An Advisable Read Before You Begin...

Welcome readers! I am no rookie to fanfiction writing, I promise you that - first and foremost. I have long been a fan of Tolkien's works and, like Christopher Lee, I make a point of reading The Lord of the Rings once a year. My writing, I hope you'll agree, is quite developed. I hope it is complex enough to contend with the most serious of fanfictions on here.

I loathe the Mary-Sue/Gary-Sue aspects of fanfiction so, when writing romance, I try to avoid it as much as possible - which is why I carefully edit my chapters before I upload. I do warn you, however, that there will be a touch of romance (from several couples) in this story, although it certainly will not be the main focus.

This fanfiction involves a slew of new characters, new evils, and a whole new storyline that I'm sure Tolkien would not have taken upon himself to write. I have read tediously into all the information Tolkien has written in an attempt to make this story as "historically accurate" as possible. For those of you who are hardcore fans, I'm sure you will notice the changes.

You will also notice that the Elvish language Quenya is used often in this story. I will provide translations for these phrases at the bottom of posts instead of immediately, so that the story itself is not impeded by the interruption.

Finally... I do listen to music while I write. I also Google pictures of people that I think would fit the look of the original characters in this piece. If you are interested in my playlist/what the originals look like, feel free to ask through the reviews; you can also contact me through e-mail (I'll make it available to you on my author's page).

Please enjoy! I look forward to your reviews!

Ithilienesse

Aragorn stopped before the wide steps of Eldamar Sivë and turned to face Legolas, a wide smile on his face.

"You have done well, here," he said.

Legolas shook his head as he smiled. "There is still much to be done. Much to be regrown, restored. I appreciate that you come so often to help."

"It is my pleasure." Aragorn bowed his head to his long-time friend. "I would not be worried. Once word gets out of how well your restoration of Ithilien is coming along, I would not doubt that Elves will hasten to your side." He glanced up to the building he stood before. "Your craftsmanship is superb." Legolas smiled appreciatively at this but said nothing.

"I should be going," Aragorn admitted. "I will return again soon. Please, feel free to come to Minas Tirith; I know Arwen would very much like to see you."

"I will."

They bade their farewells before Aragorn mounted his horse, Brego, and disappeared into the regenerating foliage. When the sound of hooves could no longer be heard, Legolas let out an exasperated puff of air. This was the moment he loathed the most.

He did not regret removing himself to Ithilien; he had always been confident in his decision to restore the suffering country. Those he spoke to about his intentions were supportive, yet they neglected to offer their help. Legolas had figured this was due to the War of the Ring ending just two years earlier and Ithilien being too closely connected with Mordor. Minas Morgûl, in particular, was what frightened most people; Legolas had high hopes in destroying it and rebuilding something new in it's stead, but he could not find courage in others that would help him do it.

Legolas resided in Ithilien alone. From time to time friends would visit; Aragorn made weekly trips to Ithilien to hear the improvements Legolas was making, although the elf suspected that Aragorn pitied him in his solitude. Faramir, too, made regular trips to Eldamar Sivë, the house Legolas had built. Customarily, the Stewards of Gondor would live in Ithilien at Emyn Arnen; Faramir had hinted many times that he and Éowyn intended to build a dwelling atop Ithilien's most prominent hills, but for now Legolas lived alone.

Elves did not mind living alone, which was probably why Legolas handled the last two years by himself rather well. On his own he had rebuilt nearly the entire forest in Northern Ithilien. Recently he had been eyeing the ruins of Emyn Arnen, in hopes that Faramir and Éowyn would decide to relocate soon.

He had sent numerous requests to his father in the newly-titled Eryn Lasgalen for reinforcements, but none had come. Legolas did not have the most wonderful of relationships with his father, especially since his decision to live in Ithilien instead of take up the throne in Eryn Lasgalen, and so he attributed Thranduil's lack of response to this.

But Legolas's need to populate Ithilien was dire. He could not fix the country on his own. He knew few Elves were left in Middle-Earth; Rivendell had nearly become a ghost dwelling, for only Elrond and his two sons remained. Eryn Lasgalen was well-populated with Wood Elves, but Thranduil obviously did not wish for any of his people to go to Ithilien. Lothlorien was still well-inhabited, but there were whispers of Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn planning to leave for Valinor. Legolas did not know what would become of Lothlorien, should the Lord and Lady leave forever; the thought made him terribly forlorn. As far as Legolas knew, there were no other Elves in Middle-Earth. Men, he decided, were the next best choice.

Translations
Ithilienesse = "Ithilien's Beginning" (rough translation)
Eldamar Sivë = "Elvenhome of Peace"