#Ost the king 2 hearts

[ericityyy]

Hiii I was wondering if you could do a choi seung hyun x reader where the reader is also in a k-pop group and they do a callab together and they slowly fall for eachother? Sorry if this doesn’t make sense lol

𝐒𝐚𝐲 𝐘𝐞𝐬, 𝐒𝐚𝐲 𝐘𝐞𝐬

𝙎𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙮: 𝘛𝘸𝘰 𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘭𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘨𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨? (𝘈𝘉𝘚𝘖𝘓𝘜𝘛𝘌𝘓𝘠 𝘕𝘖𝘛𝘏𝘐𝘕𝘎)

𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚: 𝘐𝘥𝘰𝘭 𝘹 𝘐𝘥𝘰𝘭

𝙏𝙮𝙥𝙚: 𝘍𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘍𝘭𝘶𝘧𝘧

𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩: 1525

𝙒𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜: 𝘕𝘰𝘯𝘦

𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩

Over the years, putting two idols together and creating what some people call a “ship” has become normal in the K-pop industry and its fandom. During the second generation of idols, two particular groups reigned supreme, known as the kings and queens of K-pop then—and even now.

BigBang, the kings, and 2NE1, the queens, each had talented and well-known members. It was the peak of YG Entertainment when these two groups released a song or an album. And due to being in the same company, shipping was unavoidable. T.O.P and Y/N can attest to that.

With every interaction, fans always pointed out how the two looked at each other, how they behaved around one another, how they smiled when the other person was mentioned—everything and anything that related T.O.P to Y/N and vice versa was always watched closely. In times like this, what do fans need? A good collaboration between the biggest, unsinkable ship of the century, as one fan dubbed them during a BigBang interview on a variety show.

“So, what do you both say?” Yang Hyun-Suk, famously known as YG, asked the two idols before him. His usual cool demeanor was evident, his arms crossed as he waited for their reply. “It’s a simple collaboration song for an upcoming hit series, and the music directors specifically asked for both of you. They’d even give you the opportunity to help in the composing aspect, knowing that you are both capable of doing so, right?”

T.O.P looked at Y/N for a moment, her face exhibiting a thoughtful look. His heart started to drum in his ribcage. This was a huge opportunity for him to spend time with her, of course he would take it. “I’d be alright with taking the job, only if Y/N holds the same sentiment.” He tried to act calm and composed, but his mind was repeating, 'Please accept, please accept, please accept.'

His prayers were answered when Y/N smiled up at him. “I would love to. It would be a fun experience.” T.O.P mirrored her look with a smile of his own. YG looked between the two with one of his eyebrows raised, a noticeable smirk appearing on his face.

“Great! That’s settled then. I’ll let them know of your response.” YG stood up from his couch facing them and approached his office chair to face his computer.

T.O.P and Y/N hastily stood up after him, their hands politely placed in front of them. “Sir, if I may ask,” the latter interjected through the sounds of keyboard clicking, “What is the series we’ll be doing an OST for?”

・‥...━━━━━━☆☆━━━━━━...‥・

After eagerly leaving YG’s office, they immersed themselves in planning and discussing the possible feel of the song. They knew that this collaboration would hold high expectations from their fans, who had been requesting it ever since they first saw the two idols interact during their debut days. Meeting with the music directors, composers, and producers of the song, they carved out time for late-night studio sessions, leaving others amazed by their commitment despite their tight schedules.

It wasn’t a surprise when “rumors” of their collaboration sparked the internet, trending for days.

—

Koreaboo

—

[TRENDING] BigBang’s T.O.P And 2NE1’s Y/N Are Rumored To Collab In Upcoming Series “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo”

Username 1: I JUST KNOW THIS IS GONNA BE HUGE!!! THE WAIT WAS ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT

Username 2: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH

Username 3: EVERYBODY CALM DOWN! THIS IS NOT A DRILL, I REPEAT THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!

Username 4: WHAT THE FUCKKKK?!?! THE CAST?!?! THE OST SINGERS?!?! I JUST KNOW THIS DRAMA IS GONNA BE ON MY TOP LIST (pun intended)

—

Reading the comments, the two laughed to make up for their sleepless nights. “I love how excited they are; it just makes me more determined to do our best for them,” Y/N said fondly, looking at her phone, her expression failing to hide her soft spot for their supporters. T.O.P hummed in response, feeling exactly the same way.

He flinched when Y/N harshly slapped both her cheeks. “Let’s do this!” Her face looked determined as ever. It made him more fond of her, especially after the few days they had spent navigating the logistics and artistry of their vision for the song. The music directors gave them a beat, a melody, and some unfinished lyrics for the chorus. They trusted the two to make the music together and to help them in every chance they had.

There was never a dull moment between them. T.O.P softly rubbed Y/N’s cheeks with his thumbs, watching as they reddened from the impact. “Don’t do that again. You can rest if you want, but don’t hurt yourself, idiot.” He flicked her forehead lightly.

Y/N deadpanned at him. “Saying that and flicking me on the forehead nullifies your point.” He just laughed in response. ‘Never a dull moment,’ he thought as he felt his heart race at their proximity.

Y/N opened the notebook given to them for ideas and writing lyrics. She hummed in tune to the lyrics with T.O.P looking over her shoulder, adding some lyrics for his own parts as well. After some time passed, Y/N felt a weight on her shoulder, shocking her. She looked and only saw dark, messy hair. Y/N smiled, patting his head, making T.O.P bury his face more into the crook of her neck. She hesitated at first but then leaned her head on his, not noticing the smile that grew on the rapper’s face.

・‥...━━━━━━☆☆━━━━━━...‥・

The shooting of the music video for the OST was simple, with the setting just in the recording studio. The two idols were side by side, singing the song. The director's main instruction was to be themselves and have fun with the song they had played such a major role in creating.

“You ready?” T.O.P asked Y/N as they both put on their headphones, the cameraman ready to capture every moment.

“I’m excited for this; it’s the first time we’re going to sing the song as a whole.” Y/N held T.O.P’s hand for a moment. “I’m proud of us, oppa.” Although he managed to maintain a cool demeanor, he was nervous that his hand might be sweaty, revealing his frantic thoughts.

The director pushed the talkback button. “You guys ready? Remember, this is to give the fans a perspective of your finished song, so just be yourselves throughout the recording. Sounds good?” The two idols nodded. “Yes.”

As the music started playing, Y/N leaned closer to the microphone.

“니 눈앞에 왔잖아 내가 여기 있잖아

너의 입술로 말을 해줘 say yes, say yes”

(I'm in front of you, I'm right here

Tell me with your lips, say yes, say yes)

The two of them looked at each other with endearing smiles as the world around them disappeared, and it was just the two of them enjoying the song. With their group, even in their solo careers, they rarely did types of music that were mellow, romantic, or light. Their music often had a touch of hip hop, so creating this song was a challenge for them, but they were definitely proud of the outcome.

“...love is true.” As Y/N finished her part, it was T.O.P’s turn to lean toward the microphone.

“간지럽게만 느껴지던 눈 빛이

이제는 익숙 하단듯이 웃음 짓지”

(Your eyes that only tickled me

Now make me smile as if I'm used to it)

T.O.P held Y/N’s hand and raised it in front of the camera, making the girl quietly laugh and lightly smack his arm. All the while, the rapper continued his verse.

・‥...━━━━━━☆☆━━━━━━...‥・

After the release of the series, the OST, the music video, the groups’ fandom gobbled everything up like they never ate for weeks.

—

YouTube

—

[MV] T.O.P & Y/N – Say Yes | 달의 연인 - 보보경심 려 OST

Username 5: MY PARENTS ACKKKK!!! WE NEED THIS LIVE ASAP!!! To those who agree, say “I”

↳ Username 7: I

↳ Username 8: I

– see 800 replies –

Username 6: can you all just see how smitten he is with her :(( our tabi is growing up and falling in love

↳ Username 9: “And if he falls in love tonight... It can be assumed…”

↳ Username 10: can somebody tag me if someone makes an edit of them with “can you feel the love tonight?” lion king style

↳ Username 11: @/username10 no

– see 5 replies –

Username 12: i love how he’s so comfortable with her and is the one initiating contact like T^T

↳ Username 13: I thought I was the only one who noticed that lol they’re so sweet istg

Username 14: PETITION FOR THEM TO HAVE THEIR OWN KDRAMA

1k likes

Username 15: But can someone look at how in love she is with him too, i swear JUST SAY YOU’RE TOGETHER

Username 16: no cause if someone looks at me the way she looks at Choi Seung-Hyun I would marry that girl on the spot

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑’𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄

this is my first choi seung-hyun (t.o.p) imagine! i really hope yall enjoyed this one cause i would keep writing for that man. he deserves the world fr! keep supporting him 🧎🏻‍♀️‍➡️ also i might do a part 2 on this depends if you all want it 👀

𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

none

[marshmellin]

Star and Stone, Ch. 9 | Wherever the Need is Greatest

The chamber fell into a tense silence, the implication hanging heavy in the air: if the armies had been defeated, then Gil-galad and Elrond were dead. Many elves were dead.  Because the combined armies of the Eldar would. not. yield. They would not leave any field they engaged on alive unless they left victorious. And Sauron was not known for taking captives. On the rare occasions he did, he was not known for treating those captives— Oh, Finduilas—  I would rather he died before—  She slammed the lid shut on that thought swiftly, as one might angrily slam a door behind them as they sprinted through it. 

-> COMPLETE! F FOR FIX IT: Explicit for rare smut (🔥) between consenting partners. All other content is Mature for language and canon-typical descriptions of angst/violence. Gil-galad x female OC Sindarin elf, Occurs between the Fall of Ost-in-Edhel in Eregion and the Battle of the Last Alliance. Contains references to other Tolkien lore and the Silmarillion with author notes for full explanations.

Repeat: Happily Ever After; everything is beautiful and nothing hurts. I try to be as canon-compliant as possible except for the whole 'keeping Gil-galad alive part.' No beta, we die like Mirdania.

If you enjoy this, check out ✨The Director's Cut✨ masterlist with quick links to all my TROP/LOTR content and AO3 profile.

✨ Star and Stone: Complete Chapter List

Ch. 1 of 12: Between the Mountains and the Sea

Ch. 2: Mirrored

Ch. 3: Fair and Free

Ch. 4: Countless Stars

Ch. 5: Silver Shield

Ch. 6: Preparations

Ch. 7: Where the Shadows Are 🔥 [Explicit scene]

Ch. 8: Long Ago He Rode Away

You are here -> Ch. 9: Wherever the Need is Greatest

Ch. 10: Where He Dwelleth, None Can Say

Ch. 11: Of Whom the Harpers Sing 🔥 [Explicit scene]

Ch. 12: Last High King of the Elves of the West

//

The midday sun filtered weakly through the thick clouds hanging over Lindon, casting a dim gray light across the courtyard where Elaniel stood, speaking with a group of stonemasons about the ongoing repairs to the northern barracks. Despite the chill in the air, her cloak lay folded over a bench, leaving her arms free to gesture as she pointed to various parts of the blueprint. The cold didn’t bother her, but the constant weight of this work did.

She had not sketched in months. 

“Make sure the stone for the foundations is reinforced,” she said, turning to the foreman nearest her, Herwen, a Sindarin woman with many years of experience. “These barrack foundations are old...”

“Yes, Master Mason Elaniel,” Herwen replied. “I think we should consider connecting the barracks with one of the outer wall routes, as well. If orcs are close enough to breach the training grounds, we’re in a bad way”. 

Another foreman spoke in agreement. “Additional egress points for the barracks might buy troops time to muster and protect the watchtower routes.”

She turned to pull more papers off the closest makeshift table. Halion was very good at documenting his resources. “How much additional hardwood–”

A guard sprinted into the worksite, and his armor clinked as he stopped before her. “Master Elaniel,” he said, his voice strained. “Urgent news from the watchtowers.”

Elaniel stiffened, her heart dropping into her stomach. 

“There’s been an orc raid. The sentries report a small group slaughtered livestock and scattered the villagers in the outlying area near Harlond. They set fire to two of the grain stores before soldiers pursued them across the river.”

“The villagers,” she questioned shakily.

“No loss reported among the villagers, though a few soldiers were injured in the skirmish. One orc had a short bow. The watchtower held, but Commander Tirionien requests reinforcements immediately – she fears they have scattered to the forests. She can not confirm the full band was dispatched and would increase rounds.”

“The Commander will have whatever she needs. Call the council,” Elaniel said, dismissing the guard who bowed and ran out. Elaniel turned back to the masons, whose eyes betrayed one fact: every time these masons spoke of evacuations and orc attacks and egress points – it was theoretically. 

Valar, may it remain that way for them. 

“Master Herwen, speak to Chief Mason Halion for agreement regarding the hardwood and any other materials you need. If you both agree on a list of supplies, you will also have whatever you need. Connect the egress routes to the wall in two places each. Not symmetrically,” she added as an afterthought.  

Without waiting for a reply, she strode away from the barracks and toward the council chamber.

–

The council was already bustling when Elaniel entered. Alenya stood near the map table, her red hair tied back into a practical braid, her expression sharp and focused. Lord Ristarion, clad in fine silks that seemed ill-suited for a meeting of such gravity, leaned casually against one of the marble columns, his eyes gleaming with an unreadable expression.

“Master Elaniel,” Alenya greeted, nodding briskly. “I’ve heard the report. The soldiers at the tower did well, but the villagers are shaken. I agree with Commander Tirionien’s request for reinforcements and I am willing to commit a section of Lidon’s guards to the watchtower with your leave. I do not believe Mithlond can spare the soldiers right now and would prefer to move from the better-defended cities.”

“Thank you, Commander Alenya, wise counsel. I agree. Everyone sit, sit,” she waved a hand absently. “What else, Alenya?”

The council members took their seats, and Alenya unfurled a map of the northern territories. “This is the area of the raid near the  southernmost watchtower, just east of Harlond,” Alenya said, pointing to a cluster of symbols marking the tower and surrounding villages. “The orcs came from the hills to the northeast, slaughtered and stole a handful of livestock, and burned a grain store or two before retreating.”

Elaniel leaned forward, her grey eyes narrowed. “That’s a bold move for a raiding party this close to Lindon’s soldiers. Why?” “It is,” Alenya agreed. “But boldness isn't a strategy. They didn’t come with a plan to conquer; they came to scavenge, steal food, and light some fires. I wish this were not so, but had they wanted to harm the villagers, they would have succeeded. At least to an extent. Commander Tirionien and I agree this is a likely straggling band, unlikely to be under Sauron’s control but simply looking for, forgive me, fresh meat. Their actions do not demonstrate forethought.”

“Or,” Ristarion interjected smoothly, “it could mean something far graver. Perhaps…oh, it does pain me to speak of it, Master Elaniel. But perhaps our forces have been defeated, and this raid is the first sign of an insurgence? If our leaders have fallen, we must consider all possible drastic ends.”

The chamber fell into a tense silence, the implication hanging heavy in the air: if the armies had been defeated, then Gil-galad and Elrond were dead. Many elves were dead. 

Because the combined armies of the Eldar would. not. yield. They would not leave any field they engaged on alive unless they left victorious. Sauron was not known for taking captives. On the rare occasions he did, he was not known for treating those captives—

Oh, Finduilas—  I would rather he died before— 

She slammed the lid shut on that thought swiftly, as one might angrily slam a door behind them as they sprinted through it. 

Elaniel gazed across the council, all of whom seemed tense. Some of whom seemed to wonder if Ristarion’s concerns were right. 

“No,” Elaniel said simply, her tone ice. ”Regarding the watchtower—“

“I commend your decisiveness, my lady,” Ristarion interjected again, his tone dripping with insincerity. “But I must press my recommendation that we consider what may be taking place on the battlefield.”

BattlefieldBATTLEfieldbattleFI— 

She slammed the lid on that thought, too. 

“Lord Ristarion, I can assure you and everyone in this council that your High King is alive.”

That hurt to say out loud. But our fëa are connected – he is alive. I can fee him.

“Perhaps, Master Elaniel. Though, if our king has fallen, I wonder about the best course of action—”

“Tínen!” She shot to her feet, rage flashing across her face. The room blotted out, her gaze pinned to Ristarion’s face. 

One more word – one more sound – and she would claw the bastard’s heart out barehanded.

Insinuating Gil-galad was dead three times.

The force of holding back the scream, the bite of the words she desperately wanted to say, made her throat hurt. Elaniel stopped herself. 

Be proud, Varda, Oh Lady of the Stars! 

Because Elaniel stopped herself.  

From adding: if my husband is dead then his council is disbanded. Flee or pick up a weapon and haul your ass to Amon Sûl to ask his body if he’d like to appoint you again. 

I care not how you die, but you will not get blood on my floors while you do it, heconna. 

Far too far. Indefensible. And she would not say “husband” or “dead” out loud right now. 

Another lid slammed shut. 

The lockbox in her heart was growing large, full of boxes of fear like nesting dolls as she kept. 

slamming. 

lids. 

shut. 

What does he get from this? He is trying to hurt me – push me. Push me to what? I have nothing to give him. He is here there is no–

Why is he here? He has his own halls where he is the leader of the fifteen-some elves in his backwater “realm” because relocating the fifty feet to the Greenwood was too much effort. Ah, a great loss for the Elvenking’s halls, I’m sure….

She furrowed her brow. Something in the back of her head told her she was skimming too fast, that she missed something. 

Why didn’t Gil-galad remove Ristation after speaking with Oropher? Or before he left for Amon Sûl?

But especially after Oropher. Oropher was rightly angry and Gil-galad didn’t…Something clicked in her head. Did he…he made sure they were represented on the council. 

He made sure that all elven realms were represented on the council.  

Elaniel felt for the soft warmth of Gil-galad mind, shimmering at the edge of hers. She found the golden thread that connected him to her, the one wrapped tightly around her heart, still tugging between them. They were not yet able to hold a long conversation across distances. But their mental connection, the ósanwe, that began to tie them from the moment they met still bound them. She knew she could – at the very least – poke at him and he would feel her. 

So she pushed her feelings toward that warm, solid gold thread. That shimmering curtain in her mind.

Oh, morconínya, you are in such trouble when you return to me.  

She was positive her face looked as red as an apple as her focus snapped back to the present. 

The room around was still frozen – as if her command for silence had locked the mouths of every being in the council. Many eyes stared at her – but Alenya’s grey eyes glittering like dark moonstones from the corner caught her attention most. Her red hair gleamed under the soft lights and so did the point of her spear. Because she was twisting the haft in her hand, moving it side to side. A fighter’s movements. 

I’ve never asked her, but aren’t most redheads related to Fëanor?

Lid slam. 

New tactic.

Elaniel kept her voice light and as, well, bright as she could. Merry. “I would not burden you any longer by summoning you to my council. I understand if you must see to your own realm, Lord Ristarion.”

Ristarion’s smile somehow grew more greasy, joy at this game on his face. Well, what he thought was a game. “You cannot dismiss me, Master Elaniel. I am an Elven lord appointed to this council by the High King.” 

Mmm. And just where is High King Ereinion Gil-galad, Son of Orodreth, I wonder? Mm. Interesting, It seems he is not here. And I am. 

Elaniel searched in her mind, this time for something Elrond would say – yes, Elrond, he is the most sensible option right now. She decided to wield a new weapon. It felt unsure in her grip, like holding the handle of a blade the wrong way, but…Elrond’s voice echoed in her head. 

That’s not the only name I go by. 

She kept the largest smile on her face she could muster -– though she knew if he tested her much longer, the muscles in her cheeks would wear out. “And as I so often find myself, I am in awe of my husband’s wisdom.” – Ereinion. I am not – “As High Queen, I join all of Lindon in honoring your dedication in preparing us for this long and perilous war. We would not keep you from your home any longer. Return in good health, my lord. Anar caluva tielyanna.” 

The sun shall shine upon your path — may it take you far the fuck away from me. 

Ristarion didn’t move, but his chin jutted in defiance. “I see no need to leave.” 

No, Elrond would not say that. She mentally discarded another option. Nor would he say that. In fact, I would be shocked if he knew that word. Well. Perhaps in a medical context…

Another breath. “So you say, Lord Ristarion. Yet…” she frowned. “I feel compelled to note that the longer you remain in Lindon, the more you risk no longer having a realm to return to.” 

Elaniel let that linger for a moment. Just a pause. Just so he caught the undertone. 

She couldn’t take his realm — wouldn’t, the paperwork and politicking alone just to be in a forsaken trade triangle between Oropher and Amdír in the middle of nowhere? There is a reason I do not live among my kin in the Sindarin realms, thank you.

And regardless, the title of High Anything of the Anything did not give her the right to take a realm. Nothing did. 

But. 

She anticipated Ristarion was not confident in that fact. 

And his eyes betrayed that she was right. 

Elaniel pressed on, her tone one of a concerned friend. “As you say, the orc menace looms and requires bold action. I can think of none bolder, and I fear for the safety of your people, Lord Ristarion. Your place is with them. I cannot in good conscience keep you here, parted from them.”

The silence was thick. Elaniel continued to use the time productively, sending wave after wave after wave of sullen sass towards the thread that bound her to Gil-galad. 

Your ability to sway me with your handsome face and puppy dog eyes doesn’t work when you’re so far away from me. Never should have agreed to be regent of anything. I do not want to be the regent of a vegetable garden right now, much less this realm.

Oooooh, morconinya, you are going to get it when you come home to me. I swear… 

The edges of his mind shimmered back against hers, a playful tug from that golden thread wound around her heart. He seemed amused. She thought she heard the ghost of a chuckle. 

He did not…

She frowned into the ongoing silence, her eyes meeting no one, and her hand rested on the hilt of her sword – casually, she thought. Truly. In retrospect, her arm was tired and the hilt was there and attached to her belt. Ruling seemed to involve a lot of standing in one spot. She was not a woman who often stood still. 

With an odd smile, Ristarion mimicked the motion, still silent as well, his eyes challenging hers. 

She barely noticed. For this fight, she would stay silent until the remaking of the world but she would not repeat herself. In the meantime: Another thing, Erienion—

The thought was interrupted as Elaniel heard three soft clanks in unison behind her. Swords thumbed out of their scabbards, ready to be drawn quickly. Not drawn. But not not drawn.

The guards. 

She felt herself freeze in concern, eyes flying wide in shock, and she did not care that Ristarion saw it. He had also thumbed his sword from its scabbard – first or in response to the guards, she couldn’t tell. 

Elaniel turned her head over her shoulder, her neck stiff and her face perfectly smooth except for her frown, and gave the three guards flanking the room behind her an exaggerated shake of her head, her eyes wide. She dropped her hand from the hilt of her sword and held her hand out, palm down.

No.

The guards did not move at all in response to her gesture or the look on her face, and their thumbs stayed on their blades. In fact, the tall one in the middle met her eyes with the cold, uninterested gaze of a man who would save her life with or without her approval because that was his job, damn it to hell, and Valar help her if she got in his way while he did his job.

Elaniel sighed and felt the headache settling behind her eyes. She turned to look at Ristarion and flashed a large smile yet again. She’d rather break the silence than have any of those swords drawn. 

“When do you depart from Lindon, my Lord? Perhaps we have time to raise a glass in thanks before you take your leave. Or must you…depart swiftly?”

Ristarion bowed low, though the gesture was more mocking than respectful, and moved his hand from the hilt of his sword. He spun on his heel and left without another word.

And then, the soft shink of swords being sheathed. 

Thank the Valar. 

Closing her eyes, she breathed deeply through her nose. Once. Twice. 

Finally, she looked around the room. The room seemed to have taken a similar deep and shaky breath. But the tension was still thick. 

Alenya met her eyes and nodded. Halion continued to be obnoxiously gleeful at any time Ristarion was put in his place and had snorted twice. 

Halion, rein it in until the bar tonight. Laugh in your cups, not in council.  

Elaniel composed her face quickly, though she knew it was still red. “I wish to be very plain that the guards do not unsheathe their swords to all who disagree with me.” 

Laughter flitted through the room, easing the tension. Elaniel exhaled slowly, her hands gripping the edge of the table. She dropped that — still awkward to wield — weapon of her title and became Elaniel once more. A woman who had smoothed over a thousand hot-headed fights between masons and builders on worksites. Much more transparent.

“I believe Lord Ristarion’s….departure was not a shock to any of us, and so I hesitate to spend our time together discussing it. I am available after the council is dismissed and will hear all anyone wishes to share. But before then,” she turned to Alenya. “Are there any other thoughts to share regarding this recommendation regarding increased soldier complements?”

Alenya’s eyes glittered again. Her tone transformed from her best friend, ready to throw fists for her, into one of a warrior with decades of experience advising a fellow leader. 

“I have several recommendations. I am eager to hear your feedback, as are the other city commanders. If you look here, High Queen…”

When Alenya said it, the title didn’t sound so strange. 

Elaniel smiled at that. And then she felt Gil-galad tugging on that thread in her chest in response. It wasn’t clear words, but she understood it nonetheless. 

I told you you’d grow to like that title. 

//

The day was peaceful. The weather, beautiful. Elaniel sat at a table under the shade of a broad aspen in the courtyard, the sunlight playing through its golden leaves as she and Alenya went over the reallocation of guards. It was mundane work, a task meant for quiet days.

“Move them to the southern watchpost,” Alenya suggested, tapping a finger on the map spread before them as she popped an almond into her mouth. Her red hair glinted in the sunlight as she leaned forward, her expression unusually focused. “They’ve been underused there for three weeks. They need to move their limbs. And we’ll need more presence near the harbor and Círdan.”

Elaniel muttered under her breath. “We’ll need at least three clear pathways to the Grey Havens. Four would be better, but that’s optimistic given the state of the southern crossings.”

Across the table, Alenya popped another almond into her mouth, a wry smile tugging at her lips. “Optimistic?” she teased. “That’s the nicest way I’ve ever heard you describe complete bullshit. Mithlond is barely large enough for four pathways, much less evacuation routes.”

Elaniel shot her friend a look, her lips twitching upward despite herself. “Careful, Alenya. Sarcasm is my domain, and I won’t tolerate competition.”

“Oh, forgive me, O my High Queen regent, Lady of Lindon, Defender of —” Alenya said. beginning a mock half-bow. 

Elaniel slapped the table softly, a smile on her face. “Ah-ah!”  

Alenya gave one more impish bow before her expression turned serious as her eyes returned to the map. “Well, if you have four paths, that means you have four rendezvous points. How many ships does Círdan have?”

“Not enough.”

Before Alenya could respond, all tranquility in the courtyard shattered. Their heads shot up in near-unison. 

The clatter of hooves echoed sharply against the stone, followed by the creak of wagon wheels and the hurried shouts of riders. A group of ten, maybe twelve. Elaniel stood, her chest tightening as her gaze locked on a group of riders charging into the courtyard.

At the head of the group was Elrond, his dark hair falling into his eyes as though he had not had a haircut in months. His armor glinted dully in the sunlight, covered in dirt and grime. 

His expression was sharp and commanding, his usual warmth buried under urgency, urgency, urgency. Behind him, a cart rumbled, its wheels rattling over the cobblestones. Alenya was already halfway to the cart, her grey eyes wide. “What in—”

“Elrond!” Elaniel called out, pointedly not moving to the cart. She did not know what was in that cart. 

The Valar themselves could not make her move toward that cart until she knew what – who – was in it. 

“Fetch healers,” Elrond shouted towards the group of guards in the courtyard. Elrond had not dismounted yet, and he cantered his horse around the circle back to Elaniel. 

He reined in his horse to turn toward her, his face grim. “Arminas,” he said quickly, his voice tight but clear, his chin jutting up to point at the cart. “He was wounded and the poison...it's not known to us. We stabilized him and I have done what I can, but he requires immediate help. More skilled care than I can provide.”

The unspoken fear: Elrond had quite a bit of skill when it came to healing. Few outstripped him. 

At his words, Alenya froze, her breath catching audibly. Her normally sharp demeanor softened and for a moment, it looked as though she would give in to the fear Elaniel knew she felt. But Alenya didn’t. Instead, she straightened her shoulders, though her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

“Now,” Elrond barked out again, impatient as the guards seemed to be waiting for some other order. Two sprang into action, climbing onto the wagon and gently lifting Arminas. His dark skin was grey-blue, his breathing shallow, and his chest was tightly wrapped in bloodied bandages. Elaniel’s stomach clenched at the sight.

“Carefully,” she urged, her voice softer than Elrond’s, though no less commanding. The guards obeyed, their movements efficient but careful not to jostle him as they carried Arminas toward the healing house directly adjacent to the courtyard. Alenya lingered near the cart, torn between following and staying.

“Alenya,” Elaniel said, her tone gentle but firm. She dipped her head to catch Alenya’s grey eyes. Alenya hesitated, her lips parting as though to protest, but the fear in her eyes had won. “Alenya.” Her mouth had closed again, but it seemed as though Alenya was looking through Elaniel to nothing. Elaniel had seen that look before. On the faces of elves who fled Eregion alone when they should have had a partner next to them —

“Soldier! MOVE it!” Elaniel snapped harshly and loudly in a tone that did not belong to her.  

Alenya shook to near-attention, the words jolting her back to her training days without sleep, as Elaniel had hoped it would. Whatever dark corner she had gone to, she was now back from it. Alenya nodded stiffly, eyes focusing before she followed the guards down to the healers. She didn’t look back at Elaniel. 

Elaniel would guess Alenya still had not seen her and would not realize Elaniel had spoken to her. At least she was headed toward healers…

Elaniel turned back to Elrond, gesturing for him to dismount as she grabbed at the bridle for him. “You need food and rest surely?” Her eyes flicked over his armor. “And a bath.”

That last part was not a question. 

Elrond swung down from his horse with practiced ease. He offered a small, sensible laugh, though his face remained serious. “Food, yes. Rest and bath must wait, I’m afraid. I need to speak with you urgently, High Queen.”

Fear gripped her and the blood drained from her face. “Is Gil-”

He cut her off with a slash of his hand. “Gil-galad is fine.”

The tightness in Elaniel’s chest loosened at his words, though the sight of Elrond’s weary face still sent off frantic alarm bells in her mind. 

Also, Elrond, please start with that. 

“Thank you,” she whispered softly. “So what do you need?”

Elrond’s expression softened for the briefest of moments. “I’d prefer to speak privately,” he said, his tone quieter now.

If he doesn’t feel he can say it in the courtyard…

Together, they left the bustling courtyard behind, the noise fading as they stepped into the cool, quiet halls of Lindon’s inner chambers. The study awaited, but Elaniel’s thoughts lingered on Arminas – he had looked so fragile as the guards lifted him. Nothing like the strong soldier she had seen fight with such fluid movements. 

Elaniel ushered Elrond toward the study and he followed her, his presence so much different in these halls now than before. His armor was streaked with dirt. His winged shoulder guards caught the sunlight through the window and gleamed faintly despite the grime – she knew Gil-galad had them forged as a gift when Elrond became his Herald. Gil-galad had whispered to her that he hoped the intricately-carved feathers would remind Elrond of his mother, to keep her memory with him any time he had to dress for war. To remind him that her wings might protect him again.

Elrond’s face was drawn, his hair disheveled, but his stride was steady as he entered the room. “High Queen Elaniel,” he said, inclining his head in respect. His voice carried the formal cadence he so often used, though the weariness beneath it was unmistakable. “Forgive my appearance,” he added, as if she had somehow spoken to him and walked him from the courtyard to the study with her eyes closed. 

Elaniel shushed him, motioning for him to sit at the table near the window. “I would rather hear your news now than wait.”

Before he could answer, she smoothly opened the door and peeked her head out, asking the guard to quickly bring warm food. Within moments, she was carrying back a tray laden with fresh bread, cheese, and a hearty stew. Elrond hesitated, but Elaniel raised an eyebrow and pushed the tray closer.

“Perhaps after we–”

“Elrond. Your High Queen has a question for you. Have you had anything more than lembas to eat in the past, mmm, three days?” 

He made a half-hearted shrugging gesture. “High Que–”

“How about the last six days?” 

That was how far a ride to Amon Sûl should take. Elrond peeked up through his lashes, a faint blush on his cheeks – a little brother properly chastised – as she dipped her head to meet his eyes.

“So eat the damn stew, Elrond.”

He chuckled softly, his gratitude clear as he pulled the tray closer and began to eat. Though he was clearly trying to maintain some semblance of decorum, hunger overcame him, and he tore into the bread and stew with haste.

“Forgive my table manners,” he said between bites, wiping at his mouth with the back of his hand. “I fear they’ve grown less refined since I left.”

“They’re still better than Halion’s and he hasn’t gone anywhere,” Elaniel replied with a gentle smile, earning a half-laugh from Elrond. “So, we’ve established that Arminas is….” she hesitated. “Arminas is wounded and you brought him here to heal. But that alone is not enough for you to come this far. What brings you to Lindon?”

Elrond swallowed a mouthful of stew and set the spoon down, his demeanor shifting to one of purpose. “Resources, High Queen. Gil-galad and Elendil will not march on Barad dûr until the weather improves, and more warriors from Men and the dwarven kingdoms are joining us regularly. I can live on lembas for six days – the mortal armies can not, and our supplies are dwindling faster than we anticipated. Lindon’s granaries hold enough for the winter and more, and I acknowledge it would be a risk to move those stores to our supply lines. Still, I must ask it of you.”

Elaniel leaned back in her chair. “Two granaries were burned in Harlond about two weeks ago. I’m unsure how stable Lindon’s stores are.”

“I understand,” Elrond said plainly. “And I know you likely lean toward caution, and rightly so. I would counsel the same. But this may be the risk worth taking. Armies march on their stomachs – the consequences of losing soldiers for the siege will be far graver than a lean winter here in Lindon.”

Elaniel’s gaze flicked to the map on the wall over Elrond’s head, her mind racing through the logistic issues. Moving grain sounded simple but… “And what of Greenwood?” she asked. “Last I heard, Oropher’s people were dealing with orc activity and their storehouses are being burned, too?”

Elrond nodded, his face darkening. “Their situation is worsening. Oropher has requested a small contingent of additional guards to help secure his borders – I had intended to speak to Alenya on this point. His people are losing what little food they have to these attacks. If nothing changes...I fear they will not be able to stay with the Alliance.”

Elaniel exhaled slowly, her fingers drumming against the table. She had to ask. “If we send the supplies to Amon Sûl and grain and guards to Greenwood, what will that leave Lindon with?”

“Enough,” Elrond replied, shrugging his shoulders. “I wish I had a more clean answer, High Queen, but…” 

Elaniel sighed. The path forward was already clear. No one was going to starve when she had full storehouses. “And we’re positive the palantirí can’t, I don’t know, make crops grow in winter? We’ve checked? I truly would hate to have navigated all the Eldar in Middle Earth through this stress because we did not check, Elrond.”

An undignified snort at that. “No. Oropher would have stolen all seven if he could.” Elrond’s eyes softened and he muttered, almost to himself: “To feed his people, yes, I think he would.”

Elaniel bit her lip at that. And all the more honor to him for it. 

“Lindon and Greenwood will feast or famine together. You have grain and guards for Oropher and additional grain for Amon Sûl. We’ll need to discuss the numbers specifically within the council. I do not know our grain store numbers offhand, nor how many I can commit.” 

I do and I can, but I’d like someone else to confirm it.

“Of course,” Elrond said, inclining his head. “Thank you, High Queen.” 

Elaniel smiled softly. This young elf had carved out a special place in her heart over the decades. “After you eat, and for the love of the Valar sleep, we will discuss it in council. Tomorrow.” 

Elrond’s lips parted but Elaniel cocked an eyebrow at him. He copied the motion, though weariness was etched on his face. “I find I can attend council now, High Queen.” 

“I never doubted that, Lord Elrond. However, I find my council is not in session now,” she replied smoothly, picking a piece of lint off her sleeve. 

Elrond’s mouth snapped shut. He was the one who had taught her that move. 

Her eyes softened and she stood, resting a hand lightly on his arm. “I would tell you I am the most impatient person you will meet in your long life, and yet, you have already met Gil-galad.” She paused as Elrond took a deep breath. “And even Gil-galad knows I can not move full granaries across regions overnight. Starting now does not move this faster. Bathe. Sleep. We will finalize at first light and you have whatever you need, Elrond, I promise you that. We will do this together. After you rest.”

Elrond stood as well, his movements slower than usual as fatigue weighed on him. “Yes, H–”

“Elaniel,” she interrupted firmly. “You’re flaking dried orc blood on my carpet, Elrond. In the study of the man you pushed to pursue and marry me. You will not renege on the first-name basis of our relationship, just because of a career change; I won’t allow it.”

He chuckled sleepily, his eyelids heavy. The stew and bread was clearly sinking into his brain, and he was inching closer to sleep with each breath. “Perhaps I’ll have a counterargument in the morning, Elaniel.” 

“Well, you let me know what you decide, Lord of Imladris,” she muttered, guiding Elrond to the door. She handed him over to the guards, who took him to the guest wing and an open bed. He was so tired he looked drunk as he walked away. Now that the rush of urgent energy had left him and he had been fed, his legs moved as though they were leaden.

Elaniel smiled with affection and warmth. She’d bet quite a bit of money that those guards were going to have to carry him before he reached that cot. 

//

The letters she had written to Gil-galad over the past weeks had been filled with reports, updates, and assurances, reports on Arminas’ health – he was going to recover, and Alenya asked him to be betrothed, so Gil-galad owed her a small wager. He lost the bet, since he thought Arminas would break first. She also knew Gil-galad would argue that the outcome of the bet was null because Arminas was unconscious the first time Alenya asked, but it was worth a shot.

Tonight, as she picked up a quill and a fresh piece of parchment, something different tugged at her. She wanted to make Gil-galad smile. She wanted him to remember something…warm. Like her memories of him. 

Her fingers tightened around the quill as she began to write, the familiar scratch of ink on parchment breaking the silence. The words came slowly at first, then flowed more easily. She began teasing him as if he were sitting next to her, trying to focus on his own work, while she played one of her absolute favorite games: (lovingly) bother the leader.

High Ereinion King Galad-gil of the Noldor, Flame of Hair and Eye, Scion of Kings, Wielder of Aeglos, Defender of Eregion, Bearer of Vilya, Ellon who blatantly cheats at card games:

Hail, O High King of the Noldor! Hail, O Tar-Eldalié! O Hail and likely sleet and rain by mid-Coirë season, if the weather keeps up. 

All is well in Lindon. I write to reassure you that your people thrive. As for matters of council, you will be pleased to learn I dismissed Ristarion permanently per our last...”conversation.” The council stood with me. Your guards offered to assassinate him and I’d say it was a joke but I can not be sure it was. 

Perhaps you could arrange a gift for me next summer solstice, morconínya? Perhaps not laughing in amusement in the back of my mind as I discover how frustrating your job is? I have never been overfond of jewelry and it would save you the time finding a dwarven smith to craft me something better. 

Consider it, at least. I’m certainly considering what my life would be like if I had married a smith or a sculptor. 

May it take many moon cycles for your companions to learn how often you cheat at cards by hiding extra nótyalië in your voluminous sleeves. Perhaps the tighter fit of the armor keeps you honest, yet I doubt it and do not have much hope anything will stop you from cheating at cards in Middle Earth or in Arda. Mm. Maybe Fëanor can give you run for it when we fail for Valinor, 

From your loving High Queen, ostensibly by marriage and not a Queen regnant and not planning to be one for one second longer. So please return. Immediately. This crown digs into my head. 

Faithfully yours & etc,

Elaniel  

— And you know very well that is by far not the whole of what I plan to write to you today,  órenya

With the above official report out of the way and not much else to say, I’ll instead tell you how much I think of you. How often. Warm memories. And there is much I wish to remind you of tonight. Of how much I love you. And miss you.

Just this morning I was thinking of the balcony off the west tower at the palace. Have you forgotten? I know you are incapable of forgetting, but let us pretend for a moment you have. I will remind you. You blatantly lied to me claimed the stars had never been brighter that night and we should watch together. 

And just like the first time and hundreds of times after, you pulled me close, wrapping me in your warmth in those heavy layers of damn velvet that I both love and hate. We stayed there for hours, the wind tangling your hair as we stared at the stars. Your hair always smells like rosemary and cedar. And I must confess, morconinya, that while I have always enjoyed watching the stars... I love the light in your eyes when you watch the sky more than any starlight I have ever seen. 

Now I feel the memory of those nights spent together whenever I step onto our balcony. I take your cloak with me, the brown one with gold leaves?, because it’s the warmest. And because it still smells of you. 

Oh, and, now I wish to remind you of a much different type of warmth. Do you remember that time about a year ago when we were in the wine cellar? I walked by today and saw the scratch in the door. Someone has painted over it, but I can still see where it was. It was the night after the long council meeting about the cost of hardwood for carts, the one where you barely hid your boredom. 

You insisted we should personally fetch the ‘finest bottle of wine to celebrate never talking about hardwood again,’ and you kicked at the cellar door to get it open because we had already had wine to celebrate your ridiculous hardwood decree and we were not very skilled at working doorknobs by that point. But when we finally opened this “glorious First Age Bottle,” you took one sip and declared it tasted like moss. 

And then you told me to try it to confirm. What was I to do with that – just confirm it was disgusting? Then you said honey mead was always better anyway. 

But you kissed me, and you tasted like raspberries and faintly like that terrible wine and I do not think we left that cellar for at least three hours.

When I remember that night, when I think about you and that floor and all that damn velvet and your hands. Ereinion, your hands…

Other times, I let myself revisit that one night we spent in your council hall. You remember the night I speak of. I convinced you to stay seated on your throne in the dead of night? I’m bold in many ways but I won’t commit that night to writing. But. I know you remember. And I’d like you to remember it again tonight for me. 

I miss you. In every way. I feel a hollowed out place in my heart where you belong. Come back to me. - E “

Elaniel sat back in her chair, the glow of the hearth casting soft shadows across the room. The study felt emptier without him, too large. Too empty despite being so full of books and maps and scrolls and a thousand things that reminded her of him. 

At last, with a sigh, she rose from the chair and placed the letter in a small tube, sealed with Gil-galad’s signet ring that she wore on a chain around her neck, to be handed to the courier in the morning. 

At least the Enemy will have a hearty laugh at my expense if they intercept it. 

Lingering for a moment, she stared at the door as if she could will him to walk through it. She scrunched her face, squeezing her eyes shut for a moment and counted to five — something she had not done since she was a youngling — making a wish that he would magically appear. 

But when she opened her eyes, the room remained still, and the night stretched on.  

And Gil-galad was still gone.

She returned to the bedchamber and climbed beneath the soft linen sheets. The scent of cedar and rosemary lingered faintly on the pillow he used, though she feared it might be her imagination clinging to the memory of him.

The bed was large and cool. It felt wrong. Especially tonight. Now that Gil-galad had left her and would be gone for so long, she could not remember why they had not simply shared a bed — shared a life, a soul— every day from the very day they met. The wasted time gnawed at her. Sleep came to her slowly, but when it did, it was as though the Valar had granted her a gift:

Her dreams were beautiful…

A gift. 

Just this once. 

—

The first thing Elaniel noticed was the feeling of soft grass beneath her feet. She opened her eyes to find herself standing in a meadow under a sky awash with stars. Moonglow all around her. Unnaturally beautiful. 

The heavens stretched endlessly, as if Varda had added more light tonight. The constellations seemed brighter than she had ever seen against the dark velvet of the sky.

This is a dream. 

“Elaniel.”

Her heart leapt at the sound of his voice. She turned, and there he was – Gil-galad, dressed in a simple blue tunic and – even in dreams, Ereinion? – a dark velvet cape that rippled gently in the breeze. His hair was half back, braided as he always wore it while…well, while he was gone.

“You’re here,” she whispered dumbly – he knew he was here, Elaniel. “How?”

“I am,” he replied, stepping closer, pulling her to his chest. “And I do not know, but I treasure it regardless.” Gil-galad tilted her head up and kissed her deeply – slowly – like a man who had all night. “I am happy to be so close to you. I’ve sensed you’ve been quite frustrated, lately, ilmarënín,” he murmured after a moment, resting his chin atop her head.

“Ah, so you do hear me when I yell at you? I will be sure to take advantage of that.”

His chest rumbled with a low chuckle. “I should not have admitted it. I heard nothing." A pause, his voice dropping to a whisper. "And I never feel joy when I sense you at the edges of my mind, whether you’re yelling at me or dreaming of carving a child's toy.” His voice was low, soft —  bittersweet. “I never search for you in my dreams,” he ended, draping his cloak over her shoulders around them both.

She couldn’t help but smile at the familiar gesture. “Especially romantic now that you’ve become a husband, I see.”

“Selfish,” he corrected solemnly. “You are warmer this way,” he said with a smile in his voice, his breath tickling her ear. 

She replied in singsong: “That’s not what I mea—ant,” earning another low laugh.

Long moments passed in comfortable silence, the two of them simply being together beneath the vast canopy of stars – as they always had. “I miss you, too,” Elaniel finally whispered in reply to his unspoken statement. He gently squeezed his arms around her. 

They stood there, wrapped in yards of velvet. Yes, over time I have become a changed woman, the velvet has had its perks. His arms wrapped securely around her, holding her close, as if he feared she might disappear. She feared it too. 

Her head leaned back against his shoulder. “Which one is Anarríma, again? I can never find it.” 

She already knew. He knew she knew. She’d known her whole life. Just as she had known where Wilwarin was all those years ago. 

Gil-galad smiled down at her, brown eyes crinkling as she snuggled against him. “If you follow this star here, you see? Over, to the left….”

“Mmhmm,” she hummed in reply, her eyes fluttering closed.

—

Elaniel woke with the first rays of dawn spilling across the bed, clutching his pillow in her arms. At first, she thought it would hurt as she woke without him – she was wary, ready to slam down another lid in her mind – but her heart felt lighter than it had in months. She felt warm. The bed next to her felt warm. She inhaled deeply, taking her first real deep breath in months. He was safe. She could feel him. She saw him.

The stars would shine again tonight, and she would watch them. 

And she knew he would do the same.

////

Author’s note: 

At some point, you grey-rock a narcissist. Get it, girl! Queen regnant, indeed. As it is, this is where we truly say goodbye to him. He is, in fact, fucking back off to Gladden Fields or wherever. Namarië, heconna, na-mar-i-ë, baybay.

I imagine Ristarion’s realm being, quite literally, not on the map. Potentially between Lórian (Amdír’s house) and Greenwood/Mirkwood (Home of Oropher, Thranduil’s daddy and the elf who, in my head, must be the genetic cause of all that flair and raw, weird, captivating sexual energy. Maybe it's just the Lee Pace of it all, idk, I'm here for it). I mentally put Ristarion near Gladden Fields because eff that place and eff him too. He would be technically closer to Imladris/Rivendell than the Silvan/Sindar realms, and he would make a trade triangle from Elvenking’s Halls to Lórien with Amdír. It *also* puts him in a precarious place politically if any of those leaders or the Dwarves of Moria get twitchy for a new outpost at the connection to a main river to keep their soldiers, you know, nearby, just in case….

If I went back to re-shape earlier chapters (and I may yet, once I’m done!) I would pepper in a little more information on Ristarion’s motivations and political positioning *within* the context of the three main players here, instead of focusing only on him as wheedling *among* the three with no clear motivator -- the map makes it a little easier to see how he is literally *caught* between Elrond, Arondír and Oropher, not to mention Moria, and that it may make a less skilled leader want to default to stirring the pot to make sure no one focuses on how easy it would be to take his realm. However, the way I change POV for each chapter makes this harder. A scene between Elrond and Gil-galad to puzzle out his motivations would be helpful-- even if Ereinion, the handsome bastard, still keeps the man on his council. True “author notes" for me to take away! 

I use http://lotrproject.com/ maps to try to keep my what’s and where’s all aligned. I am sure I have failed in aesthetically pleasing ways -- the estimate for how long it would take Elrond to get from Amon Sûl to Lindon is absolutely made up, in part because Lindon is a region and not a city. The TROP hasn't shown us this (I think likely due to a simple IP rights issue), but Eregion is a region and the city we actually see destroyed is Ost-in-Edhil, as I call it in other chapters. But we do not know which city in Lindon Gil-galad ruled from, tbh, so I have three issues here: 1) I suck at maps 2) I don't know how long it takes to move an inch on the map. 2) I can't figure out where I am moving people to and from on the map because Gil-galad was an elven-king of whom the harpers sadly did not write down the name of his damn city despite being declared the High King of the Elves of the West.

As you can imagine, this is all very stressful.

I also have tried to make my troop movements and watchtower locations make sense but maps are hard, and while Tolkien was a good map writer he was an English major. I was an English major. (“That’s right. An English major. I spent $120,000 for someone to tell me to go read Jane Austen, and then I didn’t….to accept a degree in a language I. already. spoke.”)

Very sad. Anyway.

Anarríma is another constellation mentioned in Tolkien’s lore, though we are unsure which of our constellations  – if any – it represents. 

The dream sequence is the ósanwe connection between them growing. And you know what? I truly do think a little sprinkle of love from Varda because our main characters are making explicitly self-sacrificial and transparent choices. She’s a romantic, too.

//

✨ Star and Stone: Complete Chapter List

Ch. 1 of 12: Between the Mountains and the Sea

Ch. 2: Mirrored

Ch. 3: Fair and Free

Ch. 4: Countless Stars

Ch. 5: Silver Shield

Ch. 6: Preparations

Ch. 7: Where the Shadows Are 🔥 [Explicit scene]

Ch. 8: Long Ago He Rode Away

You are here -> Ch. 9: Wherever the Need is Greatest

Ch. 10: Where He Dwelleth, None Can Say

Ch. 11: Of Whom the Harpers Sing 🔥 [Explicit scene]

Ch. 12: Last High King of the Elves of the West

If you enjoy this, check out ✨The Director's Cut✨ masterlist with quick links to all my TROP/LOTR content and AO3 profile.

[beanghostprincess]

Not to keep beating a dead horse so to speak, but circling back to how the anime handles the Shuggy breakup it is personally the first time I've fully understood people who say the manga is way better & the "true" story because on the whole I think the anime is a really good adaption....except for this omg. I haven't read the manga fully either yet so now I'm wondering what else got a totally different vibe than intended & how that colors the perception of the story & characters. For instance, I'm already seeing anime onlys completely misinterpret Buggy's feelings in the shuggy breakup probably because of how brief it was.

I've had arguments in comments sections about people who do not think Buggy wanted to be Pirate King himself & his anger with Shanks isn't tied to him secretly sacrificing his OWN dream to follow him. To me the manga made it very clear that Buggy was making a great personal sacrifice in order to stay with his friend & how that all ties into his own insecurities, but a ton of anime onlys only saw it as Buggy being a whiny baby & not realizing how deep of a conflict Shanks refusing to look for the One Piece was for them 😭 and it's so frustrating! They just think Buggy is being "ungrateful" for everything Shanks did for him. I'm tired of the Shuggy dynamic being viewed so one sidedly in Shanks's favor & Buggy's detriment because they both narratively hold equal amounts of significance to each other. We just haven't been allowed to explore Shanks's side of it...yet. Oda kept Shanks's face obscured for a reason I'm sure.

And since the anime didn't frame it correctly Buggy's speech to Cross Guild about reigniting your dreams & setting sail for Laugh Tale loses all seriousness & comes off as just another gag instead & it breaks my heart because in the Manga while there is humor in it Buggy's tears are REAL & you can literally feel the spirit of One Piece flow through his speech. That speech shows us Buggy is a TRUE pirate! He ALSO inhereted Roger's will! I could literally feel the "I'm gunna become king of the pirates" OST from the anime play as I read it, but the anime framed it like another one of Buggy's "upward fialures" 💔 and it breaks my heart anime onlys don't get that. Imagine if Luffy gave up on his dream & finally after 30 years decided to believe in himself again? Imagine If Usopp really did give up in Water 7 & we didn't see him find the will to believe in himself until 39 years later? Buggy is an example of forgotten dreams & a lesson on it never being too late to go after them.

So I completely agree with you that it doesn't matter how little panel time a moment gets because if Oda can convey all of THAT in like 3 panels then the anime can do so and then some in a minute or 2. I also can't help but think this will confuse viewers later on because I'm certain Buggy is going to get to do some really cool & meaningful stuff in the last arc & a lot of them will feel blindsided because the set up was executed weirdly.

Sorry for sending such a long post & feel free to ignore If ur tired of discussing this I just wanted to give you some validation &let you know you're not the only one who thinks this way. Adaptation has a lot more going into it than just copying manga panels & the a good anime should definitely know when to expand on brief scenes & how to set the correct mood for them.

Oh, please, if it's not a negative ask you can keep sending me stuff about the episode and the breakup all you want!!! I'm just tired of having to defend my opinion. As if it wasn't just that, an opinion. But I'm sooo open to talk about it!!

And you're right!!! It bothers me so much to just think about how Anime Onlys are going to perceive this episode... If Buggy is already misunderstood within the fandom, I can't imagine what's gonna happen now that HIS episode has gotten this awful pacing and explanation (I complain but I've watched the episode so many times already lmao)

People misunderstand their relationship so much and in such levels... I don't get it because it's literally right there. You can't miss it. They're canonically crucial for each other no matter how you see it. It IS mutual whatever they have going on. I know we don't have much of Shanks' POV but you don't even have to read between the lines to see it.

And Buggy being seen as whiny because he has... Feelings... And is emotional... After his whole life crumbles down... Idk about you but if I lived in my best friend's shadow for years and gave up on my dream to trust in his instead, and suddenly when our captain dies he says he won't follow it... I'd be pretty fucking emotional too tbh. I could defend Buggy all day long and explain his character, but I believe I've done that already... So many times... (I love it it's my favorite thing ever)

I love your comparisons to other characters giving up on their dreams because it's so real. Buggy is the representation of people who once gave up on their dream and now are getting the courage back to follow it again. His speech is so emotional I think I know it by heart at this point with how many times I've read this chapter. I always cry-- Every time-- And I'm sooo angry Toei made the episode for laughs basically. It frustrates me in unimaginable ways.

Buggy is gonna do something incredible and people will complain and say it was out of nowhere because his speech in the Anime seems for jokes and like one of his schemes to get away from his problems. But this man was literally having a breakdown in the middle of a torture session and made an impulsive, emotional decision that came from the depths of his heart, because he had been holding onto it for his whole life. That's what bothers me about the animation. The pacing is bad and the way they treat him is even worse...

Don't apologize!!!!! I loved reading this. You expressed yourself sooo well and in such a polite way!!! Basically, you wrote everything I thought about the episode and I'm so glad to finally talk to someone with my same views 😭💖💖

[lunarriviera]

10 things for 10 people I'd like to get to know better

tagged by: @elenothar 💋

last song: 陳楚生 Chen Chusheng, 《閃亮的日子》 "Shining Days" from 《雪迷宮》 The First Shot OST. Fun fact: this song will break your fucking heart, thanks @omaenanimonoda for titling your new fic after it. (Originally by 羅大佑 in 1988 I think? hard to figure out)

favorite colour: perennial toss-up between robin's egg blue and violet

last book: Case File Compendium vol. 3 and boy it sure is a danmei

last movie: Pacific Rim which I taught to the film undergrads last week, ONE DAY AFTER humanity defeated the kaiju, sealed the breach and finally stopped the clock. Or, no, wait—the 1963 Jason and the Argonauts, which I taught in mythology two days later

last show: 《猎罪图鉴》 Under the Skin s2. I stalled out on Killer and Healer, watched like five minutes of Petrichor and noped out of it too, there's like 200 dramas I want to watch which means I'll probably rewatch either UTS2 or The First Shot because I'm a sad bitch

sweet/spicy/savory: yes (mango and jicama with lime juice and Tajín)

relationship status: divorced once, dumped many times including 7 years ago by the love of my life. I will die alone and the cat will eat my face which is no less than I deserve, since as hard as I try, I am genuinely awful as a partner or so I am reliably assured; fortunately I love living alone lmao let me try that again, i have a cat! her name is zoë, she's a 3yo torbie, very affectionate and also kind of a disaster who cannot cross a room without knocking something onto the floor

last thing I googled: "galveston temperature" (36ºF/2ºC!)

current obsession: the sheer number of times that Huang Jingyu and Wang Ziqi apparently just have to touch each other when they're on set together, or they'll, like, maybe go into withdrawal of some kind

looking forward to: finishing current wip so I can write a bunch of dumb porn; going to @escapadecon in 2 weeks and seeing many of you beloveds there; getting more sleep and going for more walks; getting to know my new batch of students; the glorious day at some distant point in the future when a tired Youku intern's finger slips and they accidentally upload Justice in the Dark and Winner Is King; getting my hands on vol. 1 of Mo Du this year (please let the cover be pretty, please let the translation be good, please let it all be okay)

evilly tagging: @sunriseverse @hideyseek @woadoverweld @sam-gardener-blog @aadikah @rustnstardust-stuff @qpjianghu @arek-ian @twofunerals @llyfrbryf (but I also hate to pick on y'all so obviously pls ignore at will)—plus anyone else who wants to play 🍿

[alemonyoyo]

Chapter 2 of my North Star x Reader is OUT!

Please go give a kudos or leave a comment! I'd love to know what you're thinking! Or read it below <3 <3

Missed chapter 1? Be sure to check it out!

Words: 1229

Tags: GN Reader, No use of YN, Slight Enemies to Lovers, Misunderstanding.

Summary: You wake up in a hospital bed, head sore and weapon gone. There's only one way to leave, and the Sheriff is the only one who can let you out. Perhaps it's time to make a deal?

Chapter 2 - The Deal: BGM Undertale Yellow OST: 059 - The House + Undertale Yellow OST: 066 The Train Problem

You awoke to the quiet sound of crickets, chirping in what seemed to be the evening breeze. Rising from your slumber, your head ached. Trying to sit up and situate yourself, you looked around. You were in what looked to be a dingy hospital bed, with two others lined up to your left.

You could faintly hear chatter, and saw light slip through the open doorway of what you had assumed to be the Wild East’s hospital. How unsafe…

You could remember everything perfectly. The gunshot, your attempted escape. That monster- grabbing you. Hitting the floor then, dark.

You felt around your head, it hurt, but there were no cuts. You felt sluggish. Maybe they had given you medication. Or maybe you were in need of some sleep- Having been travelling for who knows how long without any rest.

Slowly, you untucked yourself from under the sheets, stumbling your way to the door. From the patio of the hospital you could see the Saloon, the source of the chatter and light, next to it the familiar sight of the jail, and what looked to be a barn.

The only exit was blocked, your only way forward would be to ask the Sheriff, North Star, to unlock it for you. But he was out to capture you! Clearly- The light in his eyes when he realised you were human. It could only be that of bloodlust.

You felt for your gun, only to realise it was gone. Along with your other items, and some of your gold.

“Shit, shit-” You whispered under your breath. Mentally beating yourself up. Those bastards had taken your stuff! Some Sheriff North Star was. Stealing from others.

There was only one way forward; and that way was paved with conflict. You needed your stuff, your gold, your *gun*. Otherwise you might as well just die right here. Let this posse take you to the King. Or have them slaughter you themselves!

“No- No that can’t happen.” You thought to yourself. You might not have a weapon, but you’re damn fucking resourceful!

You tiptoed out of the hospital, picking up a large stick that laid just around the patio. You headed back inside the hospital, finding a dinky surgeon's scalpel that was clearly seldom used. It’ll have to do-

You grabbed some bandages and fastened the scalpel to the end of your large stick; a makeshift spear!

You walked back out to the patio, eyeing the bustling saloon. Your heart beated. This was the only way. Just go! Just do it!

You walked across the square, walking up the steps of the saloon, careful not to make a ruckus. Though, you doubt any sound you made could be heard over the sounds of the townsfolk.

You stood right behind the swinging doors of the saloon, breath shallow against the carved wood. This was your only chance. Another run in with this crowd and they’ll have you locked up in that jail, with the royal guard on your tail!

You readied your spear, and your soul, before stepping through the wooden barrier…

“Give me my shit back or else I’ll drive this spear through your pointy fucking head!”

He stood right across the bar, mid conversation with a monster you hadn’t seen earlier. The chatter of the saloon quickly turned quiet, the air thick with tension.

“I have pretty decent aim. So give me back the stuff you stole from me, or else.” At first he looked shocked, the whites of his eyes turned wide under the brim of his hat. But soon after, North Star regained his composure, a smirk reframing his visage.

“Stealing? You think a Sheriff of my ranks would *steal*?” His voice rang out through the bar. As he spoke, some of his lackeys rushed the other citizens out of the bar into safety. Seems your threats had worked on everyone but him-

“Well my gun, my food, my money, they’re all gone. I can’t think of anyone else daring enough to take that. Nor anyone else with such an opportunity to do so!” The bar had completely emptied out beside the tall, animal-like monster who was talking with Star prior to your attack. They seemed rather unphased by the situation.

“I took your gun for everyone else’s safety.” He slowly made his way around the squared area of the bar, “Seems I didn’t ‘ave to do that. You seem to be pretty… crafty. Dontcha darlin’?” You felt your face grow hot, though you blamed the fervent heat and the tension of the moment, rather than any other brewing emotions-

By now he had made it all the way to your side of the bar, and had poised himself right in front of your makeshift spear; “What is this-'' He took hold of the end of the spear, “A scalpel? Seems you’ve stolen more than I ‘ave!” He smirked. Your hands stayed on the spear, gripped firmly.

“Star- please. Don’t do this.” The animal-looking monster had finally spoken up. Her voice was far deeper than you imagined. By the looks of things, they knew each other quite well.

Star ignored the monsters pleas;

“I’ll cut you a deal, missy.” He leant back against the bars counter, the scalpel of your spear still aimed for his head, “If you can beat me in a duel, I’ll give you your gun back. Heck, I’ll even help you travel throughout the rest of this place, seeing as you’re on the run?” He held up a wanted poster with a shoddily drawn image of yourself. Seems word was spreading of your arrival-

“What about the rest of my stuff?” You questioned, walking closer to him.

“I didn’t take that, but I ‘ave a sneakin’ suspicion as to where it may be.” He pondered, before looking up at you with a more genuine smile, “So, whad’ya say?”

You thought to yourself for a moment. This could very well be a trap. A trap to waste your time and keep you confined here in the Wild East until reinforcements came. Though surely they’d have come hours ago when you were knocked out- Either way, playing North Star’s game was the only way out of this. You lowered your spear, taking one step closer to him. By this point he was sitting completely back on the bar's counter, and you looked down at him.

“Deal.” You held out your hand, to which he took it in his own; gloved in a fine leather. You shook hands, before you stepped away, giving him ample space to leave.

He stood up before you, reaffirming his height-

“Sounds like a plan darling.” There it was again! “I’ll go make some preparations with the others, we’ll start training tomorrow!” And then he was off, out the door of the saloon without another word.

“Training..?”

***

“You there. Human.”

“Yeah?”

“You okay?”

“I’m glad someone’s asking… Let’s go with sure.”

“Well.. alright then. I apologise for Star’s antics.”

“It’s fine. I’ve been through worse down here.”

“He’s really into human culture and whatnot. You show up here and he flips out.”

“Seems everyone flips out when I show up.”

“I mean, it is quite unbelievable. A few humans have wandered into the Underground before but… They never set foot on these sands.”

...

“All that to say, I’m glad you did. And I’m sure Star is too.”

[theroyalthrones]

Behind the Scenes | Motillier Hall | Grenoble, Lavande

beginning | previous | next

Transcript Under the Cut

ost of you have traveled hundreds, even thousands of miles to be here, and your presence warms my heart more than you can imagine. To my cherished family and friends, your love and support have been my constant. Each one of you has added a layer of joy to my life, and I am grateful for the countless memories we've shared.

To my incredible family, you are the roots that ground me, the branches that lift me, and the leaves that bring color to my world. Thank you for being the foundation of my happiness.

And to my love, [Fiancé's Name], meeting you was like finding the missing piece of a puzzle I didn't know was incomplete. Your love has added a new and beautiful dimension to my life, and I can't wait to spend forever with you.

Tonight is not just about celebrating our engagement; it's about celebrating the love that surrounds us—love from family, love from friends, and the love that binds us together. Thank you all for being part of this magical journey. Here's to love, laughter, and a lifetime of happiness.

GIRL 1 Is that your brother, Your Highness? GIRL 2 He looks.. Good CAROLINE D'ALAIRE Does he? GIRL 1 It's almost like he's changed (Laughs) GIRL 2 They've kidnapped your brother and replaced him with… What? GIRL 1 A decent guy. (all laughing) CAROLINE D'ALAIRE (chuckling) Hmm, Maybe you're right. He helps her into the car, and while they're in it, Caroline looks over to him. Staring at him LAURIE ALAIRE What? CAROLINE D'ALAIRE … LAURIE ALAIRE Is there something on my face? CAROLINE D'ALAIRE … You're doing really well, Laurie. You've surprised me. LAURIE ALAIRE (Laughs) I had hoped you would have had more faith in me, Caroline. CAROLINE D'ALAIRE Seriously, I think you can actually pull this off. CAROLINE D'ALAIRE I can actually see you being a leader, Laurie. A king, maybe. LAURIE ALAIRE … (chuckles) Thanks for the confidence, Linny. I couldn't ever do it without you. He looks out the window, clearly happy. They continue to drive, the scene isn't over yet. After a few minutes in silence, Caroline speaks again CAROLINE D'ALAIRE So Laurie, you know how I'm getting married and all that? LAURIE ALAIRE Be a little more excited about it than that, Linny. M8 CAROLINE D'ALAIRE (Laughs) My engagement party is next week idiot. And I need you to be there. It's important to me. LAURIE ALAIRE I know it is, I would never miss it. CAROLINE D'ALAIRE … I want no drama, Laurie, None. This is about me… for once. LAURIE ALAIRE … CAROLINE D'ALAIRE And I want everyone I love to be there to celebrate my future with me. LAURIE ALAIRE Of course, I still don't get why you're being so ominous. Spit it out. CAROLINE D'ALAIRE I love my family, Laurie, everyone. You're apart of it, and so is Dorian. CAROLINE D'ALAIRE He'll be there. LAURIE ALAIRE Oh-.

[birdmitosis]

Fanmix-slash-playlist for Slay the Princess! Song list under the cut. There’s 96 songs on this fanmix/playlist, and it’s about 6 and a half hours long.

Some of the songs were not available on Spotify, and they will be linked to on YouTube below. (Some artists have 2 songs on the playlist; aeseaes, The Crane Wives, Hozier, and Stars each have 3 because they were just too perfect. Also, some songs are definitely on here because of other people's fanvids or even just suggestions, and I've made note of and credited all of those!) (All fanmixes/playlists are a perpetual WIP.)

aeseaes - All Things Devour

aeseaes - Semantics

aeseaes - Tongues

AG - Terrible Thing

t h e . a i m s - Violence & Blood

The Airborne Toxic Event - Poor Isaac

Alanis Morissette - Everything (friend suggestion)

Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra - Trout Heart Replica

Amber Run - I Found

The Amazing Devil - The Horror and the Wild

The Amazing Devil - That Unwanted Animal

Andrew Bird - Imitosis

Andrew Bird - Sisyphus

August Greenwood - How To Let Go

AURORA - Your Blood

Baby Storme - This City is a Graveyard

Band of Horses - No One's Gonna Love You

Beth Crowley - Monster

Blindside - Withering

Bring Me the Horizon - Deathbeds

Camera Obscura - Fifth in Line to the Throne

Caravan Palace - Avalanches

Charming Disaster - Ouroboros

Chonny Jash - The Soul Eclectic (inspiration)

City and Colour - Little Hell

Coldplay - The Hardest Part

Coldplay - Square One

Collective Soul - The World I Know

Cosmo Sheldrake - By Being With You

The Crane Wives - Curses

The Crane Wives - Hollow Moon (inspiration)

The Crane Wives - Tongues & Teeth

Crystal Castles - Suffocation (inspiration)

David Bowie - Changes

The Echoing Green - Starling

Electric President - Some Crap About the Future

Elizabeth & the Catapult - Do Not Hang Your Head

Elizabeth & the Catapult - My Goodbye

Ellie Goulding - Salt Skin

Eurielle - Hate Me

The Feeling - Mr Grin

fin - Ship in a Bottle

Florence + The Machine - Kiss With a Fist

Florence + The Machine - What the Water Gave Me

Forgive Durden - A Dead Person Breathed on Me!

Foxtails Brigade - Long Route

Foxtails Brigade - Nun but the Lost

Ghost and Pals - DEATHBODY

Ghost and Pals - In Iolite

Gregory and the Hawk - Boats & Birds

Hannah Fury - Angels & Absinthe

Howie Day - Collide

Hozier - Francesca

Hozier - In the Woods Somewhere

Hozier - Who We Are

IAMX - Bernadette

I Monster - Who Is She?

Jack Conte - Kitchen Fork (inspiration)

Jack Stauber's Micropop - Choice (inspiration)

The Jezabels - Hurt Me

Jhariah - Flight of the Crows

Journey to Bethlehem OST - We Become We

Kate Nash - Paris

Kiltro - Softy

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Magenta Mountain

lasah - taixu (inspiration)

Lisa Hannigan - Oh Undone

Little Dragon - Twice

The Lord Dog Bird - The Shedding Path

Ludo - The Horror of Our Love

Madilyn Mei - Knotted Constellations

Meredith Brooks - Bitch

MGMT - Little Dark Age

Michelle Branch - Everywhere

Mili (feat. KIHOW) - In Hell We Live, Lament

Mirah - Don't Die in Me

Mirah - You've Gone Away Enough

Moulettes - Bird of Paradise, Pt. II

The Mountain Goats - No Children (inspiration)

The Mountain Goats - Sudden Oak Death

Mr.Kitty - After Dark

múm - Prophecies & Reversed Memories

The Nor'easters - 715 — CRΣΣKS (inspiration)

Olivier Bibeau - Better Run, Better Hide

Passion Pit - Seaweed Song

PEGGY - Villains Aren't Born (They're Made)

Perfectly Human - Bad As

Perfectly Human - Fly Again

Racoon - Took a Hit

Rainbow Kitten Surprise - Devil Like Me

Reinaeiry - When the Sun Loves the Moon

Ricky Montgomery - This December

RIProducer - Fruiting Bodies

RIProducer - What Gave It Away?

Sarah Blasko - Bird on a Wire

Satin Puppets - Bad Moon Rising

Seeming - Someday Lily

Sharon Van Etten - It's Not Like

Shayfer James - Boots Worn Through (inspiration)

Sheena Ringo - la salle de bain (inspiration)

Sleeping At Last - Mind

Sleeping At Last - Taste

SNAKE POOL - FIGURE IN THE BACKGROUND (inspiration)

Snow Patrol - Open Your Eyes

Solas Composer - He Who Devoured the Dark II

Southwest Statistic - Fairy Tale (friend suggestion)

Stars - He Dreams He's Awake

Stars - The Night Starts Here

Stars - No One Is Lost

Subsignal - The Bells of Lyonesse (inspiration)

Sunset Rubdown - For the Pier (and Dead Shimmering)

Talking Heads - And She Was

Trespassers William - I Know

TV on the Radio - Stork & Owl

Will Wood - Vampire Reference in a Minor Key

Woodkid - Ghost Lights

[he-is-lightning-in-a-bottle]

2023 Year in Review

In celebration of the coming New Year, I decided to do a re-watch of every drama I gave 3 or more stars in 2023. Only 15 made the cut, which given the number of dramas I watched (I started well over 200, although I dropped at least a third of those) is not that many.

(My rating system is pretty simple: 1 ⭐ = terrible/don't recommend/waste of time, 2 ⭐⭐ = pretty good/enjoyable/would recommend to others but probably never re-watch, 3 ⭐⭐⭐ = good/likely to re-watch, 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ = practically perfect/would re-watch frequently. As you can see, it's more about what I personally enjoy than what's objectively great. So some objectively good shows aren't on this list, like La Pluie or Wedding Plan or Our Dating Sim or Doctor Cha or King the Land or Call it Love, because they got a lower score from me because I'm not that likely to ever re-watch them even though I'm glad I watched them and I'll happily recommend them to others. Of course, my ratings are subject to change over time too because I often surprise myself with what I re-watch. Some shows that I originally gave 2.5 stars have eeked out 3.5 stars over the following year or two just because they grew on me and I kept re-watching them.)

As such, my plan to ring in the New Year is to re-watch:

Lost/Human Disqualification - ⭐⭐⭐/⭐ - (IQIYI/Amazon Prime, kdrama, slice of life, healing journey, slight romance, a 42yo woman pushed to the breaking point by life crosses paths with a 27yo man who is mourning the loss of his friend, outstanding dialog, killer A+ acting, tw: infidelity, miscarriage, and suicide BUT DON'T LET THAT SCARE YOU AWAY)

Hit The Spot ⭐⭐⭐ (Viki, kdrama, romcom, 2 women begin hosting a sex advice podcast, funny, sex positive education, extraordinarily relatable, high heat, 8 30min eps)

The Glory ⭐⭐⭐/⭐ (Netflix, kdrama, 36yo woman patiently takes revenge on her childhood bullies, slight romance, incredible dialog, A+ acting, excellent pacing and powerful reveals, tw: the highschool bullies are evil little sociopaths who do some extremely horrific shit)

The Eighth Sense ⭐⭐⭐/⭐ (Viki, gay romance, kdrama, incoming freshman who is a rural-transplant to Seoul meets exiting senior and joins his surf club, gorgeous production, healing past trauma, A+ acting and insanely believable physical chemistry, good OST)

Love Tractor ⭐⭐⭐ (IQIYI, gay, short kbl, big city law student with musical ambitions hides from his responsibilities in the countryside and meets a younger himbo farmer with a heart of gold)

Sing My Crush ⭐⭐⭐/⭐ (IQIYI, kBL, a talented but heartbroken young man is about to give up on his musical dreams when he is adopted by an eager wannabe manager, best friends to lovers, cohabitation, pining, good plot and chemistry)

Moonlight Chicken ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (YouTube, Thai, gay romance + BL, one night stand between a struggling chicken diner owner and a recently promoted office worker turns into more, HS student and lonely deaf boy become the cutest couple to ever cute, A+ writing and acting, themes of: found family, making a home, love matters even when it doesn't end well, class inequality, queer generational divides, letting go of the past, a radically compassionate look at first love, last love, lost love, and unrequited love)

Bed Friend ⭐⭐⭐ (IQIYI, Thai, gay office romance, enemies to FWB to lovers, healing past trauma done right, ridiculously pretty leads, consent kings, high heat, A+ lead chemistry and acting, soft landing in the final 2 eps, tw: sexual assault)

My School President ⭐⭐⭐/⭐ (Viki, Thai, BL, high school boys singing their feelings [well!], wholesome, gentle, sweet and funny, A+ production values, peak low-heat BL with well-executed tropes)

Be My Favorite ⭐⭐⭐ (Youtube, Thai, BL, repressed and fearful boy travels back in time to his college days to woo his crush and falls in love with his supposed rival instead, themes: living each moment to the fullest so you won't have regrets, kindness as a catalyst for character growth and positive change, bravery in the face of uncertainty, telling people you love them can only be a good thing)

Laws of Attraction ⭐⭐⭐ (IQIYI, Thai, gay, mystery/romance lakorn, evil unhinged babygirl lawyer and the heroic idealistic taekwondo instructor who falls for him work together to solve the mystery of his niece's death, loveable granny, A+ lesbians, happy endings all around, great acting and lead chemistry)

Jack O'Frost ⭐⭐⭐ (Viki, Japan, gay, amnesiac young man and his co-habitating ex begin their relationship again, short 6 ep, A+ acting, excellent production values)

Hold my Hand at Twilight ⭐⭐⭐ (Viki, jdrama, twenty-something city mouse meets country mouse and they begin the journey towards making their dreams come true, cohabitation, warm-hearted, angsty 3rd act, A+ acting, excellent banter, post-credit epilogue)

Kiseki: Dear to Me ⭐⭐⭐ (Viki, Taiwan, gay, hardworking med student falls for the gang member he secretly treats, insane plot includes time skip and amnesia [2 tropes I usually hate, but actually done well in this case and not annoying], domesticity, cohabitation, hurt/comfort, friends to lovers, short total runtime)

Fake It Till You Make It ⭐⭐⭐/⭐ (Viki, China, romance, 🔥 lead chemistry, snappy banter, disarmingly honest and vulnerable leads, this couple wants to eat each other for dinner AND dessert but constantly chooses not to because of other life priorities and fears, friends with killer UST to lovers who communicate shockingly well, all the characters feel like real people instead of caricatures)

[seouldramaspot]

Exploring the Enchanting World of "Goblin" (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God)

Goblin, officially known as "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God", is a South Korean television drama that has captured the hearts of millions since its debut in December 2016. Created by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok, this fantasy romance series has left an indelible mark on the world of K-drama with its unique storyline, captivating characters, and stunning cinematography.

In terms of genre, "Goblin" falls into several categories, including fantasy, romance, melodrama, and supernatural. It blends elements of romance and fantasy with a touch of humor and poignant storytelling.

Plot Overview

The series follows the story of Kim Shin, played by the charismatic Gong Yoo, a 939-year-old goblin who has lived an immortal life. Kim Shin was once an unbeatable general in Goryeo's military who was betrayed and killed by a jealous young king. Cursed with immortality, he lives through the centuries awaiting a human bride who can pull out the sword embedded in his chest, ending his eternal life. Enter Ji Eun-tak, portrayed by the talented Kim Go-eun, a high school student with a tragic past who has the rare ability to see ghosts. Eun-tak is revealed to be the "Goblin's bride," and her presence brings new meaning to Shin's existence. Their lives intertwine in a fateful, romantic, and often humorous journey that transcends time and destiny.

Key Characters and Their Dynamics

1. Kim Shin (Gong Yoo): As the titular Goblin, Gong Yoo delivers a masterful performance, embodying both the gravitas of an ancient warrior and the charm of a man experiencing life anew. His character is both tragic and endearing, seeking solace and redemption through love.

2. Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun): Kim Go-eun's portrayal of Eun-tak is heartfelt and genuine. Despite her hardships, Eun-tak remains optimistic and resilient. Her relationship with Kim Shin evolves from a chance encounter to a profound love story that defies the bounds of time.

3. Grim Reaper (Lee Dong-wook): The Grim Reaper, whose true identity and past are revealed gradually, adds depth to the narrative. His friendship with Kim Shin and his own love story with Sunny, Eun-tak’s boss, provide parallel plots that enrich the series.

4. Sunny (Yoo In-na): Sunny, a quirky and beautiful restaurant owner, becomes entwined in the supernatural world due to her connection with the Grim Reaper. Her character adds warmth and complexity to the storyline.

Themes and Visuals

"Goblin" is a rich tapestry of themes such as love, redemption, and the human condition. The drama explores existential questions about life and death, fate, and the pursuit of happiness. The use of poetic dialogue and philosophical musings sets it apart from conventional dramas.

Visually, "Goblin" is a feast for the eyes. The series is renowned for its breathtaking cinematography, blending the beauty of natural landscapes with intricate urban settings. The visual effects, particularly the scenes involving the goblin's supernatural powers, are both seamless and mesmerizing.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

"Goblin" has become a cultural phenomenon, not just in South Korea but globally. Its unique blend of romance, fantasy, and humor has struck a chord with audiences. The drama's OST (Original Soundtrack) also gained massive popularity, with songs like "Stay With Me" by Chanyeol and Punch becoming instant hits. The chemistry between Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun is palpable, and their performances have been widely praised. The series has won numerous awards and continues to be a favorite among K-drama enthusiasts.

The soundtrack of the Korean drama series "Goblin" (also known as "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God"), which starred Gong Yoo and Kim Go Eun, is widely celebrated and has significantly contributed to the show's success. The OST (original soundtrack) is known for its emotional depth, beautiful melodies, and poignant lyrics, complementing the series' themes of love, fate, and immortality. Here are some notable songs from the soundtrack:

"Stay With Me" by Chanyeol and Punch:

This song is arguably the most popular track from the series. Its haunting melody and emotional lyrics capture the essence of the relationship between the main characters. The combination of Chanyeol's deep voice and Punch's ethereal vocals creates a memorable and moving piece.

"Beautiful" by Crush:

"Beautiful" is another standout track that highlights the poignant moments of the drama. Its simple yet powerful melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a perfect backdrop for the tender and bittersweet scenes between the characters.

"Hush" by Lasse Lindh:

This song adds a touch of indie charm to the soundtrack. Its soothing tune and delicate vocals enhance the emotional atmosphere of the series, particularly in scenes that explore the quieter, more introspective moments of the characters.

"I Will Go to You Like the First Snow" by Ailee:

Ailee's powerful and emotive voice shines in this song, which became a massive hit. The lyrics express the longing and enduring love that are central themes in "Goblin." This track often accompanies some of the most dramatic and emotional scenes in the series.

"Round and Round" by Heize and Han Soo Ji:

This song features a mystical and haunting quality that perfectly matches the supernatural elements of "Goblin." Its atmospheric sound and evocative lyrics make it a memorable part of the OST.

"Who Are You" by Sam Kim:

This track has a soulful and reflective vibe, adding depth to the soundtrack. Sam Kim's smooth vocals and the song's introspective lyrics resonate with the character's journeys and their search for identity and purpose.

The "Goblin" OST is renowned not only for its musical quality but also for how well it integrates with the storyline, enhancing the viewing experience. Each song is carefully selected to reflect the emotions and themes of the drama, making the soundtrack a beloved aspect of the series for fans.

Goblin" is more than just a television series; it's an experience that lingers long after the final episode. Its compelling narrative, unforgettable characters, and stunning visuals make it a must-watch. Whether you're a seasoned K-drama fan or new to the genre, "Goblin" offers a magical journey that is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming.

Honest Comment: When I first saw this series I was like "hmm not my genre" because of the look of the series but when I watched it I was amaze because of the act of the actors especially Kim Go Eun she is amazing, she executes her character very well. I love the cinematic of the series you can feel the vibe , the emotions and everything you can feel about it. I love the plot of the series. There is one episode that made me cry like a baby I can feel the emotions of Kim Go Eun character her feeling towards to her partner and the plot with the Grim Reaper he is one of my favorite the story, the emotions, and the facial expression it is like he is talking to me, but I will not forget Gong Yoo's character he did his character so well that no one could replace it. This series makes my heart happy and sad especially when I hear their songs it can touch you heart. Big thumbs up for this Series. This will always be my top tier korean drama series.

[cosmama]

my chosen munday post is just sharing games i like, another way to learn about me. it's sort of in semi-order? but is mostly kind of just based on vibes, influences on me as person, etc. rather than any objective measure of quality. i was talking to friends about our top 10 games recently so it made me think about doing this list over again. if anyone is curious, some notes:

jade empire - not a perfect game but i love it. objectively, it's a generic wuxia but it's my first generic wuxia ( as well as my introduction to bioware in general ) so i don't really care! an oldie but a goodie. summah's first rpg ( not counting ffviii b/c while i played it first, i watched my brother play it for years so it wasn't 'new' ).

jsrf is nostalgic. i watched my big bro play over and over again before playing myself. it formed my love of graffiti and street art; its message that art is not a crime has stayed with me to this day. also has a killer ost. HELLO ALLISON.

alan wake ii is art. is it perfect? no but art isn't perfect; it's such a great iteration on every unique and weird idea that remedy has ever tried across all of their games. i'm so happy for sam and team for finally getting the flowers they deserve ( seriously, if you didn't smile at finnish king, sam lake, dancing at TGAs you have no heart! ). also don't ask me what alan wake is about unless you want a crazed essay in your dms, thank you.

max payne 2 - i can already hear that sweet, depressing main theme. another 'watching my brother play and then playing myself' classic. the noir style. the purple prose writing of max... it's just all too immaculate. i'm incredibly excited for the remakes but i'm also sadden that james mccaffrey won't be giving his voice to max again and hope people still seek out the original.

i cheated by adding the reignited trilogy on here ( last time i only had year of the dragon ) but after doing a quick replay of the remaster of 3, it reminded me of how much love and charm was poured into this remaster. it's such a good vibe - headbutting into walls has never felt so right.

yakuza 0 is peak - it's what you should start with when getting into the series. kiwami 2 was on last time but didn't make the cut; it's story is awesome.

p3r is a hard recency bias but! i had p5r on my list last time and i genuinely think 3 is a vasty better game so it felt weird not to replace it.

the only two games on here that i haven't played but i've watched countless playthroughs of: tomb raider 3 and silent hill. tank controls in classic TR destroy me but watching my brother and uncle play and seeing lara get crushed by boulders is a core visual in my memory. with sh1, i'm just a baby and don't play horror games but i enjoy the general weirdness of that game compared to its sequels.

feel free to do this yourselves :)

[rimeiii]

Matching WHB kings, nobles, angels, and humans to songs in my playlist

All of them are like. Video game music, unfortunately. And mostly based on vibes. So...

(More below the cut because it's a lot)

(And it would mean the world to me if you checked out these songs because they're all bangers tbf-)

Gehenna

Satan: Operation Basepoint by Life Awaits, from the Arknights OST (Contingency Contract #12, menu theme)

Sitri: Tea Break by the Atlus Sound Team, from the Persona Q Shadows of the Labyrinth OST (cutscene theme)

Leraye: The "Bad Guy" is Here! by Adam Gubman, from the Arknights OST (Ceobe's Fungimist, Dreadful Foe theme)

Zagan: Operation Spectrum Battle Theme by Cybermiso, DOT96, and Tigerlily, from the Arknights OST (Contingency Contract #5 permanent map theme)

Paimon: Light the Fire Up in the Night 'MAYONAKA' by Lotus Juice and Shihoko Hirata, from the Persona Q Shadows of the Labyrinth OST (Persona 4 side regular battle theme)

Belial: Heaven by Shihoko Hirata, from the Persona 4 OST (Heaven dungeon theme)

Astaroth: Rhythm in Literature by Adam Gubman, from the Arknights OST (Integrated Strategies 2: Phantom and the Crimson Solitaire, The Playwright's boss theme)

Tartaros

Mammon: Operation Blade by Obadiah Brown-Beach and Xueran Chen, from the Arknights OST (Contingency Contract #2, menu theme)

Bimet: Princess Amagi by the Atlus Sound Team, from the Persona 4 Arena OST (Yukiko Amagi's theme)

Eligos: Active Angel by Daisuke Ishiwatari, from the BlazBlue OST (Platinum the Trinity's theme)

Valefor: Wecgas fore tham Cynge, Searu fore tham Ethle by LJGH, from the Arknights OST (Episode 11, Steam Knight's boss theme)

Hades

Leviathan: Абсолю́тный нуль температу́ры by Bao.Uner, from the Arknights OST (Episode 6, FrostNova's boss theme in H6-4)

Foras: Keter Battle 1-3 by Project Moon, from the Library of Ruina OST (Keter floor battle themes)

Glasyalabolas: Unseen Entities by Raito, from the Under Night In Birth OST (Merkava's theme)

Barbatos: Ready? by D.D.D., from the Arknights OST (one of the menu themes of Heart of Surging Flame)

Avisos

Beelzebub: The Mushroom...Moves? by Adam Gubman, from the Arknights OST (Ceobe's Fungimist, menu and regular navigation theme)

Bael: Bullet Dance by Daisuke Ishiwatari, from the BlazBlue OST (Noel Vermillion's theme)

Stolas: Operation Pyrite by Jason Walsh and Alan Day, from the Arknights OST (Contingency Contract #1 menu theme)

Amon: Splash by PMP Music, from the Arknights OST (one of Ideal City's battle themes)

Naberius: Signore dei Lupi/wlfmstr by Adam Gubman and Shawn W. Smith, from the Arknights OST (IL Siracusano, Zaaro's boss theme)

Paradise Lost

Lucifer: Mortal Eye by Adam Gubman, BONZIE, and Christine Hals, from the Arknights OST (Typhon's character song)

Marbas: Conciliation by Kikuo, from the BlazBlue OST (Es's theme)

Morax: The Cure by Obadiah Brown-Beach and Denney, from the Arknights OST (Silence the Paradigmatic's character song)

Buer: Canto IV Boss Theme 1 by Studio EIM, from the Limbus Company OST (Effloresced E.G.O. Dongbaek boss theme)

Abaddon

Phenix: Lust SIN by Daisuke Ishiwatari, from the BlazBlue OST (Jin Kisaragi's theme)

Dantalian: Tumult - Raise Thy Sword in Pride by Yuzo Koshiro, from the Etrian Odyssey III The Drowned City OST (labyrinth boss theme)

Ronove: Torture + A Gifted Tormentor by Hironao Nagayama, from the Dragalia Lost OST (Legend Agito boss theme)

Niflheim

Andrealphus: Gazing from Great Heights by Obadiah Brown-Beach, from the Arknights OST (Children of Ursus menu theme)

Gusion: Aleph-0 by LeaF (featured in Phigros and Chunithm)

Bathin: Ad astra by Steven Grove, from the Arknights OST (Lone Trail menu theme)

Angels

Gabriel: Fear of God by Shoji Meguro, from the Shin Megami Tensei Strange Journey OST (regular encounter theme)

Michael: Judgment Day by Hironao Nagayama, from the Dragalia Lost OST (Rise of the Sinister Dominion boss theme)

Raphael: The Fifth Primarch by Tsutomu Narita, from the Granblue Fantasy OST (What Makes the Sky Blue, Sandalphon's boss theme)

Humans

Minhyeok: Morning Dew by Adam Gubman and Nini Guerry, from the Arknights OST (Muelsyse character theme)

Solomon: case i by Lucrezia, from the Dragalia Lost OST (Chapter 14 insert song)

MC: Battleplan Pyrolysis by Monster Siren Records, from the Arknights OST (Contingency Contract #1 Battleplan Pyrolysis menu theme, event literally came out today kekw)

[nirgilis]

SRNHNR 1 - Yozora and Noctis

Part 2 | Part 3 | Extra 1 | Extra 2

This post was sponsored by this track:

Nachtflügel helped to trace some Yozora's elements back to Noctis, despite racking the author's brains first by Batman's Nightwing.

These are theories based on unreleased stuff or similar elements from not that distant from each other games, so they might be overthoughted.

Nachtflügel is number 137 on KH3 OST tracklist, "13" and "7," aka Nomura's favorite numbers.

1) Night-part of "Nightwing" is already pretty understandable with the whole Noctis-night-theme, but together with wings it might be leading to Lucis' feature which for FF15 on different levels was either completely cut off or heavily toned doned.

With FF15's theme of Noctis becoming the King of Light it probably didn't suit anymore for his country to be even more connected to death then it was, so the scull on Lucis' emblem for almost all imaginery had to go and only eight-pointed star in circle remained.

Since countries in VS13/FF15 world tend to depict some deities/summons on their emblems, like Leviathan probably would've been and still kinda is the one for Accordo, the summon on Lucis' emblem might've supposed to be Diabolos.

In one of VS13 trailers it was said, that Lucis' crystal was the last remaining one and Solheim, Accordo and Tenebrae already lost theirs. That makes 4 crystal, which can be Wind/Fire/Water/Earth, the most common combination.

FF Type-0 in the way it was released also has 4 countries with 4 crystals, but at some point in development there was considered an idea about making 5th nation with Void crystal. It's possible that VS13 also might've had Void crystal, which would've been Lucis' one.

Diabolos might be a match for Lucis' Void crystal bc:

His skills are Void/Gravity-based. Diabolos from FF0. Lucis' powers of warping and "flying swords" of all magic are most close to be void/gravity-based.

His skills are still technically present in FF15, but in the form of Ring of Lucii. Alterna Spell.

Diabolos drains HP of enemies and throws gravity-spheres at them. Yozora likes to drain (steal) HP, other things and using Gravity-spheres very much.

These attacks with trapping/magneting enemies into spheres and then deconstructing them into data-cubes look like some sort of high-tech Diabolos.

Not even talking about Yozora making a dome with sphere, that temporarily changes gravity on the field.

Yozora's attacks and sphere he summons both remind red moon from Episode Duscae demo.

Since Diabolos is practically a humanoid bat with a tail, it's doubful that it's a coincidence that Komory Bats also have gravity-magic and drain-attack.

2.1) In VS13 trailer where Stella and Noctis talk about the Light they can see after near-death experience, Noctis might be trying to dodge questions and avoid talking about himself not to let Stella know some information he might be knowing or/and to make her reconsider her curiosity in their world's mysteries.

In Fabula Nova Crystalis Etro was tasked by Mwynn to keep the balance of Chaos between real world and unseen realm. Etro initially didn't understand what Mwynn meant, but when she started giving Chaos to humans, which became their hearts, the cycle and balance of Chaos between real world and unseen realm established.

In FF13 when Yeul was returned to life by Etro, she received Eyes of Etro, which allowed her to see the future. Noctis and Stella obtaining Eyes of Etro, in VS13 in this case Eyes that can see the light of expiring souls, throught near-death experience is close to how Yeul received them.

Turning to Nachtflügel again. It reminds Richard Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries." It can be a coincidence, but it might've landed too accurately in mythology context, since Valkyries guide souls of the dead to Valhalla, or they might be guiding only those who they deem worthy. And Sora at the end of KH3 is sort of dead.

In VS13 Lucis line might've not only worshiped goddess of death, but served as her grim reapers in some way. Since the biggest problem of FNC's world is the balance of Chaos between real world and unseen realm, which if broken will doom the world, Lucis line' task might be to help maintain that balance.

2.2) There's a similarity between Snow's words in opening cutscene of FF13-3 and Yozora's, with "save" being taken in ditto marks.

Snow indirectly asks Lightning to kill him, despite that's being the opposite of her task, to free shacked souls by solving their troubles, so they'll be ready to be reborn in the new world.

These scenes might have the same subject, but with opposite events taking place. Yozora might've been brought to be Sora's "examinator" in a way. To test him if he still has will and strength to continue walking the road he brought upon himsef.

3) Apart from possibilty of Yozora's heterochromia coming from his appearance being a mix of 2 people, it might also be what he originally was supposed to have in VS13, but with kinda an opposite meaning and nearly devoid of its pros it was given to Ravus for FF15.

Ravus' eye turned purple from Starscourge infection from magitek arm, which he was given after the gods burned his hand in punishment for him trying to wear Ring of Lucii. Starscourge might've given him some increase in physical strength, but it was also turning him into a daemon.

In FF15 Omen trailer visual of Noctis going haywire is somewhat similar to Sora's Anti and Rage forms.

Diabolos and Yozora's red gravity spheres also recemble red spheres Darkside and Sora in Rage form have.

If in Anti and Rage forms Sora is relying on darkness or his feelings of anger, then in VS13 it might've been Chaos.

From Yeul's words about Chaos in FF13, it can give a number of abilities:

"The power to see the future. The power to travel the timeline. The power to bend monsters to your will. The power to remember in your dreams, even when the timeline has changed. They are manifestations of hidden chaos, and in a chosen few, these powers are great indeed. Such are the blessings of the goddess."

Yozora has a strange mechanic where he summons Gigases to fight for him, but as far as VR's trailer went, they weren't playing on the same team. Gigas might be VR's equivalent of magitek, so it might fit the words "The power to bend monsters to your will."

[marshmellin]

Star and Stone, Ch. 7 | Where the Shadows Are 🔥

Silence did not seem to be what he sought. His voice was low. Eager. Hungry. “Would you—”

“If you start talking to me instead of touching me, I will muster whatever strength the Valar have left me with and scream.”

He blinked in momentary surprise, the second-guesses seeming to die on his tongue. But his eyes narrowed as he hiked one of her legs to his side, her skirt falling into a pool against her waist.

-> COMPLETE! F FOR FIX IT: Explicit for rare smut (🔥) between consenting partners. All other content is Mature for language and canon-typical descriptions of angst/violence. Gil-galad x female OC Sindarin elf, Occurs between the Fall of Ost-in-Edhel in Eregion and the Battle of the Last Alliance. Contains references to other Tolkien lore and the Silmarillion with author notes for full explanations.

Repeat: Happily Ever After; everything is beautiful and nothing hurts. I try to be as canon-compliant as possible except for the whole 'keeping Gil-galad alive part.' No beta, we die like Mirdania.

If you enjoy this, check out ✨The Director's Cut✨ masterlist with quick links to all my TROP/LOTR content and AO3 profile.

🔥 Explicit content under the cut. S for Smut at the END of the chapter. We made it, crew!🔥

✨ Star and Stone: Complete Chapter List

Ch. 1 of 12: Between the Mountains and the Sea

Ch. 2: Mirrored

Ch. 3: Fair and Free

Ch. 4: Countless Stars

Ch. 5: Silver Shield

Ch. 6: Preparations

You are here -> Ch. 7: Where the Shadows Are 🔥 [Explicit scene]

Ch. 8: Long Ago He Rode Away

Ch. 9: Wherever the Need is Greatest

Ch. 10: Where He Dwelleth, None Can Say

Ch. 11: Of Whom the Harpers Sing 🔥 [Explicit scene]

Ch. 12: Last High King of the Elves of the West

//

The glow of the hearth was subdued, the flicker of firelight barely reaching the tall shelves and scrolls that lined the walls of Gil-galad’s study. Elaniel stepped inside, her footsteps muffled by the thick rug beneath her boots. Gil-galad looked up from his desk, his expression softening as his gaze met hers.

“Elaniel, you did not need to visit so late,” he said, rising. His voice carried a weariness that he could not hide. He was still in his formal robes, draped in layers of gold brocade, crown still pinned into place but slightly askew. 

Eyes flicking over him quickly, she noticed several things at once: 

He’s still wearing full robes, so he has been in council with ambassadors all day. And likely has not ceased working since morning. That is a tall stack of paperwork. If war is so messy, why is there so much documentation? I doubt he’s had water, much less eaten. He’s broken, mmm, looks like two quills. How long has that crown been digging into his head? It is smaller than what he used to wear, yes, but it still must hurt. 

Valar, he is tired. 

Elaniel voiced none of these thoughts and instead simply said, “You sent a note for me. I assumed it was important.” Moving toward him, she unpinned her cloak and placed it over the chair that had become hers in front of the fireplace. 

“It is important,” he admitted. “But it is not urgent. I didn’t mean to take your time tonight. I’ve heard you’ve been on worksite inspections all day.” He was clasping his hands in front of him, the fingers of one hand flexing tightly around his other hand. A tell of his, she had learned. Something he only did when he was anxious or uncertain. 

“And you’ve been here,” she countered gently. “Shall we both agree to share the blame for overworking?” 

Gil-galad crossed the room to join her, wrapping his arms gently around her in welcome. She popped up on her toes to kiss him hello, before walking toward the sideboard to pour two glasses of water. 

Handing one to Gil-galad to drink, she surveyed the room. 

“How has your week been,” she asked cautiously, taking in the scattered scrolls and books on every surface and chair. 

Her drafting table seemed to be the only surface he had left untouched, which warmed her heart but did nothing to stop the alarm bells ringing in her mind. Typically, the clutter in their shared space was not his but hers; he was not a messy person by nature. 

The study looked like a windstorm had passed through. 

An almost embarrassed chuckle escaped him as he allowed his shoulders to slump. “It has been…difficult.”

“Ah, is your crown part of the important-but-not-urgent conversation you’d like to have?” she asked innocently, reaching out to brush a strand of hair over his ear. “Or can we proceed this evening without it? I find you are tall enough without the enchantment...”

Gil-galad’s brow furrowed and he looked up as though he could see the crown through his forehead. “I didn’t realize I was still wearing it,” he murmured. 

“Mmm,” she hummed in reply, moving his shoulders to spin him around. He obeyed and tilted his head back so she could remove the crown and the two golden pins that held it in place. Setting it carefully on the desk, she reached up again to rake her fingers through his hair, nails gently scraping his scalp as she worked through a few small tangles. He sighed in gratitude before turning to face her again. 

“Thank you,” he said with a smile — a spark of light through the weariness he showed. 

“Of course,” she smiled in return. “I doubt it’s the most comfortable thing to wear.” He shook his head gently, looking over his shoulder toward the desk where the crown now sat. And his paperwork. He started to open his mouth, but she had learned his timing by now. 

“The robe and cloak combination has to be heavy, too, certainly,” she prompted, tapping her nails against the intricate chest piece he wore. “How does this work? I can secure anything you’d like to stone or iron but this is witchcraft to me.”

Gil-galad’s focus shifted back and he paused from the change in topic. “Oh,” he murmured, lifting up a heavy clasp over his shoulder to show her. “It fastens here—“

“Ah!” She said in delight as she mimicked the motion over his other shoulder. The neck piece and cape fell to the floor in a heap behind him. The thud they made indicated the weight was not insignificant.

A small laugh as Gil-galad looked down at the velvet puddled at his feet. “It is more comfortable without it.” 

Murmuring in agreement, Elaniel moved closer. “What about this?” she asked innocently, fingers skimming the edge of an elaborate wrapped belt around his waist. “I am uncomfortable just looking at it. This is why your posture is so straight, you could not bend if you wished.” 

Can he even take this off without help?

Gil-galad raised an eyebrow as his hands settled around her hips, but he did nothing to stop her. She dug at the wrap around his waist. His face showed nothing of his thoughts, but something familiar glinted in his warm brown eyes. “One might think you are attempting to undress me, Elaniel.” 

“One might be right,” she replied with a laugh and another playful tug at the intricately wrapped belt, pulling him so close their bodies aligned. “But not for the reason you hope. This is a ridiculous amount of clothing to drag around at moonrise. Ready yourself for sleep. Go,” Elaniel pushed again at his chest, moving him toward the door to his chambers. 

He sighed and stood still, rendering her efforts to push him useless. 

It’s like shoving a wall. I am not weak. Why is he so solid? 

She didn’t stop trying, though, kneading her hands against him and muttering “go, go,” over and over. Rich laughter echoed through the room, and Gil-galad’s face finally blossomed with the joy she had worked so hard for. 

“I have many more responsibilities to see to tonight before I prepare for sleep. Sit with me for a moment, instead?” he offered as a compromise. Gil-galad moved toward a low couch across from the hearth, gesturing for her to join him. 

She pretended to consider, waving her hand at him. “Belt…wrap…painful thing off.” 

A heavy sigh. “Belt off,” he agreed, deftly — and she could not for the life of her see how he did it so quickly — unwrapping the intricate belt to let it fall to the floor. He now remained in a much lighter outfit; a simple embroidered robe. He gave a muted sigh of relief and she wondered if he realized how much his crown and robes weighed him down.

They sat in silence, his arm wrapped around her shoulders as the crackle of the fire filled the room. 

“I’ve thought about your recommendations for the latest worksite placement,” Gil-galad murmured after a long pause, his voice still laced with exhaustion.

Elaniel reached out, her hand resting on his leg. “There is nothing you could suggest tonight that I can change by morning. The work will wait.” She gave his knee a reassuring squeeze. “Also, I do not allow meddlers to comment on my worksites.”

He leaned back against the cushions, fatigue etched into his features despite the smile on his face. “I am a meddler, now? Quite the downgrade.”

“Either take up your apprentice seat on the stonemasons council or stay off my worksites. If you can’t shape stone, wood or iron, you’re a meddler,” she ended, her tone light.  

Shifting slowly, he laid his head in her lap with a sigh, his long legs dangling off the other end of the sofa in an undignified — but endearing — way. Eyes slipping closed, he breathed out a laugh. “I could fare decently as a mason, given the education you’ve provided. Then again, I have heard the pay is terrible.”

Playing with the collar of his robe, she let her fingers graze his jaw. “Ah, but fear not! For I would not hire you. You don’t really have a craftsman’s build…”

Gil-galad opened one eye to peer up from her lap, a frown on his face. 

Her voice turned to honey, a tone she only used for him. “You have the build of a warrior-king, morconinya. Much different, of course,” she smiled. “Masonry would be a complete waste of your strength. And your wardrobe.”

He gave an exaggerated nod, satisfied with her answer. 

Elaniel threaded her fingers through his hair. The silky strands caught the firelight. “You should rest,” she said eventually, her voice barely a whisper.

“I am resting,” he murmured, his eyes still closed. He rolled his shoulders, settling against her. “You are far more comfortable than my chair.”

She laid a hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat through her fingers, watching the rise and fall of his breathing. Slowly, she stopped running her fingers through his hair, instead contenting herself with smoothing a few dark strands across her lap, mindful not to jostle him. He shifted slightly, his head falling towards her as sleep claimed him. 

As she sat there, watching over him, she knew this was what she wanted for the rest of her long life — this quiet companionship, this space to be vulnerable. To lay down their burdens. The world outside might become darker, but here, in this room, none of it mattered. She would do everything she could to protect this future, for both of them. 

She would sit up all night, watching over him, if it meant he could rest for one moment longer. 

//

The council chamber hummed with anticipation as Elaniel took her seat at the large stone table, its surface strewn with maps and sketches. The air carried the familiar tang of ink and parchment, mingling with the crispness of Lindon’s sea breeze filtering through high windows. At the head of the table sat Gil-galad, his gaze steady.

Elrond sat to his right, his composed demeanor tinged with curiosity. Halion and Arminas were already discussing…well, who knows what, but there was a lot of gesturing involved. Ristarion leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed, radiating barely concealed disapproval.

Gil-galad’s voice broke the murmur of conversation. “We are here to determine the leadership and allocation of resources for the White Towers at Emyn Beraid and Amon Sûl’s fortifications. Both locations, each housing a palantír, will serve as guardians of communication across Middle-earth and a symbol of unity between Elves and Men.”

Elaniel studied the intricate map before her, noting the placement of the towers along the Gulf of Lhûn. Her focus sharpened as she imagined the soaring spires overlooking the sea. Beautiful. Majestic. 

Elrond nodded thoughtfully. “Amon Sûl is strategically vital. But its current structure is vulnerable. It was built centuries ago for signaling, not to withstand a siege.”

“Elendil suggests repurposing it entirely,” Gil-galad continued. “Reinforced walls, stone foundations, a keep at its heart. He even proposes diverting masons from Annúminas.”

Elaniel tilted her head, her expression contemplative. “The stones of Amon Sûl are sturdy but uneven. If we begin reinforcing without understanding their weaknesses, the weight of additional structures could cause fractures.”

Gil-galad glanced at her, his curiosity piqued. “You’ve studied its foundation?”

She nodded. “When I first arrived in Lindon to determine fortification sites. Amon Sûl’s base is old—crafted by those who prioritized speed over longevity. It has weathered.”

“We just carved Imladris from bare rock,” Halion added thoughtfully. “We can build Amon Sûl. Clear lines of sight, an opportunity to show strength. The fortifications are the kind of work my team is best equipped for. Master Elaniel, do you object?”

Elaniel nodded in agreement. “I agree. My team is more accustomed to watchtower construction than open fortification. With your leave, Master Halion, my teams will develop plans for the White Towers.”

“Aye,” Halion nodded and they both turned to Gil-galad, who inclined his head in approval. Halion continued, “we could map for structural weaknesses and propose solutions for Amon Sûl within the week. It would delay our start, but we will save resources.”

Gil-galad’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “Elendil will not like delays, but he is pragmatic. We will begin immediately.”

As the meeting wore on, Elrond brought up logistical concerns. “If we divert masons from Annúminas, what is to become of their fortification projects?”

Gil-galad nodded, his fingers tracing the map. “We cannot strip one city to bolster another. I will write to Elendil to suggest using local labor where possible. Arnor has skilled workers, even if they lack the training of our craftsmen.”

Elaniel leaned forward. “With respect, local workers could learn from Lindon’s masons. It could strengthen ties between Arnor and Lindon.”

Elrond glanced at her and nodded quickly. “An exchange of skills and culture is also a gesture of trust.”

Gil-galad considered this, his expression thoughtful. “Elendil often speaks of fostering bonds between his people and ours, to correct the rift between us. Master Halion, your thoughts?”

Halion held back a sigh – he does not like visitors on his worksites, either – but nodded. “It would be valuable to train them, for us both.”

Ristarion leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. “A moment, please,“ he called out, his tone sharp. 

The room fell silent, save for the faint creak of Halion shifting his stance. Elaniel fought the urge to roll her eyes. 

Yes, heconna? We are all eager to hear your uninformed opinion on the matter. 

Ristarion leaned forward, his voice gaining a pointed edge. “So I am sure I understand: we are discussing how to best divide our precious resources to create two new fortifications — Emyn Beriad and Amon Sûl — to help this…Man and his sons house their palantirí?” 

Has he been asleep or….

“Yes,” Gil-galad replied evenly.

“And these seven palantirí, powerful artifacts vital to communication during this time of war, are all to remain entrusted to Men?”

Gil-galad stared at Ristarion. “The seeing-stones belong to these Men. They are not ours to distribute.”

“The seeing-stones were made by the Eldar. These Men use our wisdom to protect their people when no Sindar are afforded such trust. Or power.” His eyes flicked to Elaniel. “Well. Most Sindar are not given such power. Some have sway.”

She could hear the voices of all her foremothers, back to Enelyë herself, telling her to punch the man in the face. 

Elves may be immortal, but their noses broke just as easily as Men’s.

Gil-galad pulled Ristarion’s focus back. “If you have a concern to share, I would ask that you speak plainly, Lord Ristarion.”

Ristarion spread his hands in mock surrender. “I only raise concerns that others share but lack the courage to voice. Surely, transparency is what we all value, High King?”

“We do,” Gil-galad said gently. Dangerously so. “Please, share what you have heard. I would have no secrets between any of us tasked with the safety of our people.” 

“I dare not, High King,” Ristation continued in an innocent tone, as though being asked to break an Oath. “Many speak to me, and I am known for highlighting their concerns with discretion. I bring these concerns to this council – to you, High King – as I have done in the past, because there are those around this table with the same questions who fear to name them.”

“And those questions are?” Gil-galad prompted again, like an elder speaking to a particularly unruly child. 

“We seem to be giving much to Men — our craftsmanship, our resources, our wisdom, our power — to help them flourish. What do they offer in return?”

Elrond tried to interject. Elaniel almost smiled at the effort. The younger elf had truly tried. 

Valar, bless him. 

“Bodies,” Gil-galad replied loudly, throwing down the scroll in his hands, all restraint gone, his volume rising with each sentence. “They offer us bodies, Ristarion. If every elf in every realm in Middle Earth picked up a sword tomorrow, we would yet fall far short of the numbers needed to defeat Sauron. The Men offer us soldiers to wield swords against orcs. They offer to risk their brief lives to stand with us, despite not knowing their fates after death. For that offered sacrifice alone, I will build as many towers and fortifications as they ask of me.” 

Gil-galad’s sharp gaze flicked over the council and he took a steadying breath. Elaniel could see a muscle working in his jaw, open anger on his face. The most expressive she had ever seen him in public. And he was known for being very expressive in public. 

At least, when it comes to frustration. 

“My decision is final and I will not repeat it. Council dismissed. Ristarion, you will stay to discuss this matter with me.”

Noldor anger, indeed. Are you sure you’re a descendent of Finarfin and not Fëanor, morconinya?

Elaniel stood, gathering her papers. As she moved toward the door, Ristarion stepped into her path, his smirk firmly in place. She met his gaze evenly and spoke quietly, for his ears alone, in accented Sindarin. 

I bear ill news, ‘friend.’ He will win. 

Ristarion’s expression darkened, but she didn’t wait for a response. The hallway beyond the chamber was filled with light, and as she walked into it, she felt her resolve burn brighter.

And then she felt Elrond yank her by the arm through the doorway to Gil-galad’s study.

//

Elrond shut the study door behind them with deliberate care, turning to face Elaniel with a measured expression.

Elaniel stood near the desk, her hand idly brushing against the edge as she gathered her thoughts. “He’s trying to make me a weapon against him,” she began, her voice low but firm. “Ristarion wants to use me to weaken Gil-galad's authority. To sow doubt—not just about me, but about his leadership.”

Elrond crossed the room, leaning casually against a shelf but watching her intently. “You are correct. Ristarion is not merely targeting you; he has now moved to dividing fragile relationships between the Sindarin and Noldor realms. if he can frame his arguments in a way that appears to question your suitability, particularly as a Sindarin woman, he believes it will resonate with those who are uncertain. And by provoking him…”

Elaniel exhaled sharply, her fingers curling against the polished wood. “And by provoking him, I risk proving him right.”

Which is why he wrangled me in here.

She turned back to Elrond, a flicker of resolve returning to her eyes. “But we must find ways to shield Gil-galad from Ristarion’s attacks, certainly? He cannot spend all his energy countering political intrigue when there are greater battles to fight.”

Elrond’s expression grew thoughtful, his fingers tapping lightly against the edge of the shelf. “Perhaps we can divert Ristarion’s attention. Give him something else to focus on, something that feels like a victory to him but ultimately serves our purposes.”

Before Elaniel could respond, the door to the study opened, and Gil-galad entered. He carried a scroll in one hand, which he smacked down on the table with a decisive gesture. 

“Well,” he said, his tone dry, “Predictably, that conversation was unnecessarily difficult and accomplished nothing.”  

Elaniel rose from her chair, her eyes narrowing slightly. “What did he say?”  

“He insists that Oropher and Amdir demand a palantír each to formally join the alliance and promise their warriors,” Gil-galad said, dropping into a chair with a sigh. “He paints it as a non-negotiable point.”

“A palantír!” Elaniel and Elrond exclaimed in near-unison, both shocked at the request.

Gil-galad nodded in quiet agreement, holding up his fingers. “Two.”

“It is odd that such a significant demand would come solely through Ristarion.” Elrond leaned forward, his tone thoughtful but unconvinced. “If the demand is genuine — and the probability is high it is not — Ristarion’s interference might be undermining direct communication.”

“I am surprised to hear Sindar lords are interested in any object made by Fëanor, to be blunt.” Elaniel folded her arms, staring into the flames. “Seven stones,” she murmured. “And none for any elven realms? It’s not difficult to see why that would breed resentment.”

Gil-galad turned thoughtful. “On its face, I agree. But we do not own the stones to sway how they are used. While Elendil’s stewardship of seven is…surprising, to share them with any other realms would be his choice alone. I suspect he will not agree lightly.”   

“And seeing-stones can be dangerous,” Elrond admitted, his tone grave. “They reveal truths and can be used for communication, yes. But they also show half-truths, shadows. A mind untrained can be misled—or worse, fully manipulated by a powerful mind using a paired stone. It is not something every lord with a realm should have access to.”  

Elaniel’s thoughts churned. “And yet you trust Elendil with this power?”  

“Implicitly,” Gil-galad said without hesitation. “Elendil is wise and unambitious. He seeks no dominion, only unity and safety for his people.”  

The room fell silent for a moment, the crackle of the fire the only sound. Elaniel spoke carefully, her gaze steady on Gil-galad. “What if you were to meet Oropher head on? Travel to Greenwood and speak with him face-to-face.”

Elrond shifted in his seat, his brow furrowing. “Direct confrontation might backfire. Oropher is known for his pride. An uninvited visit could be seen as an affront, as though we doubt their intentions and wish to watch them.”  

Elaniel felt a surge of conviction. “The stakes are too high for miscommunication or formal dinners or emissaries. If Oropher and Amdír truly demand palantirí to join the alliance, you deserve to hear it from them directly, king to king. And if they do not, they should be told their names were used to demand them, king to king.”  

Elrond looked between them, giving a small shrug. “It is a calculated risk. If nothing else, it would demonstrate your commitment to hearing their concerns.”  

Gil-galad met her gaze, a flicker of approval in his eyes. “Indeed. I will make plans to go to Greenwood and speak with Oropher directly.”

//

Elaniel shielded her eyes from the setting sun as she gazed up at the towering structure. The stones gleamed, freshly cut and fit together with the precision her teams had worked hard to master.

“They are well on their way,” Alenya said, her voice laced with admiration. She stood beside Elaniel, her posture relaxed but her sharp gaze flicking to every corner of the tower and its surroundings. “The walls look strong enough to withstand a ravisher. Though I wouldn’t bet on those gates around the village yet.”

Elaniel followed her gaze and frowned. The wooden gates hung slightly off-center, the metal hinges not yet properly secured. “We’ll need to reinforce those hinges,” she murmured. “I can speak with the blacksmith before we head back to Lindon.”

Alenya smirked, leaning on her spear. “You’ll have to hurry. I hear the blacksmith is the kind to vanish into the pub after midday and refuse to come out.”

Elaniel laughed. “Understood.” She turned back to the village, watching as children darted between cottages and smoke curled lazily from chimneys. The scene was peaceful. 

As new construction sites were built — far away from the walls of Lindon and Imladris — it made sense to plan villages nearby for the workers and their families. These villages often merged with the fortifications once they were finalized, becoming centers of trade on oft-traveled routes with stationed soldiers for protection. 

“I think it’s beautiful here,” Elaniel said with a sigh. The sight made her miss worksites from long ago, friends made during a few weeks of hard work building something sturdy. “Almost enough to tempt a woman to give up soldiering, eh?”

Before Alenya could reply, a faint sound reached their ears—a distant rumble. Both women turned toward the forest.

“Did you hear that?” Elaniel asked, her voice tight.

Alenya’s expression darkened. “Yes. And I don’t think it’s thunder.”

The rumble grew louder, accompanied by the faint sound of guttural cries. The villagers began to notice, their movements slowing as they turned toward the treeline.

“Elaniel, get back to the village,” Alenya ordered, her spear already in hand.

Elaniel’s heart leaped into her throat. She grabbed the hilt of her sword, her grip tightening as the first orc ran out of the tree line, weapon raised. By her count, eight - maybe ten - orcs. A raiding band. 

“I will not leave you,” Elaniel said firmly, unsheathing the short sword she carried.

“I did not. ask.” Alenya’s tone was sharp, but there was no time for argument. “Get the villagers inside!”

Elaniel turned to the nearest group of villagers, herding them toward the gates. “To the walls! Go, now!” she called, her voice cutting through the rising panic. They obeyed, scrambling toward the gates as Alenya held her ground. 

A few scattered orcs came closer toward them, their cries echoing through the air.

Elaniel’s sword clashed against the first orc’s blade, the force of the blow reverberating up her arm. She grit her teeth and pushed back, trying desperately to remember the techniques she had practiced but never had to use in earnest. The creature’s twisted sword sliced her left bicep and she winced in pain. Blood flooded through her sleeve, drenching her in a warmth that cooled quickly in the twilight air. She could taste a metallic tang in her mouth as she managed to bring her sword around to strike the orc, sending him stumbling back. 

Alenya fought beside her, her movements swift and precise. Her spear darted like a snake, finding gaps in the orcs’ armor. “Keep moving back!” she shouted.

Elaniel barely had time to process the chaos around her — the blood dripping down her fingers to leave splatters on the stone, the screaming as people headed for the gates, the grunts as orcs began slaughtering livestock — when a scream pierced the air. She turned to see a child hiding underneath a heavy cart near one of the cottages.

Her heart clenched. Without thinking, she broke away.

The cart was heavy, its edges splintered, and it was clear it had rested with its load for many weeks through rain. The child, still a youngling, was sobbing, his hands clutching at the dirt. He was begging for his ada.

“It’s okay,” Elaniel said, kneeling beside him. “I’ll get you out.” 

She tried reaching for him first, encouraging him to come toward her, but the fear in his eyes told her she would lose that fight. She wedged her shoulder beneath the edge of the cart, straining against its weight. Pain shot through her as she pushed, but the cart barely budged.

“Elaniel, go!” Alenya shouted, her tone desperate.

“I can’t leave him!” Elaniel yelled back, her voice breaking.

The cart shifted slightly, but not enough. The child’s cries grew louder as the clash of metal drew nearer. A shadow loomed over her, and Elaniel looked up to see an orc raising its blade. Her heart stopped, eyes flicking to the hilt of the sword she dropped. 

She would never reach it in time. 

The orc’s blade never fell.

Alenya’s spear struck true, and the creature collapsed with a guttural cry, falling forward next to her. Alenya stumbled near, her breathing ragged as she grabbed the haft of her spear to pull it from the orc’s back. “Get the boy,” she said, her voice tight with pain. Blood dripped from a slash on her cheek, and her left arm hung at an odd angle. “Go,” she said, her voice softer now. “Please. I’ll hold them off.”

It felt like time slowed. For an eternity, all Elaniel could see was the determination on every line of Alenya’s face. 

They did not speak, but both understood.

Elaniel braced herself against the cart again, making it move back just enough for her to reach the terrified child. She cradled him against her chest, her arm screaming in protest. “It’s okay,” she whispered as she ran toward the village gates, willing herself not to look back. The gates were closing, but she slipped inside just in time. 

She turned to see Alenya retreating, her movements slower now but still determined. Two large orcs pressed closer, but her spear had a long reach.  A volley of arrows from the village guards rained down, driving them back and felling at least one. Alenya stumbled through the gates, and they slammed shut behind her.

Elaniel ran to her in time to see Alenya give her a weak smile. “Told you,” she said, breathing raggedly. “Told you I’d hold them off.”

“I shouldn’t have—”

“Don’t,” Alenya interrupted, her voice hardened. “You did what you had to do. So did I. That is the way of things for us, ohtarwen.” She reached out, grabbing Elaniel’s uninjured forearm in a tight grip – a warrior’s grip.

Elaniel nodded, tears pricking at her eyes, her throat growing tight. 

And tighter. 

And tighter. 

And as she fell to the dirt, all she could think was: 

Am I fainting?

Fuck. 

//

Gil-galad paused in the doorway, his tall frame silhouetted against the light from the hall. “You’re supposed to be resting,” he said, his voice low but warm as he stepped inside, closing the door behind him. The room was dimly lit, a small lantern on the table next to her.

“I am resting,” Elaniel replied softly. “Mostly. Why are you here?” 

His gaze softened as he crossed the room, pulling a stool close to the bed. “Because you are next door to my rooms and I heard you stir. The healers brought you to the palace from the village,” he said, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face. “You were unconscious.”

“Ah, so my wound is that dire, hm? Not the most unfortunate place to die, really,” she laughed, glancing exaggeratedly around the room.  

He did not laugh in return. If anything, his frown deepened. 

Not in the mood for humor, it would seem. 

“I’m fine,” she assured him. “A scratch, truly.” Elaniel lifted her arm to show him the bandage, her wound already nearly healed. Elves were hardy beings. 

Gil-galad arched a brow, his face leaving no room for argument. “I spoke with the healers. The term they prefer to use is gash. Acquired at the same time as your dislocated shoulder. They said you were quite fortunate the blade did not strike an artery. Particularly because the blade was poisoned.” 

“Yet now I am —“

“Again, to your great fortune, a healer nearby was aware of the signs and provided you and Alenya care until you could be brought here.” His voice rose, frustration blossoming across his face. He seemed to have barely – barely – restrained himself from raising his finger or his voice at her. She saw his hands twitch and he clasped them in his lap, one clenching the other. 

Ah. 

He is afraid. 

“I am tempted to shutter the entire project and bring the workers and their families back to Lindon immediately. Clearly there are too many hazards in the area and no gift for Men is worth the risk to my people.” The anger drained from his voice quickly, leaving weariness in its place. “Or you.”

She wanted to tease him, to tell him that his phrasing made it sound as though she was not one of his people. Or to take the tone of a master stonemason and explain why one orc encounter is not nearly enough of a threat to pause a project of this import. Or to offer some of the many ways the worksites could be made safer. 

But he was not speaking to her as a king. 

So instead, she sighed, her smile fading. “I am safe now. I did not mean to worry you.”

“I know you did not,” he replied. He took her hand in his, careful not to disturb her arm. “Unfortunately, your intent does not make much difference. I will worry regardless.”

For a long time, they sat in silence. She could feel the anger fade from him. The concern was there, still; she could feel it in his hands after he unclenched his own to hold hers. But the intensity of his feelings shifted from bright flames to warm embers. He calmed as he brushed his thumb over her knuckles. 

Elaniel found herself leaning up to meet him, their faces close enough that she could feel his breath on her skin. She raised her hand to his cheek, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw.

“I am likely to do it again,” she warned, mischief in her eyes. 

A flicker of frustration crossed his face, but he softened almost immediately, his hand coming up to cover hers, pressing it gently to his cheek. “I am high king, despite how infrequently you remember,” he murmured. A hint of a smile tugged at his lips. “I could command it.”

She smiled in return. “I’m likely to ignore your command, as well.” A pause before her voice turned teasing. “And on either account, you are the high king of the Noldor, where as I, a Sindar woman, may not recognize your claim–”

He laughed loudly, his mood lifted. “We will argue later, and I will win. Until then – ”

A knock at the door interrupted them, and a healer stepped in to check Elaniel’s bandages. Gil-galad stood and moved aside respectfully, his hands clasped as he watched the healer work.

After a few moments, a few “yes or no” inquiries, the header stepped back. She seemed satisfied. “Your wounds are well on their way to healing. I foresee no problems, and I intend to release you tomorrow morning. However,” she added, giving Gil-galad a pointed look, “you need to keep your weight off your arm and rest.”

Elaniel murmured her thanks as the healer left, stifling a laugh. Once they were alone again, Gil-galad closed the door and flipped the lock — she noticed that specifically and raised an eyebrow. He crossed the room and sat back down, regarding Elaniel with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“You heard the healer,” he said. “One more night of rest.”

“I am not tired and I feel well enough,” she protested, worried the weariness in her voice would betray her. 

Stay. 

Gil-galad smiled and shook his head. Without a word, he kicked off his boots and removed his cloak. He slid onto the bed beside her, careful not to jostle her.

He settled against the pillows and gently pulled her toward his chest. Elaniel relaxed against him, her head resting just beneath his chin. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat calmed her. 

“This is hardly appropriate behavior,” she murmured as she shimmied into place against him, sighing contentedly. “Improper. Unethical. Disgraceful. Rumors everywhere in your court.” 

“I will risk the scandal,” he said lightly, his hand tracing soothing circles on her back. “I may as well live the life I’m accused of having. Sleep, Elaniel.”

“I’m not sure I can go back to sleep, now that you are here…” she trailed off, biting her lip in what she hoped was a subtle play at being coy.

Stay.

Stay stay stay with me. 

Gil-galad tilted his head down to look at her. She saw amusement play across his features. Mild annoyance that she was not going to simply listen to him and fall asleep as she should. And something else. 

She saw the moment she won. 

“I wonder…” Slowly, he leaned forward and pulled her into a deep kiss. Her fingers curled into the fabric of his tunic as warmth spread low in her belly. A broad hand settled on the curve of her waist; his thumb lazily moved in circles over her hip. 

“Would you like help falling asleep?” he asked softly, something low and smoky in his voice. Heat lanced through her. She could smell the salt air on his skin. She wanted to taste him, to lick where his neck met his shoulder and work her way to his ear and back down his chest…

“Ereinion...” Her voice was pleading, but far off, as though she didn’t know what she was asking for. 

A lie. We both know exactly what I want.

Gil-galad kissed her again, his fingers skimming down the side of her body, drawing small sounds of pleasure from the back of her throat as she began to thrum for him. She had learned she was, well, noisy when they kissed, to her false shame and to his thorough delight. 

Moaning softly, she stretched into the growing warmth she felt between her legs, her hips rolling of their own accord as she flattened her body against his. She resisted the urge to hook her leg over his waist and pull him closer. But only just.

“Ereinion,” she murmured more insistently, moving against him more purposefully now. 

Slowly, Gil-galad walked his fingers against her thigh, inch by inch, pulling the hem of her dress toward her waist, fingertips brushing softly against her skin. His hand came to rest on her waist once again, her skirt hiked up, legs mostly exposed. His head tilted, eyes firmly fixed on hers as he waited patiently. 

For her approval, for her blessing, for her command…

The heat in her core grew. She stretched into him again, rolling against the hardness she could feel growing against her thigh. A silent invitation. 

Silence did not seem to be what he sought. 

His voice was low. Eager. Hungry. “Would you—”

“If you start talking to me instead of touching me, I will muster whatever strength the Valar have left me with and scream.” 

He blinked in momentary surprise, the second-guesses seeming to die on his tongue. But his eyes narrowed as he hiked one of her legs to his side, her skirt falling into a pool against her waist. She gasped at the sudden movement, at the vulnerability of being so exposed against him. At the friction against her core. 

“But what if my goal is to make you scream? Surely you would not let me win so easily.” Her cheeks flushed red and he laughed, soft and low. 

“Efficient,” he murmured at her lack of underwear, fingers trailing down the crease of her thigh. She broke out in goosebumps at the sensation, looking at him through half-lidded eyes. Lust thrummed through her.

Effortlessly, he rolled, placing her gently on her back under him, planting a well-muscled thigh between her legs. He hovered over her on his forearms, and she craned up to kiss him again. Long brown hair fell in curtains around their faces, blocking out the rest of the world.

Elaniel bucked, his thigh providing the pressure she desperately sought. She wasn’t fully in control of the motion and that fact clearly thrilled him. She started panting softly as her body found a rhythm against him. Her hands snaked down his stomach to palm the length of him as he rutted against her hand, kissing her frantically. She sat up, ignoring the twinge in her shoulder to wrap her arms around his neck, but he groaned and pulled back.

Her eyes fluttered open, confusion on her brow, as she dropped her hands. 

“You are supposed to be resting your arm, not leaning on it. And…” A faint blush rose to his cheeks, his voice so low she could barely hear him despite the keenness of elven ears. “I wish to learn which sensations you find pleasurable.”

Her eyes glinted. “If helpful, I know which sensations I will enjoy.”

All of them. Any of them. Pick. Just touch me. 

He gently guided her back down to the bed and began kissing her again. Down her neck, her collarbone, her sternum, earning more noises from her as he did so. 

“Mm, indeed,“ he nodded, pretending to look thoughtful, his brow furrowing as he kissed his way softly down her body, hands roving anywhere his lips did not. “You would know. Therefore, it would seem I need to learn. Hands-on experience. You’ve always been a patient and thorough instructor.” 

He tugged at the neckline of her dress, gently freeing her breasts as he murmured appreciatively, fingers trailing across her exposed skin. She broke out in goosebumps again at the sensation, whimpering for him as he took one of her nipples in his mouth. 

Still, despite the ache building between her legs — and the fact that she would beg for him, right now, in any way he asked her to — she managed to tease him. “If this is how you would like to spend your evening, I am happy to indulge you.” 

“Thank you for the learning opportunity,” he replied innocently, stilling for a moment above her. She flushed again, suddenly shy – and keenly aware she was bared to him while he was fully dressed. She gazed up at him, biting her lip, and tugged at the hem of his tunic. 

Too much clothing. Let me see you.

Seeming to understand, he straightened above her to undo his belt and tunic, ripping the tunic over his head in one smooth motion to drop it to the floor. His skin almost glowed in the firelight and she drank in the sight of him, broad shoulders, firm muscles, and gods, his arms. 

He stared at her with the same appreciation, hungry brown eyes seeming to memorize every line and curve of her. Finally, he leaned down and shifted her legs above his shoulders gently, a hand wrapping around her thigh to hold her in place. Kissing his way down her legs, his head dipped between her knees. He nuzzled deeper, opening her legs more until his nose was almost buried in her curls. Her body writhed slowly, straining to reach him, desperate for contact. 

She was already aching for him, wetness running down her leg. She whimpered again — a last resort. Cheating, and she knew it.

Gil-galad laughed and his hot breath fanned against her, causing another spike of desire. She almost glared at him for it. He paused to press more kisses into her skin, so close to her. So close…Elaniel swallowed, holding her breath, waiting to feel him, to feel anything. Every muscle was taut, straining for his touch. She thought she would shatter. 

This time, her whimper turned icy, frustrated, and she tilted her hips up to chase him. 

“Stubborn,” Gil-galad chided teasingly. His warm tongue suddenly found her, swirling softly against her clit. He brought her body closer, dragging her hips up and burying his face against her to lick her open. Giving her the friction she desperately craved. 

Elaniel inhaled sharply, her hand flying to his hair. She forced herself to hold back the wild feeling thrumming through her, to not grab him, ride against him, pull him up…

He hummed against her as her hips jutted again, her body begging for more, faster, harder. 

He lifted his head — she huffed at the loss of his tongue —  and brought up his hand, locking eyes with her. He put two of his fingers in his mouth, wetting them without looking away from her, the thumb of his other hand still swirling lazily around her clit. He paused, waiting again for her approval. 

Her eyes closed again and she murmured “yes, yes, yes,” like a melody. 

He glowed under her praise, his own eyes closing as he slid a broad finger into her— oh. so. slowly. Achingly slow. She had to stop herself from chasing his hand, to let him take his time. 

He added another finger, teasing her again slowly, his knuckles brushing against the inside of her thighs as he sank into her, She stifled a moan and clenched around his fingers, the aching growing deeper within her. 

Softly, he started murmuring praises as he maintained a steady rhythm into her, pressing kisses inside her thighs. His voice was hoarse with want as he told her how wet and warm she was, how beautiful she was, how much he loved her, how he thinks of her — only her — when he touches himself, how he always finished with her name on his lips, how she tasted like honey and he had known she would. 

Another white-hot flash bolted through her as he found some…hidden…spot…. inside her with his fingertips and firmly stroked it. She inhaled sharply, seeing white, clawing at the bedsheets. Her thighs almost snapped shut against his arm, and he used his free hand to gently tap her hip, asking her to spread legs apart again. 

As soon as she did for him, his head dipped, tongue twisting into her again, wet and hot and silky. His hand joined his tongue again and mercifully he kept a steady pace this time, fingers curling upward again as his mouth moved over her. Soft hair brushed against her legs, adding to the ocean of sensations she was drowning in.

She clawed at his forearms, his shoulders, clinging to him, holding him in place as she finally came, heat cresting over her. She sang for him without thought to how loud she was — shuddering as the hot, swollen ache inside her turned into silken relief around his fingers, coaxing her through each wave until she lay panting. Her muscles trembled from the strain and release, heart hammering in her chest. 

Her mind slowly floated back into her body, a tingle coursing through her, every nerve overstimulated and simmering and satisfied. 

Gil-galad reverently moved her legs to rest on the bed, arranging her limbs with a very self-satisfied grin plastered on his face. She felt him crawl up next to her, his weight shifting her slightly. He faced her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer to his chest, still mindful of her wrapped arm. He sighed as she sank against him. “And now, perhaps you will sleep.”

Even in her blissful, half-asleep state, she could not stop herself. “High King, I urgently request your counsel. I have been lied to.”

Gil-galad chuckled as he arranged the blankets around them both, ensuring she was covered and warm. “Your king is at your command. What manner of lie have you been told, my Lady?”

She nuzzled into his chest, her eyes drifting closed as she took in the scent of him, his heartbeat still thudding. “That was not the work of an unlearned elf,” she teased. “Far too good. Experienced,” she mumbled in an accusatory tone, gently poking a finger into his shoulder.

A small, light laugh. “No, not experienced. But…perhaps I learned from a book, mmm?” he whispered in a conspiratorial tone, drawing a sleepy laugh from her. 

“If that was the attempt of a novice, then I am most eager to help you master your craft…”

He shushed her gently. “Sleep. Tell me when you wake.”

As she drifted off, his hand lingering on hers, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew he would stay by her side. 

They will face tomorrow together. 

//

Author’s Notes:

Regarding the laws and customs of the Eldar: How I am skirting it. 

A.K.A How Elves Get Down 

Many a writer out there *waves arms broadly* working with elves in Tolkien’s universe may feel the need to write them as a pretty straight-laced race of beings: no open lust, no sex outside marriage, unbreakable oaths. These are aspects aligned with the way Tolkien portrays elves, and so many fics featuring some of our faves will pair elves with OCs who are their betrothed or intended or spouse – a relationship that fits within the provided framework of elven marriages. Sometimes writers will make some complex (and cool!) rationales to allow this character to enter a relationship that way with x character despite abc reason.

Love these fics. LOVE THEM. Give me all the betrothal and intended and sneakylink hijinks you can.  ….but don’t keep these lovely people sexually repressed unless you want to.

I will have a separate post on this that I'll come back and link, but my big work-around is "The document says bodily union. Define that for me."

//

✨ Star and Stone: Complete Chapter List

Ch. 1 of 12: Between the Mountains and the Sea

Ch. 2: Mirrored

Ch. 3: Fair and Free

Ch. 4: Countless Stars

Ch. 5: Silver Shield

Ch. 6: Preparations

You are here -> Ch. 7: Where the Shadows Are 🔥 [Explicit scene]

Ch. 8: Long Ago He Rode Away

Ch. 9: Wherever the Need is Greatest

Ch. 10: Where He Dwelleth, None Can Say

Ch. 11: Of Whom the Harpers Sing 🔥 [Explicit scene]

Ch. 12: Last High King of the Elves of the West

If you enjoy this, check out ✨The Director's Cut✨ masterlist with quick links to all my TROP/LOTR content and AO3 profile.

[barananduen-blog]

Top Nine TV Shows tag game

Was invited to do this by @lovesickfolly I'm going to do it with cdramas, bc that's what I'm into lately, but if anyone wants to do this, you can do it with any kind of show.

My top nine cdramas, in no particular order...

Before I begin, I should probably point out that I'm more "plot" over "ship." I like ships, but usually as a means to showing character depth; they're not the thing I tend to focus on the most.

What these nine have in common is:

good plot and writing - not just the plot, but the storytelling

3D characters who are also likeable

hooked my attention - my mind didn't wander while watching, AND I wanted to watch more than one episode in a row

memorable

I'm going to include another indicator, too. If it "got" me good enough to make me make fanart: 🎨lol I mean, I'm SLOW. If I was willing to dedicate days/weeks to make a drawing out of it, that's SOMETHING. lmao

1 - Word of Honor🎨

Martial arts adventures (+ a steampunk sect), BL.

This was the first cdrama I watched, and I loved it and it still has a special place in my heart. I rewatched along later with @ginsoakedgirl80 and it was as enjoyable to watch the 2nd time as it was the 1st.

Awesome story and characters, beautiful scenery. And it gave me my first two favorite drama actors.😆*cough* My fav characters were, in order: Ye Baiyi and the Scorpion King. My fav actors, the same two, but reversed; I like comedians, OK? XD

Just a word of advice to anyone planning to try this: I don't know why the opening scenes character-dump on you; most of those people aren't even that important. Just learn Prince Jin and Zhou Zishu (a few others will show up later, but you can learn them then), and then start learning names only once Zhou Zishu becomes a homeless drunk man.

2 - The Taoism Grandmaster (technically, I have a drawing WIP, but it'll probably stay a WIP)

If the Triwizard Tournament from Harry Potter and a Final Fantasy video game had a child in ancient China, you'd get this, complete with items shop before boss battles (the store ox is so cute!).

No but look, this is like my gremlin child. I'm not a fast watcher, but this is the only one which I binged so many episodes in a row, that it made me lose track of time, and before I knew it, it was past 2am on a weeknight and I had work the next day. I may have made it to 4am one of those nights; I don't remember. After it happened twice, I had to set an alarm. Have also watched twice+

Yes, the CG is bad, the costumes were cheap sometimes, and the plants did not pretend to not be plastic, but I love the story. It's well written and has so many details and ways things tie together. And THE CHARACTERS! They're all lovable dorks AND I LOVE THEM!

3 - The Legendary Life of Queen Lau🎨

Romcom.

AAAAAAAAA!! I love comedy and this was GREAT in that sense! Really had me laughing out loud every episode! This is one to watch more for the funny and ingenious situations than for plot, but it was SO enjoyable, I'd even watch them do slice of life. So cute, so fun, love it love it love it!!🥰 Another one that I rewatch whenever I need something uplifting and cute. Also, one of my two favorite OSTs. So uplifting and danceable!

Alright, those are my top 3. The ones I'm sentimental for. The stuff I squee over. But I have 16 starred on my list as excellent / recommendable, so let's have six more.

4 - Song of Youth

Case-solving; mini-cases and the one overarching one.

I loved the format of one case per couple of episodes, so it was broken up into smaller chunks. Super interesting and creative - each case was solved in an unconventional way, which was fun and engaging. All the actresses did a fantastic job. The jewelry, props, lighting, etc. were absolutely beautiful.

5 - The Blood of Youth🎨

Martial arts adventures with a group of friends.

Story: 💯Characters: 💯 Fights: 💯 Visuals: 💯OST: 💯

Xiao Se as the tired babysitter I love him! Wuxin! OMG Wuxin as the sassy fake monk who monologues before every fight and people just let him. I love him! (Wuxin spinoff, please! and I love his theme song!) The whole cast is gorgeous and acted wonderfully, so no sacrificing talent for looks; these people had both in spades. The supporting cast, too. OMG Baily Dongjun and the thunder guy!😍 It had funny moments. Mr. Sikong! The fights were SO creative... how many ways can you design a martial arts fight?? Way more than I thought! No two were similar; it was amazing, the creativity.

As an artist, I really enjoyed the cinematography... the scenery, lighting!! composition, all absolutely gorgeous. Those shots of Xiao Se with soft backlighting? Chef's kiss. And, as a photographer, I know they're not as easy to achieve as it looks. Alright, this one got 2 paragraphs already; need to move on, but watch if you haven't. It's on YouTube.

6 - Till the End of the Moon

Doomed love fantasy; watch them struggle against themselves and their destiny.

THIS IS SO GOOD!! The story is great, excellent plot and pacing. Characters are 3D and always surprising. Gorgeous costumes (Tantai Jin's especially! And the clam clan makeup!), sets, and special effects. THE SOUNDTRACK IS EMBEDDED IN MY BRAIN IT'S SO GOOD (🎶favs: "Use my Body as a Shield" or whatever it's called, I keep seeing different translated titles for it; "Reborn" instrumental; and "Holding on to a Thought" instrumental).

7 - The Blue Whisper

Fantasy romance and adventure. Merman. Animal-spirit people. Angst, treason, and undying hope.

Gosh this drama is so beautiful. This, Till the End of the Moon, and Blood of Youth are up there as the top 3 visuals in dramas I've completed (there are others that have stunned me visually, but haven't been able to watch in full). Excellent story, too. It's a tearjerker, but it's SO GOOD!

8 - My Uncanny Destiny

Romcom. "Would you still love me if I was a worm?"

Lots of fun. Very enjoyable and bingeable.

9 - Guardian, the one with Bai Yu and Zhu Yi Long

Modern urban superpowers type of thing, which is a genre I like, and the story is so good! By Priest, the same author for the Word of Honor novel. Never a dull moment. Tearjerker warning, but so good. Excellent theme song, too, btw. (I don't have any screencaps that aren't a spoiler, so that's what this is XD)

I ran out of slots, but I'll list the other seven in my Excellent and Recommendable list. Order is just as I watched them:

The Untamed

Legend of Fei

A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College

Be Reborn (modern, heist/police)

The Romance of Tiger and Rose

A Familiar Stranger (mini-drama; watch the movie version)

Reset (modern, action, investigation)

PS: I've been here one month, and have done two tag games and they both had the number "9" in them; is this a tumblr thing?

[mothmans-left-nipple]

@afreakingdork Sooo here is my Weak Spot playlist; Donnie focused instrumentals, a lot of his POV to reader, some Reader to Donnie. So far one Donnie to Leo

I scoured my spotify for songs and ran out; i didn't want to clog it with TOO many instrumentals for now, so just a few.

I will continually add to it as i find more, hopefully i'll remember to update this post

Songs are listed with notes and my personal favorite Lyrics as an eye catch, purple for Donnie, Green for Reader!

@garbagemilkshake i used your WS Donnie doodles as the image, you're credited in the playlist description! Let me know if you'd like me to change the image!

Songs; in order of adding them. Feel free to shuffle the playlist!

Bear in mind some of these songs are NSFW

1. NGAHHH!! - Undertale ost

So many Undertale songs fit ANY donnie's Energy

2. Blah Blah Blah - The Oozes

Donnie @ Leo

"You've ruined the colour blue for me"

3. Honeybee - Steam Powered Giraffe

Donnie to reader

"You didn't have to offer your hand

Cause since I've kissed it I am at your command

But you did"

4. Dummy! - Undertale OST

This song is peak rise Donnie energy in general

5. Everyone But You - The Front Bottoms

Donnie to Reader

"I fell in love

'Cause no one saw me the way you did

And no one's seen me that way since"

6. Love Like You - Steven Universe

Donnie to Reader

"I always thought I might be bad

Now I'm sure that it's true

'Cause I think you're so good

And I'm nothing like you"

7. Blue Moon Motel - Nicole Dollanganger

Reader to Donnie

"Take me to the Blue Moon Motel

Carry me over the threshold

Treat me like I am your young bride

Together on our wedding night

Fuck me in the motel shower

Make my makeup run like a pornstar

Carry me naked to the bed

Fawn my hair out when it's still wet"

8. True Love Café - Nicole Dollanganger

Reader To Donnie

"You have such a beautiful face

I've been dreaming about it between my legs

Come over and crawl into my bed

Kiss me, get me wet, give me head"

9. Lil' Red Riding Hood - Amanda Seyfried

Donnie to Reader

"What a big heart I have

The better to love you with

Little red riding hood

Even bad wolves can be good"

10. This is Love - Air Traffic Controller

Donnie to Reader (big Bad Villain song in general doesn't fit to a T but it is mighty sexy)

"Oh I was hit as a kid

I was good but then I quit

Everyone that tried to fix me

Knows that I can't change a bit

I've got no shame, got no pride

Only skeletons to hide

And if you try to talk to someone

Well then someone has to die

Once you chase me down the hole

Yeah once you think you're in control

You'll believe that we are partners

And you'll feel uncomfortable

Oh then the darkness rolls in

And you'll forget who I have been

But you'll love, love, love it, this is love"

11. 10 Simple Murders - The Future Kings of Nowhere

A Villain song for Donnie

"By this time I had become accustomed to the kill

And I'm not proud about it but I kinda like the thrill

To feel the heartbeat in the throat, the terror in the eyes

The sorry choking noises as they beg you for their lives

Oh, strangulation music... that was number five"

12. Everything Black - Unlike Pluto ft. Mike Taylor

Donnie to Reader

"Baby, you

Should come with me

I'll take you to the dark side

Me and you

You and me

Do bad things in the night time"

13. Addicted To Love - Florence + The Machine

Reader to Donnie

"Whoa, you like to think that you're immune to the stuff, oh yeah

It's closer to the truth to say you can't get enough

You're gonna have to face it, you're addicted to love"

14. Cradle of Myriad Stars - Wolf Children OST

Romantic Track for Donnie & Reader

15. You Are My Beautiful Song - Wolf Children OST

Romantic Track for Donnie & Reader

[seoul-bros]

Music Master List

The Last Christmas

Black and British

El Capitxn

Does it make sense?

RIP Sergio Mendes (1941 - 2024)

Colde releases I Color You

Stray Kids at BST Hyde Park

Alec Benjamin at BST Hyde Park

Marina - Man's World

Little Simz killed it at Glastonbury

Did it ever occur to you to cherish me?

Cómo, Cuándo y Dónde

Kendrick created and Anthem

El Capitxn's New Adventure

No one I knew stood half as bright as you

Not like us - Kendrick Lamar

Everything I Own

Ken having his Like Crazy/Set Me Free Pt 2 moment at the Oscars

Nina Simone born on this day in 1933

Buriburi on the Tonight Show

Stay from Entity

Tracy Chapman at the Grammys

Balming Tiger - Up!

Hiss and Hennessy

Jam of the Week

Entity - Cha Eun Woo

Back to the grindstone - something to brighten the start of your week

The Brothers Sun OST

Heart Station - Groovy track from The Brothers Sun

Happy Sunday Everyone! (21/01/24)

Jazz Friday - A little positivity for your TL

Happy Sunday Everyone! (14/01/23)

Rainbow Connection

J Christ - Lil Nas X

Jazz Friday with Aja Monet's "Why my love"

Jazz Friday - Aja Monet

Libianca's EP Walk Away Out Today

Dave Brubeck Quartet - Take Five

Love Song

Get Back the Rooftop Concert

Sliding into the Weekend with this Friday Night Groove

Lazy Bird

Spotify Wrapped 2023

Nina Simone "Revolution" 1969

Happy 80th Birthday Joni Mitchell

Nobody Told Me

Now and Then: The Beatles

America has a Problem

David Bowie: King of Prose and Performance

Troye Sivan: Got Me Started

British Rock in the 1960s

On this day in 1957

Ice Slippin new release by Omar Apollo Part 2

Ice Slippin new release by Omar Apollo Part 1

The secret to a happy life: Learn how to ring your own bell

Love in the 90s

Tina Turner - Icon of the 80s & 90s

Colde "Love Part 2" EP

K-pop's darker side

Samara Joy

Did you check on me?

New Face: Joining the Dot's on Psy's Discography

Reveling in Korean Culture at the V&A - Part I:Music

Se ha ido pero nos deja su música inolvidable

Balming Tiger is Rethinking K-Pop

Musical Jo Kwon

Jo Kwon - Animal