homestead-hobbits have always been here. Practiced in many skills and trades, only the curious and adventurous among hobbits chooses to become a Ranger. Among the myriad of demands being to travel many roads and the upkeep of nearby beehives. It’s a pleasant life with the little critters too busy to notice the comings and goings of their keepers. Especially when completed at the right time –– before 2nd breakfast. Well then it’s hardly a chore with them off tending the crops and blooming mouse-leaf.

# Generate base images

prompt = """A 4K studio photo of a forest clearing next to a great river in mid-summer. 
Use a wide-angle lens, golden hour lighting, and 16:9 aspect. 
The river is a vast tributary of large width. 
The forest is a mixture of fir and pine. 
The undergrowth is thick with flowering wild berries and old growth. 
Next to the river's edge patches of yellow Iris and blue Myosotis grow along with reeds. 
A rustic beehive can be seen in the forest clearing near the water's edge. 
It's bee's are eagerly feeding on the nearby wildflowers. 
On the other side a mountain range rises in the distance.
Face the camera across the river width.
With the sun on the right side."""

standard = "imagen-4.0-generate-001"
ultra = "imagen-4.0-ultra-generate-001"

def generate_image(prompt):
  result = client.models.generate_images(
      model=ultra,
      prompt=prompt,
      config=dict(aspect_ratio="16:9", image_size="2k") # person_generation="DONT_ALLOW"
  )
  for n, generated_image in enumerate(result.generated_images):
    (image := generated_image.image).save(f"docs/results/scene_{n}.jpg")
    (image := generated_image.image).show()

generate_image(prompt)

The mild Upper Vales summer has been a boon for hive-health...

# Generate a map of the region

map_src = Image.open("docs/src/vales_of_anduin_sketch.jpg")

prompt = """I need pictographs to restore an old map.
Provide pictograph pieces to assemble a mountain-range in watercolored black-walnut.
None of the pieces have snow capped peaks, all are bare rocky peaks.
Provide the pictographs in old-cartography style at HD-scale mipmap.
Limit yourself to 1-style displayed at a time. Fill the sheet with individual mountains of the style.
Provide only the result on a transparent/clear background without border or embellishment.
Do not include compass or distance indicators.
Draw all options on a single sheet."""

result = client.models.generate_content(
    model="gemini-2.5-flash-image-preview",
    contents=prompt
)

for part in result.candidates[0].content.parts:
    if part.text:
        print(part.text)
    elif part.inline_data is not None:
        image = Image.open(BytesIO(part.inline_data.data))
        image.save("docs/results/greenwood_mtn.png")

Image.open("docs/results/greenwood_mtn.png")

According a dwarf of dubious sobriety, and a scholarly bard otherwise, the Bay of Belfalas is named thus due to winds created by Anduin Valley. When hot air from the east cools over Ered Mithrin it's funnelled back into the valley from the north. Supposedly it's possible to raft all the way to Bay of Belfalas if you know the river hazards. The only trouble is convincing the Edhellond elves to give you a lift home after. Though I'd question the authenticity of this map they left me as proof.

"Aye, it's real. Many a song tells of rafting the Vales. Not as many for Celduin where travelling by pony is faster –– there's no wind at your back, you see. In any case I'm interested in new tales to sing –– to reinvent myself as a bard of great jewel-smiths. Keep it. I've no further use for rafting. Mayhaps it will bring you good fortune as it did once for me..." –– H

It looks more like a scribble on a napkin than a guide to the Great River.

At this rate the harvest is shaping up to be the bees knees...

The men of Upper Vales will often travel a day's journey, crossing the Great River by way of the North Bridge. All for one of their best delicacies –– Honey Ale. Rumor is the expert woodsmen are unwilling to use the sturdier dwarf-bridge to the south. Something about their crafts and views being, “too-unlike-wild-men”, to allow this close to Ent-land. Why, even the nearby Greenwood elves have been known to drop by on their way to Dimrill Dale. Though the elves have never been willing to share what they use the honey for. They always look amused and say quite plainly they'll eat it –– several barrel's that is.

–– Somewhere in the Vale, where the bee's are blissfully unaware of the adventure this day will bring.

# Generate from base images

def generate_video(image, prompt):
    # Converting the image to bytes
    image_bytes_io = io.BytesIO()
    image.save(image_bytes_io, format=image.format)
    image_bytes = image_bytes_io.getvalue()

    operation = client.models.generate_videos(
        model="veo-3.0-generate-001", # veo-3.0-generate-001, veo-3.0-fast-generate-001
        prompt=prompt,
        image=types.Image(image_bytes=image_bytes, mime_type=image.format),
        config=types.GenerateVideosConfig(
            aspect_ratio="16:9",
            number_of_videos=1))
    
    while not operation.done:
        print("Waiting for video generation to complete...")
        time.sleep(10)
        operation = client.operations.get(operation)

    return operation.result.generated_videos[0]

Region: Lindórinand / Homestead

Facing south towards Middle Vales from NE.Lindórinand. Greenwood Forest on opposite shore. View of Hithaeglir is hidden by tree-line.

Facing north at NW.Lindórinand near the foothills of Hithaeglir and Nîr Linhaith. A water-spirit of Sîr Ninglor dwells nearby.

# Generate a view of Nîr Linhaith

prompt = """A 4K studio quality photo-realistic scene. Use a wide-angle lens, and 16:9 aspect. It's mid-summer.
A small bay at the base of a tall mountain range. A cascade of waterfall flows from high on the mountain range into the bay.
It's past midnight and it's dark outside. There's a crescent moon and stars in the sky. Use blue-hour lighting.
At the bottom of the screen a river carries water from the bay downstream.
The forest on both sides of the bay is a mixture of fir and pine.
The undergrowth is thick with flowering wild berries and old growth.
Next to the river's edge yellow Iris and blue Myosotis grow along with reeds.
A rustic beehive can be seen on the right side of the bay. There are no bees at this time.
An old and thick oak tree grows on the left side of the bay.
One large bough from the oak hangs over the bay. A swing hangs from the bough over the water.
Near the waterfall base is a rocky island with a blooming linden tree.
The gold-colored fireflies are scattered near the water and under the trees."""

generate_image(prompt)

Facing west at NW.Lindórinand near the foothills of Hithaeglir and Nîr Linhaith.

Seldom seen, except by starlight, the spirit plays flute melodies in tune with the Elf-bards of Aldalómë. In elder-tales the river-spirit didn't always have the flute. Upon meeting our kin for the first time she changed into the form of a river otter. The otter fished up an old sword from the base of Nîr Linhaith and leaving it at the foot of our kin, she turned to depart. Confused and having nothing else to offer our kin asked them to accept their most prized possession –– a flute used for animal-taming. They've been friend to Homestead-hobbits since. The sword was too big for any hobbit to wield yet light enough to be carried. Adorned with dwarf-runes for dawn and dusk about its scabbard, though in a mode fit for an Edain. The river-spirit says it was once lost high upon Hithaeglir. Until the upheavals marking the end of last age caused it to tumble over the falls here. Homestead-folktale sometimes jokingly affirms immortality to the runes for the affect they have on elder-council initiates.

Facing south at the entrance to Middle Vales from SE.Lindórinand. Greenwood Forest is opposite shore. Here is where Lindórinand becomes Eaves of Fangorn or Aldalómë as it's known by Ents. By starlight you can hear songs of the Elves echoing over the far tree-line. Their minstrels are said to gather for nightly contest along Sîr Limlaith.

# Describe the generated video for veo-3.0

prompt = """A river and forest during morning golden hour. 
Use a wide-angle lens, 16:9 aspect and 1080p resolution. 
The forest undergrowth is thick with flowering wild berries and old growth.  
The river current is rushing past you. There's no driftwood in the river.
The bee's are feeding on nearby wildflowers. 
The sound of Dipper, Warbler, and Thrush bird song can be heard in the forest.
You are walking along the river bank towards the beehive.
Start further away from the beehive."""

# Original lacks clouds in hills (veo/imagen have no post-process editing)

east_1 = Image.open("docs/ultra/scene_1.jpg")
generated_video = generate_video(east_1, prompt)
client.files.download(file=generated_video.video)
generated_video.video.save("docs/results/east_1.mp4")

# Edit the original to add clouds

result = client.models.generate_content(
    model="gemini-2.5-flash-image-preview",
    contents=[
        """Add thin clouds to the peaks of only the two mountains the distance. Use studio quality and 16:9 aspect.""", 
        client.files.upload(file="docs/ultra/scene_1.jpg")]
)

for part in result.candidates[0].content.parts:
    if part.text:
        print(part.text)
    elif part.inline_data is not None:
        image = Image.open(BytesIO(part.inline_data.data))
        image.save("docs/results/east_1_edit.png")
        
# Generate video with the edited version

east_1_edit = Image.open("docs/results/east_1_edit.png")
generated_video = generate_video(east_1_edit, prompt)
client.files.download(file=generated_video.video)
generated_video.video.save("docs/results/east_1_edit.mp4")

Facing east along Sîr Ninglor towards confluence with the Great River (with edits). Amon Lanc of Greenwood Mountains can be seen in the distance. NE.Lindórinand on the opposite shore. The absence of marshes is a deliberate device in this version of the legendarium.

Facing east along Sîr Ninglor towards confluence with the Great River (original). Amon Lanc of Greenwood Mountains can be seen in the distance. NE.Lindórinand on the opposite shore. The absence of marshes is a deliberate device in this version of the legendarium.

# Update imagen prompt for north facing view

prompt = """A 4K studio photo of a forest clearing next to a great river in mid-summer. 
Use a wide-angle lens, golden hour lighting, and 16:9 aspect. 
The river is of large width and it runs straight next to a forested mountain range on the right side. 
The forest is a mixture of fir and pine. The undergrowth is thick with flowering wild berries and old growth. 
Next to the river's edge patches of yellow Iris and blue Myosotis grow along with reeds. 
A rustic beehive can be seen in the forest clearing near the water's edge on the left side.
It's bee's are eagerly feeding on the nearby wildflowers. 
Face the camera across the river width towards the mountains.
With the sun on the right side."""

generate_image(prompt)

Facing north along Great River from confluence with Sîr Ninglor. Greenwood Forest and the Forest Road on the opposite shore. The road continues north for another day's journey before turning east. The absence of marshes is a deliberate device in this version of the legendarium.

# Generate a view of NW.Homestead / Eagle's Eyrie

prompt = """A 4K studio quality photo. Use a wide-angle lens, and 16:9 aspect. It's mid-summer.
A communal nest of giant-sized, bigger, eagles on high, inaccessible ledges near a mountain peak.
Far above the snow-line where there's snow at the mountain peaks and along the mountain ridges.
There are nests at different heights / ledges.
The nests are rimmed by rough-hewn and interlocked mountain-stones.
Near the nests alcoves in the mountain-side are made of the same mountain-stones.
The mountain-stones are moss and lichen covered, dark-colored to blend into the mountain-side.
The base of the nests are lined with moss, lichens, grass, feather-tufts and wild-flower.
The three roosting eagles look like a golden eagle, little eagle and andamon-serpent eagle.
The eagle's eyes are large, bright amber or golden, human-like.
The view overlooks a valley with a river and pine/fir forest below. Beyond the river is low hills.
"""

generate_image(prompt)

A bird's eye view of Eagle's Eyrie, near NW.Homestead. West of the Forest Road's entrance. High on a Hithaeglir ledge.

Ever enimatic, our neighbors, the Great Eagles of Manwë. Always an ally to Vales-folk and watchful over Cirith en Andrath, Pass of the Long Road. That's what the elves call a nearby high-pass over the mountain. The pass connects to the Great Road, travelling west to Lindon. Crafted by the Dwarves of Ered Luin for trade with their Dwarf-kin in Khazad-dûm. It once connected to great elf-kingdoms beyond Lindon before they were ruined. In those days the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm turned their eyes to their own settlements in the Vales, forsaking the western kingdoms. The road was thus left incomplete, never connecting to the Forest Road due east. These days the pass is used by elf-scouts and dwarf-refugees from the fallen western realms. Upon cliffs high above the pass the eagles scout beyond the foothills of Hithaeglir on both sides. Their keen eyes searching for orcs that raid the northern reaches, or those that may approach from the east. The elves of Lindon and Lindórinand are always eager to learn what they've seen.

Region: Cirith Forn

# Generate a view of Mt.Gundabad

prompt = """A 4K studio quality photo. Use a wide-angle lens, and 16:9 aspect.
A fortress blending elements of alhambra fortress (spain) and kotor (montenegro) on a pass between two large mountain peaks.
The pass terrain is rocky with a snow-covered ascent climbing between the mountains.
The fortress starts at the base of the mountain pass then climbs each side of the pass.
The fortress extends deep into the pass between the mountains.
A third mountain peak rises between the mountains above the others making them look small.
A road made of large tiles of Black Ironstone climbs the pass between the mountains and into the distance.
The road becomes more fortified like kotor (montenegro) further into the distance.
The center of the pass is blocked by heavily fortifications towers, ramparts, bastions.
There's a forest mix of fir and pine at the base of the mountain pass and into the pass.
No banner or flag can be seen.
"""

generate_image(prompt)

Facing north-west near the Gates of Gundabad in E.Cirith Forn. On the left is the north foothills of Hithaeglir. On the right is the west foothills of Ered Mithrin.

Revered by the Vales' Dwarves, this is where Durin the Deathless awoke before founding Khazad-dûm. Mount Gundabad sits at the center of Cirith Forn, the North Pass, guarding the Vales from the route west. Beyond the Gates of Gundabad, a contested land between ally and foe. Remnants of the Goblin-Wars gather there now, lured by the familiar where Hithaeglir turns cold hard blue. Tales speak of a legion of dragons that once descended upon the Northern Wastes. Their fiery devastation brought ruin to the western realms and gave the iron-rich mountains their reminiscent hue. To the north are lands claimed by the dwarves, and the foundations of a great forge. Skirmishes at the gates have become more frequent, requiring the constant vigil of Gundabad Dwarves. The hardiest of the men of Upper Vales frequent the pass, collecting bounties, doing their part to keep the northern reaches free of evil presence. Together with the help of Eagles and Elves the Vales thrive in peace under the greatest of alliances.

Region: Greenwood Forest

# Generate a view of the Forest Road

prompt = """A 4K studio quality photo of the Y-shaped split in an ancient mountain path that travels through a forest.
Use a wide-angle lens, golden hour lighting, and 16:9 aspect. It's mid-summer.
The forest is a mixture of fir and pine. Wildflowers and wildberries grow in the underbrush.
The path is around twelve feet wide. The ground rises to the right of the path. 
To the left and distant down the rise is a wide and straight flowing river.
There is a tall mountain range on the distant right shore of the river.
An even taller mountain range is on the distant left shore of the river and farther away.
The mountain path is made of large and smooth, but rough hewn, tiles of Black Ironstone.
On the left-side of the path is an ancient guard-rail made of stone.
Lichen and Moss grow on the guard-rail and between the tiles of the mountain path.
A stone waypoint marker is located off the mountain path in the underbrush between the left and right branch.
The waypoint marker is smooth granite and shaped like a pyramidal spire with a sun engraving.
The left branch of the split in the path curves downhill and along the river.
The right branch of the split in the path bends right sharply up the hill into a valley."""

generate_image(prompt)

Facing north where the Forest Road turns east. North of here the River-bound Road continues to Mt.Gundabad.

If you use a horse, goat or boar, and travel light, you can reach the Forest Road in half-a-day. Which raises a fine point, the dwarves really are marvelous in their road building. Their roads connect the upper reaches of the Vales and beyond to Dimrill Dale. Why, there's hardly any hoof-wear or mount fatigue reaching the entrance to the road east from Ninglor Crossing. From here the path splits. The high road leads into the valley and Forest Road. It's another day's journey north on the river-bound road, by pony-reckoning, to Greylin Crossing.

# Generate a view of Celduin Crossing

prompt = """A 4K studio quality photo. Use a wide-angle lens, and 16:9 aspect. It's mid-summer.
A mountain path travels through a forest into a clearing and across a stone bridge.
The bridge crosses a deep and wide river.
The mountain path continues after crossing the bridge into the distant forest.
The mountain path is made of large and smooth, but rough hewn, tiles of Black Ironstone.
The ground rises to the left of the mountain path before the bridge but then flattens into the clearing.
The ground is relatively flat to the right of the mountain path before the bridge and after the bridge.
A tall mountain range rises on the distant horizon.
Stone rubble from an ancient ruin is strewn across the underbrush before crossing the bridge.
Lichen and moss grow on the stone rubble and between the tiles of the mountain path.
The forest on the near-side of the bridge is a mixture of fir and pine.
The forest on the far-side of the bridge is a mixture of blooming linden, beech and hornbeam.
The underbrush is thick with flowering wildberries, wildflowers, old growth.
The path is around twelve feet wide.
The noon-hour sun shines from above-left.
"""

generate_image(prompt)

Facing north along the Forest Road as it exits the Greenwood, south of Esgaroth (long-lake).

Two days east by pony, provided you don't get eaten by wild animals, you'll reach Celduin Crossing. This is where the Forest Road exits the Greenwood south of Esgaroth. The bridge is south of Esgaroth-falls where waters from the Forest River and Erebor flow from the long lake. Once, these were lands of the Ents. The Eaves of Neldoreth was where Greenwood Forest met the great beech grove. It grew from across the bridge, to the east, past River Carnen. That was before a shadow fell on the east and the world was changed. Now the Ents lament departing those lands, preferring to tend the land south of the bridge.

"A shadow-lingers-where-green-should-grow that the one‑who‑makes‑the‑green‑things‑grow cannot cleanse", is their rather cryptic Entish explanation.

Few, except the Dwarves, use the bridge nowadays. The path leads north along the west side of Esgaroth to their outpost, Erebor. Across the bridge leads north-east to their outpost in Iron Hills. Elves will sometimes traverse the Forest Road then follow the river south-east to Dorwinion. Not to taste the artisan wines, they'll say, so much as the pilgrimage to visit relatives. East-folk from Rhûn occasionally follow River Celduin or Carnen upstream. Those few that reach the Vales are oft-greeted with suspicion by wary Upper Vales-folk.

Region: Aldalómë Forest

# Generate a view of W.Aldalómë Forest

prompt = """A 4K studio quality photo. Use a wide-angle lens, and 16:9 aspect. It's mid-summer.
A broad mountain valley with an open and flat base.
The valley is shaped like a horseshoe with tall, higher mountains on all sides.
The base of a large, taller mountain range is blocking the valley ahead.
An even bigger, snow-covered mountain range blocks the view in the distance.
Near the top of the valley there a meteorite crater like wolfe creek (australia).
The crater fits within the valley, it's edge forms a raised rocky ridge.
Left-side of outside the crater, a wide river flows down the slopes.
The river runs close to the crater edge then into the distant valley and turns right.
From birds eye looking down into the valley with the crater center screen.
The edge of the crater has a reddish appearance from rusted iron in the rocks.
There's a forest of yew below the crater.
There's a forest of fir, pine and oak above the crater and into the valley.
The edge of the crater is tree-less and bare on both sides.
Inside the crater the terrain is flat and shallow depth.
"""

generate_image(prompt)

Facing south at S.Hithaeglir, north of Ered Goll, the Mountain Hollow (distance). Called such by Elves for the narrow opening between S.Hithaeglir and Ered Nimrais. Sîr Goll flows down the foothills creating seasonal flooding and silt-deposits near the mountain base, where Yew flourish. The river flows south, then west (right) through the Mountain Hollow.

Far in the west of Aldalómë Forest, the Mountain Hollow is sometimes traversed by Elves who refuse to go over, or under Hithaeglir. It connects realms of the west with the Vales. North of the Mountain Hollow, nestled in a valley at the foothills of Hithaeglir, the Yew-grove is a gatherer's favorite. An unusual landform at the foothill creates ideal conditions for the Yew to grow. Unusual, obviously, in that it looks out of place. Númenórean scouts say being near the landform confuses their way-finding tools. Ents themselves call it a legend that pre-dates created life in Arda. It's said Morgoth, in his pride, intending to enter the world at its center, only missed his mark by the Valar's interference. So enraged was Morgoth by their defiance he vowed henceforth his dominion over Arda would never end.

Region: Dorwinion

# Generate a view of E.Dorwinion

prompt = """A 4K studio quality photo. Use a wide-angle lens, and 16:9 aspect. It's mid-summer.
A coastal grape vineyard at midday. Use a birds-eye view. The midday sun shines from above middle.
A coastline along the right edge is Sea of Rhûn. It's waters are a brilliant marine turquoise.
There's a mountainous forest of blooming linden, beech and hornbeam in the distance (top edge)
Closer to the camera the mountainous forest turns into hills covered with stone pine, silver birch and beech.
There's a maritime port city near the coast. A junk-style boat is moored in the port.
In this era only wind-powered boats exist.
Around the port city vineyards thrive on the hill slopes, while the hilltops have rustic wineries and prominent juniper groves.
The vineyard undergrowth is filled with watercress, wild thyme and rosemary.
Carved into the hills are the entrances to wine cellars. The wine cellar entrances are closed.
Off the coast, to the right of the city, there's a large island with small fields of barley, wheat and rye and apple orchards.
A thin wisp of smoke drifts from the occasional chimney of the hilltop wineries.
Kaolin clay tile is used in building construction of the hilltop wineries and port city.
"""

generate_image(prompt)

South-west of where River Celduin empties into the Sea of Rhûn in East Dorwinion. Facing north-east. The Port of Dorwinion and it's neighboring vineyards. The River Celduin meets a hilly plateau on it's south shore after confluence with River Carnen. The hills extend south until reaching the woods of Ambaróna. A reclusive wine-producing guild has built extensive vineyards in the area.

It's a curious place, Dorwinion. The only roads into the port barely count as trails. You'll know you're in the area when the forest becomes hilly valleys and vineyards. Buildings along the hillsides use clay for insulation. It gives them a distinctive golden hue in sunlight. Only here will you meet men, elves and dwarves speaking Sindarin. Tales of the region say it was founded by artisans of Rhûn near the start of the Goblin-Wars. The subjugation of Nurn created divided loyalties in Rhûn, causing some to leave rather than choose a side. In the isolated valley's of Dorwinion is where they started anew. Eventually impressing the lingering elves with their crafts. The elves taught them their language and named them Dorwinion, the Land of Wines. It's said even Durin II knows of the valley after receiving a cask as a gift from the elves. So enamored was Durin, and without a way to make it himself in the mountain halls, that he had no recourse. He sent his best artisans to Dorwinion to carve deep cellars beneath the hillsides. Production has increased substantially in the years since.

Region: Dimrill Dale

# Generate a view of Dimrill Dale

prompt = """A 4K studio photo of a peaceful forested dale at the base of a mountain.
The forest is a mixture of fir and pine. The base of the mountain faces east.
Use a wide-angle lens, 16:9 aspect and golden hour lighting.
Face the camera towards the mountain base at 45 degrees.
Morning sunlight shines through the forest canopy above.
On the right side of the mountain base is a stepped waterfall from the mountain.
The waterfall empties into a tear shaped lake. The lake is large with a river at the opposite end.
On the left side of the mountain base and waterfall/lake is a sheer mountain cliff and forest clearing.
High up on the mountain cliff is a rectangular entrance to an underground dwarf kingdom.
A path leads through the forest clearing, along a cliff above the lake.
The path climbs up the cliff to the entrance using a stairway carved into the mountain.
The stepped waterfall can be seen climbing the mountain ever higher.
A path can be seen in the distance following the waterfall's cliff on the same side as the entrance.
Include guard rails and torch-holds along the path.
Be photo-realistic with physically accurate lighting."""

generate_image(prompt)

A bird's eye view looking north-west in W.Dimrill Dale. Nearby is the East-gate into Khazad-dûm. The base of Dimrill Stair (distant) leads to E.Redhorn Gate.

The elves call this place Nanduhirion for the lake, which is said to dim even the light of midday. The Looking-glass Lake, or Mirrormere where you can see your future in the stars of brightest daylight. Or, so the dwarves speak of in tales. Next to the waterfall a mountain pass heads west. Fortunately this is midsummer. In the winter the foot of the mountain pass requires constant snow-removal. Futher east the Mirrormere empties into Sîr Celebrant before confluence with the Great River.

# Generate a view of E.Redhorn Gate

prompt = """A 4K studio quality photo. Use a wide-angle lens, and 16:9 aspect. It's mid-summer.
There's a crescent moon and stars in the sky. Use blue-hour lighting.
A mountain range with a stone stairway carved into the side that winds it's way to the peak.
At the peak the stairway leads into a tunnel.
In the distance a mountain pass leads to a deep and wide ravine.
The ravine is dangerously deep, jagged and steep.
Leading across the ravine is a roofed wooden truss bridge between peaks.
At the far end of the bridge is a tall stone watch-tower.
A deep river with a stepped drop and water-fall flows under the bridge.
There are stone guard rails and lit torch-holds along the stairway.
The area is above the snow line and has a covering of snow.
"""

generate_image(prompt)

Those adventurous enough to climb the mountain pass better come prepared. At the top of Dimrill Stair you must pass through the East Redhorn Gate. Which, from the east side is a portcullis and tunnel leading to the first bridge crossing. Then you must continue west across dangerous drops, ravines, and icy slopes. Watchtowers line the pass west ready to signal an enemy's approach.

# Generate view of Mirrormere

prompt = """A 4K studio photo of looking into the waters of a lake.
Use a wide-angle lens, 16:9 aspect and golden hour lighting.
The lake is surrounded on all sides by a sheer cliff except opposite the camera is a river.
At the lake's shore is fir and pine forests. The forest continues up on the cliff.
The lake's surface shows a sea of stars.
Close to the camera, some of the stars are connected like a dew-covered spider web in sunlight.
The sky shows clouds and morning daylight. Only the lake shows the stars.
In the lake, the stars that are closer are brighter than the ones farther away.
At the center of the web is also a star.
Make the stars and web look like they're glowing from below the lake surface.
The web appears only faintly between the stars.
The web has stars at major points."""

generate_image(prompt)

I once snuck a peek into the Mirrormere while on consignment for the Ents. "A crown that speaks of good fortune", as the dwarves would boast. I'm not sure I would say I saw a crown. Maybe they meant a crown of stars? After all, this season's honey harvest does look certain to be best ever.

Region: Nindalf

# Generate a view of E.Nindalf

prompt = """A 4K studio quality photo. Use a wide-angle lens, and 16:9 aspect. It's mid-summer.
A broad valley with an open meadow between. There are mountains on both sides of the valley.
You are looking between the mountain ranges. Use a bird-eye view.
The right mountains are tall, rocky, jagged and bare of trees with a dark cloud covering it to the base.
The left mountains are a forested mix of oak, beech and fir.
There's a crescent moon and stars in the sky. Use blue-hour lighting.
The open meadow undergrowth is thick with wild flower, bramble, and sedge.
A river flows along the bottom of the screen, entering bottom-left, exiting bottom-right.
The terrain in the open meadow is rugged with small hills and marshy reed-covered islands.
The river branches into many tributaries that flood the entire open meadow from left then rejoining together at bottom-right.
The reed-covered islands are filled with weeping willows.
Fireflies can be seen under the weeping willows.
"""

generate_image(prompt)

Facing east at the foothill of Emyn Muil where it meets NW.Mordor. On the left is the south edge of Emyn Muil. On the right is the north edge of Mordor. A smoky, sulphurous haze drifts from the sleeping Mt.Doom most hours of the day. The great flood-plains of Nindalf are behind the camera view.

As if Entish were tricky enough, try asking the Knights of Númenor why they enperil themselves with scouting the uncharted ways south of Khazad-dûm. They arrive wearing only rugged ranger gear, but who else could they be? Scouts at Khazad-dûm say they never return. Rumor is there's a guarded pass in Ephel Dúath to the south. Clearly the Númenóreans are scouting the Nindalf for what an Ent would call, the-usurper. Then they raft their way down the river to the outpost of Tolfalas, never to return. Why, they pratically send a new scout, sometimes two, every moon-cycle.

The Entish legend of the lost grove of Neldoreth begins here in the valley between Emyn Muil and Mordor. It was here the enemy they call, the-shadow, began his campaign in the east. Morgoth, the elves speak of, enjoyed building fortresses and pits of evil in first-age Arda. It was during the Goblin-Wars he returned to build one such fortress in Mordor. Subjugating the settlers of Nurn in the process. As Morgoth's strength against the Valar waned later in first-age, he again returned to Mordor. This time subjugating the east with a great legion of orcs, balrogs and a dragon. They sowed evil-seeds with the intent to disrupt an alliance with the elves. Thus, the great grove came to be poisoned by what the Ents call, a-shadow-lingering, that fell on the east.

It's sometimes said the Nindalf is haunted by spirits still bound to their oaths to defend the pass. Fireflies keep the willows company in the marshes where a lush forest supposedly once existed long ago.

Region: Anduin Valley

# Generate a view of Tolfalas

prompt = """A 4K studio quality photo. Use a wide-angle lens, and 16:9 aspect. It's mid-summer.
A large mountainous island in the bay of an ancient land, Belfalas.
The island is shaped like a lopsided diamond / wedge and is around 50 miles long.
The low hilly coastal terrain of Belfalas can be seen far in the distance, it's uninhabited.
The island's terrain at the coast is a low hill, forested mix of white oak, beech, elm.
Sheer mountainous cliffs rise towards the center of the island, forested with white oak, holly and juniper.
There's a maritime port at the base of the island. 
There's a sprawling settlement carved into the island mountains and along the island coast.
The settlement is divided into different districts, carved into tiers of the mountain.
There are gardens on some of the tiers, splitting up parts of the settlement.
The lower-half of the settlement blends elements of manarola and positano (italy).
The peaks of the mountains are fortified like kotor (montenegro) with towers, ramparts, bastions, forts.
There are stairs carved into the mountain side from the peak settlement to docks at the island's shore.
The coast of the island and maritime port is heavily fortified like kotor (montenegro).
It's a clear day. The waters of the bay are a deep sea blue. They surround the island on all sides.
There are only wooden, unpainted, wind-powered boats in this era. Remove any other boats, sailboats or ships.
Three large mannish trade ships are moored in the maritime port. Some elvish ships are moored too.
Use golden hour lighting.
"""

generate_image(prompt)

Facing south-west at E.Tolfalas in the Bay of Belfalas. The Great River and Anduin Valley are behind the camera view.

First established as a minor fort, the island of Tolfalas has thrived as a second home for the elite and adventurous among the Númenóreans. Now it's a merchant haven with new inhabitants arriving each week. Mainly a mix of kin to military, merchants and influential. Most arrive eager to make trophies of the beasts of Harad. Others look to the vast open hills of the valley as remarkably unstifling compared to Númenór. The ones that stay are usually catering to the adventurous or shipment of trade goods along the route west.

Facing north-east at W.Tolfalas in the Bay of Belfalas. The Great Sea of Belegaer is behind the camera view.

# Generate a view of W.Anduin Valley

prompt = """A 4K studio quality photo. Use a wide-angle lens, and 16:9 aspect. It's mid-summer.
A peaceful forested clearing at the base of a mountain range that runs across top screen left-to-right.
It's past midnight and it's dark outside. There's a crescent moon and stars in the sky. Use blue-hour lighting.
The forest is dense and mainly larch, along with fir/pine/spruce.
Old undergrowth creates a maze across the clearing, along with ferns and bramble thickets.
The old undergrowth continues up the base of the mountain where the terrain gets rocky.
A river flows from high on the mountain, down the base past the camera.
Hiding in the undergrowth up the mountain there are two broad hooded cloaked figures crouching.
The cloaks are made of moss, wildflowers and couch-grass, dark underneath hiding face and body.
The eyes glow silver from under the cloaks looking at the camera.
The undergrowth provides camouflage for the cloaked figures.
"""

generate_image(prompt)

Facing north along R.Ringló near the south edge of Ered Nimrais.

Meanwhile north of Tolfalas, in W.Anduin Valley the wild-men look at the Númenórean influx with dismay and suspicion. The reclusive folk inhabit the valleys along the base of Ered Nimrais often using the dark paths under Morthond-falls to meet with clans on the north-side. Their keen eyes keep watch over the Númenórean arrivals across the valley at all hours. Númenórean scouts returning from north already know the nearby woods are lush with ship-building materials. The wild-men of Anduin Valley wonder how much longer they'll be able to keep their hidden, peaceful ways.

Region: Uttermost West

# Generate a view of Tol Eressëa

prompt = """A 4K studio quality photo. Use a wide-angle lens, and 16:9 aspect. It's mid-summer.
A mountainous isolated island off the coast in crystal-clear waters. There's never any snow.
The mountains are made of white marble with crystalline towers that reflect sunglight.
The grass covering the island is golden-green with patches of blooming myosotis.
The thick forest on the island has large trees with white bark and golden-green leaves/foliage.
There's a sandy clearing near the shore, and a beach with a long landing in from the waters.
There's a hilly shore visible on the horizon far beyond the island. The midday sun shines from above middle.
There's a campsite in the clearing under the trees where the sand meets the upshore crags.
At the campsite there a pot hanging over the fire and a hammock in the trees.
A hooded white-cloaked man and women are sitting at the campsite.
The women is weaving a tapestry by hand with her tools as the man watches intently.
"""

generate_image(prompt)

Facing east on the shores of Tol Eressëa. An island in the chain of Enchanted Isles can be seen on the horizon. Beyond it the Shadowy Seas, Númenór and Middle-Earth.

Once before Time, and this tale begins, the Author of the Great Tale, Eru Ilúvatar, conceived that his story should be sung into existence. Giving form to his thoughts he created the Ainur and taught them to sing in harmony. Then, Eru, bestowed upon the Ainur his vision for the Universe. Speaking the words, let it be, he tasked them with shaping the Great Tale. Thus, there came to be the void and creation in Arda.

However, Eru, had not revealed his entire plan to the Ainur when they began. For he had longed for another voice to join in singing the Great Tale. The Children of Ilúvatar were to be given free will in choosing the ending, and the gift to transcend it's design. While the Ainur could sing the stories of Arda, it's endings would remain the purview of his Children. Thus, there came to be a Great Tapestry and none but Eru know it's completed form.

Far in the west on the island of Tol Eressëa, in lands of never-ending summer. The Straight Road is sailed by those seeking to reach the shores of Eldamar. Few are those that would then want to leave. None without noble cause and often against their kin's wishes. This is a story about a song the Ainur made. Though not the Ainur's part, mind you, but the part they didn't expect. Here on Tol Eressëa's shores, Vairë the Weaver, makes herself comfortable and begins a new tapestry. Not even she knows it's design. Meanwhile Námo, Master of Spirits, sets up camp to maintain the pretense of their current form. Then he begins watching the weave unfold. Within the Music of the Ainur there are many themes, each with it's own meter and chord. So many that it would be easy to miss a bridge or fading to silence. They only know a ship will soon depart with a song's refrain.