#16 Valar

[criticallyinneedofadar]

Masterlist

All of my fics are available on AO3 under the same username Criticallyinneedofadar! AO3 Link

Rings of Power

Elrond (interconnected one shots)

A Flower Among Stone

The Price of Compassion

Among Friends and Enemies

A Jewel in the Garden

To Wonder At the Stars

Two Ships Passing in the Night

Adar

Starlight Jewels - One Shot

Beyond Hope - One shot

A Life Lost in Time- One shot, can be read with Beyond Hope.

Alliance of Shadows- Series (Chapter 1) (Chapter 2) (Chapter 3) (Chapter 4) (Chapter 5) (Chapter 6) (Chapter 7) (Chapter 8) (Chapter 9) (Chapter 10) (Chapter 11) (Chapter 12) (Epilogue)

Across Time- (Chapter 1) (Chapter 2) (Chapter 3)(Chapter 4) (Chapter 5) (Chapter 6) (Chapter 7) (Chapter 8) (Chapter 9) (Chapter 10) (Chapter 11) (Chapter 12) (Chapter 13) (Chapter 14) (Chapter 15)(Chapter 16)

Berries- One Shot

Yuletide Joy- One Shot

Elendil

Together in Grief - One Shot

A Grave Homecoming- One shot

The Valar's Blessing - One Shot

Summer Rain- Ask

Cargo Barrels - One Shot

Errands- Ask

The Banks of Edhellond- Ask

Gil Galad

The Weight of the Weary - One Shot

Lovely Thorn (Part 1 ) (Part 2 )

An Unexpected Joy- One Shot

Royal Duties- One Shot

Beside You - One Shot

Celebrimbor

An Artist's Gaze- One shot

Lemon Cakes and a Melody- One Shot

Male Reader- Ask

The Princess of Lindon- One Shot

Steel and Song- Ask

Lord of the Rings

Faramir

Ask

The Hobbit

Thorin Oakenshield

A Song of Home- One Shot

Public Relations(hips)- One Shot

House of the Dragon

Cregan Stark

The North / Part 2/

Game of Thrones

Benjen Stark

The Ranger and the Wildling

[theconstellationprincess]

Whumptober Day 16: Wound Cleaning

Celebrimbor injures himself in the forge, and Elrond decides to help him out. Elrond and Celebrimbor figure out that elves copy mannerisms from their relatives, though it can be painful to see.

-

Elrond clicks his tongue as he assesses the burn, holding Celebrimbor's arm gently, careful to not cause any more harm. "It's deep," Elrond says into the quiet air of the forge, sparing a quick glance to Celebrimbor before refocusing on the burn. "I will dress it with a salve, which should help with the pain. It won't take more than a week or two to finish healing."

Celebrimbor hums, and Elrond releases his arm with a clearing of his throat. No longer able to focus on the wound, he looks towards the Lord of Eregion, feeling slightly anxious. Celebrimbor had several healers on staff, ones that likely had far more training and experience than Elrond, and yet when he had gotten burned, he did not go to them. Celebrimbor does not look like his is in too much pain, which is good. His face is not set in a grimace, no furrow between his brows, and there are no tears in his eyes- in fact, Celebrimbor is giving Elrond a smile. "Thank you," Celebrimbor says softly, making to stand up. Elrond backs up to give him space, and stands as well, fidgeting with the sleeves for a moment.

"I will return shortly with the salve and bandages," Elrond says suddenly, because he desperately needs out of this forge, away from Celebrimbor's softening gaze and kind smile. He is down the stairs and out the doors before his lord can get in a word, not quite running but certainly rushing, back to his room. He can hear his heart, lodged in his throat as he collects the dried plants and herbs he has with him. He knows why he is anxious around Celebrimbor more often than the other elf lords he knows. Not only does he worry about making a fool out of himself politically, but Celebrimbor is part of his family, the only living connection he has to Maedhros and Maglor, and he desperately wants Celebrimbor to approve of him.

In Celebrimbor's smiles, his moments of calm and rationality that pull Elrond from spiraling thoughts, the way he looks at Elrond- soft, gentle, protective- Elrond sees his fathers. He was still a child when he saw them last, but he carries the memories of them close in his heart and recalls all the details of them as often as he can, lest he forget anything. To lose his memories of them, his knowledge of how they loved him, every little way, would be like losing his heart itself.

The salve is easy to make, muscle memory taking over as Elrond wanders in his thoughts. Celebrimbor seemed to have mostly painful memories of his family, and Elrond does not wish to cause him pain so he has yet to broach the subject, but there is an itch under his skin that desires to know each and every one of Celebrimbor's memories of them. There is so much he does not about them, and he longs for a chance to reunite with them, hope still present in his heart that he may one day meet Maglor again, for there are rumors that he wanders Middle Earth still.

The pestle in his hands is trembling, so he sets it down and sets a lid over the ceramic container he had made the salve in. Short, choppy breaths fall from his lips as he graps the salve and collects some bandages that he had brought with him. Elrond is used to getting minor injuries, he is more fragile than the average elf, with his being peredhel, and so always ensures that he has the necessary medical supplies to dress small wounds.

The walk back to the forge seems to stretch on, as though the Valar want to give him more time to grow anxious about attending to Celebrimbor. What if he injures him? Elrond could never forgive himself if he were to harm Celebrimbor. He has failed the descendants of Feanor far too many times already to fail Celebrimbor too. He had not been able to help Maedhros and Maglor when the oath had gotten worse, or at least not help enough so that they would not feel the need to leave him and Elros behind.

The doors of the forge appear in front of him, suddenly, and Elrond hesitates- just for a moment, the length of the sharp inhale he takes- and steps inside. It is quiet, and Elrond cringes at the way his steps echo in the large room as he approaches Celebrimbor. The smith has not moved from his spot, greeting Elrond with a small smile, one that is startlingly similar to Maglor- one that spoke of tiredness but genuine joy to see the person it is given too.

"You looked like Maglor, for a moment there." Elrond says before he can stop himself, the words spill out of him outside of his control. He stiffens, opening his mouth to apologize but Celebrimbor speaks first. Elrond scans his face, looking for any signs of pain or upset, but finds fondness instead.

"Did I really?" Celebrimbor asks, lips curled up as he looks towards Elrond with sparkling eyes. "It would not be the first time we were compared, but it has been a long time since anyone has said it, let alone kindly." There is a true joy on Celebrimbor's face, so Elrond cannot do anything but nod, breath catching in his chest.

"You did," Elrond confirms, looking away before he speaks more and makes a fool of himself. He sets down the salve and bandages, reaching out for Celebrimbor's arm but pausing before he makes contact. "May I?" He asks quietly, swallowing down the lump in his throat when Celebrimbor looks at him and all he can see are his foster fathers, suffering through Elrond's beginner healing skills and they got any sort of minor injury.

"Go ahead," Celebrimbor hums, and Elrond can feel his gaze as he carefully applies the salve and wraps the injury. It is simple, and he can almost forget that he is treating Lord Celebrimbor of Eregion, the last living blood descendant of Feanor. "Thank you." Celebrimbor tells him with a smile as Elrond finishes and steps back, looking over the now bandaged injury.

"It is no trouble. I must admit, it is flattering that you asked me to help you." Elrond laughs a bit, trying to force himself to relax and calm down. Celebrimbor has been nothing but kind to him during his stay in Eregion, that will not change now. Celebrimbor laughs as well, but it is tinged with sadness, much to Elrond's immediate concern.

"When I was young," Celebrimbor begins, shifting his gaze towards the window and fidgeting with his sleeves, "My father was not often around. He was busy, you see, with a great variety of things that are not limited to the oath. I got very close with my uncles, because at least one of them was always around, and I have a fond memory of my uncle Maglor helping me after I had scraped myself. I had thought that perhaps you might heal as he did, and you did not disappoint." Celebrimbor gave a wet laugh, wiping at his eyes and giving Elrond another smile.

Elrond can feel the wetness on his face as he starts to cry too, blinking rapidly as he stands in front of Celebrimbor. "Thank you," He replies in a hoarse voice, choked by tears. He gives Celebrimbor a smile back, because to know that at the very least, one of his father's is so deeply intertwined in his craft, his healing, is a very soothing knowledge indeed.

[askereiniongilgalad]

🎶 “Tunes of the Storm” 🎶

Ah, Galadriel, my stormbringer extraordinaire… you are a force of nature. Between your endless quests and your ability to turn every casual stroll into an epic saga, life around you is pure chaos. Just once—just once—can we take a break? 🌪️🙏✨ My top picks: 1. “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen Valinor tried, I tried… we all know how that went.

2. “Thunder” – Imagine Dragons Loud, unstoppable, and just a bit terrifying.

3. “My Way” – Frank Sinatra Could it ever be any other way?

---------------------------------------------------------- The Complete List:

1. “Vengeance” – Zack Hemsey For the oath you’ve turned into a Middle-earth’s production.

2. “Roar” – Katy Perry Galadriel, you don’t enter rooms—you storm them. 3. “Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes Because to stop Sauron… seven armies might just be your warm-up. 

4. “Bad Reputation” – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts Worn proudly, like your armor. And somehow, I’m the one defending it in council. 5. “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen If Valinor couldn’t stop you, what hope do I have? 6. “How Far I’ll Go” – Alessia Cara You’d cross oceans to prove a point (literally). 7. “Demons” – Imagine Dragons Because you didn’t just come back—you brought Sauron along for the ride (unknowingly, of course).

8. “Fight Song” – Rachel Platten You don’t just pick fights—you wage wars.

9. “We Didn’t Start the Fire” – Billy Joel But you definitely helped to it, didn’t you?! 10. “Here I Go Again” – Whitesnake That’s for me.

11. “Defying Gravity” – Idina Menzel Suggestions? Rules? Orders? You're above all that. (Elrond strangely, I’m thinking about you too. ⛰️) 12. “Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift Because the Halbrand... it was a storm of epic proportions. 13. “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele Thanks for dragging us all in!

14. “Shut Up and Dance” – Walk the Moon At this point, I’d settle for anything that makes her stop.

15. “Unstoppable” – Sia Or not.. 16. “No Tears Left to Cry” – Ariana Grande Me: “Take a break.” Galadriel: “What’s a break?” 17. "Thunder” – Imagine Dragons When you went full storm on Sauron, and the rest of us just tried to keep up. 18. “The Fall” – Imagine Dragons Because nothing wraps up an epic battle like falling off a cliff. (@ Elrond) 19. “I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor And somehow you just rise like it was all part of the plan.

20. “My Way” – Frank Sinatra Your anthem. Your legacy. Always, always your way.

P.S. Galadriel,

I admire your drive, truly, but please, for the love of the Valar, just relax, and take a nap.

With exasperated respect, (and a side of please don’t stab me)

Gil-galad 👑✨

[riding-with-the-wild-hunt]

"Estë the gentle, healer of hurts and of weariness, is [Irmo's] spouse. Grey is her raiment; and rest is her gift. She walks not by day, but sleeps upon an island in the tree-shadowed lake of Lórellin. From the fountains of Irmo and Estë all those who dwell in Valinor draw refreshment; and often the Valar come themselves to Lórien and there find repose and easing of the burden of Arda." - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion, "Valaquenta"

@ainurweek day 6 ⇢ ESTË

[ID: a picspam comprised of 16 images in shades of green.

1: Looloo, an east asian model with light skin and long, straight black hair. She is lying in shallow water and twisting over her shoulder to look up. She wears sheer green and white clothes / 2: Koi of various colors swimming in a pond / 3: Pale green and white text reads "estë" in all caps, with "the gentle" in light green cursive below on to the right. The background is a slightly darker shade of green / 4: A white water lily blooming among lily pads / 5: A bird sitting on a pale-skinned person's outstretched hand / 6: A person wearing light green hanfu / 7: A night sky filled with stars and the clouds of a nebula / 8: A stone walkway in a garden / 9: Two pale hands holding a birds nest filled with two white eggs / 10: A white moth with translucent wings perched on a green leaf / 11: A pagoda in the middle of a lake / 12: Tree branches in mist / 13: Stalks of bamboo / 14: Same text and format as Image 3 / 15: A fountain in a topiary garden / 16: Looloo, seen from the back, wearing a purple off-the-shoulders dress and looking to the side. Water and tree branches are visible beyond her //End ID]

[thephoenixandthecrocodile]

Things I love about Season 2 of Rings of Power So Far – in no particular order

1. The entire beginning of episode 1

a. Love Sauron in his fair form off his game and a little shaken

b. Love Adar growing increasingly fed up with Sauron’s bullshit

c. Love the Ides of March moment

d. Love goo Sauron – love his little sigh. That’s me every morning when I wake up

2. Love that Sauron was always a shit and stole the badge instead of saving that guy

3. Love the Elrond-Galadriel brother-sister dynamic and poor Gil-galad caught in the middle

4. Love the Ahhh! Gil-Galad lets out when hearing that Sauron is back

5. Love Elrond jumping off the cliff. Worked for Mom (kinda) should work for me

6. I really want whatever the hell Cirdan is on

a. Also Ben Daniels is AMAZING!

7. Love that Gil-Galad gets to shine more as the grumpy, sassy, weary elf-king this season. Also love that no one is letting Galadriel get away with her bullshit from last season (and I loved Galadriel last season). Actions has consequences, even for elves.

8. YOU HAD ONE JOB, CIRDAN!

9. Why does no one ever listen to Elrond?

10. Sam Hazeldine is doing an amazing job with a tough job. I will always love Joseph Mawle’s take on Adar and he’ll always be MY Adar, but Sam is going an amazing job taking all the groundwork laid by Mawle and then adding his own spin

11. I know the internet is losing its mind over Orc families, but I LOVE the complication these writers are adding to the Orc lore (as well as Sauron’s arc). Even in Return of the King, the Orcs were shown to have their own personalities and weren’t exactly excited about attacking Gondor again. Even in Two Towers, we see the different personalities of Uruk-hai and the Morder Orcs, so it only makes sense to flesh that out further. It adds such an amazing dimension to Adar’s character and the Orcs he cares for and makes us realize that nothing in Tolkien’s world is black and white.

a. Also, also, I love that these writers embrace the fact that Elves are not impartial and they’re hypocritical bastards haha. Of course, they say dwarves and men are covetous and can’t be trusted. Of course, Orcs are irredeemable. To suggest otherwise would jeopardize their own world view. And the Elves have never been covetous or committed genocide for stupid gems. Nope, not ever.

b. Also, also, also love the idea that the Orcs are doomed because they’re convinced Eru will never forgive them, even if they were to ask for it. Such an interesting dilemma to add to the lore. I mean even Sauron considered asking for forgiveness but didn’t because of his pride. If the Valar forgave Morgoth once, and potentially considered pardoning Sauron, who says they wouldn’t forgive the creatures he and Morgoth twisted/corrupted/made?

12. Love Sauron “befriending” the warg. See even the Dark Lord likes dog.

13. Goodbye Waldreg, no one will miss you.

14. Who knew Benjamin Walker had such a nice voice?

15. I’m so surprised Elrond didn’t just completely lose it and go all rabid animal when Cirdan brought back the rings.

16. It’s so funny that this version of Galadriel gets a ring of power. Out of all the Elves to get one, she’s on the bottom of my list. At least make sure she’s Sauron free first.

17. DISA YOU ARE MY QUEEN AND GODDESS!!!

18. LOVE the dwarves.

19. “You don’t have to make this harder than it already is” YES I DO BITCH BECAUSE YOU’RE BEING A STUBBORN GOAT

20. Love that Disa can call out both her father-in-liaw (and king) and her husband for being jackasses

21. Also Durin III stop being a jackass and go apologize to your son, right now

22. Resonating is still so fucking awesome

23. Love the agricultural in Khazad dum

24. I know I was the odd man out because I didn’t mind the Harfoots last season, but I really adore the Stranger’s relationship with Nori.

25. I REALLY hope the Stranger is a blue wizard, but either way I love how Daniel Weyman plays a wizard. And it’s nice he can talk this season and we get a sense of his humor and sass.

26. “Further, Nori” *sigh of exasperation*

27. I have no idea who the hell this evil wizard is nor who the hell his moth minions are, but I love them. They’re so weird.

28. This guy better NOT be Saruman. -_-

29. Poppy! My lesbian Harfoots are reunited!

30. Celebrimbor *sigh* oh, Celebrimbor

31. Elrond “sand the anger away, Sand the anger away.”

32. LOVE the look Galadriel gives Elrond when he calls her out about NOT being manipulated. “He gave you everything you wanted”. True, but also damn, haha.

33. Seriously, I NEED whatever drug Cirdan is smoking.

34. Also love how in this show “yeah, let’s give the rings a try. What’s the worst that can happen” and in LOTR it’s “NO! DO NOT TRUTST THE RING! DESTROY IT ASAP”

35. I can’t believe Halbrand made it rain just so he can look more like a pathetic cat

36. Ok, that umbrella is ridiculous and super impractical.

37. Celebrimbor, honey, the whole “I won’t stay where I’m not wanted” is the oldest trick in the manipulator’s handbook.

38. I love the rollercoaster Celebrimbor goes on as Halbrand “confesses” that he’s not really a man. The utter confusion but also concern, like “my god is this man having a mental breakdown in my forge? And right when I was about to open a bottle of first age wine. Where’s Galadriel when I need her? She should be taking care of her pet human, not me.”

39. NOT THE FIRST AGE WINE!!!

40. I LOVE the reveal of Annatar. It was so over the time and beautiful and so religious. No notes. Absolutely perfect.

41. I was never on team silvergifting, but this show has converted me.

42. Also Charlie Vickers and Charles Edwards are giving their ALL in these scenes

43. Love that Celebrimbor is like “ew, no, we can’t give men rings” but when Annatar tells him that Gil-Galad “doesn’t trust the dwarves” Celebrimbor takes it so personally. Like I think it’s because he’s annoyed with Gil-Galad and he wants to control his own forge, but it also sounds like he’s offended that Gil-Galad would insult his new dwarf buddies (who helped him build the new forge to begin with).

44. Durin proving himself the wisest of all peoples (not just dwarves) when he calls Annatar out on his bullshit

45. “Elrond would never say such nice things about me.”

46. Also love all the clever insults and phrases the dwarves have.

47. I’m still very angry with Durin III but I felt that line, “Miner’s punches hurt” “Just wait until your children grow up.”

48. ALSO, Durin III you bastard, your son tells you he DOESN’T trust the rings and you decide, “yeah, let me try out these rings” -_-

a. Also, yes, Celebrimbor and Annatar fucked before, during, and after making the dwarven rings.

49. Oh, Isildur, you disaster child.

a. Again, I might be in the minority here, but I LOVE what they’re doing with Isildur’s character – the perpetual screw-up, the one who tries so hard but can’t do anything right, the character who’s constantly trying to prove himself in a family that is already overly impressive. Makes his final fate just that more tragic.

50. Spider babies. Spider babies. Spider babies.

a. Reminded me of the facehugger birthing scenes from the Aliens franchise for some reason.

51. Super Berek! Here to save the day

52. So, I guess all the men in Aragorn’s bloodline were saved by their horses at least once. Good to know.

53. LOVE the entire ridiculous exchange between Isildur and Estrid.

54. God damn it, Isildur, don’t go to the funeral, save Berek!

55. ☹ Poor Arondir. RIP Bronwyn.

56. Fucking Theo

57. God damn it Arondir, maybe look around next time before telling one kid his family will be reunited in front of the one kid who’s lost his entire family XD

58. “Men can’t build things like that” ☹

59. So, Theo is going to be Isildur’s right hand man and/or will be a ringwraith, right?

60. Operation rescue Berek!

61. Ents? Are those Ents?

62. MIRIEL MY OTHER GODDESS AND QUEEN!!!

63. My brother and I when that woman slapped Miriel: “OFF TO JAIL WITH YOU!”

64. Fucking Earien. Kemen is soooo not worth it

65. Fucking Pharazon.

a. ALSO, love how the writers captured men’s creepy behavior around women in power, especially if they’re “not perfect”. Like when Miriel’s father was alive Pharazon was somewhat respectful around her, but my god that scene in her bedroom? So disgusting and creepy. AND fucking Kemen, “she was blinded while fighting Orcs and surviving a massive eruption. She can’t be queen now” Bitch you couldn’t even sabotage a handful of boats by yourself.

66. Also, also, I know everyone loves Haladriel, but can we talk about the other idiotic couple pining over each other: Elendil and Miriel? Love their dynamic sooooo much.

67. Ok Miriel’s coronation dress is GORGEOUS!

68. That poor eagle was so fucking confused. Like I came here for Miriel, not sure what you all are doing. Ok, this is awkward, I’m flying away now.

[annabthesolitarywriter]

TOLKIEN OC WEEK 2024-DAY 3

Prompt: Alternate Universes

Title: An arranged marriage

(Pairing=> Faramir x OC)

!MAJOR SPOILERS FOR MY MAIN WIP THE LADY OF ITHILIEN!

(link in general masterlist)

Synopsis/Context:

Year 16 of the Fourth Age of the Sun.

The Steward of Gondor takes a new wife. Éowyn of Rohan—his first wife and mother of his daughter Elenna—lies entombed in her native land, as she died giving birth to their son Elboron five years prior. Despite her heroic actions during the War, the Lady of the Shield-Arm had always been looked down upon by her Gondorians contemporaries and her daughter, who happens to be betrothed to Crown Prince Eldarion, has been subjected to mockery, derision and even physical abuse (often due to jealousy) because of her mother's perceived inferior status. Gondorians deeply despise the people of the Riddermark and Elenna is worried her brother—Éowyn's spitting image—might one day be treated even worse than she is. In her mind, Elboron needs a new mother. A Gondorian mother. She and King Elessar arrange Faramir's marriage to Finduilas, daughter of Angbor the Fearless, lord of Lamedon. Faramir and his new bride have barely spoken to one another and Angbor only accepts Aragorn's arrangement because he opines his daughter needs to marry (she had previously rejected all of her suitors and, at nearly thirty, is still unmarried which is cause of great shame in Gondorian society). Angbor sees this as a golden opportunity, a blessing from the Valar and the two of them are betrothed at once.

They don't know one another and they don't love one another. Faramir is still in love with his late wife and only accepts to marry Finduilas for his children's sake.

Here is an edit which sums up the circumstances of their union.

This is how I imagine them to be on their wedding day. A pretty miserable affair. She's attracted to him but she's afraid she won't make him happy and he's deeply unhappy because he is essentially getting married against his will.

They will eventually fall in love (though I suppose Faramir will always be in love with Éowyn) and will have two children, Faelivrin (named after her mother and grandmother) and Eradan. [Both of them are OCs].

I like to think of Finduilas as a slightly more refined version of Éowyn. Sophisticated, educated but also fierce and headstrong.

Here is a solo Finduilas edit/moodboard.

The silver dress you can kind of see in the moodboard is how I imagine her wedding gown to be like.

Fancast is Laura Berlin from the tv show Vikings: Valhalla.

The Lamedon banner and the one of Minas Tirith, which I used them in the first edit. You can see them in their entirety down below.

I really like the colors and I think they complement each other pretty well.

Additional tags:

@tolkienocweek

@lucifers-legions

@emmanuellececchi

@saurongorthaur9

@evenstaredits

@a-world-of-whimsy-5

@cilil

Since I plan to be writing about them very shortly in my main wip The Lady of Ithilien, I thought I would share a few edits and keep what I have written for the actual fanfic. 😊

I think it's reasonable. Thank you for checking out this post and please let me know what you think!

[eri-pl]

Valar and Valier pageant polls: results

(I hope I'm using the word "pageant" right)

Guys on the inside; one pie chart so that the difference in "other" answers shows nicely:

The guys got 113 people voting, the gals got 127. Pretty equal.

The ladies also got slightly more of "impossible to answer", which is kind of fair, as they all have full shapeshift, and I let Melkor enter the poll for guys and he's got no shapeshift in later part of the Silm (because glowing gems that deal you constant holy damage to your forehead was a great idea apparently), so it's different.

The ladies also got significantly higher % of "I disagree with the idea of this poll" (16.5% to 7.15) which, with how the society looks at women's looks, is understandable.

The winners!

Melkor got 24 votes (21.2%). Varda got 32 votes (25.2%). No, Melkor, this doesn't mean you get to dance with her. Second place: Irmo and Orome (each 11 votes / 9.7%); Vana (16 / 12.6%… I'm surprised she didn't win tbh), third place Yavanna (10 / 7.9%).

I will (hopefully) made another post, comparing this results to likeability and prayability (from previous polls).

Details

Valar:

Aule: 4 votes.

Irmo | Lorien: 11 votes.

Manwe: 10 votes.

Melkor: 24 votes.

Namo | Mandos: 9 votes.

Orome: 11 votes.Tulkas: 7 votes.Ulmo: 1 votes.

impossible to answer: 28 votes.

I disagree: 8 votes.

Valier:

Este: 1 votes.

Nessa: 3 votes.

Nienna: 5 votes.

Vaire: 2 votes.

Vana: 16 votes.

Varda: 32 votes.

Yavanna: 10 votes.

impossible to answer: 37 votes.

I disagree: 21 votes.

Couples (+ a lot of my personal bias ;) ):

Manwe & Varda: She's the prettier one. Also, she's cool. And still, she chose Manwe over his brother, because personality. <3 Also, they are the prettieest couple.

Aule & Yavanna: She's the prettier one. but I would say Aule has better character. Yes, despite the dwarves situation. Anyway, they need some couples therapy.

Namo & Vaire: She got almost no votes. oO anyway, none of them would be interested at all in socializing.

Irmo & Este: He is way, way more handsome. A rare situation in the legendarium, where the guy is the cool one and they don't end up in a tragedy. :)

Tulkas & Nessa: He got more votes. But I'm pretty sure he would punch you if you said Nessa isn't pretty.

Orome & Vana: She got more votes but not by much. Also, they don't win the voting, but for me, they are the prettiest. And per the votes, they're the second-prettiest couple. Even if Orome is the worst of all legit Valar, and Vana is just mini-Yavanna minus the complaining.

[saephrond]

12, 16, and 29 for the oc ask game pls :D

Thank you so much for these questions. They're some of the things I haven't quite hashed out yet, so you've given me a reason to think about them.

12) how long have they been around? do you know their birthday? is their birthday the day you made them or another day? what do they think of celebrating birthdays?

I created Saeph in early 2021, so he's been around for a little while (he's almost 4). As a high elf from Nargothrond, I had to think a little bit about his actual age. I've decided that he was born in F. A. 113, so that would put him at around 6,936 years old at the time of FotR. His birthday is some time in the Spring, possibly in late March. Not the day I made him, because I feel like he deserves a more original story than that, but not any specific day because I don't think he even knows exactly what day he was born. He loves celebrating everyone else's birthdays, but doesn't care for his own because that involves drudging up memories of happier times spent with friends who are no longer with him. And thinking about the past really pisses him off, regarding Eru's & the Valar's refusal to intervene in literally anything.

16) do they have any pets? what do they call their pets?

Saeph has a few pets. Dumpling, his tri-colour cat, who he takes with him everywhere. She is his most beloved, along with Jeri the emotional support pheasant. There's Jinglejangles, the festive Yule goat who he brings to Winter-home with him. Doomhoof, who accompanies him during Harvestmath. Blackberry, the amazing black peacock Saeph adopted, after it chased him all the way from Thorin's gate to Duillond. And his brown house cat, Walter. He has other pets, including a few chickens. But these are the ones that are special to him.

29) are they associated with any particular element (air, earth, fire, water)?

He most associates with the earth element. Quite grounded. Earth represents growth and exploration. This mirrors how Saeph plants himself in experiences and grows through them, whether it be in the beauty of Arda or in his friendships. Though he's a high elf, he embraces more worldly joys, like food and companionship, and prioritises authenticity and connection over phoney displays of ego and grandeur. He feels peace in nature's embrace and taking part in the simple things, like stopping to admire a flower’s bloom, tracing the unique patterns of bark on trees, or letting a cool breeze carry away his thoughts. Nature is his muse, just as much as forming bonds with his steeds and pet companions is. His deep connection to these animals conveys his respect for the earth's gifts, as they teach him patience, loyalty, and deep trust. Steady, nurturing, and endlessly curious. -- These are the things that tie him to the earth. He is forever growing, yet firmly rooted in the world around him.

[elronds-library]

On the right to divorce

by leodesic (@elvinye)

Part 16 of On Elrond Peredhel

Belatedly, Irissë realised she ought not have feared that Elrond may not be Fëanorian enough to risk defying the Valar to help her. He was too Fëanorian by half. Even after her release from the Halls of Mandos, Irissë is haunted by a marriage she cannot escape. Eventually, she learns of a healer who may be able to help her -- if she can get over her fear of visiting a Sinda living in an enchanted valley.

Teen, Rape/Non-Con

Words: 8,156

[eilinelsghost]

WIP Wednesday!

Thanks to @welcomingdisaster, @searchingforserendipity25, and @sallysavestheday for the tags! Well I am in full WIP-despair at the moment since we are nearly at month 3 of plodding/struggling/suffering away at Atandil 16, which steadfastly refuses to cooperate. However. A snippet:

The kessela glared in accusation from the other’s hand. Balan was not a loophole, nor his love some strategy to slip past custom. If he was to yield, Finrod knew, he would kindle like dried grass before the wildfire and any intention to make trial of an affair would burn away at once in the press of the other’s skin, the taste of his lips. Oh Valar, how was he to hold when all his desire was to be consumed in the blaze? “I am glad for them.” Balan’s voice was quiet, but it shivered nonetheless through Nóm’s flesh. “And I. Long years has Sídhon dwelt in solitude and my heart rejoices to see him so at peace.” Finrod clasped his hands against the previous impulse and focused on the intricate patterns of the dance—that he might not dwell on the warmth of the other’s eyes, the scent of cedarwood oil that hung about him. “You look well,” he allowed himself at last, shifting to the other’s tongue. “Do I?” The resulting laugh was mirthless and there was a brief flash of fury as Balan’s glance met his own. “Then I’ve more guile than I’ve been told.”

Tagging @thelordofgifs, @melestasflight, @that-angry-noldo, @thescrapwitch, @polutrope if it sounds fun - and if y'all haven't already been tagged for this!

[polutrope]

2,7,8,15,16 for the character ask game: Finwe

😃

2. Favorite canon thing about this character?

First of his House to 1v1 Morgoth: "But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Feanor, and there he slew Finwe King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwe alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark."

Also this from Nature of Middle-earth:

During Oromë’s absence his emissaries were busy, and many lies circulate. The “heresy” awakes in new form: the Valar clearly do exist; but they have abandoned Endor: rightly as the appointed realm of the Quendi. Now they are becoming jealous, and wish to control the Quendi as vassals, and so re-possess themselves of Endor. Finwë, a gallant and adventurous young quende, direct descendant of Tata (therefore 25th gen.), is much taken by these ideas; less so his friend Elwë, descendant of Enel.) Ch. XIII, 'Key Dates'

There are so many good characterisation nuggets about Finwe in NoMe, but his heretical leanings have to be my favourite. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

7. What's something the fandom does when it comes to this character that you like?

Does the fandom as a whole do anything with Finwe, besides laugh at him and blame him for everything? These things are easy to do, and I have done both, but in seriousness I really appreciate any time someone gets imaginative about what underlies his faults. I am once again rec'ing @cuarthol, this time Unkinged.

8. What's something the fandom does when it comes to this character that you despise?

I feel like this is answered between the lines above.

15. What's your favorite ship for this character? (Doesn't matter if it's canon or not.)

It's gotta be Miriel. Some great tidbits on them in NoMe, also. Later in the same chapter quoted above:

Ingwë, Finwë, and Elwë arrive in Valinor. They are indeed dazzled and overawed. Finwë (with “heretical” leanings) is most converted, and ardent for acceptance. (He has a lover, Míriel, who is devoted to crafts, and he longs for her to have the marvellous chance of learning new skills.)

He wants to go to Aman so his girlfriend can pursue her passion!! He's such a disaster wifeguy.

Speaking of disaster wifeguys, Elwe/Finwe is so underrated.

16. What's your least favorite ship for this character?

Indis! -- Feanor, no! Can't think of one I have Issues with. Not seeking out the parent/child stuff myself but I do See where people are coming from with that. I mean... yeeeeah.

Thank you for the ask! Character ask game.

[discet]

Have you ever played a game called Sea of Stars?

I have! I have some complicated feelings on it

So First off, this game is absolutely gorgeous. The sprite art style that they used throughout the world is a love letter to the 16-bit era while taking advantage of modern tech to make it even better. It's that thing that some independent games manage to do, where it looks like the old games felt even though if you set them aside by side, it is much better.

Mechanically I also had a BLAST with this game. It's core battle system is fun and has a deceptive amount of depth to it. It also utilizes the Paper Mario style of 'every attack and ability is also a mini game' that I have always loved. Traditional JRPG's tend to make me zone out during combat but Sea of Stars had been turned into almost every encounter. The progression always made me feel like I was getting more powerful without ever making the encounters ahead feel trivial.

In addition to all that, this game is clearly a love letter to Chrono Trigger, in it's perspective, world design, humor and more. The world is beautifully rendered and feels like a lived in space. It is by and large a light hearted and hopeful throw back to the games of old.

All that said. The Actual Story-Telling frustrates me to no end. A lot of things work, but a lot of things really, really don't for me. While I can rant about this forever, I will focus on my frustration with the main trio. Spoilers Ahead

So this game is ostensibly about Zale, Valare, and Garl. Zale and Valere are both chosen ones imbued with the magic of the Sun and Moon and destined for greatness. Garl is their childhood friend who they are separated from traumatically after one of their misadventures ends with Garl losing an eye and his two friends being dragged away for training in isolation for their futures as chosen ones.

They don't see each other for years. Now, trope-savvy girl like me was expecting for Garl to reappear as a rival to the heroes, bitter after losing an eye and being told he couldn't cling to his friends.

BUT NO. Like, within hours of the pair being released from their training to Do The Plot, Garl shows up, scarred eye and all and insists on joining them to support them in their adventure. And its just cute and wholesome and he's an endless well of positivity and lightheartedness in the story. I know some people found him annoying, but I loved Garl. He is just so genuinely enthusiastic about the world and its mysteries that it was contagious.

Unfortunately, Zale and Valere, by comparison, are pretty flat characters. They are both fairly stoic, serious minded adventurers who have basically the same dynamic with Garl. In most conversations they will respond exactly the same. Mechanically their kits cover very different bases in the combat system, but as characters, they have the same personality.

That said, my love of Garl, and the gameplay carried me past all that.

Then when Garl sacrifices himself it really actually got to me. Like, genuinely choked up. The music, the visuals, the writing really make his sacrifice feel both tragic and necessary for the story to finish.

With the desire to not let his sacrifice in vain carrying me through the last few plot beats.

Now the initial ending, is very clearly a set up for the secret ending. The big bad you've been opposing all game basically sicks his top Lieutenant on you and that's basically the final boss.

So of course you do all the end game stuff and unlock the secret ending where... Garl... doesn't die. The heroes use time stop shenanigans to basically swap Garl at the moment of his sacrifice with a shape changer you meet after his sacrifices. Which meant all that heart wrenching drama that had really genuinely gotten a reaction out of me... was all pretend. Was all acting from your shapechinging friend who just let themself be buried in a grave for a few months to keep the timeline in check. Garl was fine! He was just chilling and you get to finish the game properly now!

And that. Fucking sucked. I finished off the true final boss cause I mean I had worked hard enough for it but all of my investment had kind of drained away at that point.

The fact that several plot beats were actually in reference to the studios first release (the messenger) a game of a totally different genre and vibe to Sea of Stars, basically made the story weaker overall.

It's like. They were close. They were so close and it just lost me at the 5 yard line.

[lucigoo]

So, I'm going to make this a Masterlist of all my Hobbit fics as I write them. I'm also going to attmept to put them in some type of order. Hopefully it's easier for others to anvigate the mess that is my Tumblr lol <3

The Hobbit - All are Bilbo/Thorin unless stated otherwise Active Wips: A Home, A Pack, A Place of Love (Animal Au) Summary: Bilbo is a corgi and he has become the guardian of a traumatised little corgi pup. He has to leave their cosy home and hope for the best. For him and Frodo.

Hopefully he will find a ew place to call home, a new family for him and Frodo, hopefully they will thirve. I want you right here, where you belong:Home with us (Bilbo/Thorin, Sirius/Remus crossover) Summary: Thorin has moved to "The United Kingdoms" with his friends and family.

Follow his life as he ends up an unexpected father, Uncle and husband, and extends his family with wizards, witches, centaurs, goblins and, sadly, elves.

Bilbo stays in Erebor fics:Stop me Fading (Needs major re edtiting) Summary: Its a few weeks since BOTFA. Bilbos running around like a headless chicken, The Company are being plonkers, Thranduil and Dain are being antagonistic, Bards just a cinnamon roll and Gandalf keeps disappearing for long amounts of time (for good causes of course). There's one lonely, sad little hobbit on the plains outside of the Lonely Mountain. Bagginshield-tober (A uncomplete series) Summary: A series of fics spanning from LakeTown until Bilbo's death. Bilbo stayed in Erebor, this is his and Thorin's life. Afterlife Fics: I will join you Summary: MCD!! Bilbo sits with a dying Thorin, knowing he will join him. Dead or not, this will not be the last time he seee his beloved. A Little Drop of Rain Summary: Thorin holds his dying one in his arms. All he can do is hope he will see him again after his life is over. It was a long life and all Thorin wants is to be reunited with his hobbit. Defying Death (or at least the ones in charge) Summary: Bilbo has finally died, and now Lord Mandos wants to shove him away to Lady Yavanna's Green Gardens. Well that wont do. After all, Thorin wont be in Yavanna's gardens and Bilbo wont stay where Thorin isnt.

He's a burglar, and if he can smuggle his dwarves out from under Thranduil's nose, he can smuggle himself into Mahal's Halls under the Valar's noses, right?

Reshirement: Changeling Child (Mpreg) Summary: Thanks to his Stone headed nephews, Bilbo now has a new quest. One that needs cleverness and diplomacy. Not the reckless battle tactics of dwarrow. This is the most important quest Bilbo will ever go on, even more imprtant then facing a dragon. For the most important being in his life. Animal Au's: A Pasture Too Small for A Bovine’s World so Large Summary: Bilbo is an odd Highland Bull, so odd that he has had enough and takes Primula, Drogo and baby Frodo to find a new place. A new home.

Thorin and his family are an odd little herd of Bison. An odd herd with room for a few other strange bovines. Wait for me in the Aurora Bearalis Summary: Bilbo is a red panda, he had had a good life. He had managed to make it to 64 seasons (16 years) when most red pandas were lucky to make 40 seasons (10 years).

Thorin doesnt want to say goodbye to his little Orso but he has too, hopefully they can find one another in another life. Ive found Frodo ....and he found you? Summary: Canine distemper has stolen all of the Bagginses away apart from Bilbo and little Frodo. No he has to find his kit, who has wandered off, again, and keep them safe from "The Sick". If only he wasn't alone doing it.

Bittersweet/hopeful ending: The Last Meeting (Until Arda is Remade) Summary: Bilbo is a sad, lonely hobbit in Rivendell. What is left of The Company, his friends, his Family find him there. There are less then there should be.

This is Bilbo's last meeting with the few remaining dwarves he adores. Until they meet again, when the world is remade, hopefully. Sad Ending: The Demented King Under the Mountain Summary: TW MCD, Murder, Thorin did not beat the dragon sickness. Thorin did not defeat the Dragon-sickness and in his rage destroyed the gift he was given to cherish. “How rare and beautiful it truly is that you existed, and that you existed with me, for me" Summary: It is time for Bilbo to leave The Shire, he is going to make his way to Erebor, hopefully.

Before that, he makes his way to his oak tree, the last living thing he has that reminds him of Thorin, it is time to say goodbye. One more hour with you Summary: Bilbo doesnt want it to end, he just wants one more day, one more hour, one more minute with his beloved. He will deny the truth in front of him to get it if he has too. You Never Cared, Why Start Now? Summary: It started with the fires burning through Erebor. It will end with the fires burning through Bag End. The Last Durin Princess returns home (Gen fic, Dis-centric) Summary: The Last Durin Princess returns home, but home is a tomb. A place with ghosts. With her dead borther and her dead sons.

When home is no longer home, all it is is a place of pain and heart break. What is the last of her line supposed to do? How is she supposed to go on? You were to late Summary: Bilbo is watching the eagles fly overhead in victory. With Thorin's cooling hand in his, Bilbo isnt sure what their is to feel victorious over.

Quest Fics: Dwarrow hugs in the dark Summary: The Fell Winter wasnt just a time whe hobbits starved, it ws much worse then that. An entire generation of hobbits traumatised.

For one Bilbo Baggins, on a quest with a troop of rude dwarves, the memories become nightmares whilst on the road. Maybe waht he needs is dwarrow hugs off a dwarrow king? A heart of stone and Fire in his soul Summary: Thorin is but a ghost of a king, desperate and making stupid choices. Bilbo is a hobbit out of The Shire, trying to find his place. But he needs to keep his daft dwarven king alive to succeed. The trials and tribulations of a married hobbit (a bowman's persepctive) Summary: Bard see's a small hobbit amongst a crowd of dwarves clamouring to get on his barge. From that first glimpse he makes a friend, suprised by who his new friend has married. Follow the events from Lake Town until after from Bard's pov. Far over the Misty Mountains:A hobbit with a heart Summary: Bilbo's home is suddenly invaded by a troop of dwarves. He would be bad, should be mad, but that song ....

Modern Au's: "Bring Your Older Gays To Play" at Club Erebor Summary: Frodo had convinced Bilbo to go the event night at his favourite queer club. All Bilbo wanted to do was go home, back to his books and cup of tea. Well, that was until Mr tall, dark and sexy was pushed into him. The reason is you, the reason is him, the reason is me (Dwalin/Nori, background Bilbo/Thorin) Summary: Nori hates himself for the 4 and a half years he spent in prison. For destroying everythig good in his ife. For losing everything he had to live for.

Hes out now and hopefully he can fix his realationships and see his son again. ABC's of Avoiding Bullying and Crying (Gen fic, The Companny are all young children) Summary: Thorin is a big grown up 7 year old dwarf. Frerin is a little 5 year old dwarf who is usally bugging Thorin and his friends to play. So why didn't he bother them on this day, and who was he with? It's a good job I love you! Summary: Bilbo sees that Thorin has once again forgotten to take the rubbish out, bloody husbands, he thinks exasperated.

LOTR Fics: Akmâthu Bask:Song of the Bath (Gen Fellowship fic) Summary: During a bath by the river, Gimli starts singing Bilbo's bath song. Confusing the hobbits. It turns out that isnt the only song of The Hero of Erebor's that they sing in the Lonely Mountain. Between the forest and the sea, I leave my heart with thee - (Gen fic, Elrond-centric) Summary: Elrond is set to sail to Valinor to reunite with his wife when he has a vision. How can he leave when his he sees his precious daughter dying alone, her grief clear through time and space? Two Lives Will Be Spared This Day (Boromir/Theodred) Summary: Boromir looks into Galadriel's mirror and he doesnt like what he sees. Maybe if he makes a different choice he cna save himslef, and the love of his life.

[gracefallingart]

Works in Progress

Thank you to @perlen-gold for tagging me in the WIP posts. I am sorry it took me so long to create a response.

Art

Lord of the Rings

> Sam and Frodo (line art partial, no colors, no details)

> Pipin (line art and color done, no details)

Silmarillion

> Yvanna portrait (sketch and some color work)

> Aulë (sketch)

> Eonwë and a messenger bird (sketch)

> Mairon vs. Eonwë surrender (sketch)

> Melkor with baby dragon (sketch)

> Celegorm and Curufin (lines done, no color, no detail)

> Melkor with Grond (lines done, no color, no details)

> Valar at Creation [what the heck was I thinking! It's so many figures to have in one frame! I was way to ambitious! But it's still slowly getting improved upon.] (sketch done, lines partial)

> Eldritch Manwë (sketch done, colors done, details and his goody two shoes FACE still evades me)

> Manwë and Varda dance (ugh... not happy with parts of it... should I redo or fix it?)

> Cirdan portrait (line art and some shading done)

> Manwë portrait (mostly abandoned, line art and some shading, then I started to hate looking at it).

---- should I go back and add skin tones to my white faced portraits of Melkor, Mairon, and Ossë? ---- Help, I can not decide ---

Arcane

> Jinx and Vi (action poses... ugh. Lines done, no color, no details)

> Viktor working on an invention (base sketch)

Original Characters

> The Angry Princess (commissioned children's book illustration, only concept art finished, need to start getting serious)

> The Mermaid and her Mother (personal children's book illustration, old WIP needs reworked).

> Fox in the Hollows (book illustration that might become a Webtoon or semi-animated, a few character sketches and magical items designed).

Writing

> Poet of Consumption (a short novel about 60 pages long, hand written and needing typed and edited)

> A Collection of Woeful Tales (an anthology of about 16 short stories that all seem to end in tragedy. Hand written and needing typed up and edited.)

> A Book of Poems (about 120 poems of various lengths that need typed up and edited)

This was fun and reminded me that I have so much work to do!

[warrioreowynofrohan]

16, 17, 18, 19?

16. you can't understand why so many people like this thing (characterization, trope, headcanon, etc)

I don't vibe at all with the Fëanoreans returning from the Halls of Mandos without actually grappling with their deeds and repudiating them and being remoreseful. This includes any fic/meta about them returning and still demanding the remaining Silmaril (completely missing the point!) or getting into a power struggle over the kingship of the Noldor.

A variation on this: any fic or meta about someone dragging Maglor back to Valinor doesn't work for me. His central character flaw, to my mind, is being avoidant, not dealing with things - he knows the Kingslayings are wrong but he keeps committing them, he knows he should break the Oath rather than attack the camp of the Valar but he doesn't, and then he spends two Ages avoiding everyone. If he's going to come back, there needs to be some moment of choice on his part to change that; it can't just be Elrond or someone clonking him on the head and dragging him on a boat.

17. there should be more of this type of fic/art

More art of elderly Beren and Luthien. More art of any non-Finweans as kids/families.

18. it's absolutely criminal that the fandom has been sleeping on...

Eärendil deserves way more fans than he has, I think he's an absolutely wonderful character!

19. you're mad/ashamed/horrified you actually kind of like...

I don't really have any Silm guilty pleasures (now that I've mostly stopped feeling embarrassed/weird about my crackship), but I am mildly appalled/amused that my most popular Tolkien post on tumblr is a shitpost about Sauron, who I don't actually like! (The 'this meeting should have been an email' one.)

[yellow-faerie]

14, 16, and 22, any Tolkien OC!

Ooh thank you for the ask!! Since Ivárë has been on my mind, I think I shall answer these for her!

(Questions from this list)

14 - An embarrassing secret about your OC?

Hmmm Ivárë tends to be fairly shameless in how she presents herself so I don't know if she even has that many embarrassing secrets? She has a lot of other secrets but I can't imagine her being truly embarrassed about much at all haha

16 - How does your OC feel about their parents?

Hoo boy that's certainly a question lol. Ivárë has three - Daeron, Maglor and Cantasië, who was Maglor's wife in Valinor (and sometimes there's a fourth if I'm feeling crazy) - and she has complicated feelings about all of them lol.

She grew up in rural Wales in the early to mid 19th century and they raised her fairly secluded from society. She loves them to bits but they can be awfully controlling (mostly out of fear as to what might happen if people found out she was an elf - something they needn't have worried about too much due to the fact that she inherited slight shape shifting abilities from Daeron's Maiar blood which hides her effectively in plain sight).

It's only when she gets to Valinor that her opinions adapt. She knew very little about her history, although her parents did teach her several of their home languages, and so this is where she learns about the kinslayings and the first age and like...everything...which does sorta put a downer on any parent-child relationship.

The details of each specific relationship are not crystal clear yet but I'm planning on writing a fic about it so...that will sort itself out haha

22 - What is holding your oc back from achieving their goals?

Ooh good question - probably her own, unprocessed grief. One part of Ivárë's story is she gets swept to Valinor against her will and the Valar won't let her leave; her goal, which she comes up with at some point, is to bring peace among the people's of Valinor who have been slightly at each others' throats for literal millennia and she thinks this is pathetic (she was a nurse in the crimea, ww1 and ww2 and has no patience for people who would rather fight than talk - not that there has been any fighting in the undying lands! Just a lot of talking about it)

But her own grief sort of hinders this process and makes her bitter and passive aggressive so...she kinda needs to deal with that first lol

(some bonus Ivárë art, if anyone's interested! The hair colour changing is a Maia Blood thing)