#fandom: the letter for the king

[aburdthatdraws]

Some redraws of Usopp from One Piece fan letter because I love him so much :3.

[sleepyphobzz]

Guys we should make something called snowvember for the simon snow fandom we need more than coc/cotta & i think this is a great idea

[meepitydoodle]

Some medieval ladies from quite a while ago.

(left to right):

Faile (wheel of time), Lavinia (the letter for the king), Eowyn (lotr)

They were just sketchbook sillies and the more I look at them the more flaws I see but I don't think I really care, I was having more fun with the red sketch and blue lineart!

[ladyalicentshightower]

I think people overestimate how feminist team black is. If someone brings up how Baela should be the heir to Driftmark, it's always "she would've been Queen if not for the Greens!", ignoring that 1, she would be Queen consort, not a Queen in her own right, and 2 she has a legitimate claim in her own right to Driftmark. Team Black's goal is to crown Rhaenyra, but Rhaenyra becoming Queen isn't a win for feminism because it does nothing to dismantle the rest of the patriarchal system that exists in Westeros. From what we've gotten so far, it reads that Rhaenyra wants to be the exception and not the rule. Rhaenyra has made a lot of bad political decisions, which means she can't acknowledge Baela's claim because it would weaken her own claim (blatantly admitting her eldest sons are illegitimate would not end well for her to say the least). So she betrothes Jace and Luke to Baela and Rhaena to kind of atone for that, like as a consolation prize Baela will be Queen and Rhaena will be lady of Driftmark, neither of them would hold either title in their own right. It's good matches because the kids like each other and will treat each other well, but it's not a feminist win or a feministic liberation. It's usurpation, usurpation that takes place because Rhaenyra has to do damage control after having illegitimate children and after a serious of bad political decisions (both hers and her fathers, Viserys is the arbiter of this entire mess). To me, Rhaenyra is very reminiscent of Mary Queen of Scots, I can see a lot of elements drawn from Mary's history in Rhaenyra's story and character, down to their sons eventually taking the crown they failed to claim/keep.

[whatisanameactually]

Crowns of the Young

Keen in war, his mind was steeled,

A prince whose throne was pain revealed.

Steadfast in fury, dark paths he'd tread,

Endless battles, his heart misled,

Fell by a young queen’s arrow, dead.

Endless hope within his heart,

Zeal for peace from the very start.

Ruling fair, his voice so kind,

Animals by his side aligned,

Now as king, two worlds he’ll bind.

A kingdom’s weight, her shoulders bear,

Noble wisdom beyond her years,

Never faltered through the strife,

Young in age, but full of life,

A queen who sought to end the knife.

Zephyr winds beneath his wings,

Yearning skies, the storm he brings,

Mighty prince of dragon’s kin,

[sterrylight]

[houseofbrat]

What did I tell you?

YES!

The end of the Wales fandom is nigh!

The end of William's reputation is also nigh!

William looks like shit, and the KP comms team went to InTouch Weekly to spin it!

William, 42, debuted his beard in August while appearing in a video to congratulate the U.K.’s Olympic athletes. It was his first time rocking facial hair since 2008. “He’s been on a bit of a self-improvement kick lately,” In Touch’s source says. “With Kate doing so much better health-wise, he’s had a little more time to focus on things like fitness and his overall appearance. He’s lost a little weight and had a whole new set of custom suits made. You can see how smart he looks these days and that’s very intentional.” [...] “The stress this past year took a huge toll on William,” the insider explains. “He looked haggard for a while, but he’s now turning that around by seeing a dermatologist. For the first time in his life, he’s got an actual skincare routine. He’s very pleased that people are taking notice because he’s certainly putting in effort.” (x)

"He's lost a little weight and had a whole new set of custom suits made."

TRANSLATION: He's lost a lot of weight and is now so gaunt he can no longer fit into many of his normal clothes. It's so noticeable that we have to do a throwaway story on it to stop getting questions from the press about why he looks sicker than Kate.

"He looked haggard for a while..."

TRANSLATION: He's smoking like a chimney at home now that his wife has covertly separated from him. He doesn't know what to do and knows that he has fucking screwed things up ever since the bad choices he made last summer (2023).

Yeah, when you have to make an extra visit to see THE KING when you're not on one of your many copious vacations, then I can easily see that William is FUCKING SCREWED, even though so many other people want to deny it.

Guess Charles is ready to release his letters patent and update the website with all the hidden baggage that entails.

[hooked-on-elvis]

I have a few playlists with my favorite Elvis songs by theme. One of them is with my favorite songs in general, naturally. I listen to it in the shuffle mode when I'm not in the mood for listening to one specific album. Anyway, I just mentioned here the 1971 Love Letters From Elvis album and I was surprised with another amazing song from it just now.

I can't help but to share.

"This Is Our Dance" written by Les Reed/Geoff Stephens. Recorded June 6, 1970 at RCA’s Studio B Nashville.

Guitar: James Burton, Chip Young, Elvis Presley. Bass: Norbert Putnam. Drums: Jerry Carrigan. Piano: David Briggs. Organ & Harmonica: Charlie McCoy. OVERDUBS, Guitar: James Burton. Organ: David Briggs. Percussion: Jerry Carrigan. Percussion & Vibes: Farrell Morris. Steel Guitar: Weldon Myrick. Trumpet: Charlie McCoy, George Tidwell, Don Sheffield, Glenn Baxter. Saxophone: Wayne Butler, Norman Ray. Flute, Saxophone & Clarinet: Skip Lane. Trombone: Gene Mullins. Flute & Trombone: William Puett. Vocals: Mary Holladay, Mary (Jeannie) Green, Dolores Edgin, Ginger Holladay, Millie Kirkham, June Page, Temple Riser, Sonja Montgomery, Joe Babcock, The Jordanaires, The Imperials.

[astral-schools]

you are the most important person in this story.

you are dead.

this story is your own drawn out funeral. you are not the main character, and yet your ghost lives in the shadow of every step they take. you have been consumed, body and mind, and words spill from your voice without your direction. your actions are judged in your absence; you are on trial and you cannot defend yourself. you have no defense.

you are not the main character. you are not a character. you are a foundation. you are an idea. you are a lesson. (you are a villain, in every story but your own.)

there are two ghosts in this story. one is at the center of it all. the other is you. the first one is also you. he decided to be. (and then he decided not to be.)

(he killed you and decided you weren't good enough.)

you didn't have a voice. you didn't get a say. you weren't even there.

no one knows how you felt about dying. they didn't need to. you are not a main character in this story. (this story is not about you.) you are the most important piece of this story. (this story could not happen without you.) you do not have the power to change anything.

you have the power to change nothing. (whether you want to or not.)

you are in checkmate.

(you've never been very good at chess. what an infuriating game.)

[disneynerdpumpkin]

~0~ Psalm 19:1 ~0~

hewo :) I'm disneynerdpumpkin! 🎃💜 I'm a made new child of the King & I love Jesus! I am a Christian Tumblr blog.

I'm also a fangirl; I love Disney, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Disney Pinocchio, Winnie the Pooh, Gravity Falls, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.... I'm multifandom (but mostly Disney)

Check out my blog for fandom/fangirling content, scriptures, Christian content, and just overall wholesome content :D

Remember that God loves you and He has a wonderful plan for your life! Jeremiah 29:11 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'"

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."

Here are some rules for my blog:

Please, no inappropriate asks. Ty :) (any inappropriate asks will be deleted and blocked and ignored) (NSFW blogs, please do not interact)

You can repost my stuff, but please just don't deliberately claim anything as your own

Have fun (obviously)

I want to make it absolutely clear that even though I'm a fangirl, JESUS is my #1 priority; NOT my fandoms.

Proverbs 4:23-27 "Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life. Never tell lies or be deceitful in what you say. Keep looking straight ahead, without turning aside. Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground. Don't make a mistake by turning to the right or the left."

My OC/self-insert btw! 🡡

Laura Nightshade Skellington Lorenzini Pines

Laura Pinterest aesthetic board: https://pin.it/EJQ9MeS

[presleypictures]

In 1958, just like every young man in the USA, Elvis is drafted into the army. Three female fans are not positive about his time in the army, but are devastated by the thought that their idol has to get a hair cut. They decided to write a letter to President Eisenhower.

“Dear President Eisenhower,

My girlfriends and I are writing all the way from Montana. We think it's bad enough to send Elvis Presley in the army but if you cut off his side burns, we will just die! You don't know how we feel about him. I really don't see why you have to send him in the army at all but we beg you, please, please don't give him a hair cut. Oh, please, please don't! If you do, we will just about die!"

[shdwtouch]

1. When did you first start writing?

for the sake of simplicity I'm just gonna talk about roleplay. but, oh man. I was roleplaying on forums and in multiplayer games (WolfQuest man) pre-2012. circa 2012 I met my first crush (shoutout to K, wherever you are !) who introduced me to tumblr. the rest is, as they say, history. I have, honestly, only really used tumblr as an rp platform. XD I ran a personal blog for awhile, but then I switched to rp.

my first rp blog was for an au version of Clint Barton. in the time since I've written 20+ canon muses and 50+ original characters from a variety of fandoms, as well as fandomless. Kaey is my oldest character, who I started writing in 2015.

otherwise some notable muses include... every Assassin's Creed protagonist up to Syndicate (no joke), including multiple side characters (Clay Kaczmarek, my love). also every Avenger from the first MCU movie, p much every recruitable companion / side character in DA:I (again, no joke), and characters from at least 2 fandoms you probably would not have on your "puffin roleplayed in this fandom" bingo card. XD

just for funsies, I have added clues in the tags to help you get a bingo (not including fandoms I've already mentioned above) on this hypothetical bingo card XD

[houseofbrat]

Rebecca English's recent revelation:

And while, fortunately, the King appears to be responding well to treatment and is hopeful of taking up more forward-facing public duties in the near future, recent events will have been a stark reminder of what awaits the Wales’ in the not so distant future. It is why, although his appearances today were both welcome and heartfelt, we should not expect to see a wholesale return to royal duties for the prince. Instead, I understand, he is likely to undertake one or two public engagements each week - often on the same day in order to minimise time away from Kate and the children - as well as continuing with his usual behind-the-scenes work. He will, I am told, almost certainly take some sort of role around the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in June, as well as attending Trooping the Colour and the annual Order of the Garter service and, perhaps, one of the annual summer garden parties for worthy community heroes. And he will definitely continue to undertake investitures at Windsor Castle on behalf of the King over the coming weeks.

So the kids can be in school five days per week, but William can only do public engagements ONE DAY per week.

Somehow this wasn't a problem prior to William's recent four week break.

During the week of 18 to 24 February, William worked three days:

The BAFTAs on Sunday

The British Red Cross on Tuesday

An investiture at Windsor Castle on Wednesday

During the week of 25 February to 02 March, William worked two days but was originally scheduled to work three:

Missed King Constantine's memorial service due to "personal reasons" on Tuesday

Visited a synagogue on Thursday

Went to Wales for a few visits for St. David's Day

During the week of 10 to 16 March, William worked three days:

Commonwealth Service plus Earthshot function on Monday

Earthshot meeting behind closed doors at Windsor on Wednesday

A youth visit plus The Diana Awards' on Thursday

And yet, William is still being outworked by his father who HAS cancer and probably even The Duke of Kent.

Somehow, William was able to work three weeks with more than one day of public engagements per week prior to the kids' Easter break.

But now that not-rigorous schedule from February and March would be too much for delicate William, even though all his known children are in school FIVE DAYS per week.

And William also has his in-law to help out. They help out so much that William was able to go to a pub with his mother-in-law in Norfolk two weeks ago, when he was on vacation.

And let's not forget that nanny Maria is still around.

Just like the sudden need to do significant renovations at Adelaide Cottage, this goes beyond the fishy timeline about Kate's cancer and William's regular workshy-ness. It's pretty clear William is going into semi-hiding. This isn't about helping Kate; this is about avoiding the British general public. Because the general public is unpredictable and will say what they really think of you, when given the opportunity, to your face.

I guess that is what happened when William miscalculated on his pr machinations and realized his father wasn't going to move the big announcement back to suit William's needs. There's a reason why you make certain announcements on the anniversary of a happy day rather than a sad one.

Can't wait until Andrew permanently loses his favorite three little words. Along with Harry. Beatrice, Eugenie, Archie, and little Lilibet will all be losing a little bit more than that, as they will lose four words.

[fantasticalchaos]

Okay so as much as it would be funny to see Leona be beaten by Prince Fluff— as the the one who submitted Leona into this poll tournament, I will bring in some Leona propaganda!!! :D this is also my first time making a propaganda post so please be nice if I got something wrong

May contain TWST spoilers

Aka like one card that’s not in EN yet, some main story and Vignettes mainly

First off, his series - Twisted Wonderland - is a video game where its many characters are inspired by Disney Villains! Leona’s character is inspired off of Scar from the Lion King! 🦁

Very sleepy lion boi - often found slacking off from classes to nap somewhere. (Usually in the Botanical Garden). So real for him for wanting to sleep

Speaking of sleep, did you know that he can fall asleep in 3 seconds flat?? I need that ability in my life

His Unique Magic/Signature Spell can convert anything (living or not) he touches into sand! That’s some OP Magic right there!

Despite his laziness, he is an athlete. Dude’s is the leader of the dorm, Savanaclaw, which is filled with strong and athletic students!

Hell, the 2nd chapter of the main story has him as the mastermind. All of it being staged accidents (read injuries) and magic in the back. His reason for all of this?: to try and have his dorm win the inter-dorm Spelldrive/Magift tournament (kinda like football with flying brooms and big metal discs) so the Savanaclaw students can to secure their futures after graduation!

He’s also a sports captain for his school’s Spelldrive/Magift team! In fact, he’s considered a legend in this sport! And yet, Leona loves more of the strategy and wit of Spelldrive/Magift offers than the physical playing part.

He also has a nephew, Cheka (take a wild guess who the little guy is inspired from). Look at how much the latter loves his uncle so much! And despite the emotional turmoil Cheka has on Leona of his place in life, he isn’t directly a jerk to Cheka!

Respects women. (Cater’s School Uniform Story and Ruggie’s chat for reference)

And he can drive a car too! (Tamishima Mina/Cloudcalling Event)

Even under his arrogance and laziness, Leona does moments of being a good senpai/upperclassman to his fellow classmates! Such things like giving advice and tips - regardless if it was for pragmatic reasons. Ex. to help others with their magestone task in order for more peace and quiet so he can sleep (Leona’s Outdoor Wear Story) but still helpful advice nonetheless!

If I recall, Leona helped Ruggie - someone from the slums - get through the latter’s first year with his help. Leona tutored Ruggie with his advice and managed to help elevate his grades to passing! So, while Leona does boss Ruggie around, there are some good things that came out of it! [Ruggie’s Birthday Suit Part 3]

This one part at the beginning of Chapter 6 that I think about…

Defended Jack from bullies in Leona’s Dorm Uniform Story! He could’ve easily leave him be and get bullied, but he didn’t!

Now if you look closely, you can see has the >:3 face I saw others notice and talk about it and can’t I see it

And with that, that’s all the Leona Propaganda I could think of! I know I could’ve easily said the one obvious thing about him, but I’m not! Heck, that would be the last thing I wanna say. I wanna show more parts I love about him! That there’s so much more to him! The good and the bad! A complex character that I love learning so much about! Regardless of who wins, I hope you enjoy these little tidbits of my fave prince :3

Round One: 1B

[queers-gambit]

Match Made in Grey Haven

prompt: ( requested ) you find yourself in what feels like a distant relationship through penned letters. overcome with shyness during his visits, you avoid Herald Elrond - until your grandfather (and co.) steps in as matchmaker.

pairing: Elrond x shy!female!reader

fandom masterlist: The Rings of Power

word count: 2.9k+

note: it's not much, i'm so sorry.

warnings: takes place BEFORE the events of TROP, abrupt ending, small hurt mostly comfort, feelings are hard, author is very abrasive and isn't sure this is conveyed fully as "shy" so i'm sorry, anxiety, unedited, wonky brain goes wonky, fluff, small drama, lost + healthy family relationships, romance, friends-to-lovers.

part two: The Risk

"You appear ill at-ease," Círdan mentioned as he casually strolled from the shadows of his workshop, the last of the day lingering in a warm glow, "which I am not accustomed to seeing on a face such as yours."

Elrond, busy at work carving one of the perfect ships his old master was crafting a fleet of, barely slowed down but did glance up in acknowledgment. He sniffled hastily, looking back at the pliable wood under his hands.

"Merely focused, my Lord, nothing more."

"Hm," Círdan hummed, pacing around slowly, hands clasped behind his back, chin up, shoulders back, grey locks glistening in familiar waves, "interesting choice of words."

"How so?" Elrond paused to pet the curve of the wood, trying in vain to hide his true bubbling feelings. He went straight back to work, aware Círdan watched him closely.

"Y/N said the exact same." This made the High King's Herald pause in full, Círdan smirking, "Ah, just as I suspected."

"I do not think - "

"You fool nobody but yourself," Círdan chuckled, waving off Elrond's words and stepping closer to admire the boat carving. "She cares for you, too, you know?"

"With respect, my Lord... But you are mistaken," Elrond deflected. "Your granddaughter and I, we are merely friends - if that. We only exchange letters - "

"And feelings," Círdan pointed out, watching Elrond flush under his interrogation. Just outside the doors, you approached, thinking you would fetch your grandfather for supper; slowing when the older, wiser Elf tisked, "Ah, come now, Elrond, do not look so forlorn, there are worst fates than that of emotional - "

"With respect," Elrond repeated, cutting Círdan off, your hand hovering over the door handle, "there are no emotions involved when it comes to your granddaughter."

You froze.

"Yet I will not believe that," Círdan shot back.

"There is little to be said that might sway you, my Lord, but it is true. We are..." You listened as Elrond took a sharp inhale, "We are friends, nothing more. Our foundation lays in companionship, we exchange letters - share our thoughts, ideas, and feelings. There's nothing more."

Círdan hummed in amusement, "That so? Then... Why, in the past 6 months, have you come here - what is it? Six? Seven times?"

"Eight," Elrond corrected automatically, wincing when your grandfather chuckled and you lowered your hand. Yet you did not walk away yet.

"You claim business with the High King brings you to us so frequently," Círdan continued, "yet, the matters discussed can be solved through letters alone. Nothing that deems an emissary. So, tell me in truth... Why?"

"My Lord?"

"Why do you come? I know it is not for Gil-Galad alone, so, tell me in truth, why the frequent trips?"

You could hear Elrond resume his wood carving and you became acutely aware of your position. Backing away, you fled the scene, petrified over the idea of being caught; yet your mind was stuffed full with what you heard. It'd been years since you first met Elrond, the young, fresh, baby-faced Herald of the High King; and while initially fascinatingly attracted to him, you were detrimentally shy.

Like, so shy, it makes you mute - to an extent.

He wasn't a Herald yet, though, and came to apprentice under your grandfather. Elrond became a constant presence around the Grey Havens - a talented, shining star of a student who studied diligently. You admired his work from afar at first, then, Círdan asked you to row one of Elrond ships around the harbor.

It was well known you were the apple of Círdan's eye; his favorite thing in the material world, the reason he refused to give himself over to the Valar yet. He was supposed to sail... But his daughter was soon to give birth, so he waited; and thankfully, because plague claimed your father and mother from complications of your birth. So, Círdan raised you.

Elrond panicked at Círdan's request, stepping into your pathway without thought and gasping, "No!" You shied back into your grandfather's side, the dark haired Elf amending swiftly, "I apologize, I-I did not mean to be so - so abrupt. But... Let me work a few more days, ensure it is to perfection."

You smiled gently and nodded, Círdan smirking and leading you away - the start of a formal friendship. After testing Elrond's boat (when ready), you sent him a note that expressed your impression and complimenting his woodworking skills, even saying you looked forward to his future creations.

His first letter back to you was one of thousands, and the start of his Heraldry.

Yet now, in present day, you wondered if these letters weren't enough and if he thought you untruthful in your declaration of affection. While your companionship had now lasted decades, you were still insecure enough that you lose wit, cheek, and tongue when he's around. And now, the past half a year, you've seen him eight times and couldn't muster your courage, and perhaps, it wasn't enough for Elrond anymore.

You just expressed yourself better in words! And you didn't leave Círdan's side; you did not venture around Middle-earth, never left your sanctuary. You adored Elrond's accounts of adventures and travels and work, it was your only time to "live", even if vicariously.

Now, worriment set in; anxious that you weren't enough.

"Ah," Círdan hummed as he and Elrond entered your humble home for supper, "it smells divine in here, sweet girl."

"Thank you," you whispered, setting the table for the meal as Elrond was the one who would not meet your eye.

"I'll be a moment, I need to wash up," he excused himself, always presentable; forever perfect.

You just sighed as he slipped from the room; a typical guest in your home, especially with his...recent increased business from the High King. "You seem pensive," Círdan noted, taking the bowl of salad to the table for you. "Is there anything on your mind you wish to discuss?"

"Nothing of note."

"Then speak to me of something not of note."

"If it is of no note, Grandfather, why give it voice?"

"Because it still takes up room, be it in your head and heart - which gives it validation to speak of."

You paused at the table, finding him grinning, offering an unamused glare. "I told you not to do that," you reprimanded softly.

"Do what?"

"Your - little - your pearls wisdom!" You groaned childishly, collapsing into a chair. "You can let me stew and figure things out for myself, we do not always have to speak of matters. It is an unfair advantage that I am inundated with your pearls and others toil for direction!"

Círdan chuckled, folding his hands before his dinner plate. "To complain of such an advantage is - "

"I know."

"Then why do it?"

"Because..."

"You are frustrated with your own emotion that you refuse to give life to?"

With a huff, you nodded, "Exactly."

"What is the matter?"

Your head shook in deflection, "Perhaps, I am just overwhelmed. I think I'll take a walk - "

"But supper - "

"I'll eat later," you promised, reaching out to lay your hand on his and smile, "I just need a few moments to breathe. Eat, enjoy, I'll find you later."

You left before another word could be spoken. When Elrond reentered the kitchen, he only found Círdan and wondered, "Where's Y/N?"

"She seemed distraught, saddened by something. She decided to go for a walk, clear her head a bit."

"Right," Elrond nodded, feeling awkward just standing there.

"Come, sit, eat," Círdan invited with a small smirk, "she's probably gone off to the workshop, she likes to write there. Says it's more inspiring than the library. Come, Elrond... She'll be awhile."

Elrond frowned and looked to the door, Círdan knowing his words were replaying in the half-Elf's mind. "Perhaps I should check on her?" He asked his old Master. "It would be wrong to eat without the chef, would it not?"

"I was thinking the same," the older, greying Elf nodded, "though you waste your time, that girl is stubborn - trapped in her mind too often."

"How do you mean?"

"It's why she writes," Círdan explained, "at least, why she writes you, I imagine. She often loses her voice, feels as if she is not entitled to it's very being - so, she writes, uses her words... And seemingly, you understand them best - relate to her, in a way. So," he took a breath, "go, if you wish, but know, she's unlikely to speak."

Elrond was out the door before Círdan could uncork the bottle of wine left on the table. He smirked to himself, musing, "Oh, these kids..."

You had left your home and made a beeline for your grandfather's workshop, shutting the doors with a great big breath of relief before groaning in emotional frustration. "Oh, how silly!" You snipped to yourself, "This is all so silly, it makes no sense! I mean, the way I just shut down? It's so silly! Losing my voice? Over a man? Oh, just rubbish!" Your hands shook out violently. "I just need to say it, you know? I just need to say it - then he knows, he'll know and I can get rid of this silly feeling. He deserves to hear me say it, else he might think he's unwelcome, he might not want to visit..." You were unaware of Elrond approaching the door, opening it as you groaned once more, "OH! He's just a lad! He's just like you, you silly lass! Well, not entirely just like me - but he's just - he's just Elrond! What is there to fear!?"

"Is there someone else here I should address?" Elrond smirked gently as he stepped forward to make himself known, "Or do you often speak of me, to yourself?"

You squeaked and came to a halt, dress twirling around your ankles when you spun to face him. Hands came together, instantly threading your fingers and wringing them together nervously as your visitor smiled gently and slowly (so slowly) stepped forward. With a deep breath, you greeted, "Lord Elrond."

"Oh, please," he sighed, "are we not past formalities?"

"Far beyond," you agreed, shaking your head and facing the open wall that showcased the harbor and horizon; the last of the sunlight streaking the sky with water-painted color.

"It felt wrong to indulge on such a gorgeous creature without the architect being there to experience it first," he told you, coming to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with respectable distance still between you. "Yet you fled before..."

"I'm sorry," you blurted out, feeling suffocated briefly, "I could not linger."

"Is there a reason to feel unwelcome in your own home?"

You took a breath, "Well, um, it's just - it's you... You are the reason..."

Elrond startled, "What? I-I'm sorry, what have I done? What did I do?"

"You're you," you turned to him, "and that's not your fault, but you're you, and it drives me to insanity."

"I don't think I follow? I thought - in our letters, I thought we had a connection. That we understood one another...? And now that I'm here, you shy away from me, have I truly offended you so gravely?"

"No, Elrond, you have not offended me - it's the opposite," you risked your own comfort and reached out for his bicep first; which, in turn, made him step closer. "You are not betrayed, nor are you mistaken. There's a connection, of course there is. I do not know anyone who could fake such affection for such an extended period of time," you scoffed.

"Perhaps Sauron - "

"But you nor I are he."

"No," Elrond smiled gently, shifting his arms downward to hold your elbows and caress you into his chest as your hands were rearranged to his chest, "we are not, thank the Valar."

"I do not deceive you. The affection I hold for you, it's authentic and genuine. It's real, Elrond, it's real..."

"It is?" He asked, lifting a hand to hold your jaw; thumb caressing the apple of your cheek.

"It is. I was just... You disarm me. You make me small again, you make me tongue-tied, confused, excited - like everything is new again. And it both scares and invigorates me that I do not know what to do in those moments, so I hide from you. In your letters, I can plan my words; but when you're here, in front of me, under my hands," you cooed, petting his velvet tunic, "I lose my nerve. My senses..."

Elrond chuckled, hands drifting down to hold you by the base of your ribcage, "This... This is a relief to hear. I worried I offended you, that I had upset you in some way. That I ruined this before it had a chance to take shape."

"Hardly," you mused. "I lose my nerve around you, I feel so silly - so young and green to love..."

"'Love'?" He repeated.

"Oh, I just - I only meant - "

"Take comfort in the fact that the feeling is mutual, my sweet." Elrond chuckled, caressing your cheek lovingly, "I fear the High King may grow tired of me asking to personally deliver Círdan his letters."

"Perhaps I will have to find reason to visit you?"

"I would like that, perhaps more than I should admit," he whispered, slowly lowering his lips onto yours for a much awaited kiss - giving you every opportunity to back out, but it's not like you ever would. Not when you've waited for this for so long. His hand now cupped your jaw, sliding sweetly towards the back of your neck. Kissing Elrond was everything you thought: soft, gentle, evenly-paced, commandeering, all encompassing, and mind-numbing; you never wanted this to end, you never wanted to stop kissing him.

However, your moment was cut short by a loud crunching; pulling back as Elrond did, both turning to the main doors to spy your grandfather, Círdan, standing there smugly. He was holding a bowl made of bamboo, eating a crisp salad, barely holding back his grin. Upon seeing his mirthful expression, you deflated into Elrond's chest; his arm coiling around your waist to keep you anchored in place while the other dropped to open his stance - proving he didn't feel defensive.

"Grandfather?" You questioned softly.

"Mh," he swallowed his bite, "don't mind me, just appreciating the fruits of my labor."

"I beg your pardon?" You laughed.

Círdan shrugged, "You are both young and intelligent. Wise. Insightful," he listed, "yet you are so naïve to think this union was yours alone."

Elrond glanced down at you in confusion, brows furrowed, asking, "What do you mean, my Lord?"

"Grandfather, it was Elrond and I who penned letters for decades - "

"Indeed," Círdan agreed, "but why do you think the High King has sent Lord Elrond to us so often these past few months?"

You were both stunned into silence, Elrond asking, "You? You asked him to...to send me?"

"I did," Círdan nodded, "it is disheartening to see my granddaughter, whom I love so utterly and dearly, driven into isolation because emotions can be so complicated and difficult. It was time for you two to finally confront your emotions, and after three months, we both knew we had to up our efforts..."

"The High King was in on this!?" You squeaked, feeling embarrassment seize your heart.

"You know, despite being High King, Gil-Galad is still fun," Círdan defended with a smirk. "So, he devised new engagements to send Elrond here for - giving the two of you longer days together between my responses. He agreed to send Herald Elrond himself here upon my encouragement. From your first interaction, I saw what you two have always felt. It's good of you to admit your feelings, is it not? Relieving, I mean?"

"Terribly," you agreed, Elrond rubbing your waist in support.

"Well, then you'll be happy to know, I've begun my response to Gil-Galad, so you'll have a few more days here, Elrond. I expect that boat done," he teased, "and upon your return to Lindon, I will be sending my granddaughter to accompany you as my own emissary."

"What for?" You breathed in shocked happiness, lips turning up brightly.

"It is time you begin a new education, my girl," he grinned, "and the High King has granted his blessing."

"Why would the High King be involved for my education?"

"I want you on a tour of Middle-earth," he explained, "meeting dignitaries, taking notes on what you see, hear, experience. I want detailed accounts, my girl, for our records so the King has agreed to send Herald Elrond to guide your tour."

"You've done all of that... For me?" You couldn't help the tears that sprung to your eyes, pure glee lightening your heart and head. Then, a sudden thought made you worry, "Why? Do you wish to away with me?"

"On the contrary," Cirdan set aside his bowl and approached you, Elrond letting go so you two could meet in the middle of the workshop, "I despise the idea of letting you go, even to carry my work back to the High King... Knowing you'll return shortly... But sending you on this tour is a necessity, sweet girl, because I only trust your written accounts. It's time... It's time for you to see the world I've long protected you from as it truly is and bring us back update records and accounts, and who better to show it to you than Elrond Peredhel?" He smiled, looking over your shoulder at his ex-student. You felt Elrond near your flank, Círdan looking at the two of you fondly; even reaching out to caress your cheek as he breathed in deeply. "What joy my heart feels, knowing you two have found one another."

"What joy we feel you decided to play matchmaker," you chuckled.

"Well, they say perfection only exists in Valinor, but I was determined to challenge that."

part two: The Risk

requesting rules and masterlist

TROP masterlist

[bitterkarella]

Midnight Pals: Fandom

Alan Moore: [appearing in a clap of thunder] BEHOLD! King: the arch magus! Barker: the arch magus! Poe: the arch magus! Lovecraft: the arch magus! Koontz: the grand nagus! Poe: no dean Poe: that's not right Poe: that's star trek Moore: and that is exactly what i came to talk to you all about today

Moore: i have come down from the mountain to share the wisdom imparted to me by the cosmos King: guys! the arch magus is going to share some wisdom! King: everyone be quiet, we gotta hear this! Moore: fandom Moore: is crap King: King: oh well i don't care much for that wisdom at all

Moore: your fannish obsessions have blinded you to the truth! Moore: fandom is bad Diane Duane: even star trek? Moore: even star trek! Chuck Wendig: even star wars? Moore: even star wars! Lafcadio Hearn: even anime? Moore: ESPECIALLY anime!

Moore: fools! can you not see how your fannish obsessions choke art & culture? Moore: it will make it so that you throw a halloween party & play an anime theme song playlist bc you believe halloween songs don't exist! King: that seems like an awful specific complaint King: did that happen to you?

Moore: fandom makes you obsessed with cataloging and blinds you to the truths of this world! Moore: so that you feel no shame when you write really really stupid letters asking 'could dr manhattan beat up the flash?' King: now that you bring that up that's a really good question Moore: NO ITS NOT!!!

King: so could dr manhattan beat up the flash? Poe: he could but he'd have to catch him first Lovecraft: yeah but dr manhattan exists in all realities so it would be really easy for him to catch the flash King: UNLESS King: we're in one of the realities where he FAILS to catch the flash Moore: UGH

Moore: first of all, foolish mortals! Moore: THERE IS NO REALITY IN THE MULTIVERSE IN WHICH DR MANHATTAN WOULD FAIL TO CATCH THE FLASH!! Moore: SO SPEAKETH THE ARCH MAGUS! King: the arch magus! Poe: the arch magus! Lovecraft: the arch magus! Barker: the arch magus! Koontz: the grand nagus!

Moore: and secondly your obsession has blinded you to the real questions of our times Moore: why ask foolish questions about superheroes Moore: when you could be asking the deep questions of life? Moore: like what if dorothy gale fucked the wizard of oz? Moore: and also the wizard was a very old man

Moore: i mean like really old Moore: since a man hits is sexual peak around, oh, 85-100 Moore: you might not like it but that's just science Moore: so speaketh the arch magus! [vanishes in clap of thunder]