Dear beautiful and handsome readers,
Due to some recent events I've witnessed and experienced over the last few days, I have come to a decision that I need to share with you. I started writing this story purely as a hobby and out of love for this universe. Later, seeing that I could actually pull this off, I opened a Patreon account for those who might want to support my journey—and I am truly grateful to those who have.
However, lately, I've been hearing and seeing troubling news regarding copyright and fanfiction creators. Recently, a business near my city was sued by the Tolkien Estate simply for using a registered name. Following that, I received a warning on a platform (related to links, but still). It felt like a cold wake-up call.
I asked myself: I love writing this story, but what if at chapter 200 or 300, I'm told, "You cannot use our characters, delete everything immediately"? All those months of effort and time would vanish in an instant. I would be devastated. Since I started writing, I've realized that my old hobbies—reading, gaming, watching movies—no longer give me the same joy. I've discovered that what I truly love is being a writer.
Knowing that you enjoy my work gave me the confidence to keep going. But the constant risk of deletion or legal trouble has started to make me paranoid. I don't want to live under that stress. Therefore, I have decided to scale back my fanfiction writing.
It saddens me deeply, but I want to write without fear. I will be shifting my primary focus to my original novels. There, I can write freely in my own world, by my own rules, without walking on eggshells. That being said, where I come from, a promise is a matter of honor. I told you I wouldn't abandon this story, and I won't. I will continue to post one chapter per week, but it will no longer be my main focus.
I am currently working on a Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel and have another pure Fantasy project in mind. I will be sharing these original works on Royal Road and Scribble Hub. I will post announcements here for anyone interested in joining me in these new worlds. I have so many stories to tell, and I want them to be mine.
Some suggested that I simply "change the names and make it an original story," but let's be honest: that is a cheap tactic. Most of you came here for Galadriel, Halt, Thorin, Gandalf, or Aragorn. I started this journey to go on an adventure with them. Changing the names to trick you (and myself) wouldn't sit right with me. It wouldn't be honorable.
Thank you for your understanding, and I apologize for this shift. I hope to see you in my new worlds.