#I LOVE ELROND SO MUCH BTW

[donsgraveyard]

I watched Lotr and the hobbit like …two months ago and only made a handful of fanart which I just remembered I made

[galadriel-blue]

A Small but Lovely Detail from The Rings Of Power That I Love Is...

The way Elrond says Galadriel's name. The way he says it is just so pretty. He speaks it so uniquely compared to the other characters and I adore how beautiful he makes it sound. I don't know, it's just something I love, and it is satisfying to hear when I watch the show. I think it's in his pronunciation, like he says every piece of her name separately but together at the same time. Does that make sense?? This might be a whole lot of my overanalyzing every tiny detail nonsense and it may be such a small thing to note, but I can't help but admire it every time I hear him say "Galadriel." I don't know if that's a weird thing to think about, but it's something that's stuck with me ever since I watched the show.

And even the way Galadriel says Elrond's name is wonderful too. You can tell how close these two are just by how they address each other each time they reunite. They are THE besties of all time and their friendship means everything to me.

If there are two things I am always going to be obsessed with it's going to be people's/character's names and people's/character's voices and/or speaking traits. I always find it fascinating.

[that-angry-noldo]

wait there’s a Beren as death au??? How did I not know about this and can I request a drabble for it pls ❤️❤️ (also congrats on the milestone am very proud to be one of the lucky 204!)

(milestone celebration!)

Don't worry you didn't know about this because i never wrote it, only mentioned it here and there

I doubted whether to start chronologically or to write a random drabble, and random drabble won. It was something I wanted to write a while ago but never got to it... hope you enjoy :)

~

"Were you there?" Elrond asked. "When Elros passed?"

The figure beside him shifted. Elrond noticed once again how bland it looked in comparision to surroundings. A simple black cape covering its shoulders, white hair, calloused hands - it looked like an old man, and, no matter how hard he tried, Elrond couldn't see anything else.

Carefully, Death picked up a duckling and it peeped, frightened. Death's eyes glided over Elrond.

"I reap every mortal soul who comes into this world," Death answered, and Elrond took a breath.

The morning was slowly regaining its right. First sunrays brushed over Death's hair.

"Was he- was he afraid?"

"You were there, Peredhil," Death said softly, caressing the duckling's feathers with his thumb. "You saw him yourself, and he talked to you, too. I don't need to tell you how he felt."

"He-"

Elrond pursed his lips. Death looked at him with tired eyes.

"He always did that," Elrond whispered finally. "Put on a brave face for me. I- I know he was in peace, and I know he made- he made his choice, but- was he- was he afraid? Deep down, did he want to live, did he-"

"He wanted to live," Death said, smiling faintly. "Of course he wanted to live. Everything alive longs to remain so for as long as possible, Peredhil."

Elrond felt a knot tying up in his throat. Death crouched near the pond and lowered the duckling on the water. It was quick to make its way to its distressed mother.

"But he wasn't afraid," Death continued. "He was... excited."

"A new journey," Elrond mumbled. "He was talking about a new journey."

"He was." Death straightened, and looked towards the West - towards the rising sun. Elrond took a deep breath.

"I am not the end, Peredhil," Death said, and smiled at him. "He is happy, if that's what matters to you. And he wishes you to be happy, too."

The duckling quacked, getting out of the pond and making its way back to Death. Elrond couldn't help but smile a bit as Death leaned down patiently and put it back into the water.

Elrond bit his lip, trying to force down his tears. "You really do love animals," he tried to laugh, hiding his sobs. Death shook his head.

"They say you take after Luthien," he grumbled. "And yet, Luthien was much more subtle in conversation changes."

"Ah - you're right. I got this from your side of the family."

Death stared at him, unimpressed, and Elrond felt himself grinning depite it all. Finally, Death rolled his eyes.

"It's an honor to be your ancestor, Peredhil," Death said. "I mean it."

"Well," Elrond smiled, "it's an honor to be your descendant, Erchamion. Though it's a great weight, too."

Death nodded, and the next moment, Elrond was alone, only mist and a distressed duckling reminding him of the past hour.

The sun was slowly rising over Rivendell. Elrond stood there for few more minutes, then turned away and headed to the city.

[kat651]

Hi,

I just reread your self harm elf posts again and was wondering if you would write something similar but with the reader being the one self harming?

Just thought I’d ask since I myself have struggled with this. If not that’s fine but I figured I’d ask

Love your writing so much btw

Elrond:

Elrond had spent the last hour searching for you. It was strange that you were able to do this to him, make him worried beyond what felt reasonable. Rivendell was a safe place. He knew that. But you always managed to make him panic. Always. 

Finally he decided to check your room. Occasionally you’d go in there during the day just to get some quiet. 

As he opened the door the sight before him caused him to gasp and tears to well up in his eyes. “Meleth, why?” He asked, briskly walking over to you and taking the knife before kneeling in front of you and gently taking your hands. “Why are you hurting yourself?” His eyes were brimmed with tears and his usual strong voice was wavering and choked. 

You didn’t answer and it felt like a punch to the gut for him. Elrond stood before lifting you out of the seat and seating you on your bed. “Don’t move I’ll be right back.” He whispered, kissing your cheek before running off. 

When Elrond returned he had everything he would need to take care of your wounds. He knelt before you and gently began to clean and wrap your wrists. When he finished he rose and sat next to you. “What’s wrong my love? Why are you doing this?”

You looked up at him for a moment before sighing and hiding your face in his chest. “It’s all too much right now. I can’t take it.” You sobbed. 

“I’m here…you don’t have to do this alone.”

Lindir:

You tried to hide it from him. but of course, being the observant person he was, he noticed. 

“Love, what happened to your wrist?” He asked, gently grabbing your hand. 

You looked away refusing to answer and it broke Lindir’s fraigile heart. He gently cupped your face and placed a kiss on your nose. 

You sighed and hugged yourself. 

“Hey… look at me…” he whispered, gently tilting your chin up. “I’m not mad. You know that… right?”

You nodded. 

Lindir put an arm around you and pulled you out of the room. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Thranduil:

When he first saw the cuts on your wrists he panicked. “Y/n, what happened? Why would you- are you ok?!” 

For a regal elf lord he sure did panic when it came to you. 

Once he calmed down enough he looked at you with sad eyes. “How long? How long have you been doing this and not telling me?”

Of course you didn’t answer which caused him to worry again. “Is it me? Am I the reason?”

You shook your head and he visibly relaxed. “I- ok…I just… I worry. A lot.”

“I know” you said, leaning against him.

Legolas:

Caught. 

Legolas had caught you red handed. Quite literally. “Y/n!” He yelled in a panic. Which of course caused tears to well in your eyes. 

“I’m sorry!” You sobbed. 

Realizing he had caused you to panic, he slowly wrapped you in his arms. “Darling what’s wrong?” He whispered as he subconsciously inspected your wrists before sliding his bag off his shoulder and digging through it with one hand until he located some bandages. “Talk to me sweetheart.” He whispered as he gently wrapped your arms. 

Haldir:

When he noticed the scars on your wrists he hesitated to say anything at first. He knew all too well that kind of pain. 

After a few days he finally spoke up. “Don’t do it again.” He said, not even looking over. 

“Do what?” You asked confused. 

Haldir grabbed your hand and slid up your shirt sleeve. “This. Don’t do it.”

You pulled away and looked at your hands. 

Haldir sighed. Emotions were hard but he needed to try. He knelt in front of you and gently took your hands. “Look at me…”

You slowly met his gaze and to your surprise there was pain etched in his eyes. “Please don’t hurt yourself. If you want to hurt someone hurt me.”

“What? No!” 

Haldir gently took your face in his hands and placed a kiss on your forehead. “Please don’t do this to yourself. I…” he paused and took a breath. “I love you too much to watch you do this… please, if you’re struggling come talk to me. I’ll listen…”

[hikarielizabethbloom]

Thoughts on the finale

I liked this season much more than the first one (which I love, btw).

Some things felt a bit rushed but I know that's because a show like The rings of power needs more than 8 eps to tell its stories but that's how what the entrainment system does now. They did very good with the time they had.

I cried, I laughed, I screamed...

Duran and Disa need to rest. It has not been an easy season for them! But I'm excited to see what will happen next season. And Durin and Elrond need to meet again and talk.

Celebrimbor and Sauron's scenes were the highlights of the season and I'm so sad Charles is leaving. Also give this man a couple of awards. He deserves it

We didn't see much of Numenors's and Elendil/Isildur's in the finale but what we saw was good. Elendil like Aragorn. We're going to Meet Anarion next season. Isildur is coming home. And poor Eärien she was just trying to easy her pain and save her father.

Elrond is me, I'm Elrond. This broke me.

Watching the destruction of Eregion was painful but expected.

Adar, my beloved. You will be missed... I can't express how much.

I love them. This is everything I wanted for them... And they delivered. I will be talking about this for years...

Gandalf!!! Brief note. Gandalf and Nori's relationship is so sweet and tender.

Galadriel got engaged, again.

Arondir joined the big girls club now and I'm so here for this! You don't understand how much I love him, and how much I crave for a friendship between him and Galadriel. Also loved the moment where Gil-galad was there trying to formulate a plan and he was like 'Cool, cool, but Commander, what do YOU think we should do?'

[greenleaf4stuff]

Jumping off from this post about Adar's fighting with Elrond at the end of s2e7, because I had some exchanges in the replies about Adar's sword and wanted to elaborate:

(picture credit: Middle-Earth Weapons for a New Age forming deadly characters, a great article that has some interesting bits about Adar's sword too - also notice the 'wavy' handle in the left pic for example!)

Sadly, we see don't see Adar use his sword very much in the series - even him stabbing Arondir is not explicitly shown. It would have been so cool to see him use it in battle. First of all to see the skill with the blade he has built up over the centuries, and how he wields such a big weapon, but also in contrast to Sauron.

Sauron gets the sword at the end of episode 8 - he immediately fights with it, seems to wield/master it easily, and uses it very successfully in his battle against Galadriel. He even uses the sword in combination with Morgoth's crown!

Questions I am asking myself:

Would Adar have looked like he needed effort to swing that sword? Would he have been slow/heavy with it but very powerful, or graceful and quick like Sauron? What kind of fighting style would he have favored, how would it have compared to Sauron’s? Would there have been similarities or differences in their styles (practical vs graceful)? What could those have told us sth about their shared past (one seeing the other train/being trained, did the sword once belong to Sauron or was it always Adar's)?

This would have not only been very cool to look at, but - as I mentioned in the replies to the other post - help in character building; it would say a lot about their respective physical strength if Adar had a harder time swinging it than Sauron for example, or if Adar used very precise, practical movements to show it is all about survival for him vs Sauron 'playing with his food'.

I felt it aspect was sadly underused in that regard – I am not even sure the sword has a name atm. (I suppose, in a sense, it's fitting when compared to its owner - we as viewers never find out Adar's original name either, so the owner of the sword and the blade itself being 'nameless' kinda makes sense?) (It is still kinda feels unsatisfying though.)

I only hope we find out more about the sword, even if it will feel like a mockery when Sauron keeps and uses it, but I’d love it if the series dove into its history, name, and origins more.

(thx guys for encouraging me to post this and the talks in the replies of the other post btw <3)

[ailendolin]

Live Reaction to TRoP 2x05

lovely transition there right at the beginning from the mountain to the ring

speaking of rings, I think the rough design suits the dwarven rings very well but I still wish the elven rings looked more elegant

the rings are whispering! This is not good

Durin is still being highly skeptical, I see. I love him so much. He and Elrond need to meet up asap so they can bitch about their people not listening to them together

foundation wall, huh? Whatever could go wrong?

okay, nothing this time, I suppose. But this is how they're eventually going to get in trouble with the Balrog, isn't it? Because of the ring

"Khazad!" "Dûm!" Literal chills there

Celebrimbor! I've missed you!

Lol not Mirdania giving Annatar a little pat on the back

Doors of Durin my beloved! Such an iconic part of Middle-Earth!

I love the easy friendship between the elves and the dwarves, the gentle teasing. Different times, just as Gandalf said

oh and now Celebrimbor is patting his arm and look, Annatar is reacting to it. Interesting

btw there is something so tragic about Celebrimbor and Annatar's scenes because you can clearly see how Annatar plays him and Celebrimbor just wants to do good. He is so kind and gentle and just happy to be in his workshop creating things, and Annatar slowly but surely poisons that beautiful mind

Annatar name-dropping Earendil, Tuor and Beren ... I see what you're doing and I hate that it's working. I suppose "finding men we can trust" will include Pharazon and this will all lead to Annatar going to Numenor before or at the end of the season, right?

"I shall make the Nine myself." Celebrimbor, please wake up. Please. That's a huge red flag right there

have I mentioned that have a soft spot for Kemen? I don't know why but he's just a pawn in his father's game and I feel sorry for him. That mention of his mother and "coming to an ill end" was just cruel

that being said I'm obviously Team Elendil & Miriel. I love these two so much

the way he looks at her hand on his chest. I'm crying

"Captain leaving deck." Valandil, I love you. Point well made

"He's nobody's captain now." That remark is gonna get you a punch in the face, Kemen. I just know it

okay, it wasn't a literal punch, but hey now he knows that loyalty cannot be ordered. It is earned, and Elendil has earned that of his men, whether he is still their captain or not

the letter. Ouch. But good to know letters from Eregion can reach Lindon but not the other way around

yessss Gil-galad, please hesitate. Don't send your armada just yet

ELROND! CAMNIR! My little elven mission group is back and being dramatic as shit! I love them! Run, Elrond, run!

also that dramatic variation of Elrond's theme briefly in the background there? Gorgeous!

oh, interesting that Durin and Disa seem to have switched sides now, with Durin having come to believe in the ring's power and Disa cautioning against using it

lol Disa bargaining and Durin knowing he stands no chance once his wife has set her mind of something. I love these two so much

oh no, that geode rolling into some dark, ominous corner cannot be good

stonesinging!

fuck, is that the Balrog?

how have I never noticed before that there is gold in Durin III's beard? That's so pretty

ooooh more alluding to the rings being corrupted by drawing parallels to Bilbo's panic when he thought the Ring gone

and Durin III saying the ring felt heavy plays into that too

"Disa is mistaken. There is no danger." Famous last words

also can I just say I love that Durin has this unwavering faith in his wife? Disa says there's a nameless evil under the mountain and he believes her, no questions asked

can I get a print of those Doors of Durin sketches Celebrimbor has in his forge? Pretty please? Amazon, where's the goddamn merch?

okay, Celebrimbor grabbing that hammer out of the air? Can we have more of that please?

also not Sauron experimenting with rings making people invisible already

Durin saving the day. Thank the Valar for his arrival (I am immensely enjoying Sauron quietly seething because he once again did not get his way btw)

thank you Durin for calling out Annatar on his bullshit. I wish it were enough to wake up Celebrimbor

"a far green country under a swift sunrise." Don't make me cry

"How does it feel to have a daughter who's ashamed of you?" Kemen is really begging to get punched this episode

he is going to smash that relic, isn't he?

YES! Thank you, Elendil! Finally! Not exactly the "calm in the eye of the storm" Miriel asked you to be but totally valid reaction

lol Valandil is not pulling any punches here. I love him so much. He's so done with Kemen's bullshit

I would have tackled Kemen into the water, btw. Though arm-breaking is good too, I guess

not Elendil calling Valandil "son". I swear he adopts everyone he meets on sight (when is it Elrond's turn? Please, show, give me Dad!Elendil to Elrond because the Valar know Gil-galad isn't living up to the job)

Kemen's going to stab him in the back, isn't he?

fuck he is! I hate being right. That's it, Kemen, soft spot for you is gone. Fuck you

the way Elendil is stroking Valandil's face, I can't. I'm sobbing

"Just be mindful someone is not manipulating you." Fuck you, Annatar. Seriously. The audacity

Celebrimbor, let me hug you. The strength it took him to ask if Annatar had altered the rings. He does not want to believe it but his heart is telling him something is wrong

and Annatar is turning the tables around on him by implying he is not blameless and oh, that is so clever it hurts

him telling Celebrimbor to go to Lindon is the first sound advice he's given. Yes, go to Lindon. Go to Elrond where you are safe. Please, Celebrimbor, just leave

(I know he won't but one can hope, right? I desperately want him to be safe because he's nothing more than a pawn and it's going to break him when he realises he has been played all along and I'm not ready for that)

nooo not Durin III telling Durin he is proud of him because of the ring

Disa and Durin's desperation and helpnessness are breaking my heart

oh Celebrimbor. You know it is wrong. You know it

aaaaaand Adar is on the doorstep of Ost-in-Edhil

I have a feeling this is the last shot we'll get of the city before it falls into ruin

ELROND! There is not enough Elrond in this episode

the way Gil-galad sounds so hopeless (those visions? Sauron in his armour that we know so well? Are we talking Last Alliance here?) and Elrond has once again come too late and is not heard. I am going insane. Elrond will gather his own army and go to Eregion, won't he? Out of desperation? Because no one else will take action

yessss Sauron's exes are unionising

well, maybe they are. We're going to find out next week. This was a great episode. I love this foreboding feeling that is hanging over it all. Everything is going wrong and feeling hopeless, and we all know it's only going to get worse

[sotwk]

🌀 and .🌈 for your WIP ask game! Hope you're having a lovely day 😁❤️

🌀Post the fic summary for a fic you haven't written/published yet. It can be hypothetical or something you really plan on releasing...

SAFE HAVEN (young Elrond x Reader). The young lord of the newly established realm of Imladris befriends a woman who is among the mortal refugees seeking sanctuary in the valley. When he learns of the trauma she had suffered, Elrond does all he can to aid her healing--and protect her from her past coming back to hurt her.

This angsty comfort WIP is in response from an Anon Request I received so long ago, the person who asked it might have given up on the request already, and I wouldn't blame them! But I think it still deserves to be written, and hopefully it eventually will be completed.

🌈 Share something soft/fluffy from your WIP.

“Walk with me.” It was an invitation spoken so softly, with subtle imploring rather contrary to her proud nature, that Celeborn chose to heed it over his father’s request for him to join the morning council meeting.

Behold the proof that I have a Celeborn x Galadriel WIP!!! Admittedly, there isn't much written yet, but the intention is there. This one is set in Doriath, when the pair is just beginning to fall in love. Ahhh young love. Young for Elves, anyway. Hehe.

Btw, I LOVE Celeborn. I am convinced that once I truly get started writing for him, he will be up there amongst my fave canon blorbos.

Thank you for the Ask, @erathene! Good luck in your writing as well! <3

[samthepotterhead]

now I finally know why he was called estel in a fanfic. I thought there was another reveal behind it, but aragorn was actually the revealed name. btw this is actually name no. 5 (!) that I know of. I was not kidding with the 15 names.

I think it's very responsible of tolkien to introduce arwen to aragorn only when he is 20 and has lived with her father for 18 years, which prevents it from being a grooming situation (even though she is still much older than him) and (socially) incestuous. and even elrond is like "no you are way too young". very nice. I have a feeling though, if this was gender flipped, he would've fewer qualms about this, especially considering aragorn's mother seems to have been super young (probably in her early teens) and his father 58 when they married… but I love that arwen and aragorn's relationship is now explained, even though I personally don't understand why this isn’t woven into the lotr story.

maybe I'm overinterpreting, aragorn and arwen sounds a lot like tolkien and his wife too, no? I know he mostly based beren and luthien on their relationship, but him being orphaned as a child, younger (and maybe a little naive), from different backgrounds (catholic vs protestant), them not being able to be together bc of their guardians, then getting engaged but parted by a war, and then finally ending up married sounds very parallel. but Idk maybe this all applies to beren and luthien as well.

I love that this series actually tells the whole story of most of the characters and through that forms a bridge between fantasy and the reality of life and death, but it's so sad to read somehow :( I'm assuming tolkien did this on purpose to end his life's work (and prepare for his own end). but it's also sad (if aragorn and arwen are indeed based on his own marriage) to think he thought he would die before his wife. but then he had to live without her for a couple of years and I'm sure felt not unlike arwen is described here, withering.

so yeah, as you can tell I have familiarized myself with tolkien’s biography as well in the last few weeks...

[maul-of-shame]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I also saw people hating the thought of Elrondriel, but they were quick to pair Galadriel with Adar. Their logic? Elrond is her friend, ergo it would be cliché to make him fall in love with Galadriel, because friendship should stay as friendship, and nothing else. Okay??? But it's perfectly fine and better to ship her with her enemy, again? Sauron, yes, Adar, yes, but not Elrond? What gives?

(I'm not against these ships btw, just calling out the double standard.)

Is there actually something wrong with a deep friendship that slowly and gently turns into something more? No, there isn't anything wrong with that, and no, Galadriel and Elrond are not acting like brother and sister. There's a stark difference between the Galadriel/Finrod moments and the Galadriel/Elrond scenes.

[TW: Rant again cause I'm on a roll and on fire X'DDD]

I’m so very glad you brought this up because I’ve been seeing this exact double standard floating around too, and I just cannot with it.

Look, I’m not against Adar/Galadriel (I do enjoy Adariel, haven't interracted with it yet but I can see the appeal) or any ship—go ahead, ship whatever you want!

But this logic? It’s the epitome of “I like this, but not that, and here’s a completely arbitrary reason why.”

So, let me get this straight: the moment you make Elrond and Galadriel’s friendship into something more, it’s suddenly cliché, right? Because friendship should stay friendship?

But it’s totally fine for Galadriel to get into bed with a literal ancient evil, Sauron himself or any other Dark Lord?

The irony is just delicious.

You can ship her with the very embodiment of darkness and corruption, but if Elrond, who’s always been a close and trusted ally to Galadriel, even looks at her with something other than a platonic gaze, suddenly it’s all “cliché,” “too much,” “not original.” It’s almost like they’re pretending not to see the clear bond between Galadriel and Elrond—one of mutual respect, understanding, shared history, and deep care for each other’s well-being.

That, to me, is exactly what a slow-burn, deep love is built on.

Repeat it with me people: There’s nothing wrong with friendship turning into something more when it's built on real, solid emotional connection. It’s organic, it’s human, and honestly, it’s beautiful. There’s depth in that kind of love.

But then the moment you try to pair Galadriel with Elrond in this context, it’s somehow wrong or “too easy”? It’s hilarious.

Sure, throw her into an emotionally abusive, manipulative situation with Sauron or any dark lord because they’re enemies and the tension of that makes things "interesting".

[ Side note: If you have to resort to emotionally abusive, manipulative situations to make your character’s journey "interesting" or "complex," then maybe the problem isn’t with the character, but with the way you’re writing them.

Like, seriously, there are so many other ways to create depth and tension in a story without dragging a character through the mud and having them suffer for no reason other than to generate conflict. This isn’t 101 on how to build an interesting plotline—it's just lazy writing with a side of drama for the sake of drama. I mean, sure, you can throw a character into situations where they have to face tough choices or grow through adversity, but that doesn't mean you need to abuse them emotionally, manipulate their trauma, or throw them in the path of dark lords and villains "just to create tension".

That’s a shortcut, not depth.

There’s a difference between character growth through adversity and the kind of plot that thrives on pain and suffering for the sake of shock value.]

But when it comes to Elrond, a guy who’s clearly been there for her, supporting her—genuinely supporting her from the start—it’s somehow "too convenient"?

Why? Because it’s "friendship", and “we don’t want that to ruin the purity of their bond.” As if Galadriel herself wouldn’t be the first to want the peace and comfort that someone like Elrond could give her, after everything she’s been through.

To me, it's not about them suddenly becoming these romantic figures in one swoop; it’s about the rich layers that develop naturally between them. Their relationship is built on history, respect, and even some shared grief. Galadriel isn't just falling for anyone with a pretty face—she’s looking at someone who’s been her rock, who understands the weight she carries, who’s seen the darkness within her, and who never once turned away.

That’s real intimacy, not forced or contrived.

It’s the slow warmth that grows over time from knowing someone deeply. Why is that so hard to believe?

And let’s get one thing straight—this whole “they’re like brother and sister” comparison? Nope. I’m sorry, but no.

There’s a huge difference between the deep connection Galadriel has with Finrod and the one she shares with Elrond. Finrod’s relationship with Galadriel is one of family, and while it’s incredibly tender, it’s not the same kind of connection that Elrond and Galadriel share. Their dynamic is a different kind of love—one that isn’t defined by familial bonds but by friendship, mutual respect, and eventually, yes, romantic potential.

People will sit there all day saying, “Elrond is like a brother to Galadriel,” but then, when Sauron LITERALLY takes the form of her DEAD BROTHER, trying to manipulate her and pull her to the dark side (again, literally using her brother's face to corrupt her), somehow that doesn’t even raise an eyebrow?

I mean, we’re supposed to believe that it’s fine for Sauron to impersonate Finrod’s image, playing on Galadriel’s grief and vulnerabilities, yet Elrond is “like a brother”?

A brother???!!!!!

Galadriel's actual brother’s face was hijacked by the dark lord, and she didn’t fall into the abyss of despair, but Elrond sharing an emotional, deep connection with her over centuries is “too much” for some people? Make it make sense.

It’s the perfect example of how people are willing to turn a blind eye to the most manipulative, abusive moments in the story when it involves characters they don’t want to see paired together. But when it comes to Galadriel and Elrond? Suddenly, they’re “siblings,” as if it’s some sort of forbidden, untouchable relationship that would “ruin” everything about her. But Sauron literally impersonating her brother to emotionally manipulate her and "be in love with her"? Sure, no problem, no issues there.

It’s like they’re treating Galadriel’s trauma and grief as a plot device for Sauron’s evil schemes, but when Elrond—someone who truly cares for her and has always been by her side—is involved, suddenly it’s too close, too uncomfortable, and “off-limits.” Talk about double standards here again, where emotional manipulation by the villain is fine and dandy, but a slow-burn, actual partnership rooted in respect and shared history is somehow crossing a line.

It’s truly mind-boggling.

You can’t claim one thing and then completely ignore the depths of manipulation and trauma inflicted upon Galadriel when it’s convenient.

That’s where we draw the line: when the logic is selective and clearly biased. If we're going to look at Galadriel’s relationships and her emotional depth, let’s actually consider the nuance, the growth, and the potential for her to be loved and cherished, not just used or placed into situations where her suffering is the point.

To me, Elrond and Galadriel’s connection is one of mutual respect and understanding, not some weird brother/sister complex. And if Sauron can masquerade as Finrod and nobody bats an eye? Then there's absolutely no reason for people to act like Elrond’s connection with Galadriel is some taboo thing. Let her have love, let her be cared for.

Let’s stop pretending that Elrond’s feelings are any less valid than Sauron’s manipulations.

[balrogballs]

Have you been working all the time when writing? I was thinking a book advance is like a salary you get paid, but is it not really that much to make a living? Does it vary between genre or is it a standard price? Btw, your job sounds so awesome too

I'm apologizing again for all the questions, and love u for answering them all, I'm an aspiring novelist and nobody I know in real life knows I want to write for a living. I'm very grateful for your lists last week as well.

No problem, happy to help!

Keeping the answer under the cut though, since IDK if ppl who followed balrogballs for elrond reasons want to hear balrogballs go on about the publishing industry LMAO

Working/Writing:

I have indeed worked throughout my writing career, though for most of the first book writing time I was finishing my PhD. Most authors work on the side, unless you reach absolutely top level and can coast off royalties and speaker fees etc.

Eg. I was at an event where Rushdie gave the keynote, and overheard his rate for the evening was around 55K USD. The vast majority of writers will never pull those figures — the highest I've ever been paid to do a talk was £1.5k, and that was a one off and probably won't happen again.

Put it this way, I know a Booker winner and a Nobel winner personally, both wins in the last 5 years, and both worked part time as university professors till the win. Living off writing is very difficult in the traditional publishing sense unless you hit a certain level of success.

And thank you for your nice words about my job — I do enjoy it and it's very fulfilling, and means I have a ton of free time when I'm not posted overseas so I have ample time to write (and can fuck about on here lol).

Advance

Take anything I say here with a pinch of salt, as this varies tremendously due to a ton of different factors including genre, publisher, location, market etc.

The advance isn't paid like a salary, it's paid in chunks. For me, I had it in 4 lots across around 2 years. So that method of payment means it's not feasible to use as salary.

Keep in mind, you're not paid while you write your second book — only once it sells will you get the second advance, so again, the 'gaps' need to be covered. I took around a year to write the second one and sent the draft manuscript in June to my agent for edits, and it'll only go to the publishers early next year. So thats a lot of time w/o steady income.

How much it is can vary immensely — mine was around double my general salary. I got very lucky in that the book went to auction and my agent is an outstanding negotiator, so the bidding contributed to the final sum. But yes, it varies based on a ton of different factors.

You don't get the full amount btw, it's taxable income + the agency will take a cut. High advances are also a double edged sword, however - you need to "earn them out" before you get any royalties. For instance, I had a great signing advance, but this means there's no chance I ever see any royalties.

So again, that means no income at all when writing the second thing.

It's not an issue in litfic since literally nobody earns out unless you get one of the biggest prizes, though am not sure about other genres. But yes, big advance = much longer wait for royalties, and royalties themselves aren't normally very much either, so keep that in mind when thinking of salaries etc.

Social Profile

I'll answer your other question re: whether social media and public profile is beneficial for a writer here just to not clog ppls feeds. Prior to querying, only if you're writing a non fiction book will your social following actually matter, as you are very much part of the "package deal".

In fiction, it matters much less. Cassandra Claire trajectories are very rare, and whilst Booktoker book deals have happened, again they have VERY large followings to the point that they are part of the product itself.

Whether it's important after publishing, I'm not sure. My agent says no, but equally, others say yes.

Some authors are very active on SM, but equally many others I know are like me in that they have an anon profile somewhere but nothing identifiable. Eg. w. me, I don't have any socials other than this and won't be getting any — a publicist handles the official accounts so I can be unhinged here in peace and not worry about accidentally tweeting about balrog testicle LMAOOO 🙏

Hope this has helped ✨

[tanoraqui]

I COMPLETELY FORGOT A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF CROWNLESS (the Young Aragorn show that lives in my, and apparently many of your, hearts): Each season opens with the framing device of middle-aged Sam Gamgee sitting by the fire in Bag End, telling his kids stories about the King. If you don’t have a (historical inaccuracy-excusing) narrative frame in a Middle Earth story, wtf are you even doing?

Also, the theme song in my mind is "All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter" by Clamavi de Profundis, but I'm open to some other group doing their own arrangement of the poem.

so, key elements of season 3 (s1 and 2 here):

A couple times in s2, including notably in the season finale?, Rohirrim were involved…so at the very end of that season, King Thengel invited Aragorn to come serve in his court/armed forces. That’s right, it’s time for UNMITIGATED HORSE GIRL!ARAGORN HOURS!

(confession: I could be persuaded to combine s2 and s3, with some elements of s3 going into s4)

(and clarification: Aragorn isn't deliberately using a false name, but he's also not presenting himself as anything more than a random northern Dúnedain ranger, son of nobody in particular.)

The show starts to shift in this season: in addition to/in place of some monster of the week episodes, we get political drama of the week, and more ongoing plotlines. Also, I realized it’s as much ‘location of the week’ as ‘monster of the week’—that continues, centered around Rohan (which means we’ll retread some locations from s2)

First trip to Minas Tirith, on some diplomatic excursion!

fun canon LotR info: Thengel, Theoden's father, was a total Gondor stan - he lived there from his teens until he had to come home to take up the crown, he married a woman from Lossarnach, as King of Rohan he spoke Sindarin and Westernesse and not Rohirric...

so I'm gonna say that teenage Theoden is kind of resentful of that? He was born in Lossarnach, came to Rohan at age 5...but Rohan is his home and he loves it, and he wonders if his father is too enamored of Gondor to be the best king of Rohan. He's skeptical of Thengel recruiting this random Ranger to be a captain of the Riders. On the flip side, Aragorn is SO COOL, and superb with horses. and Theoden wants to be him when he grows up. It's hard, being a teenager and a prince, with 4 sisters. It's hard and nobody understands

Sauruman is there for an episode, being genuinely helpful but his vibes are faintly rancid. He's about to start building up Isengard as an armed power. If the season finale involves something like a proper battle again, he might pitch in.

Halbarad and Dúnawen might actually stay in Ithilien? Or they come along to Rohan but they just join the Riders without getting involved in court stuff at all. Aragorn is going to start doing more things on his own. They presumably have their own B/C-plot character arcs btw, I just don't know what

Roddis definitely stayed behind in Ithilien/Gondor. New in the cast, however, not from quite the start but maybe like ep7/22, or the midseason onward? Is a perfectly normal human woman with dark hair and grey eyes...

Arwen. It's Arwen.

Aragorn: Why are you here? Arwen: I am the daughter of Elrond Half-Elven. My grandparents include the Evening Star, White-Winged Elwing, and Galadriel, student of Melian who on separate occasions told both Fëanor and Eonwë to fuck off. Everyone who met her agrees that I look just like my great-great-grandmother Lúthien Tinúviel. The distant echo of the Doom of the Exiles runs in my veins, as do the Songs of Lúthien and the Light of a Silmaril. I know the weight of Fate when it settles on my shoulders like a mantle, as it did when you called me 'Tinúviel' beneath Imladris's twilit trees—but the Choice of the Peredhel remains mine and mine alone. So I have come, Elessar, Isildur's heir, to see if I actually like you. Arwen: Curiosity. Aragorn: [vividly remembering how in s1 his mom said, "She's way out of your league" and Elrond said, "You won't get married until you're king." (Aragorn: "...married to your daughter?" Elrond: "To anyone. Period.")] Aragorn: Cool. Curiosity is cool. I'm gonna be so normal about this.

(Spoilers: he was not entirely normal about this.)

(Spoilers: they super do like each other, though)

Idk what the backup rangers are doing overall, but I do want Aragorn and Dúnawen to still have some sort of romantic Thing in s2, maybe off and on again, as Aragorn thought Arwen wasn't interested and was trying not to just be moping about it... Then Arwen arrives and Aragorn is So Conflicted for like 1 episode, before Dúnawen comes to him like, "Aragorn, I love you as a friend and comrade-in-arms and I love you as my chieftain and king-to-be, and I could probably love you as a wife if we really tried...but you clearly have not just a crush but some sort of Destiny thing with Lady Arwen, so I'm going to go back to Ithilien for a bit, maybe get drunk and laid with a handsome barmaid, and get over you. While I'm gone, you should try, like, talking to her."

A thing that Aragorn and Arwen...do bond over, but more it's there to demonstrate their compatibility to the audience, is: ...So, we (the writers/producers) don't have the rights to The Silmarillion, right, just The Lord of the Rings and its Appendices, and The Hobbit. These do periodically namedrop people, however, with dashes of elaboration mostly in the Appendices...and Aragorn is established from the start to be a bit of a history nerd, because that's what happens when you're raised by Elrond...so periodically, Aragorn and his friends will be in a Situation and Aragorn will whisper, like, "This is just like when [Fëanor/T��rin/Tar-Minastir/etc...]—" and Halbarad or Dúnawen hisses, "Does that actually help us right now?" and Aragorn will say, "Sure!" and start doing something that Silmarillion nerds can recognize is inspired by whatever the person in question did in a similar situation (note: sometimes Aragorn deliberately does the opposite of what the historical figure did, and it works much better.) The writers very carefully do not explicitly reference anything not explicitly in the permitted texts. If they need/get to elaborate on a historical figure, they'll toe a careful line of Silmarillion canon and blatantly made-up things.

That happened more in s1, when the show needed to make good with the old fans, but also in s2. Aragorn remains the only one referencing this stuff. Then in s3, he and Arwen are...let's say captured by bandits, and Arwen murmurs in his ear, "I have an idea. You know in the Lay of Lúthien..." Aragorn's eyes widen. "Beren and Lúthien or Beren and Finrod?" Arwen: "Finrod." Aragorn nods, and they proceed to bullshit their way out of being captive with flawless teamwork and yes-and-ing (and maybe fight a wolf on their way out, just to be thorough).

No idea what this season finale is. Like I said, you could probably weave parts of most of this season into s2 and s4? But that would ruin the "a different significant geographical area every season" thing we've got going on.

[s4 here!]

[growingingreenwood]

I think that if Elrond and Mereneth ever met, they'd become fast buddies. Not on the level that Thranduil amd Celebrian are, for sure, but they'd DEF bond over medicinal herbs and the best way to cure somebody after they touched/ate some poisonous plant or smth like that.

If Legolas got that much of his personality from his mother, I can assure you that Elrond would be dreading wayy less the visits of the Greenwood Royals lol.

(and I also think that he'd need a moment or two to breath the whole new person that Thranduil becomes in her presence. He'd never seen Thranduil so light and happy and quick to smile. I imagine Elrond looking out the window one night and seeing them dancing together under the stars and the branches of the trees. And he'd def notice the changes and how much her death affected him, having seen the person he was before..)

Btw you can def message me to stop if my asks are getting annoying or smth. I just love your 'verse and your oc's (specially ferdan and your version of galion) so much I think about them All The Time lmao.

An Anonymous Ask that had a Very Similar Question to yours: Did Mereneth and Elrond ever met? Either in Imladris or in Valinor? Because since the two of them are healers, they could probably bond over that (and maybe if still in Arda, Elrond would come to dread less the visits from greenwood cause he knew Mereneth liked him, therefore Thranduil wouldn't be as intimidating lmao)

Elrond and Mereneth get along SO WELL. So well. Unfortunately (for Elrond) they don't get a chance to meet until after they are all in Valinor. Tbh almost nobody outside of Greenwood got to meet Mereneth, or even get to know that Thranduil was romantically interested in somebody but especially not that he had gotten MARRIED before Greenwood had already lost its queen. 

Admittedly by the time they get to Valinor Elrond had already much improved in dealing with Thranduil compared to = when they first had to interact with each other politically and then more personally once Elrond and Celebrian had gotten married, they visits were still dreaded significantly less once Mereneth had been reunited with her husband. 

Perhaps even eagerly anticipated. 

I think that the shock Elrond felt about seeing the change in Thranduil would be a bit similar to the shock he felt the first time he saw Thranduil and Little Legolas interacting with one another. But, more. Seeing Thranduil be kind and tender with an elfling was one thing, but seeing Thranduil be so thoroughly in love and completely devoted to another full grown elf was another thing entirely. 

A Bonus For Elrond: After Mereneth was back, I also think that Ferdan and Galion would also be slightly less… Like That™™ all of the time. Partly because Thranduil was less snarky so the other two had less practice and opportunity to add their own snarkiness. Partly because, like Legolas, her unrelenting positive attitude and sunny disposition is contagious to even the grumpiest and most jaded of elves. 

(Don't worry they aren't getting annoying literally at all and I don't want you to stop, sometimes it just take a bit to answer things so you'll have to be patient af with me but i love it so much pls don't stop)

[doodle-pops]

Hii mina mae-duh-whores anon here! Hope you are doing good! first of all,i saw that ask mina and if you were to actually write mgime related stuff, please id really go crazy!! i love your writing so much!!

Second of all to that anon, if you actually start writing silmarillion mgime i wanna be the first to read it!! id love to beta read or just brainstorm or plot with you if you're up for that kind of thing!!

Third, I've got a recommendation or two that no one really asked for haha. There aren't many silmarillion mgime fics so I thought I'd share the ones I've read on ao3 that I think you or your followers might like!

The first fic called, stardusts in our souls by Autumn_moonlight. its ecthelion x oc, it was last updated in July or something, but its such a fun read so far! the oc reads ecthellion the harry potter series and his reaction and eagerness to find out what happens next, its so cute!! I love when the modern girl shares technology or stories or songs from her world and seeing the characters' reaction to it is just so!!! Oh, there's also maeglin x oc smut in later chapters so there's that i suppose.

Second fic, it's called the knowing princess by Fantasticoncer. it's kinda long? The author still updates it I think, I haven't really finished it yet tbh lol. anyways main pov is basically female of x maedhros but it has got lots of other ocs x characters too, like fingon and mairon etc. it contains reincarnation and stuff, mc gets reincarnated as an elf in valinor along with her sisters from her own home reality.

Third is the Oialëa series by natelly

It's mcu/tolkien crossover fic, its kinda long I suppose, multiple books and many chapters etc but it's fun read, tbh I haven't this one either. its not exactly silmarillion events set but oc is kinda part of the kidnap fam, glorfindel's sister, and I've read spoilers that maedhros travels to mcu in second book or something so I thought I'd add it to the list? The first book which I've read is hobbit period set, btw its elrond x oc, and the oc is also doctor strange's daughter, and she also has powers and stuff. So yeah, if you love mcu and silmarillion hobbit lotr and mainly elrond, this fic is for you. Honestly I don't even like elrond that much, more into his sons lol, but still,, it was so interesting I ended up reading the first book! The oc is such a fun gen z mgime and i love her so much! The series is so well written too and there's even separate prequels and epilogue and fics written from other characters perspective and stuff too! In one of the books maedhros and oc also goes to therapy, haven't read that part but mae,, im so glad he got therapy, he really really needs that haha

I am doing better as I've resurfaced from my week disappearance 😁. Though, everything feels strange as though I've been gone for longer 😅.

Some recommendations for those who enjoy the Modern girl in Middle Earth troupe and for the anon who's in the process of creating a story for modern day reader. Thank you for assistance 💖

[sparklecryptid]

Remember how the Romans literally sewed their hair up with fancy ribbons? I bet that's a common Noldor thing too. Only with more gems pinned in.

I'm sure once the relationship progresses, both Erestor and Glorfindel will be happy to help her do her hair up and get dressed in the finery that keeps appearing in her rooms like, well, elves are leaving them XD (Erestor has the Noldor hair thing just as bad as any of them probably. Glorfindel caught it by long association, if he's all or part Vanyar in this? I love demi Erestor btw!)

Elrond, sideling up to Anordil a bit after the party is in full swing: *hands her a glass of wine* I did try to warn you.

Anordil: yeah, you did.

(They did this to him too, after all, and Elros before he left to found his Kingdom. They hadn't been able to afford /quite/ the level of finery they'd wrapped Anordil in back then, with the continent poisoned and dying around them, but they'd done their best.)

Like, at least this means they contingent of scary elves APPROVES of Erestor and Glorfindel? Erestor is one of theirs, so that's fine, and he comes part and parcel with Glorfindel these days, and he's ALRIGHT they suppose... I'm just imaging the meeting they must've had about 'their princess' and her courting prospects!!! ("Lord Feanaro would've had a fit." *nods all around* "But there's a great many things he would've had a fit about, you know." *more nods* *wistful sighs* "Such a shame he's not here." *agreeing murmurs*)

*snickers* now I’m just thinking of some random Feanorian cornering Erestor and just:

Random Feanorian: Hey. Tell me why your wife isn’t wearing our gifts and also what are her preferred gems and metal.

Erestor: she’s not my wife.

Random Feanorian: *unimpressed stare* yet

Erestor: …yet. And while I have asked her such things before it pains me to admit that she has told me quite bluntly that she has never given such things much thought.

Random Feanorian: What.

Erestor: *sympathetically* i know.

-

Also yesssss to the hair thing! It’s ~~bonding~~!

-

I would say that Glorfindel is part Vanya in this and his hmmmmmm mother I would say was a Noldo.

Which means that Feanor has opinions on this.

[thesolarangel]

Elrond and my cat

Hope your day gets better 🙏

Elrond's bombastic side eye and a cute kitty, I love it, thank you so much! 😍❤️ I love cats btw!

I'm going to bed soon, but I do feel better already ❤️