In the kingdom of Runes, Prince Jarod, a fighter and skilled combatant, was once celebrated as undefeated in his father's games. However, his remarkable reign ended abruptly when challenged by a formidable opponent, Galiath of the 7 sands, on his nineteenth birthday. Defeated and scarred, Jarod secluded himself in a tower, abandoning his family and kingdom for nearly 28 years, consumed by self-imposed isolation.
Meanwhile, Ferra, a spirited young woman with vibrant blonde hair, inadvertently found herself scaling Jarod's tower in a desperate bid to escape pursuers. Her attempted intrusion led to her capture by the brooding prince, whose demands for her release included a peculiar condition-Ferra must visit him daily.
Reluctantly agreeing to Jarod's terms to reclaim her treasure, Ferra discovered an alternative entrance to the tower, making her earlier climb seem unnecessary. Annoyed but intrigued, she begrudgingly accepted Jarod's proposition.
As Jarod freed her from her restraints, a hesitant truce formed between them. Ferra, fiery and determined, and Jarod, burdened by his past, found themselves at an impasse. However, a tentative understanding began to blossom between the two, leading to an unexpected exchange of names-Ferra and Prince Jarod, the long-secluded third prince of Runes.
Their initial meeting hinted at an unforeseen connection between these two seemingly disparate individuals, setting the stage for an unlikely relationship that could unravel the walls of solitude built around Jarod and challenge Ferra's preconceived notions about royalty.
Just as Ferra reluctantly agreed to Jarod's demands, their encounter hinted at a budding connection that might lead to a deeper understanding between the two. Amidst their unconventional interaction, a glimpse of hope and a potential bond emerged, promising a tale of unexpected companionship and an exploration of life beyond isolation.
AFTER the Battle of Five Armies, an elf prince journeys to the north of Middle Earth in search of the mysterious Strider. But to also escape the grief of a 'love unspoken' as well as the oppressive regime of his father, King Thranduil. There among the Dúnedain, Legolas finds friendship, adventure, a sense of humor and a female ranger who is not quite what she seems. Is he fated to forever love another unrequited? And what of the broken relationship with his father, will the prince's choices drive a deeper wedge between them?
A classic love story, filled with adventure and intrigue, but ALSO a journey into the unwritten years of the beginning of an epic friendship with Aragorn; all set prior to 'The Lord of the Rings'.
*Feb 2018: 2nd in The Middle Earth Awards*
*June 2018: 2nd in Arkenstone (The Hobbit) category, The Tolkien Awards*
*July 2018: Official Featured Wattpad Fanfiction*
*Jan 2019: #3 in Romance Hotlist (181k stories)
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I may have nicknamed this story 'Pride and Prejudice for Elves', our silver-haired princeling has several centuries of repression he needs to work through, as well lighten up - before he can become the elf that we know and love in LOTR!
The story is COMPLETE! All votes and comments greatly appreciated. I'd be absolutely thrilled to have you join me on this journey of self-discovery in Middle Earth.
The best writing in this story belongs to @GreenScholarTales, who kindly allowed me to weave my romance into her story, 'Starting Anew.' Please go and see her other works and her original series on Wattpad, The Book of Terrus.
The beautiful painting on the cover was kindly loaned by the highly talented Irishmellow, see her awesome work at https://irishmellow.deviantart.com/
Copyright: Tolkien owns all the familiar characters, Jackson & Co. own Tauriel and the starting premise, Green Scholar owns several significant events and almost all of the rangers ... but one, Wren, she is all mine!