#I am no Rumil

[varda-star-queen]

Forever There

A poem from Adar's POV, now that he's gone from Middle-Earth, but never from out hearts

I don't often write poetry, but for some reason tonight I felt the need. (It's a bit clunky - I am no Rumil 😉🤣 - but hey-ho, I needed to scratch an itch!)

~~~~~~~~🖤🖤🖤~~~~~~~~

Do not weep, my children, now that I'm gone, Do not grieve in the shadows, for I have flown. Beyond Middle-Earth my soul has moved on, I am not lost; I am reborn.

I walk among the sage where the soft winds sigh, Where river reeds dance and the songbirds cry. In Tilion’s light, in the hush of the trees, You’ll hear my voice on the midnight breeze.

I am the whisper of leaves that fall, The trickle of rain, the nightbird’s call. No chains can bind, no blade cut deep, No scars, no pain. Just rest and sleep.

Forgive me, I beg, for where I fell short, For the times we struggled, the battles we fought. Remember my love, constant and true, Freedom was all I wanted, for every one of you.

So lift your head, let sorrow fade, I am with you in both light and shade. Look always, my children, when you feel despair, In your heart, where I'll be, forever there.

~~~~~~~~🖤🖤🖤~~~~~~~~

[runawaymun]

Melpomaen / Rúmil in #7 for the YCH perhaps? 👀

Here they are!!! Thank you for putting in a request! :D I haven't drawn my boy Lindir in a while, so this was really fun.

[eri-pl]

One day I need to write a thing where Melkor finds Rumil's description of the Valar (the one later incorporated as the Valequenta chapter) and reads that "from the start, Eru loved Manwe more than Melkor" and this (along with Finwe's bad parenting drama) is the cause of his relapse.

[welcomingdisaster]

Coronations of the High Kings of the Noldor, ranked from best to worst

Finwë: The perfectly jovial ceremony was held on the hill of Túna, and consisted of eight uninterrupted hours of dancing, artistic performances from each of the three peoples of the Eldar. Dinner included salmon served with rice, spiced crab, baked leek-pie, herb and garlic bread, green tea mousse, candied flower preserves, and, most memorably of all, a scale-model recreation of the blessed isles made out of strawberry cake with sweet cream and real gold dust.

Gil-galad: the last king of the Noldor had no official coronation ceremony until after the War of Wrath, though he held political power in the area long before. This, perhaps, contributes to some confusion about his origins. Regardless I am pleased to report the ceremony was gorgeous. Most notable were the flower-arches, made in the Sindar style. Strong Falathrim brandy was served, and the party continued for nearly three days. Dinner included stuffed mussels, Nargothrond-style garlic mushroom bake, rice-stuffed squash, sugar-bread, apple and pear pie. One wedding spontaneously occurred during the after-party reception.

Fingolfin: this coronation symbolized the reunion of a broken people and the successful journey of the Noldor, and so the rather lackluster decor was saved, in part, by good mood. However, Feanorian heckling was somewhat disruptive during the main ceremony. Dinner: herb-roasted venison, root-stew, a dish made of wild spring plants that would later become known as 'crown salad;' raspberry and rhubarb pie. Maglor the bard performed Rumil's "Ode to the Stars of the Sea" and "Sparrow Waltz," which was his own composition.

Turgon: Those in attendance report that the ceremony was lovely and somber; your humble writer, however, was not at the time a resident of Gondolin, and must thus rely on second-hand accounts. Dinner, from those reports, included pearled barley with mushrooms; the last bottles of wine grown in Vinyamar were served. No one could remember the music.

Fingon: though the ceremony was otherwise beautiful, the king's speech set an unhappy mood. After the flautists and harpers quieted, he rose to give a toast in the name of Aegnor and Angrod, his cousins. After uttering their names the king began to weep, and could not master himself in time to finish his words, sitting for some time with his head buried in his hands. Dinner: wine-roasted lamb, herb-bread, potato-flour patties, fish-soup with rice, honey-cake and strawberry preserves. Much wine was served, but for the most part brought little merriment, and I admit I cannot recall its quality.

Maedhros: the coronation of Maedhros, the eldest son of Fëanor, was a quick affair. In attendance were his brothers, and their followers, and though Maglor the bard sang it was a song of sorrow, the words of which have never been put to the page. Dinner: salt-meat, waybread, local herbs, and the last of the spirits.

Fëanor: rather eclipsed by the oath sworn later the same afternoon. No dinner nor reception was held, which I fear was in very poor taste.

[blahahala]

(ROP EP 7 spoilers)

Ok so Adar:

-Has a big, fancy, dark sword

-Speaks Quenya

-According to him: Chosen among 13 to be “blessed of Morgoth’s hand” and promised a “new birth” and hung on a “nameless peak”

-Drank Sauron’s “wine”

-Despises Sauron

-Wanted children

-At least saw Melian

-Quotes Rumil

-Possibly knows Elrond??

What else am I missing?? Who is he????

[through-the-seas-to-valinor]

Haldir and S/o Arguing Over His Going To Helms Deep

For once, Haldir truly did not know what path to take. It was a matter of love and duty but to him, both seemed to tie in together. His duty was to you, to be with you through thick and thin, but his duty was also to the safety of the realm. But his heart lay within the forest, if he failed to protect it and the enemy got in, he would be losing two things dear to his heart, he had to find a way to make you see that.

“Haldir! Are you even listening to me?! Lady Galadriel herself said that it is up to you whether you lead the host or not! Do you honestly care so little for your wife that you would leave her here alone? Lying awake at night, waiting for a husband which may not return?!” your voice snapped him out of his thoughts and he saw you harshly turn away from him, wrapping your arms around yourself for comfort.

Haldir wrapped a strong arm around your shoulders and gently forced you to turn around, even though you still refused to look at him. “Y/n look at me!” Haldir asked of you, trying to you to see his expression. “I do not wish to go, but I must! I must go and I choose to go because if I do not, I will be putting you in danger. I am going so that the enemy does not win, because if they do, they will take you away from me and I could not bear that, knowing that I could help prevent it. So please, let me go, for I do not wish there to be bad feelings between us in these dark times. He finished and rested a hand on your face, trying to get you to look at him. You gave in and looked back at him, sorrow evident in your eyes. “I do not wish to leave you, nor would I if it was not absolutely necessary. I will not enjoy my time away from you, but it has to be done.” He finished, stroking his thumb over your cheek.

You put your hand over his and savored the feel of it. “I understand that. But I am terrified that you will not return to me, then what shall I do?” You whispered, fighting back tears.

“I promise you now, that I will do whatever it takes for me to return to you.” With those words, he pulled you into an embrace and the two of you stayed like that for a while, enjoying the warmth and putting thoughts of tomorrow out of your mind.

When you finally saw him off the next day, you were barely holding in tears. You couldn’t help but wonder if it was the last time you would see him and knowing that all you could do to help was stay in the real and pray to the Valar that everything would be alright. 

You were mending Rumil’s arm into its correct place when you heard the horn that symbolises return and as no other host left the realm, there was only one option of who it was. Yet, you were terrified of what could wait for you outside, your hands wavered in what they were doing and your body shook with nervousness.

Rumil placed a comforting hand on your shoulder and offered a reassuring smile “I’ll go and see who returned from the host. If-“ His voice wavered briefly but he swallowed and continued “If something has happened, I will come and tell you immediately.” He finished looking stressed.

“I’ll finish putting your arm in a sling first.” You wrapped his arm up and then watched him leave. 

You desperately tried to keep yourself busy, terrified of what news Rumil might bring. 

“y/n” that voice startled you and you dropped the herbs that you were sorting. You slowly turned around and you would have dropped the herbs you were sorting if a strong arm didn’t catch you. 

“Haldir?” Your voice came out in barely a whisper, as you looked at the figure in front of you. He had a nasty cut on his face and who knew how many wounds were under his clothes, but he was home and that’s what counted. With that thought, you all but threw yourself at him, wrapping your arms around his neck and crying into his chest, while he buried his head in your hair, inhaling your scent. You both were glad the other was alive and safe and nothing else mattered.

[fantasies-fairytales-n-fics]

Thranduil and Josie Pt. 166- Mouse Trap

Summary: Dr. Legolas Greenleaf is in the house. An impaired Josie remembers and reveals important info. Bash and Charles enter Dorwinion city. Upsetting info comes to Charles' attention and then more comes to light as a group unites. Cat and mouse anyone?

*Chapter Warnings* language, angst, graphic depictions, mild violence, mentions of rape

Chapter characters: Josie, Legolas, Merlin, Bash, Charles, Delphine, Nun, Haldir, Rumil, Rahl

Chapter word count: 5,216

Stories Stories Stories Masterlist:

After an hour long session of your palm being stitched up by an elf who's only skills of proficiency were archery, swordsmanship and flinging himself from tree to tree, you were well under the influence of Dorwinion's wicked whiskey to kill the pain.

"I am finished my lady." Legolas exhaled in relief as he bandaged your hand, which you could have sworn he did not breathe the entire time.

"Now, Josie...do you want to tell me how this deep cut really occurred? This is not the markings of being cut by glass, which the healing water would have cured, but Lola told me it burned you."

"Oh sweet Leggy...you're too smart for your own britches...or should I say stitches??" you giggled with a snort, which brought Legolas' brow to an astounded arch.

A soft amused grin finally formed on his thin lips. "And you my lady, have had enough of the golden giggle juice."

His jestful remark had you snorting again. "And you're funny too."

"Well, there's nothing funny about this wound or finding you unconscious on the castle floor....or your spiteful words earlier this night."

"Well..." you frowned, pouting out your bottom lip. "That's all Stephy's fault..kind of...ok not really...it's the poison in my blood that his wicked twin put there by his beastly claws!"

Now Legolas' brow arched again as the other one furrowed. "Alright, maybe you should just rest for now and..."

"What? You do not believe me?? Tell me Leggo...did you or my Kingly King of all Kings know that Narcisse, well, actually Rahl, can turn onto a giant fucking cat?? Oh wait...BOTH of them can...one white as snow, one black as charcoal, but Stephy, he's the good witch and Rahl, he's the wicked witch of the west, only he's not a girl and definitely not green and ugly like her. Anywhooo, he freaking cut my hand when he shifted. I was standing too close."

"Josie...you have been seeing things that are not there. This happened tonight on the patio. You said Narcisse was there, but he was on the shoreline remember? And..I also found you talking to a wall."

"Ohhh, yes! There..there was a little girl...Rosie! I'm supposed to find her daddy. But noooo, that was not Narcisse, that was Rahlllll. He was a huuuuge raptor and flew down from the moon, morphing into a man wearing the devil's blood red robe with Stephane's face, minus the horns and pitchfork, and he walked right through me!! Come on Lego..las! I know what you and Thranduil can change into. The white hart. I saw you in Rivendell remember?? And I saw Thranduil in the forest only weeks ago, although that was just his ghost... so stop acting like it's impossible and that I am just drunk and delusional! And you yourself just said this cut did not happen on glass! Why do you think Mirkwood's water burns it?"

Legolas realized you were actually right as he sighed, and then his mind drifted to his father, knowing that was not a ghost that you saw whatsoever.

"I..I believe you. All things are possible with magic. As far as Narcisse, or this Rahl? I am not aware of it...but, possibly my father knew. What didn't he know?"

"That is true....but Rahl..he was brought back by Jareth. He's not even real. He's something Stephane's mind created long ago to protect himself from a terrible trauma inflicted by his father. Surely you knew him?? Didn't Thranduil trade with him as well when the Dorwinion King was alive?"

"Yes. He was quite wicked, just like the whiskey you have devoured."

"I fought Rahl tonight. Blade to blade. He was taking advantage of Claude. I saw her before I got to his chambers and she told me what he tried to do. You said that Lola saw Stephane kissing her, but that was not him Legolas."

"You fought Narcisse with a sword???"

"No! Rahl! but...I..I don't remember what happened after that...I woke up here...and...oh my god, my dream! There was a magic elf statue. It was Thranduil! and the bottom, it said...."

Legolas swiftly stood with gaping moonstones peering down at you.

"Gúl -o Aran Thranduil. Ech- a ithil sarn iest no i clair de lune." Legolas whispered.

You sat right up, also with gaping eyes as you too, whispered.

"Magic King Thranduil. Make a moonstone wish under the moonlight. Legolas?? You mean it is real???"

He slowly sat back down with a stiffened stance. "It is. My grandmother carved it and as she did so, her magic was carved into it. It was lost years ago during my grandfather's reign. You..you dreamt of this..where did you see it??"

"Peter's cabin. I...I was there again..and...I can't believe this. How could I have forgotten?? It..it was Christmas and Peter brought me this box of mostly junk, claiming he got the stuff at a thrift shop in Northern New Zealand. He said some gypsy like lady said it granted wishes and gave it to him for free, that the price was in the wishes. But then the asshole took it from me when I...oh my god, that came true!!"

"What came true??"

"I..I wished out loud in anger, right in front of Peter, for him to be devoured by a giant spider in the forest and that happened Legolas, in Mordor!! And then, he got angry and wished to come back from the dead and haunt me and...now he has by Jareth's doing. I just know he's out there! I saw him...a vision of him at my birthday party during a palm reading and he told me he was coming for me!!"

You began to hyperventilate as you sobbed and Legolas quickly pulled you into his arms.

"Never. Never will I let him harm you. Do not cry. Josie...I am sorry I was not here for your birthday. I am so sorry I left you. I will get you a proper gift someday soon."

You sniffled and hiccupped into hair, breathing in his calming tree leaf scent.

"No, I am the one who's sorry. I said horrible things to you tonight. You are the gift Legolas, wrapped beautifully with your giant big bow."

The Prince softly smiled at your double meaning as he tightened his embrace with closed eyes. "Happy birthday my lady."

"LEGOLAS!!" you shouted and pushed out of his arms, accidentally waking Leean.

"I know where the amethyst pendant is!!! I dreamt of it too."

"One of the six needed? Where is it?"

"Yes! At the cabin. I..it...it was Sarah's, hidden among some of her things I kept...but..I don't understand why she would have it? I...I've even dreamt of it before. Her mother, Jocelyn, told me to find Sarah and then put it on me and then I was sucked into some kind of portal. Leggy, we have to go there!"

You jumped out of bed and frantically began rummaging through your clothes to change as Legolas picked Leean up and tried to talk some sense into you.

"We cannot go there tonight or any night, for many reasons Josie. Most importantly, Harker is out there and the dead too. Also, that cabin would take days upon days of travel from where we are. We would be lucky to arrive before the solstice."

"Well we have to do something Legolas, especially while my mind is clear. I don't know what's happening to me with all these hallucinations and the way I have been acting. Look how I treated you and what I said about Lola...Lola? Where...where is she?? I need to speak to her about...something."

That something being about Rahl being her father.

"Out for a walk. I too...said some unpleasant, but warranted things to her."

"What??"

"Lola is of no matter at this time. You are. Your mind is not clear as you said. We must find a way to heal you, but first, you must sleep. We can discuss this further come the morning."

The morning that Legolas dreaded, for it was the deadline that his father had given him to begin the journey back to his halls with you and Leeanduil or Thranduil was going to come and reclaim you both himself, bringing his elven army with him that would incite a war. The Prince would have to decide the wiser option, for both scenarios could carry deadly consequences, the latter being of the higher risk and either would be a very heartbreaking outcome for you to see your King who wasn't your King at all. Should he just tell you the truth and let you decide? That was an immediate hard no for Legolas considering your state of mind.

"Oh god...Bash. Yes, I forgot...he told me there's a witch doctor in the city who can do so and I saw him leave tonight with Charles to go find her. Ok, let me think."

Still tipsy, you paced about as Leean quietly watched you from her brother's arms.

"If only Garrett were here. He could go and get it in only a few hours time...or even my crow..if I even knew where either of them were, but then again, Garrett is off with Kate somewhere probably getting it on. That jerk has my moonstone that I told him to hide. We need that now too. OR...I could try and summon the eagles!!!"

"Alright, slow down. The vampire Kate that my father beheaded?"

"Yep! I saw them, in the mirror, there in the trash. Garrett told me himself he had chosen to be with her again...but...it can't be true, it just can't be."

"Maybe it was another hallucination?" Legolas suggested as his eyes wandered to the trash to view the pulverized mirror.

"No. This happened before I was scratched. It...it must be real then. Why? Why would he do this to me?"

You turned to conceal your eyes that burned of tears over the vampire you secretly and deeply loved and then the room began to spin.

"I...I feel sick." you muttered and ran to the bathroom to rid of the wicked whiskey in your stomach.

Legolas laid his sister back down and kissed her tiny fingers, then he came to you, holding your hair back as your other beloved elves, Haldir and Thranduil, had done.

Once you were finished, you began to teeter from side to side.

"I've got you."

Legolas swooped you back up in his arms and carried you once more to tuck you in for the night and within seconds of Legolas patting your forehead again with the medicinal cloth, you were out.

As he then made his way to feed Leean, Legolas' ears twitched at the scratching and patting noise coming from the door. One of his white knives were swiftly drawn as he moved with great stealth towards the sound.

"Speak your identity!" he firmly commanded.

"Mrrrrow." sounded at the base of the door, drawing Legolas' astonished eyes downward with furrowed brows.

Upon swinging the door open, in strutted Merlin with his bushy tail straight in the air and greeted the elf with a single figure eight sway around and through his legs, then the purring Maine Coon of long lustrous black and gray fur, leaped upon the bed and curled up beside you.

Legolas offered the Kingly feline a soft grin as he closed and locked the door.

"Alright. I suppose you can stay...as if my approval is needed for that of an entitled cat."

Merlin's round cerulean eyes twinkled of magic, stunning the Prince where he stood and then the giant royal beauty lowered his lids to slits and went to sleep.

Bash and Charles disembarked the ferry to Dorwinion city while the small squad of warlock guards that tagged along for extra safety measures held back to not alarm the locals. To begin their search for the infamous lady witch doctor, they chose the nearest tavern for a brief rest and a much needed drink, not so much out of thirst on the bitterly cold winter's night created by the Elvenking's earthly wrath, but out of anxiety.

"Bash, I have been thinking on the way here. Is this really the only option? You know as well as anyone that black magic is not to be toyed with and Delphine is notorious for such acts. Look what happened to my mother and sister for tempting fate. Taking anything from a devil or a witch most always comes with a price. Can she even be trusted?" Charles asked, sipping his wicked ale as his nerves were now getting the better of him.

"Your mother was already evil and deserved her fate which was torture too kind if you ask me. Without the help of your father, this is the only known option and yes, I trust Delphine. This is what she does."

"But Josie is not evil. She is good and kind."

"She won't be for long if she is not cleansed of Rahl's venom. Any repercussions of the healing far outweighs what she will become....wicked like Rahl himself. Drink up, but carefully. We must keep our wits about us."

"So...Is it true?" the young warlock asked of his confused uncle after a moment of silence.

"Is what true?"

"The King of Mirkwood. He lives and caused the destruction this night?"

"No dear nephew. That was the Elvenking."

In that eerie moment of truth, a city guard approached the duo with discerning eyes.

"Sebastian Narcisse. What brings you and the young Prince to the city on a cold, dark and dangerous night? Surely it's not solely for our Lord's crafted ale that is quite plentiful in his kingdom. Is this in relation to the evening's earthly event?"

"It is one reason yes, to ensure our people are well and to assess the damage. Are there any wounded or fatalities?"

"No deaths reported, but there have been some minor injuries from shaken structures. Is all well at the castle? I would have expected Lord Narcisse to have accompanied you."

"My brother is tending to matters there, so we have come in his place. We are also looking for others. Have you happened to cross paths with Haldir of Lorien? Two men and a dwarf had come here as well in their own search for him."

"Ahh yes. The elven Marchwarden. I saw him not long ago on the docks with his brothers and the others you speak of, the Ranger, the Bowman and the dwarf. They were ready to depart when the violent rumble occurred. I am not sure of their whereabouts now, for the waters were too treacherous for the ferry to transport at the time."

"There is one other we seek. One all here know of."

Bash moved in closer and whispered to not be heard by others. "Delphine."

The man immediately stiffened up. "Why on earth would you seek the wicked??"

"She is not wicked, only perceived to be. There is one who desperately needs her help."

"A perception well deserved. Her help will be costly. You know this, for your brother does not permit black magic of any kind. It is considered a crime as you also know which is why she hides. I am sure you recall the village near here. The boy she healed of the black plague became blind and the farm animals fell ill with disease solely from her presence."

"His blindness was caused by the disease. The animals suffered from it too."

"Witches leave a trail of evil. Birds fall from the sky when they are near." the man argued as Bash recalled the pile of dead blackbirds on his terrace.

"Not all witches. Only wicked ones. I would not seek her if I believed her wicked. What happened to her was not her fault. Much more wicked this way comes. She is the least of anyone's worries. Now, do you know of her whereabouts?"

"Harker was indeed her fault. No one gives something to a warlock of evil without a price. It is my understanding that the witch is in God's hands now. From what we have been informed of here, Harker is in the area and has killed some of your men. He is no different from her. She probably assisted him."

"He is and has done as you heard. But as far as Delphine, you know not what you speak of. What she gave was not freely given and she would not aid him in any manner. I thank you for the information. We must be on our way now. Charles, come!"

Bash and Charles left and headed down the long winding docks that encased the colossal city that never sleeps, in hopes of finding Haldir and the others to bring them and the Marchwarden back to the castle, going against Narcisse's banishment of the elf. Bash knew they would be needed for the impending winter war and he knew you needed Haldir. He also had figured out where Delphine was.

"Bash...what did Delphine give Harker??" Charles soon asked with a curious brow.

As Bash continued his hefty strides, he glanced at Charles.

"Lola."

Charles halted his steps as Bash carried on around the corner.

"What?? Wait! Where are we going??"

"Guards!" Bash called to them as they stood at the boarding port. "Follow me."

"My lord. We were informed by the boatman that another ferry had taken Haldir and the others across the bay just before we arrived."

"Then we must hurry. Let's go!!"

"Bash!" Charles angrily shouted. "WHERE are we going??

"The nunnery." he huffed as his fast strides turned into a gallop.

Charles' brows scrunched in confusion over his crinkled nose.

"Church?? We are going to...church???"

"Please. No more. I beg of you. You said you would help me." Delphine pleaded as the elder prioress neared her with a glowing red hot iron bar from the fireplace.

"I am helping you child by ridding Satan of your soul."

The weakened, perspiring witch knelt on the dirt ground, her hands bound tightly behind her back by coarse roping that scoured her wrists like sandpaper, rendered helpless to fight back, for she had been stripped of her power by the previous iron branding of a cross upon her bare chest. It wouldn't have mattered what symbol was burned into her flesh. Iron was iron to a witch, whether good or bad, except for the immunity you had formerly acquired to the power draining magnet.

"You tricked me. I came to you for refuge of the evil one but it seems you are the real evil here."

"Hush your wicked lips now. This is the 7th marking. The final one. If you are not evil like you claim, you will be healed."

"I will be dead!! I cannot take anymore. Please!"

"Back away from her!!" Bash shouted as he kicked the door in with his guards following and immediately cut the feeble witch's ropes free.

"What are you doing?? She needs cleansed of the devil!"

"It is you that needs cleansed, you fool!" Bash snapped at the nun as he swooped up the debilitated Delphine in his arms and swiftly departed.

Once embarked on the ferry, Bash covered her with a wool blanket as she laid barely conscious upon a wooden bench.

"Bash, what good is she to Josie in this state??" Charles whispered.

"A long bath in the healing waters will aid her recovery and use of her power."

"Why does it not help Josie? You said it burns her wound?"

"It's like pouring water on hot grease when it reacts with Rahl's venom."

"Then let me ask you this. Once the Queen is healed... how do we stop Rahl without killing my father???"

"I don't know." Bash replied with great worry.

"Rahl? He's...back too?" Delphine muttered as she opened her chocolate eyes and then became quite agitated as she sat up. "No..no, Bash, you cannot take me back there!"

Bash sat beside her and took her trembling hands into his.

"I will protect you. We have others that will protect you as well. Someone dear to us needs your healing, for she has been tainted with his venom and Lola...she's believed you dead all this time. She needs her mother...she needs you Jocelyn."

Delphine's hand swiftly covered his mouth as her eyes gaped wide with fear and Charles' jaw dropped open.

"Don't ever say my name out loud! They both will hear you! I have been hiding from Harker for so long and I know he is near. Those farm animals did not die because of me...and that boy...it's Harker's curse upon me that made him go blind. I..I cannot heal your friend without cost and if I go there and attempt to, Rahl will surely punish me or even kill me this time. I can not attempt to take what he has marked for himself...not even our daughter."

"WHAT????" Charles roared. "Lola...she is my sister?????"

"Charles, calm down and let me explai..."

"Do not patronize me!! Why was I never told this??? Does my father know??? Does Lola even know??? My god, I...I had a cru...I can't even say it aloud. I feel ill..."

Charles rushed to the front of the ferry and leaned his head over the rail in hopes that the chilled wind would hold his vomit down.

"Charles. Please listen." Bash sympathetically said as he walked up behind him. "Your father does not know. There are some things he cannot remember. Possibly from the trauma of what Rahl did while consuming his body and Lola, she was too young. Neither Delphine nor Rahl told her."

The mad warlock spun around. "Then how do YOU know??!!"

"Because Rahl made sure I knew all those years ago."

"And you never told my father??!"

"Charles...I..I couldn't. Delphine swore me to secrecy because...Rahl..he..used his magic to force her in his bed. She was ashamed and never wanted Lola to know either and I...I could not tell Stephane what he had done. It would have destroyed him. Our father made him do similar things when he was a young boy like you and that is what made Rahl exist in the first place..."

"I can hear no more of this! I have been lied to about everything from the day I was born and now this. Leave me alone!"

The ferry docked and Charles was the first one to disembark, immediately heading straight to his horse as Bash followed with Delphine in his arms once more.

"Wait! Someone is out there!" Delphine warned before Bash could place her up on his horse.

The warlock spun his head around to the forest as he continued to shield her body, protecting her like he promised he would do, when Haldir and company appeared from the darkness.

"Sebastian. Charles. We recognized your horses so we waited for your return."

"Haldir. We have been searching for you to bring you back. All of you. Terrible things are happening back at the castle."

"I have been banished by your brother. More terrible things will most likely occur if I return."

"There are things you do not know."

"Do not feel left out Haldir. It's something my family likes to do. Keep secrets." Charles retorted as he walked off to relieve himself.

After the Marchwarden watched the boy walk away with a raised brow, he turned back to Bash.

"If you are referring to the earthly disturbance this evening, we are well aware of it's cause."

"Well, no, I was not speaking of that, but yes. If my suspicions are correct, it was King Thranduil. He is alive?"

Rumil's Silvan eyes jolted to Haldir as Haldir's moved to Delphine, consumed with caution.

"I know who you are. Your reputation precedes you. I sense evil upon you. You are marked with it. Why is she here?"

"Haldir. It was placed upon her long ago by Harker by no fault of hers. Josie needs her help, for she too has been marked by evil."

Haldir's sapphire eyes dilated and bolted back to Bash as Delphine's eyes widened.

"What has happened to Jo?? Is she alright???" Haldir barked as he stepped forward.

"The woman's name is...Josie?? and called Jo?? Red...hair???" Delphine cut in, highly astonished.

Bash peered down at the woman of long brown locks like Lola's. "You...know her?"

"I...I...." she fearfully stuttered. "I cannot speak of this here."

Haldir's eyes fixated on hers and they began to narrow.

"You can and you will, for I can make you speak the truth witch."

"Haldir, time is of the essence. We must get back and heal Delphine so she can help Josie. She will tell you what you need to know on the way."

"No..no I won't. You don't understand. None of you do."

Haldir moved before her with intense intimidation plastered all over his sullen face as his jaw clenched.

"Then you will make me understand, for you will not go within eyesight of her without my approval. Now speak before I force your tongue."

"I...I...well she...she was...best friend's with my daughter long ago. In the civilian world. Please...I am not supposed to speak of Josie to anyone."

"You are...Sarah's mother, Jocelyn?" Haldir asked as he tilted his head.

"Well this just gets better and better." Charles piped with a smug grin. "Did you know she's also Lola's mother??"

"Shhhh!!!" she whispered to both the elf and the warlock in a panic and then continued to Haldir in a barely audible tone. "For all intents and purposes, yes. But please...H..Haldir. If it is true about the goblin King bringing forth the dead...Caroline will most certainly be one of them and...she will come for me. I...I told you Bash...I cannot go back there!!! I won't!"

A crackling of twigs came from the forest behind them and Delphine gasped in fright, then unsteadily bolted off into the trees.

"Delphine!" Bash shouted and ran off after her with all of the others quickly following.

"Halt!" Haldir commanded, causing everyone, including Delphine to freeze in their tracks.

Haldir's chin lifted for him to smell the air, his nostrils boldly flaring as he sucked it in.

"Narcisse is here. Or shall I say Darken Rahl?" Haldir snarled as his keen nose could pick up both the peppermint and pepper scent of the conjoined entities.

Swords, bows and and axe were all raised and shimmered in light of the waxing moon and then out of the darkness appeared the wicked warlock lord, caped, hooded and holding a charged up ball of golden electricity in his palms as he glowered at them.

"Well if it isn't Haldir of Lorien and his pointy eared sisters. Long time no see girls. Are you ready to dance?"

Rahl pursed his lips tight and raised his hand, chucking the lightning ball at lightning speed into the center of the group, knocking each of the nine to their backs with the blinding explosion.

He then turned on the guards and gave them the same dose of medicine.

"You are MY army. Are...we...clear??! Or shall I start singing a good old Christmas carol for you? Warlocks roasting on an open fire." he sang. "Lord Rahl nipping off your toes."

All but the guards flung to their feet with great agility and resumed their fighting stance with weapons raised, but not Charles. He became enraged at ran at the man with his father's face, wielding his sword.

"Give me back my father!!!!"

As Charles brought the razor sharp blade to the imposter's throat, Rahl bellowed in cackling laughter as he knocked the blade from his hand and the stunned boy to the ground, then held his blade to his chest in return.

"Let us see if you are all as simple minded as this young witch! My blade rests only centimeters from his heart."

"Rahl! Leave him alone. It is I you want yes?? Here I am." Bash shouted, panting desperately.

"If there's one thing I despise, it is a martyr...and a traitor!" Rahl snapped back at Bash.

"You're the traitor!" Charles fearlessly riposted. "Would you really kill your own son???"

"You, my foolish boy, are NOT my son, just as I am not your father, which you so hypocritically just displayed as you rushed me with your sword! You cannot kill me and if you could, you kill daddy dearest!"

"I was not trying to kill you, only slow you down."

Charles swung his hand up and hurled a magical fast ball of his own at Rahl's chest, whipping the dark lord's shoulder back, but not taking him to the ground.

A sinister grin formed on Rahl's lips as he brought his shoulder back with a snap, then he advanced on Charles.

"Weak just like your father. I have had enough of you."

"NO!" Bash shouted and dived over Charles, whipping his body to the side just before Rahl's sword pierced the ground where he had lied.

"AND you!" Rahl continued and raised the blade again.

"Stephane!! STOP!!! I'm your brother! Charles is your son!! I know you're in there!!! Fight him!!! You are the stronger one!!! You are the REAL one!!!"

Rahl's hand that held the sword began to shake and in anger, he grabbed his wrist with the other hand to steady it. As he desperately tried to swing the weapon down at the huddled pair, his hand slingshot the sword through the air and then his eyes burned a blinding yellow light as his head arched back as a peppermint breeze stormed through his hair.

With a heavy exhale, Rahl's head lowered as his the glow of his eyes faded to a soft white shimmer, then became their normal icy blue hues.

"Ch...Charles? B..Bash? Where...where am I?"

"Father???!!" Charles whimpered as he and Bash slowly stood up.

"NO!" Delphine screamed. "It's not him! He still is in Rahl's form!"

"Oh Jocelyn, you always too smart for your own good. Run witch run, all of you run while you still can. I'm hungry and ready to hunt! I love cat and mouse games!"

Before their very eyes, Aragorn's, Bard's, Gimli's, Haldir's, Rumil's, Orophin's, Bash's, Charles, Delphine's and the guards', Rahl shapeshifted into the big black beast with eyes that lit up like there was sun in the dark of night as it's tantalizing tongue slurped over it's cold wet nose.

And then a low malevolent growling purr rolled up it's broad neck and steamed out into the brisk air.

"RUN!!" Delphine cried as she wasted no time in sprinting off.

The jet black panther then ferociously pounced directly at Bash.

@redeemer46

How wickedly purrfect and true!

[wareagleofthemountain]

Recharging

Haldir walked into his bedroom after a sparring session, dropping his pack. “What is going on here?”

Caladwen, Rumil, and Orophin were sprawled out on the bed, listening as Rumil read from the last novel of the series they were currently obsessed with. Each of them were wearing facial masks and there was a bowl of candy on the night stand.

“We’re recharging.” Orophin chirped.

“It’s an introvert thing.” Rumil chimed in.

Haldir raises a teasing brow. “Am I being cheated on right now? Orophin, you’re not even an introvert.”

“We left you a space my love.” Caladwen rolled closer to Rumil, patting a space behind her for Haldir.

“Hurry up we’re getting to the good part!” Orophin urged, stuffing a handful of chocolates into his mouth.

Unstrapping his boots, the lead Marchwarden cuddled into the sheets and pulled his wife’s back against his chest. “Go on then. But I can tell you that…”

“Hey! No spoilers!” They reprimanded in good-nature as Rumil continued where he’d left off.

[the-lozowski-speakeasy]

10 people I'd like to know better

Tagged by @intearsaboutrobots :)

Last Song: Sur la Montagne du Loup - La Bottine Souriante

Last Book: for whatever reason I've been getting deep into Alexander McCall Smith lately. I guess they're easy listening when I'm at work. I'm more or less caught up on the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, and the Department of Sensitive Crimes series', and I've just now started the 44 Scotland Street series

Last Movie: Hausu (1977)

Last TV Show: mmmmmmmm, I don't watch tv shows all that often so my memory isn't strong but I did rewatch the paranormal investigation series, Hellier a little while ago which, while out there, is remarkably well put together as far as paranormal documentaries go

Last Thing I Googled: "trans rights stickers - bulk" for putting up around the campus where I work

Favourite Colour: green!! forest green, moss green, seafoam green, you name it

Relationship status: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Looking forward to: presenting at a professional conference in april w/ my friend from grad school + getting to see some other friends who are also going <3

Current obsession: idk if I'm crazy into any particular fandom or hobby atm, but I have been vividly hallucinating the perfect modern lesbian Persuasion adaptation, à la Fire Island, for the last several weeks and it's literally eating me alive that I am not a filmmaker and cannot make this movie which exists in perfect clarity in my head

I'm tagging: @amokslime, @stjohnstarling ,@sob-dylan, @corvikae, @rumils, @lerasmistborn, @arealcrow, @harmcrow, @jackina-box, @adhdheather

[elithilanor]

Hi! :) okay, I made a list with some Lorien boi questions!

Rumil:

I know you’ve said before that he’s pretty calm most of the time, but does he have a good sense of humor or is it more of a cold calmness?

Does he ever get get bashful about having to explain BDSM protocol to others or does he see the subject as neutral? 

How does he interact with softer/newer subs? 

What is his biggest pet peeve? 

Is he a good listener?

Does he yearn to travel, or does he prefer his home city?

Orophin:

You can tell me if I’m off, but it sounds to me like he has a lot of energy to spare. Does he like to engage in sports/extracurriculars? if so, what kind? Do his crazy stunts ever get him into trouble?

What is he like when one of his friends/family members have a bad day?

Does he often wrestle/play fight with his brothers? If so, who usually starts it and who finishes it?

He strikes me as someone who is very outdoorsy and would rather sleep by a campfire than inside. Is that true?

Does he have romantic, non-sexual relationships?

Is he a cuddly with those he’s close to?

Haldir:

Okay… I just read you Haldir Returns Home fic and it honestly made my day. I love your OFC in that one. She just seems so sweet and worshipful of him. I know she’s a reader insert, but do you have any details about her/their relationship? Especially the non-sexual kneeling hc. Also, would it be okay if I requested a short drabble with them this October for my birthday?

Thanks!

LÓRIEN BOIS ASKS

I cannot begin to explain how excited and happy I am for this. I love asks, I love specific asks and requests, and I love my blorbos. You and @ sotwk have the best asks. You also get brownie points for asking about the bois that never get love and traction here: Rúmil and Orophin. My babies of the heart.

Now, questions!!!

.

Rumil:

I know you’ve said before that he’s pretty calm most of the time, but does he have a good sense of humor or is it more of a cold calmness?

He's got a very dry sense of humor, but he's actually fairly easy-going and quick to laugh. His default is kind of resting bitch and tracking your movements face and he's cold calmness out on patrol, but he's actually a really good time when out at a party. He's just not usually leading the conversation. He likes people watching.

Does he ever get get bashful about having to explain BDSM protocol to others or does he see the subject as neutral?

Lol no he does not. He sees BDSM (and sex in general) as a very healthy and natural part of existence and has no shame in it. He may not reveal his personal preferences and past experiences with someone he's not planning on playing with or teaching, but he has no qualms about the subject at all.

He finds it hysterical when Haldir asks him about anything BDSM-related because Haldir is incredibly bashful about it, even if he tries to put on a good face.

I tend to HC that Elvish societies are less prudish about sex overall than Mannish societies and the fact that he was raised Silvan makes it even less so.

How does he interact with softer/newer subs?

Overall, he treats them similarly in that he's a lot gentler with them.

Rúmil's not very verbally expressive during play normally, so he tends to guide softer subs around more with soft touches instead of harsh tugs or slaps. He prefers harder play, so he's likely only to take a soft sub if they're newer, want to try a new type of play, if they've had traumatic experiences and want something safe and controlled, or it's a compatibility test for something more intense.

For newer subs specifically, he makes an effort to be more verbal with them in a way he's typically not in play: asking more clarifying questions, explaining what he's doing before he does it and maybe even expected sensations, checking in more often and requiring verbal confirmation of consent, and even giving a lot of verbal feedback or praise. He starts slow and builds with newer subs and he's really big on sitting down and having almost like a date with them just to get to know them and their goals beforehand.

What is his biggest pet peeve?

That the patrol talans aren't being put back into the order he left them in. It's easier to settle in, keep things clean, and find important tools in an emergency if things are kept to his (or any) standards.

Laundry anywhere it shouldn't be. Like the floor, Orophin!

Is he a good listener?

Yes, absolutely. Laser-focused and very intense, especially if it's about BDSM. Haldir and Orophin both have better memories than he does so he takes the time to write down important dates or sexual preferences and other information so he can refer back to/memorize it. Once he puts it to paper, he's generally pretty good after that.

It's actually why he started painting, to vividly remember landscapes and embed them in his memories.

Does he yearn to travel, or does he prefer his home city?

Mmm. He enjoys traveling, but its not something he craves. He honestly tends to get around a decent amount (visiting Mirkwood for some festivals and important holidays - I HC they were born here and have extended family and friends there; patrolling all over Lothlórien over the centuries; escorting guests and Celebrían; and traveling to Imladris for diplomatic conferences or patrol exchanges; and so forth) and doesn't see the need to do more than he already does. Every once in a while, he'll go for a weekend trip somewhere, but its mostly for a change of scenery and some quite.

Haldir was often stationed in nearby human settlements before he was promoted to Captain and then Chief and so forth and he would visit him, as well.

.

Orophin:

You can tell me if I’m off, but it sounds to me like he has a lot of energy to spare. Does he like to engage in sports/extracurriculars? if so, what kind?

YES!! Thank you!!! You get it!

And actually, not really! There's a couple I could say, but I also think the basic ability/information for them are common to any Galadhrim, warden elf. Hiking, walking, camping, plant and animal identification. He's quite good at them all and specifically specializes in tracking, but that just kind of comes with the territory. He does really like butterflies, though.

He loves to swim in any body of water he finds and perch high up in the mallorn trees and watch the seasons change.

Do his crazy stunts ever get him into trouble?

All the fucking time. He doesn't get injured as much as he did as an elfling (Tawarwaith - Woodelves/Silvan- elflings fall from trees says one of my favorite Mirkwood world-building authors, SpaceAsmatic, on ao3), but he still ends up in hysterical situations.

To date, he has cartwheeled, somersaulted, and fell out of a patrol talan onto Lord Celeborn. More than once. Celeborn thinks it's hilarious, but no one except Galadriel and Elrond will ever find out. He has to maintain his stern demeanor with his wardens. Elrond finds out because the trees are different in Imladris and he always has to adjust to new tree heights and branch stability. He broke an arm last time he was there.

He and Legolas get on like a house on fire. Everyone gives them a wide berth when they're together and Elrond puts the healing wing on standby.

It mostly gets him out of trouble to be honest, because parkouring across tree-tops is really great for orc evasion.

What is he like when one of his friends/family members have a bad day?

Typically he gets a bit quieter and softer; more reserved. Most of those he's close to have a bad day due to overwork (Haldir) or over stimulation from stress so he kind of follows them around and assists them where he can. He likes to open windows and coerce people onto balconies for some fresh air and sun.

If people are up for it, he'll take them out drinking or partying and he'll take point so they don't have to focus on the details. He'll get you home safely. He'll be drunk as shit, but he'll get you home!

Does he often wrestle/play fight with his brothers? If so, who usually starts it and who finishes it?

I wouldn't say often and when they do it's nothing serious. Just a fun joke and lots of posturing; no one's trying to do any damage.

Haldir or Rúmil usually start it (after Orophin has goaded them) and they usually finish it while Orophin just wheezes laughing.

If Haldir and Rúmil ever are fighting, then something is very, very wrong. Like someone died wrong.

He strikes me as someone who is very outdoorsy and would rather sleep by a campfire than inside. Is that true?

No, but only because after every night he's forced to sleep on the forest floor or on a bare slat during patrols and battles, he refuses to give up the comforts and warmth of his bed at home any more than he has to.

(He likes everything else about the outdoors, though.)

Does he have romantic, non-sexual relationships?

Eh, he kind of has flings sometimes? What he really has is a large, close knit group of friends with kissing and cuddling benefits.

Is he cuddly with those he’s close to?

Incredibly! He's very tactile and often has a hand on someone or is dragging them somewhere. Loves chilling in meadows in a dog pile of his friends.

.

Haldir:

Okay… I just read you Haldir Returns Home fic and it honestly made my day. I love your OFC in that one. She just seems so sweet and worshipful of him. I know she’s a reader insert, but do you have any details about her/their relationship? Especially the non-sexual kneeling hc.

Thank you!!!! You're so kind! Yeah, I fucking love her and them too. I always try and write other pairings, but in the end I end up having WIPs with them too.

Since the submissive Haldir discussion has been going around, I've actually added three new WIPs for Haldir and my OFC all featuring subby Haldir in various stages of their jouney regarding his submission. One is actually her basically trying to get him to accept compliments and praise through worship so. I think that may have answered part of your question.

I do have a non-sexual kneeling drabble in that list, too. Because them. Sigh.

Hmm Facts about OFC (who is my OFC for my full HC Haldir, whereas the ones created for Sotwk and labeled as such are a mix of my HCs and hers for her requests):

-I haven't yet decided on a profession for her, but I'm leaning seamstress or herbalist. I had been debating archivist, but I think I'm giving that to my fem!Haldir x fem!Reader in the future. Not that it technically matters, but semantics.

-She's good at holding a grudge with everyone in world except Haldir (not that he tends to upset her very often)

-She refuses to have a favorite season; it’s very rude and they all have their benefits and magic

-She loves lemon (hence Haldir's famed Lemon Tarts)

-She tends to get overstimulated by noise easily

-She had too many houseplants. She and Haldir had to come to compromise (she lost; her consolation prize for almost-solely kitchen herb plants in the house now is garden walks with his brothers)

-She’s afraid of heights. It makes living in trees the fucking worst (patrol towers and the Council Hall are the worst offenders because they’re extra high up)

Also, would it be okay if I requested a short drabble with them this October for my birthday?

Yes! :) Thank you for asking (and good call on starting the request early haha). If you want it posted for everyone, go ahead and drop your request in my ask box, but if you'd prefer something just for yourself, please feel free to send me a message!

Also, hello, fellow October birthday babe!! You a Scorpio or a Libra?

[allthatglittersisnotgoldrush]

Happy 5th Birthday to the Gold Rush AU!

TolkienGirl here just dropping in to make note of this momentous anniversary...

On March 10, 2019, the very first installment of the AU was posted... an exchange of letters between Aredhel and Galadriel. At the time, we thought the AU as a whole might be a collection of "discovered documents" contemporaneous with our timeline... but we quickly realized that we wanted to embrace the narrative form. That said, we have occasionally returned to our epistolary roots, as in our timeline-bridging mini-series Yours Respectfully, Doegred. We occasionally dabble in poetry, and anyone following this tumblr has seen the lovely fanart tributes we've received (and at times commissioned) from our extraordinarily talented readers!

If you'll indulge my love of stats for a moment, the AU currently stands at nearly 1.7 million words. It has 433 installments, the longest being Pharmakós (no surprise to anyone of course) with a word-count of over 310k, and the shortest being Rumil's elegy, burial hymn. Our most kudosed and bookmarked fic is the Angband novel, within the hollow crown.

I welcome my co-authors to join in with their takes, but if I had to pick my favorite character POVs to write, I'd go with Maedhros, Estrela, Fingon, Gwindor, and, I am so sorry for this but it IS fun, Morgoth.

If I had to suggest five AU fics to get someone hooked (other than those daring souls who start with Angband haha), I'd recommend 1) our take on the burning of the ships at Losgar, not doom itself; 2) the Irish Feanorians pièce de résistance those gathered beneath; 3) the stakes-raising Westward-ho saga covered by the tabernacle (reconstructed); 4) the definitive treatise on Feanorian Catholicism little lights shining in our hearts (and they die along the way); and finally, 5) between the jealous mountains (shall we mourn), in which we say goodbye to our version of Feanor and send Maedhros to the fate that awaits him with fell purpose.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to everyone who has followed us on this journey so far. We have so many plans yet to fulfil, and in the meantime, every sign of interest and adulation encourages us to keep going.

[tar-mairons]

Tag people you’d like to get to know better

thanks for tagging @coaleyed !!!!!

Last song: I've been listening to stick season radio almost exclusively and I doooo not remember which was last so let's put it on shuffle aaaand... All the Debts I Owe by Caamp

Fave color: I also like a good forest green :)

Last book: Our Moon by Rebecca Boyle. really fascinating read, it's all about the moon's role in cultures and nature through history and in the future. I started Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake in the summer but I still have not finished it oops

Last TV Show: honestly the last thing I watched was iwtv back in the summer when I was home sick with covid

Sweet/Spicy/Savory: all three!!! they all have their time and place. though I do LOVE a good sweet and spicy treat :)

Relationship Status: deeply single and terrified to mingle<2

Last Thing I Googled: "most nutritious plants to grow" which really did not provide much more new information than what I already know :/

Looking Forward To: right now, probably the end of the working season, which isn't til mid January but still. I am CRAVING that break

Tagging: @rumils @czernsey @anaryllis @wingedspite if y'all are so inclined :)

[polutrope]

15, 18, 19

Thank you for the ask! I hadn't forgotten this one, just got distracted.

15. A topic you never get tired of discussing

In-universe narrators (and translators!), and the historical traditions embedded in Tolkien's writings. Pengolodh. Ælfwine. Rúmil, Quennar Onotimo. The Numenóreans. Elemmíre, Maglor, Dírhavel. Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee. The Quenta, the Annals, the Lays. Laws and Customs of the Eldar (written by a Man btw!). The Anglo-Saxon translation of the Annals (not that I can read it). Who wrote them? Why? What are the differences between them? Why do they exist?

Just look at this passage from the 1937 Quenta Silmarillion!

Silmarillion  Ælfwine’s note These histories were written by Pengolod the Wise of Gondolin, both in that city before its fall, and afterwards at Tathrobel in the Lonely Isle, Toleressea, after the return unto the West. In their making he used much the writings of Rumil the Elfsage of Valinor, chiefly in the annals of Valinor and the account of tongues, and he used also the accounts that are preserved in the Golden Book. The work of Pengolod I learned much by heart, and turned into my tongue, some during my sojourn in the West, but most after my return to Britain. [Six lines of verse in Anglo-Saxon quoting Ælfwine] Translator’s note The histories are here given in English of this day, translated from the version of Eriol of Leithian, as the Gnomes called him, who was Ælfwine of Angelcynn. Such other matters as Ælfwine took direct from the Golden Book, together with his account of his voyage, and his sojourn in Toleressea, are given elsewhere.

Also: The out-of-universe textual history. Why did Tolkien write them? When? How has the posthumous Silmarillion been reconstructed from those pieces? How have Christopher Tolkien's editorial choices impacted how we read the Silmarillion?

Please, if you are also insane about this, DM me. I am desperate to talk about it more.

18. Something you initially did not like but came around to

Answered here (incest). Another one: Maedhros. Yes, just Maedhros as a character. Wouldn't say I actively disliked him, but I didn't get the hype. @melestasflight kept at me and changed my mind.

19. Give kudos to someone who leaves great comments

I can't not mention MoonLord, whose excitement is so infectious, whether it's on my fics or others'. But I really want to acknowledge @wanderer-on-the-steppe who gives the most thoughtful, insightful comments that are on the level of literary analysis.

I would also add you and @meadowlarkx in that same category.

[Spread Love Asks]

[lanthanum12]

I gave it a go and I got 280!

Here is my list!

It took two pages haha! (I am now reminded as to why I don't write stuff out by hand as a Dysgraphic person XD (my wrist is so sore!)

[Image ID: List of names written in the purple pen. The names are: Maeglin, Finwe, Miriel, Indis, Feanor, Nerdanel, Mahtan, Findis, Faniel, Fingolfin, Anaire, Lalwende, Finarfin, Earwen, Maedhros, Maglor, Celegorm, Caranthir, Curufin, Amras, Amrod, Fingon, Turgon, Elenwe, Aredhel, Eol, Argon, Finrod, Amarie, Angrod, Eldalote, Aegnor, Galadriel, Celeborn, Celebrimbor, Idril, Tuor, Orodreth, Celebrian, Earendil, Gil-Galad, Finduilas, Elros, Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir, Arwen, Eldarion, Vardamir, Tindomiel, Manwendil, Atanalcar, Amandil, Vardilme, Aulendil, Nolondil, Mairen, Erendis, Aldarion, Ancalime, Tar-Palantir, Tar-Miriel, Ar-Pharazon, Elendil, Ilsidur, Beruthiel, Fuinur, Lenwe, Denethor the elf, Mablung, Beleg, Daeron, Saeros, Elmo, Olwe, Thingol, Luthien, Dior, Nimloth, Elwing, Elured, Elurin, Ingwe, Ingwion, Elemire, Meleth, Edrahil, Nellas, Voronwe, Elmmakil, Gwindor, Legolas of Gondolin, Gelmir, Dulian of the Swallow, Galdor of the Tree, Glorfindel, Ecthelion, Salgant, Rog, Egalmoth, Penlod, Haldir the marchwarden, Oropher, thranduil, Legolas Greenleaf, Galion, Gildor Inglorion, Gimli the elf, Vaire of cottage Lost Play, Erestor, Lindir, Cirdan, Manwe, Varda, Aule, Yavanna, Irmo, Este, Nienna, Ulmo, Tulkas, Vana, Nessa, Orome, Namo, Vaire, Tinfang Warble, Makar, Maesse, Tom Bombadil, Goldberry, Fanuin, Langon, Kuruki, Salmar, Osse, Uinen, Saruman, Alatar, Pallando, Radagast, Gandalf, Melian, Arien, Tilion, Ilmare, Eonwe, Thuringwethil, Zigur, Gothmog the balrog, Fankil, Nimrodel, Mithrellas, Amrod, Eru, Mouth of Sauron, Azog, Bolg, Shagrat, Gorbag, Grima, Gothmog of Mordor, Khamul, Witch-king, Bill Ferny, Shelob, Ungoliant, Gollum, Ulfang, Uldor, Brodda, Freca, Wulf, Carcharoth, Draugluin, Scatha. Maeglin's, Nienna's, Goldberry's, Vaire's, Zigur's, Khamul's, Witch King's, and Gollum's names have hearts drawn near them. /end ID]

[Image ID: List of characters written in purple pen. The names are: Smaug, Glaurung, Anlcagon, Lotho Sackewille-Baggins, Otho SB, Lobelia SB, Belladonna Baggins, Bruno Bracegirdle, Lily, the other Lily, Diamound, Pippin, Merry, Frodo, Samwise, Hamfast, Frodo Gardner, Alfreda of Yale, Rosie, Farmer Cotton, Farmer Maggot, Odo Proudfoot, Bilbo Baggins, Anglachel/Gurthang, Elanor Gardner, Barliman Butterbur, Bard Bowman, Beorn, Grimbeorn, Eowyn, Eomer, Lothiriel, Elboron, Theoden, Theodwyn, theodred, Hazad Longbeam, Tal-Elmar, Boron, Beren, Gorlim, Beor, Haldad, Haleth, Hador, Andreth, Dorlas, Brandir, Bledis, Turin, Lalaith, Nienor, Morwen, Hurin, Huor, Mim, Ori, Dori, Nori, Thorin Oakensheild, kili, Fili, Dis, Boromir, Faramir, Denethor the steward, Finduilas of dol Amroth, Imarahil, Ioreth, Gimli the Dwarf, Glion, Grion, Telchar, Azaghal, Dain Ironfoot, Bifur, Bombur, Bofur, Durin I, Durin II, Durin III, Durin IV, Huan, Old Man Willow, Nahar, Asafola, Bill the Pony, Fang, Fatty Lumpkin, Annael, Sador, Aerin, Quickbeam, Treeberead, Rumil the loremaster, Pengoloth, Thorondor, Gwahir, Tevildo, Bregolas, Shadowfax, Morgoth, Helm, Rian. Lobelia's, Bill the Pony's, Angalchel/Gurthang's, and Brandir's, names all have hearts near them. /end ID] And yes Anglachel/Gurthang being a character is a hill I am willing to die on, I treat her as such and she has dialog which is more than I can say for many of these characters! It would be very sad if I had to leave out one of my top ten.

This took forever!! Thank you for reading!

Bonus internet points will be awarded to anyone who actually tries this exercise before voting.

Assume you need to get the spelling at least somewhat close, and if a character has multiple names, only one counts. Also, if a character doesn't have a canonical name, I'm sorry, but "that guy's wife" doesn't count.

For reference, if you can name the 9 members of the Fellowship, the eponymous Hobbit and his 13 dwarf buddies, 3 prominent women, and the guy who runs the Rivendell B&B, that's 27 characters right there. And you probably also know the name of a dragon.

For further reference, Tolkien Gateway has 637 (!!) pages dedicated to Third Age characters. (Don't click that link until you've voted, of course)

Edit: Your humble pollmaker gave this a try, and got as far as 73 before deciding she was too tired to keep trying to remember dwarf and Silm names. If you also want to share (and don't mind people being incredulous at your having forgot ____), pastebin allows you to paste text and share it for free. :)

[ao3feed-samfro]

in the words of the philosophers lalwen and rumil... you need therapy

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/IVZtgd0 by whorefindel Sauron swallowed, and Frodo thought he looked a bit guilty. “There are two guards outside the door,” he confessed. “Manwë told me I could make my last visit before the trial to whoever I wished if I thought they could plead my case.” “And you chose me?” Frodo’s brows shot up to his hairline. “Also, how long were you waiting in my room while I slept? I clearly was not wrong about the autism…” Ignoring his last statement, Sauron said, “You are one of the kindest people whose lives I have ever had the misfortune of ruining besides Celebrimbor, so naturally, I came to you.” Words: 3936, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: The Lord of the Rings - All Media Types, The Lord of the Rings - J. R. R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion and other histories of Middle-Earth - J. R. R. Tolkien, TOLKIEN J. R. R. - Works & Related Fandoms Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: Gen Characters: Frodo Baggins, Sauron (Tolkien), Irime | Lalwen (mentioned), Rumil (mentioned), Celebrimbor (mentioned), Sam Gamgee, Merry Brandybuck Relationships: Frodo Baggins & Sauron, Frodo Baggins/Sauron, Frodo Baggins/Sam Gamgee - unrequited, past Morgoth/Sauron, past Sauron/Celebrimbor - Relationship, Maedhros/Sauron - past implied Additional Tags: Mentions of Rape, Not shown on screen, Humor, Angst, Philosophy, Psychology, ish, frodo psychologizing and philosophizing sauron, frodo the psychologist and philosophist, lol, i am neither but i have dabbled in readings and classes, shameless attributing of aristotle and immanuel kant's philosophical theories to rumil and lalwen, ethical philosophy, sauron getting called out on his shit by a 3 foot tall 180 year old hobbit gremlin with 9 fingers, sauron needs to meet chidi anagonye, if he thinks frodo is bad, attempts at seduction, unfortunately sam is frodo's type, Victim Blaming, classic sauron things, Abusive Relationships, mentioned only - Freeform, past morgoth/sauron - Freeform, past Angbang, frodo is smart but a little slow sometimes, but like who expects the dark lord sauron to be pretty princessing and flirting around with you, in your mind, in your dreams, he just thinks he's going insane and doesn't put the pieces together for a few decades, Crack Treated Seriously, Fluff, in a way? - Freeform, woke frodo, mama they're making Woke Hobbits now, Sexual Trauma, oh lord free poor frodo from the dark lord's trauma dumping, bestieism but in an enemy way, yeah okay this was somewhat inspired by the good place and chidi trying to teach blondie ethics, Bonding, Trauma, Fourth Age of Arda (Tolkien), Valinor (Tolkien), sauron is bound to the ring, obviously, but moreso here than in canon, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Sassy Frodo, Sexual comments, Sexual innuendos, shortphobia :(, haha im shortphobic, implied maedhros/mairon read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/IVZtgd0

[blahahala]

Give me your best theories!

Personally, I just don’t know!!! He speaks Quenya, quotes Rumil, has a fancy sword, knew or at least saw Melian, has a history with Sauron and Morgoth, possibly knows Elrond…. and then Cirdan actually mentions Daeron earlier in the season... was that just for a fun reference or does it mean something bigger? I am not an expert so let me know anything I've missed/misinterpreted! Maglor: Missing, speaks Quenya, has a hand injury, likely has a fancy sword, knew Elrond, could he have red in his hair like Adar? But idk if he makes any sense time-wise.

Celeborn: Missing, could have a fancy sword, knew Melian, maybe he knows some Quenya? Perhaps he met Elrond at the same time Galadriel did? There are a few different backgrounds associated with him so idk what they're going with. Wrong hair color.

Maeglin: Quenya, fancy dark sword (could it be Anguirel?), was a captive in Angband, but he should be dead.

Maedhros: History with Morgoth, fancy sword, Quenya, knew Elrond, red hair (though Adar's is only red in certain light), hand injury, hung from a peak, but he should be dead and should be missing his right hand. But there are a lot of similarities - is Adar slightly based on him, maybe?

Daeron: Disappeared, knew Melian, was mentioned earlier in the show by Cirdan, could he have known some Quenya?

Some random elf: Probably most likely, though what is his background, I wonder? Seems to have some Noldorin traits, but also shares with Arondir the tradition of planting seeds before battle and mentions the river where Arondir grew up.

It's tricky to even try to fit these characters into this, as I don't really know the exact timeline/history that applies in this show (Adar himself mentions he was taken to serve Morgoth in the "eldest of the Elder Days"), but it's still fun to speculate!!