#adar series

[criticallyinneedofadar]

Alliance of Shadows (Epilogue)

A/N: Thank you so much for coming on this journey with me guys :) Let me know what you want to see next!

Pairing: Adar x Reader

Warnings: SMUUUTTTT, MDNI!, this is the filthiest thing I've written- though definitely not the filthiest I've read lol

Taglist: @annatartastic @oakenshielq @perse-cora @eowyn7023@passionofthesith @zoya-olenko

Word Count: 3.6k

Previous

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One Year Later

The wind whistles through the mountain peaks, carrying with it the scent of pine and the sound of hammers striking stone. Below, scattered across the valley and nestled into the steep mountainsides, are homes—new homes. They are rough around the edges, some half-built, with timber and stone piled nearby, but they are homes nonetheless. A testament to the resilience of both the mages and the Uruks.

It has been a grueling year. The mountains are unforgiving, their rocky faces and unpredictable weather challenging both peoples in ways none of them had anticipated. The work was slow, and there were many nights you wondered if this alliance—this dream of creating a home for two vastly different peoples—was too ambitious. There had been arguments, cultural clashes that felt insurmountable. The Uruks, fierce and proud, had their ways, their traditions of strength and survival. Your mages, equally stubborn, clung to their centuries-old customs of knowledge and power. It had seemed, at times, that the gap between them was too wide to bridge.

But time and time again, the same thing happened: when the storm clouds rolled in, when the wind howled through the mountains, and when adversity came crashing down, the Uruks and the mages showed their true nature. They helped each other. Uruks used their brute strength to move stones, to carry heavy timber, to protect the mages when landslides and wild animals threatened their progress. The mages, in turn, brought their magic to bear, healing the injured, conjuring food and water when resources grew scarce, and using their powers to make the mountain more livable, inch by inch.

There were moments—glimpses of hope—where they laughed together, where they broke bread in the twilight, sharing stories around the fire. There were days when you saw the first true signs of unity, where mages would stand beside Uruks as equals, not out of obligation, but out of a growing sense of kinship.

Adar has been your rock through it all. He has never wavered, never doubted that this future is possible, even when you felt the weight of your past mistakes pressing down on you. His steady presence has been a balm to your soul, his guidance invaluable as he led his people with quiet strength and helped you lead yours. He stood beside you through every hardship, every victory, his love for you never faltering. Over the course of the year, your relationship had grown even stronger—unbreakable, even.

It was a rare thing in a world so full of chaos and uncertainty, but your love had become a beacon, a shining symbol to both your peoples of hope for the future. The Uruks and the mages respected you both, seeing in your bond the promise of what could be if they worked together, if they embraced the possibility of unity.

A wedding was in the works, though at times it felt more like a distant dream than a reality. Between ruling, building new homes, and ensuring the safety of the Uruks, you and Adar barely had time for each other, let alone for planning a ceremony. But even when the days were long and exhausting, when you collapsed into bed with barely enough energy to breathe, there was a warmth in knowing that he was there, always by your side. His presence was enough—a reminder that, no matter how difficult the path ahead, you were not walking it alone. The memory of his proposal is one you will carry with you for all your years to come.

—---------------------------

One evening, as you sat together on a cliffside overlooking the half-built village below, the stars bright above, Adar grew quiet. His usual intensity softens, and he gazes at you with a look you’ve seen before, but now, there’s something deeper in his eyes—something vulnerable. The wind stirs his dark hair, and the firelight from below flickers across his sharp features, casting them in shadow and flame.

“I have lived many lives,” he begins, his voice low, the gravelly tones blending with the night air. “I have seen empires rise and fall, watched those I cared for wither and fade with time. But never have I found anything, anyone, who has made me feel as you do.”

You turn to him, your heart already beating faster at the solemnity of his tone, and the raw honesty in his gaze. You reach for his hand, intertwining your fingers with his. His grip tightens as if drawing strength from your touch.

“I have wandered this world for so long, burdened with purpose, with duty,” Adar continues, his voice rough around the edges with emotion. “But with you… it is different. It has always been different.”

You hold your breath as he shifts closer, his eyes searching yours, flickering between the depths of your soul and the vast sky above.

"I cannot imagine a world without you," he says, his words weighted with longing. "The thought of being parted from you, even in death, is something I cannot bear. You have brought me peace when I thought such a thing was impossible. You have given me hope, and for the first time in my long life, I have found something more valuable than power or land."

You feel the sting of emotion rising in your chest, threatening to spill over as you stare into his eyes. His gaze never wavers, and his expression is one of unshakable certainty.

“I have known loss,” Adar says, his voice quieter now, but no less intense. “I have known pain. But I have also known you. And that, more than anything, has taught me what it means to live.”

Your hand trembles in his as he continues, his thumb brushing softly over your skin. "I want to spend the rest of my days at your side. I want to build this new world with you—not as a ruler beside another ruler, but as one soul bound to another. I love you, more than words can express, and I will follow you, always."

The weight of his confession hangs in the air, heavy with the depth of his feelings. You feel your throat tighten, the overwhelming tide of emotion making it difficult to speak.

“Adar, I—” you start, but he cuts you off gently, raising a hand to cradle your cheek, his thumb brushing tenderly across your skin.

“I wish to never be parted from you,” he says softly. “Not in life, and not in death. I would fight the gods themselves if it meant staying by your side. Marry me. Let us be bound in this life and whatever lies beyond it.”

Tears blur your vision as the full weight of his words sinks in. He is offering you everything—his heart, his soul, his eternal loyalty. For a moment, you are lost, overcome by the magnitude of his love, of the life he is promising you.

You nod, unable to find words, but the look in your eyes speaks volumes. Adar’s expression softens, and for the first time in a long while, you see a flicker of relief.

“Yes,” you finally manage to whisper, your voice thick with emotion. “Yes, I will marry you. I will stand by your side, always.”

A rare smile touches Adar’s lips—small, but filled with a warmth so genuine that it makes your heart swell. He pulls you close, pressing his forehead to yours, and in that moment, nothing else matters. The world around you fades, and all that exists is the two of you, together in the dark, holding onto a love that has survived battles, betrayals, and the weight of two kingdoms.

His lips brush against yours, a soft and tender kiss that promises all the things words cannot say. As you pull back, you feel lighter, as if the burden of the world has lifted, even if only for a moment. 

Adar's eyes light up, a smile spreading across his face like a crescent moon, illuminating the shadows. He leans in, capturing your lips in a gentle yet insistent kiss that speaks of passion and forever. Your hands pull him closer, winding around his shoulders as a gentle moan leaves your throat. He deepens the kiss, tracing your lips with his tongue. His hands travel down your body, tracing the curves of your waist, the swell of your hips. He grabs your buttocks, feeling their softness and the way they fit perfectly in his palms. You gasp as your body responds to his touch, sending a shiver of excitement down your spine.

You feel his arousal growing, pressing against your stomach, and your own desire starts to unfurl like a blooming flower in the heat of the moment. You run your hands over his chest, feeling the contours of his muscles beneath his shirt, and down to the waistband of his pants. He's hard, his desire, standing tall and demanding. 

You pull away from his kiss just enough to whisper, "Don’t stop." He nods, understanding the need to be closer together as you both shed your clothes. The cool night air kisses your skin, raising goosebumps as it meets the warmth of your body. You lead him to the chaise lounge, the moon casting a silver glow upon the marble floor. The arm is cool against your bare skin as you lean against it, looking out over the city that's now just a canvas of lights below.

Adar lays beside you, his length, now freed from his pants, nudging against you. It's a gentle reminder of the passion that awaits you. You can feel the heat of him, his length pressing against the cleft of your buttocks. You lean back into him, feeling his chest against your skin, his breath warm on your neck as he kisses the sensitive spot just below your ear. "You're so beautiful," he murmurs, his hands cupping your breasts, your nipples tightening into little pebbles at his touch. You arch your back, pushing them into his palms, silently begging for more.

He obliges, his thumbs rolling over your areolas before pinching your nipples. The sensation sends an electric shock straight to your clit, and you moan softly. "I need to feel you," you murmur, your hand reaching back to grasp his cock. It's thick and velvety, the head already slick with desire. You stroke him slowly, watching the muscles in his arms tighten as he supports himself against the arm. His hands slip down to your waist, pulling you closer to him. "Touch me," you whisper, your legs trembling with anticipation.

He moves lower, his cock slipping from your grip as his mouth kisses a trail down your spine. Your breath hitches as you feel his hot breath on your hip, his tongue flicking out to taste the sensitive skin. His hands glide over your thighs, parting them gently, as he lays you on your back. His tongue traces the curve of your hip before moving down to the sweetness between your legs. You lean forward, bracing yourself against the arm as he spreads your legs. He licks a slow line along your lips, eliciting a gasp from you. You are already wet, your inner walls quivering with need.

"Adar," you whimper, feeling his tongue explore the folds of your sex. He laps at your clit with the hunger of a man who's been lost in the desert, savoring every drop of your nectar. You feel his hands spreading your thighs wider, giving him better access to your most intimate parts. His tongue delves into you, curling inside you, fucking you gently as he laps at your clit. The sensation is overwhelming, a symphony of pleasure that has you moaning louder than the city below. Your breasts sway with the rhythm of his mouth, your nipples tightening further as the cool night air teases them.

"You taste like heaven," he murmurs against your pussy, his voice muffled by your wetness. You look down, watching him as he worships you, his eyes dark with lust. The sight of his mouth on you sends a bolt of desire through you, making you wetter than ever. 

You gasp as he licks you, his tongue long and agile, exploring every inch of your sex. You can feel him savoring you, tasting every part of you, and it drives you wild. His mouth moves back up to your clit, sucking it into his mouth. You moan, your hands grabbing fistfuls of the chaise lounge's cushion. The stars above seem to pulse in time with your heartbeat as he works you closer to the edge.

Your fingers find their way into his hair, guiding him, urging him on. "Don't stop," you pant, your voice strained with desire. "I'm so close." His eyes meet yours, and the intensity in his gaze sends a shiver through you. He knows exactly what you need, and he's not going to let you down. He sucks harder, his tongue flicking against your clit in a way that feels like it's been designed just for you. The tension in your body coils tighter and tighter until, with a cry that echoes through the night, you come. Your pussy clenches around his tongue, releasing a flood of warmth that he eagerly drinks down.

As the waves of your orgasm subside, he kisses his way back up your body, leaving a trail of fire in his wake. His cock, now slick with your desire, slides against your thigh, and you can't wait to feel him inside you. "Adar," you breathe, reaching down to guide him to your entrance. He doesn't need any more encouragement. With one smooth stroke, he enters you, filling you completely. You both gasp as your bodies connect, the sensation of fullness making your eyes roll back in your head. His cock stretches you just right, every inch a sweet invasion that you welcome with open arms.

You clench around him, eager to keep him there forever. He starts to move, his hips rolling in a steady, deep rhythm that has you gripping the edge of the chaise lounge. Your breasts bounce with every thrust, your nipples brushing against his chest, sending sparks of pleasure through your body. He watches you, his eyes dark with hunger, as he takes you, claiming every part of you as his own. You can feel the tension building again, the need for release coiling tighter with every stroke. 

"Take me, Adar," you beg, your voice a breathy whisper that's lost to the night air. He complies, his hips slamming into yours, his cock hitting that perfect spot deep within you that sends you spiraling towards another climax. You can feel his muscles tense as he holds himself back, giving you all the pleasure, making sure you're ready to fall over the edge with him.

He leans down to suck your nipple into his mouth. The sensation is exquisite, a delicious blend of pain and pleasure that sends shockwaves to your core. You can feel yourself getting closer, the pressure building deep inside you. 

"Don't stop," you plead, your voice a desperate whisper. "I'm going to cum again." Adar's response is to grind against you, his pelvis pushing into your clit with every stroke. You arch your back, offering yourself up to him completely, your pussy clenching around his cock like a fist.

He sucks harder on your nipple, the sensation sending you spiraling over the edge. Your body convulses, your pussy spasming around him as wave after wave of pleasure crashes over you. He doesn't stop, his hips pumping into yours, his cock hitting that perfect spot with unerring precision. You scream his name, the sound of your climax a symphony of ecstasy that fills the night air. 

As your orgasm subsides, Adar lifts you up, his arms wrapping around your waist. He carries you to the edge of the balcony, your legs wrapping around his waist, never breaking the connection between you. The city below seems so far away, nothing but a blur of lights as he fucks you against the railing. The cool stone presses into your skin, the contrast with the heat of your bodies only adding to the intensity of the moment. "You're mine," he growls, his teeth nipping at your neck. "Forever."

You nod, unable to speak coherently as he drives into you. Each thrust feels like a declaration of love, a promise sealed with every beat of your heart. His cock stretches and fills you in a way that's both agonizing and perfect. The head of him brushes against your cervix, sending sparks of pleasure through you with every stroke. Remarkably, you can feel yourself climbing again, your pussy clenching around him, begging for release.

His hips piston into you with a ferocity that matches the beating of your heart. The stone of the railing is cold against your ass, the contrast with his burning skin making you even more sensitive. His grip on your waist tightens, his fingers digging into your flesh as he holds you in place. "I'm going to cum, again" you laugh against him, your voice a desperate whisper.

He groans, the sound vibrating through his chest and into yours. His cock feels like it's swelling even more, stretching you to your limits. You can feel his muscles tensing as he fucks you harder, faster. The night air is filled with the sound of your flesh slapping against his. 

"I'm going to fill you up," he whispers, his voice a harsh rasp. "I'm going to mark you as mine." The thought sends a thrill through you, and you nod eagerly, your pussy clenching around him in response. He leans in, kissing you deeply as he continues to fuck you against the railing. His tongue mimics the movements of his cock, stroking you, filling you, claiming you.

You can feel his cock thicken even more, his length a delicious stretch within you. Your pussy walls quiver, and you know you're about to come again. "You are mine," you groan, your voice a desperate moan. "Come with me, my Uruk." 

He groans, the vibration sending shockwaves through your body. He complies, his cock jerking within you as he releases his seed. You feel the warmth of him fill you, painting your walls with his essence. The sensation sends you spiraling over the edge, your orgasm crashing through you like a wave.

"Adar," you moan, your nails scratching against his back as your body arches. Your pussy clamps down on him, milking every drop of cum from his cock. He holds you tightly, his own orgasm making his muscles quiver. As the tremors subside, he lowers you to your feet, his cock still buried deep within you. You lean against him, your bodies slick with sweat and desire.

Your legs shake as your knees give out, Adar catching you with a laugh. “Have I worn you out already, my queen?” 

He scoops you up in his arms, walking you both back inside, laying you down on your bed. “Give me a moment, I’ll catch back up.” you giggle, pulling him down beside you and wrapping your arms around him. You nuzzle into his neck, “My king” you whisper. 

Adar groans, and you feel his excitement stirring again at your words. You laugh and drag him into a deep kiss. Pulling his body over yours, you pull the blankets up over both of you, his laugh following the most beautiful thing you’ve ever heard. 

_______________________________

The shadow cover you had promised the Uruks was your greatest achievement. After months of intense work with your strongest mages, you had woven a blanket of darkness that stretched across the mountain range, a barrier that blocked the sun’s harmful rays. It was a delicate balance, one that required constant monitoring and strengthening, but it allowed the Uruks to roam freely, no longer confined to the shadows. They could wander through the forests, the valleys, and the cliffs without fear, knowing that the sun would not burn them.

It was a gift to them, your way of making up for your mistake with Mordor. And every time you saw an Uruk child running freely through the fields or an Uruk warrior basking in the cool shade you had created, your heart swelled with pride and relief. You had kept your word, done everything you could to help them, and now they had a home that was truly theirs—a place where they could thrive.

As you stand at the edge of the newly built village, overlooking the progress that had been made, you feel a sense of peace settle over you. The mountains, once so daunting, have become a sanctuary, a place where both Uruks and mages can forge a future together. Adar stands beside you, his hand resting on the small of your back, his presence a steady comfort.

“We’ve come far,” he says, his voice low and thoughtful as he surveys the work below.

You nod, unable to stop the smile that tugs at your lips. “Farther than I ever thought we could.”

He turns to you, his eyes softening as they meet yours. “And we will go farther still.”

His words, as always, fill you with hope. You lean into him, resting your head against his shoulder, feeling the solid strength of him against you. There are still challenges ahead, of course. More homes to build, more people to unite, more obstacles to overcome. But you know, without a doubt, that you will face them together. Always together.

As the sun sets behind the mountains, casting long shadows over the valley, you take Adar’s hand in yours and squeeze it tightly. The future is uncertain, but with him by your side, you are ready for whatever comes next.

[nikinikori]

in flames, they return to darkness

Rings of Power 1×01: A Shadow of the Past | 2×07: Doomed to Die

[seedsofmordor]

Adar and Arondir || S02E07, Doomed to Die

[cestpasfaux24601]

Adar in every episode - s01.06

"It would seem I'm not the only Elf alive who has been transformed by darkness."

[dark-silhouette]

I hate you Amazon. You didn't show us Adar's past, there was no fight against Sauron, you didn't even give us his old name...

[catz4ever]

MY GOD.

DON'T GET ME WRONG I LOVE THE SCARS BUT SAM COULD PLAY A FAIR-FORM ELF ANY DAY.

OH. MY. OVARIES.

[greenleaf4stuff]

Fallout 4 Everyone Disliked That Meme - 'When they killed off Adar in s2e8' edition.

(my other trop memes)

[valar-did-me-wrong]

With only 7 days left for ROP S2..

I'm nostalgically remembering 2022 when we as a fandom spent WEEKS playing the 'Where's Sauron' game with Halbrand, Adar, Stranger & even Valandil, Ontamo & Poppy at one point!

How after that we were forced on a rollercoaster ride of 'Halbrand is good' no 'Halbrand is bad' no 'Halbrand is good' no 'Halb-

And then nearing the finale after MORE THAN A MONTH of E1 premiere, Everyone was on the edge of their seats! Human Halbrand belivers, those who had started to doubt and those few with unimaginable wits & trust issues who were sure of Halbrannatar's reveal; all of us spiralling as the Haladriel tag kept growing and growing!

Not to mention all the other twists (hi Mount Doom!), turns (bye Sadoc :c ) & varied depictions of Love & everything Tolkien!

I had never experienced that before; being new to following along a show through weeks on socials instead of binging in one night & I'm So Happy I got to experience it with this show & this fandom!

For all the poison surrounding us since 2022, I continue to believe we are one very positive fandom & I can't wait to go insane again with all of you old & new ROP fans soon! (and then every 2 years!)

[mansnooziesmoosmutzel]

"He offered me … children. [...] My children have endured cruelties your bravest couldn't bear to hear spoken aloud."

"You told us… you loved us." - "With all that is left of my heart. Too much, to let you become Sauron’s slaves."

------

"All those of the Quendi who came into the hands of Melkor, ere Utumno was broken, were put there in prison, and by sore arts if cruelty were corrupted and enslaved; and thus did Melkor breed the hideous race of Orcs … And deep in their dark hearts the Orcs loathed the Master whom they served in fear, the maker only of their misery. This it may be was the vilest deed of Melkor, and the most hateful to Ilúvatar."

(The Silmarillion)

[meilas]

the holy trinity of hot dudes with fucked-up faces

[ringsreforged]

Hi everyone!

Quick update from us.

So it is Sunday and most of you have probably watched the premiere episodes already, as have we. 😏

Nat and I have exchanged an astronomical amount of messages while watching (me to Nat because she watched first) and then later using voice notes. There was screaming involved, there were caps, too.

We have A LOT TO SAY. We are enthusiastic and excited and hey, watching these eps, being in Middle-Earth again, it felt like coming home. There’s no better feeling than that so it should tell you the vibe of what we’re going into recording with.

Yes! Our plan is to record a very snappy (mind you) pod episode encompassing our quick thoughts on the first four episodes of season 2. Then, all I can say for sure is that our schedule is going to be very irregular but at the end of the day we are committed to release the episodes on season 2 over an extended period of time similarly to how we did on season 1. We are sticking to… vibes. 🥲 And what our spare time will allow us.

Thank you to those of you who have messaged us on here, engaged on Twitter, Instagram or sent an email (Sofi, wow, again, you are a star!) with your love and support.

If you can, recommend this little passion project pod of ours to your friends so maybe word gets around and it gets more popular or something. If you can. ❤️

Also, we’re already kinda rewatching these 3 eps. This is how incredible they were and how much we missed this show!

Until soon and with lots of love,

Pau & Nat

[criticallyinneedofadar]

Alliance of Shadows (10)

A/N: This one was a doozy. It took me FOREVER to get it to read the way I wanted to. Let me know what you think! The end approaches my lovelies...

Pairing: Adar x Reader

Warnings: None

Word Count: 2.6 K

Taglist: @annatartastic @oakenshielq @perse-cora @eowyn7023 @passionofthesith @zoya-olenko

Previous - Next

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The fragile peace you shared with Adar did not last long. You were up with the dawn, though not before Adar himself. When you woke he was seated at the war table, staring at you, deep in thought. Had you more humility you might have blushed. Instead you stretch, hissing slightly at the pain in your side, but well aware of his eyes on you. Settling on your side, you smile at him lightly. A faint grin lights up his face, though it quickly diminishes as he speaks. 

“Maela has advised me that Elrond anxiously awaits our answer.” His voice is deeper than usual, as if he hasn’t spoken yet today. It sends a shiver down your spine. You sigh and sit up gently. 

An hour passes, with you and Adar discussing your options- to barter for peace or fight your way out. It is true you have the stronger army, but how many lives are you willing to risk in open battle again with the elves? 

You pace gingerly across the space, your thoughts swirling.

"We should offer up Galadriel’s ring," you finally say, turning to face him. "In exchange for safe passage back to Mordor and the Southlands, and the freedom to trade with the race of men. It's a chance for peace."

Adar shakes his head slowly, his dark eyes unwavering as they meet yours. "It is unwise to give up a ring of power so easily," he counters. "It is our greatest bargaining chip. With it, perhaps we don’t need the elves’ permission to thrive. The power of the ring could grant us all we desire."

You sigh, weary, memories of the past weighing heavily. "I have seen what rings of power can do. Celebrimbor... Sauron..." You pause, the darkness of their ambitions casting a shadow over your words. "They consumed themselves in their pursuit of power. Once, I would have jumped at the chance to wield it, but I don’t trust any ring of power, Adar. You’ve seen what these creations can do. I fear it would undo all we’ve worked for."

Adar’s lips press into a thin line, his frustration evident, but something shifts in his expression. Without a word, he reaches into his cloak and retrieves the ring—Galadriel’s ring of power. For a moment, it seems innocuous, just a small band of metal. But the air around it seems to hum with ancient energy.

"Let me show you," he says softly, slipping the ring onto his pinky finger.

In an instant, you feel it—a surge of power rippling through the space. Adar’s form shifts before your eyes. The scars that marr his face and body fade, his pale, weathered skin regaining its warmth, its vitality. His eyes brighten, his features no longer twisted by centuries of pain and battle. He stands tall, as he once had been—an elf of great beauty and strength.

"We could have everything," Adar says, his voice thick with a yearning that pierces through the cold resolve he so often wears. "Whole, together. Like this."

For a moment, the temptation lingers, the promise of something more, something easier. But you step closer to him, your eyes never leaving him. "I do not need you to be an elf, Adar," you say, your voice steady but soft. "I have fallen for the father of the Uruks—the leader they have come to know. The one they look up to for strength and resilience. I don’t want you to give that up for me, or for anyone."

Adar’s gaze falters, doubt creeping into his features. "You... love me?" he asks, incredulous. "As I am? Scarred, broken?"

Without hesitation, you reach for the ring on his hand, your touch gentle but firm. You slide it from his finger, feeling the magic unravel, watching as Adar’s form reverts back to his Uruk self. His scars reappear, the marks of battles fought and endured, but to you, he has never seemed stronger or more beautiful.

"I love you, Adar," you whisper, stepping even closer, your face mere inches from his. "I love the Uruk you are. The one your children look to with hope. The one who’s fought for them, scarred or not."

He stares at you for a moment, his breath catching in his throat. You surge forward, capturing his lips in a fierce, passionate kiss. The world around you melts away, leaving only the two of you—bound by something far more powerful than any ring.

The kiss deepens, his hand tracing the line of your jaw, your fingers gripping the fabric of his cloak. The tenderness, the heat of it, is overwhelming, and when you pull away, panting slightly, the fire that burns between you is undeniable. 

You smile gently and pull his forehead to rest on yours. “My Uruk,” you say softly. Tears fall softly from his eyes and yours as you pull him close once more. 

______________________________________________________________

Adar had convinced you that using the ring to heal the wound in your side would not be disastrous. Reluctantly you had agreed and you tried to ignore the smug look on his face when you were able to complete a few sword maneuvers with no pain. 

You had sent Maela to retrieve Elrond, anxiously awaiting the elves' arrival. Adar sits next to you in a chair of his own, his hand lingering near yours, protective. Elrond stands before you, flanked by his companions, his brow furrowed in thought.

You gesture to the empty seats before them and Elrond hesitantly takes a seat. Once they are settled, you stand: tall, proud, and regal. 

“Elrond, herald of High King Gil Galad, you stand here today asking us to retreat—to turn away from the world, to remain hidden as if we are lesser, unworthy of the lands we fought for. You look at us and see only darkness. But let me tell you this—if we desired it, we could have all of Middle-earth under our rule. The mages possess powers that shift the very fabric of reality, that can break the will of even the strongest minds. And the Uruks, the children of Adar, are relentless, born of both fury and resilience. Together, we are more than capable of taking whatever we wish.

“If we marched with the full strength of our combined forces—Uruks, mages, and wildmen alike—there would be no city that could stand against us. No army strong enough to halt our advance. If we wanted the White City, we would take it. If we wanted Lindon, it would be ours. And we would not ask permission.

“Yet here we stand. We come not to conquer, but to negotiate. Because unlike the warmongers of the world, we value our people’s lives. Every Uruk, every mage—we are not here to spill their blood without cause. We are here to preserve them, to protect them. It is not out of weakness that we negotiate but out of wisdom. We contemplate peace, Elrond, not because we lack the power to destroy, but because we understand the cost of endless war."

Your eyes flash as you lean forward slightly, your tone growing darker. "But do not mistake this for complacency. This truce we have is fragile, and it rests on a thread easily severed. We have shown restraint, but should you continue to look down upon us, to question our right to exist, you will see just how swiftly that restraint can vanish. Remember who truly holds the upper hand here. Tread lightly, son of Eärendil, for you deal not with creatures cowering in the shadows, but with those who could claim the daylight itself if they so choose.”

Silence hangs in the air, your final words settling like the weight of a storm about to break.

"You propose we allow you to return to Mordor and the Southlands, to live freely," Elrond begins, his voice calm but skeptical. "But what assurances do we have that your kind will not rise against us again?"

You exchange a glance with Adar. 

"We offer the ring of Galadriel," you say, pulling it from your robes for Elrond to see. "Galadriel’s ring and a promise of peace, in exchange for our freedom. And we ask for the right to live, to trade with the men. We have no interest in more war."

Elrond’s eyes flick to the ring, his hesitation clear. "And what of the darkness that resides in your people?" he asks. "That resides in you, Adar?"

Adar’s jaw clenches, his voice sharp as he replies. "We have already established trade routes with the wildmen who have acknowledged my reign. We seek to live in peace, not to be cut off from the world. We deserve that chance."

Elrond's doubt is palpable. The tension between the two of them crackles like a storm about to break. "You speak as though you are owed anything," Elrond says, his tone cutting.

Before Adar can respond, you place a hand on his arm, calming him. "We have nothing to prove to you, Elrond," you say firmly. "But… perhaps I may be able to offer some assurances.” You turn to your guard standing in the corner, “Maela, bring in the scryer."

Elrond startles at your command. While rumors of your scryers have circled Middle Earth, nothing has ever been proven and no one outside of your mountain has witnessed their magic. 

Moments later, the scryer stands before Elrond, her eyes glowing faintly with magic, holding a large bowl of clear, cool water. "I offer you this display of our abilities as further proof of our willingness to compromise," you say coldly, "Given a specific set of decisions or scenarios, my scryers are able to show the potential outcomes."

Elrond nods, his eyes not leaving the woman standing before him. You can see his curiosity and desire for knowledge bubbling to the surface. It is with no small amount of amusement that you also catch his gaze lingering on your scryers face, studying her features.  

“Show us what the future may hold should the elves allow us to live in peace and make our way in the world. The Uruk’s and mages shall not rise up against the elves should they not provoke us, and the elves shall allow us our home undisturbed.” you order, addressing the scryer. She nods and holds her hands out over the bowl of water in front of her. 

The scryer’s power unfolds before Elrond’s eyes, revealing a vision of a thriving city in Mordor, but it is not a city like any he has seen before in Middle-earth. This city comes to life not during the day but under the veil of night, where the moonlight mingles with the glow of torches and flickering lamps. Uruks, mages, and men walk side by side, their voices blending in laughter and lively conversation. The streets are vibrant, alive with the hum of community, where differences melt away in the warmth of shared existence.

Music floats on the cool evening air, soft melodies carried by strings and drums as fires burn brightly in community pits along the walkways. The smell of roasting meats and fresh bread wafts from the bustling market stalls, where vendors offer fruits, meats, spices, and finely crafted wares. Children dart between the stalls, playing games, while families gather around the fires, sharing stories and meals. Merchants haggle with eager buyers, and artisans display their work—beautiful trinkets, magical artifacts, and weapons, gleaming in the firelight.

You can almost taste the smokiness of the meats and hear the clinking of coins exchanged as the vibrant rhythm of life pulses through the city. It is a place of energy, community, and peace—something unheard of for the children of the dark. The vision lingers, and you can not deny the undeniable brightness and harmony that thrives in this dark land, a future unlike any city ever imagined in Middle-earth. Adar grips your hand in his and when you look back at him, his eyes shine with tears that run down his face. Hope, for the future you have shown him. 

Elrond falters, shaken by what he has seen. A glimpse of gratitude flickers across his face. "I have seen many wonders in my time," he says, his voice low and almost reverent. "But this vision you have granted me—it is a gift beyond measure. To see what could be... It is a triumph of magic, unlike anything I have known."

He opens his mouth to say more, perhaps to offer some gesture of respect or thanks, but before the words can escape, one of his elven companions bursts through the tent flap. The elf’s expression is frantic, eyes wide with urgency as he rushes to Elrond’s side. He leans close, whispering hurriedly in his lord’s ear.

Elrond’s face pales as he listens, his entire demeanor shifting in an instant. The calm, composed exterior he had worn just moments ago seems to crack, giving way to something more unsettled. His gaze flickers briefly to Adar and then back to you, though his thoughts are clearly elsewhere.

A tense silence stretches across the room as the conversation continues in hushed, hurried tones. Your ear strains to catch even the faintest hint of the whispered exchange. Adar’s eyes narrow, and you feel the air grow thick with unspoken questions, your mind racing to decipher the meaning behind this sudden change in Elrond’s composure.

The elven warrior finally steps back, his message delivered, but the weight of it lingers in the space between them. Elrond’s face has hardened, shadows of concern etched into his brow. He stands straighter, composed once again but more guarded now.

"Forgive the intrusion," he begins, his voice measured but tense. "In light of your new terms, with the offering of Galadriel’s ring, and your trusting display of magic, I will accept your offer," he says reluctantly. "Your people may go. Though I urge you to move quickly. I cannot speak for the race of men and their approval of your actions. We will not aid you in making your way home, though you have my word that the elves will not impede you." Elrond lowers his head in respect, and you lower yours in return.

The elves' departure is swift, with the exchange of the ring and a promise of a signed document from the High King as they leave.  When at last you are alone with Adar and the small gathering of Uruk and mages around you, Adar turns to you, his eyes searching. "What did the elf whisper to him?"

You smile, the messenger had not even thought to mask his thoughts in your presence. While he was anxiously speaking to Elrond you had snuck into his mind, revealing his every thought. "Galadriel has been found. But she is fading. She needs healing, the high king was unable to heal her alone with his ring of power…"

Adar’s eyes widen in understanding. "He thinks her ring will spare her," he murmurs. “He is willing to risk our betrayal to save her.” 

“Can you fault him?” you ask softly, grazing your hand along his cheek. “If you had the cure for someone you loved lying in front of you, would you not take it?” 

Adar leans his face into your hand, gently kissing your palm, “I cannot fault him. Though it is perhaps an example of the elves folly, it has granted us what we seek.”

You nod, leaning into him. "We did it," you say softly. "You are going home."

“No,” Adar whispers, and you look up at him confused. “We are going home.” He smiles as he tucks your hair behind your ear and places a gentle kiss upon your lips.

[nikinikori]

A cut for a cut. 1×06 | 2×07

[insp.]

[la-cinephile]

Review and thoughts about TROP 02x08

After watching episode 8 twice (and after crying a lot), here is my review of the last episode of the season 2 of The Rings of Power with a lot of spoilers.

A visual masterpiece

It's not the first episode to be really good on that point but there are definitely some epic scenes that make this season finale almost perfect visually. It begins with the first sequence at Khazad-Dûm with the Balrog. Huge shoutout to the VFX crew who creates this creature and for their work throughout the show because visual effects look great 99% of the time (the 1% left is for the warg in season 1).

King Durin facing the Balrog - Shadow and Flame (02x08)

Through the episode we also have a lot of stunning shots as the ones below :

Pelargir - Shadow and Flame (02x08)

Númenor - Shadow and Flame (02x08)

Rivendell - Shadow and Flame (02x08)

An emotional episode

Even though the series was good in season 1 and also in the beginning of season 2, I didn't feel so emotional than in the last two episodes and especially in episode 8.

Father and son (of father / daughter) relationships are always moving to me so the scene between Prince Durin IV and his father at the beginning and THAT scene with Adar and his children had a big impact on me.

The betrayal scene is the saddest and one of the most brutal thing that happened in the show. It's well done and echoes perfectly what happened in the 02x01 in the flashback but it was hard to watch. I mean, Adar trusted his children and them, they didn't understand that he was making sacrifices not really by choice but because it was necessary to assure peace for their kind. It was a heavy price for him, it was painful but he knew it was the only way to win but no, Glûg thought it was better to make an alliance with Evil.

As I said in a previous post, there is something very similar to the Assassination of Julius Caesar in this scene with the Lord-Father being betrayed by several of his children, especially Glûg who was one of his closest "child", not to mention that Adar calls him "son" (yeah I'm sobbing again writing this).

Adar being betrayed by Glûg - Shadow and Flame (02x08)

I hate Glûg for what he did but he clearly didn't deserve to die like that (poor Mrs Glûg and Glûg Jr) but it's the only way for the other orcs to realize that they made a mistake and be like : "oh no, daddy was right, we were so wrong not to trust him"

Of course as an Adar fan it's hard to watch this scene but his narrative arc makes sense and we all knew he would die sooner or later. He was there during two seasons and that's already a long for an OC and even if he had survived, what next? If his children had been taken by Sauron anyway, would he have lived with that ? With the fact that he lost his children? I don't think so.

Anyway, Adar is undoubtedly one of the best character in the whole series and I will really missed him in the next seasons.

Let me be delulu for a moment : in the beginning of season 3 we will see that the betrayal scene was just a vision of Adar when he put on the ring and by doing so he sees what will happen and so he will prevent it and everything will be fine

I also must talk about the scene between Celebrimbor and Sauron and once again, what a scene! Charles Edwards and Charlie Vickers' performances are so great. This duo is one of the higlights of this second season, and both characters have a very good evolution. I feel so bad for Celebrimbor and I hate Sauron so much for what he has done to him.

But the episode also have less serious moments and sometimes even got some "fun" like when Gil-galad reacts to the sound of the dwarves coming to help the elves by just saying "Dwarves" with a knowing glance to Elrond. This quote doesn't have to be so funny but it made me smile (and I needed it).

Talking about Gil-galad, seeing him on the battlefield make me like him more. I mean I didn't really like him before because he had this elvish attitude I really don't like and I clearly prefer him as a warrior king.

I will just add a few words on Galadriel : Morfydd Clark was once again so badass. Her quote "the door is shut" and the kick just after, I mean it's so good to have a strong woman in a fiction like this, no matter what haters think, there is girl power in TROP and I love that!

An amazing soundtrack

Bear McCreary has created so many masterpieces throughout the whole series and there are definitely great musical themes added in season 2 like the music for Rhûn or this awesome metal song (The Last Ballad of Damrod) in episode 7.

Soundtrack is an important part of a tv series or a movie and so in TROP, the scenes are not just great, they become epic and truly as powerful as some scenes in the LOTR trilogy. It really gave me chills through all episode 8, mostly at the end at the future Rivendell which is a so beautiful scene.

Near perfection

The episode wasn't perfect and not as good as episode 7 in my opinion and I think the main reason is the pacing.

There is something wrong with it, it happens also in other episodes but here it's obvious, I mean some time has passed since the end of episode 7 and even if it's only a matter of a couple hours, I think it would have been better if episode 8 have been longer and could explain how Arondir was healed for example.

Let me be clear : I'm glad he is alive because he is a good character but how the hell did he survives adar's attack?! He was stabbed with an arrow and with a sword and he appears in episode 8 as if nothing bad happened to him, just a scratch or something like that. He looks just fine and it would have been better to have an explanation. Yes, you will say it's Gil-galad who must have healed him but when? And why aren't they together when they are taking hostages by the orcs before the dwarfs are coming to rescue?

With more time, we could also have known why Adar took the crown in the middle of the forest or how Glûg convinced other orcs to betray Adar because the last time we saw him in episode 7, he seems to be the only one to stay at the camp and not following Adar to the city and I would have be more kind on his "conspiracy" if we had a shot where some Uruks gathered around Glûg (you'll say we saw that earlier in episode 7 during the dialogue between Glûg and Adar but I keep thinking that a shot with several orcs staying with Glûg while Adar is marching to the city would have be more significant.)

Okay, it's my way to say I want an extended cut, no matter how long it is but please Amazon give us the extended cut!

Also, I know there is no need to explain everything (even though it's one of my flaw either as a spectator and as a writer because I always want to know every details or make sure that everything is clear) but how did Galadriel survived a fall like that?

About the Gandalf's reveal well it's not a bad thing if you considered only the movies and if you haven't read the books but I hope it's not only for fan service. I'm not mad at it but with all the hints, it's not such a big reveal in the end.

Conclusion

It was a good episode and I prefer this second season to the first one. The end is perfect as it concludes some narrative arcs and opens on others like the creation of The One Ring, Númenóreans going on war or the establishment of Rivendell. Yes some characters will be missed in the next seasons but if the show really goes on for 5 seasons, it's already good for some characters to have been able to stay alive that long, moreover for Adar who was supposed to be killed off earlier according to the showrunners. I can't wait for the next season because great things are coming and it will probably be at least as good as this second season.

Thanks for reading this long review 😊

[savethegrishaverse]

Some of the members of the Third Army team had the chance recently to be interviewed by ADAR Magazine! Check it out!

Read it here in full!

Thank you so much Ekaterina Spiridonova for giving us some time to answer your questions!

[dark-silhouette]

I just watched episode 8, and I honestly feel very bad; I feel sad. I can't accept that Adar died. He just wanted his Uruk to be free and live in peace. I thought we'd see more about his past or at least tell him what his old name was... We weren't even given that.

Galadriel could have helped him at least kill some orcs...

On the other hand I'm surprised that Arondir is as if nothing had happened, not even a scratch.