The second year after the fall of Barad-dur marked the end of the Third
Age. For a while, time seemed to stand still and peace came to all in
Middle Earth.
After the departure of the ring bearers from the Grey Havens, many of the remaining elves followed, sailing in large numbers into the West. The age of elves had ended, leaving no question as to who the succeeding power was.
The call of the sea weighed heavily on all of the elves' hearts, yet a few remained in Middle Earth, living quietly in what was left of their once- mighty kingdoms.
The peace lasted for no more a decade before war broke out between Men and Elves.
Threatened by the elves' power, immortality, and continued presence, rogue groups of men gathered in troops to scour Middle Earth for any of the Undying remaining. They rode from the far West shores to the East, slaughtering any elf they came upon, sparing none.
The splendor of Rivendell, already fading without the power or the elven ring Vilya, was ravaged and destroyed, its ornate columns and atriums crumbled and the Ford muddied. The golden elanor and pale nipheredil of Lothlorien were trampled without the ring Nenya to guard their roots; the tall and majestic mallorns were no more.
Despite the widespread devastation, there is an elven kingdom that lies in North Eryn Lasgalen, thus far untouched by marauding forces. Its natural fortress remains with strong cavern walls, a dark, surrounding forest, and a rushing river as guard. Unlike the others, this settlement has never a ring of power to protect its borders and people and its might has dwindled little. Though many have left it for Valinor, it is still secure and is the last civilization of elves East of the sea.
The men's insecurity grows still, as does their determination to wipe out the past and ready the Fourth Age for their dominance.
The end of the elves is near. All hope now stands in a long hidden light, ancient and wise, the only light left in Middle Earth that can penetrate the darkness of the future.
**Author's note** I started this story quite a while ago - I really knew my stuff, didn't I? Anyway, I want to get back into it. I have several chapters done, which I'll be revising and steadily reposting. Please give me suggestions. I'm a romance author, trying to do something more. I really want this story to have substance and the characters to be real. I want this romance to be believable and. needed? I don't know. Something that doesn't just happen, but is needed to make the story what it is. Anyway, thank you for reading! Lauren
After the departure of the ring bearers from the Grey Havens, many of the remaining elves followed, sailing in large numbers into the West. The age of elves had ended, leaving no question as to who the succeeding power was.
The call of the sea weighed heavily on all of the elves' hearts, yet a few remained in Middle Earth, living quietly in what was left of their once- mighty kingdoms.
The peace lasted for no more a decade before war broke out between Men and Elves.
Threatened by the elves' power, immortality, and continued presence, rogue groups of men gathered in troops to scour Middle Earth for any of the Undying remaining. They rode from the far West shores to the East, slaughtering any elf they came upon, sparing none.
The splendor of Rivendell, already fading without the power or the elven ring Vilya, was ravaged and destroyed, its ornate columns and atriums crumbled and the Ford muddied. The golden elanor and pale nipheredil of Lothlorien were trampled without the ring Nenya to guard their roots; the tall and majestic mallorns were no more.
Despite the widespread devastation, there is an elven kingdom that lies in North Eryn Lasgalen, thus far untouched by marauding forces. Its natural fortress remains with strong cavern walls, a dark, surrounding forest, and a rushing river as guard. Unlike the others, this settlement has never a ring of power to protect its borders and people and its might has dwindled little. Though many have left it for Valinor, it is still secure and is the last civilization of elves East of the sea.
The men's insecurity grows still, as does their determination to wipe out the past and ready the Fourth Age for their dominance.
The end of the elves is near. All hope now stands in a long hidden light, ancient and wise, the only light left in Middle Earth that can penetrate the darkness of the future.
**Author's note** I started this story quite a while ago - I really knew my stuff, didn't I? Anyway, I want to get back into it. I have several chapters done, which I'll be revising and steadily reposting. Please give me suggestions. I'm a romance author, trying to do something more. I really want this story to have substance and the characters to be real. I want this romance to be believable and. needed? I don't know. Something that doesn't just happen, but is needed to make the story what it is. Anyway, thank you for reading! Lauren