#i swear to mahal i love when people ask me fic things

[mithrilhearts]

What piece of writing are you most proud of?

Oh goodness, this is a really tough question. I'm proud of nearly every piece I've written so far - not that I've finished any of my big fics yet, and I can't WAIT for that day!

If I had to pick though, I think it's a toss up between my original brain baby "May Your Forge Burn Bright" and my Beauty and the Beast AU "Dragonhearted", here's why!

MYFBB - This is my first big fic ever. When I first decided to write and post fanfic, I figured I'd do a few one shots, one big fic, and then be done. I wasn't sure how receptive people would be to my writing as I come from a RP background and have a hard time with sticking to one POV. However, somehow this fic took off, and I am still trying to understand WHY. Do we all just love Blacksmith Thorin? Is a pre-AUJ meeting "the shit"?

This fic holds a very special place in my heart. It's softer, it's more domestic with a light sprinkling of adventure, and that type of calmness just soothes my little heart. I'm overwhelmed at the reblogs/hits/kudos/you name it, and as the numbers keep rising, I continue to be baffled by it.

This is my baby, it will forever be my "favorite fic child" methinks.

However....

Dragonhearted - Overwhelmed as I am by the stats of MYFBB, the actual responses I've gotten from Dragonhearted are amazing. The comments are always nice to see, but let me tell you, I've had tags and DMs from people I've never spoken to on this platform about how much the story means to them. I've seen artists who haven't picked up a pencil in months send me fanart inspired by this fic, and there is something so god damned WHOLESOME in that.

To see that this fic has somehow inspired people to create as well...there is no greater feeling or compliment, and THAT makes me so proud.

The amount of creativity sparked by this one fic, and the amount of friends I've made through it is amazing. I will be insanely sad when it comes to an end - but have full intentions of playing with the AU verse even more after the story is complete. I'll never let go of Dragon!Thorin (my beloved).

[thotinshield]

Danny’s Bagginshield Fic Recs (2021)

I haven’t done a fic rec in literal years, and I keep meaning to, but then I... don’t. This is a massive list - so I will put it under a read more to save your dashes.

Modern AUs

A Remover of Obstacles by MistakenMagic

"Dis often chided her older brother for being a misanthropist. She did it so often it had become a term of endearment. It was true that Thorin struggled with people; he struggled to form and maintain relationships. Dr. Grey had diagnosed him with this and Thorin hadn’t the heart to tell him this wasn’t a symptom of his PTSD, it was a symptom of his personality. He exercised a sense of apathy with almost everyone he met… But Bilbo was different. Thorin actually found himself wanting to know more about him."

(Note: This fic deals with a lot of mental health stuff, panic attacks, etc, so please please mind the tags.)

By Request by HildyJ

As a musician, Thorin's life can be summed up in tempos. For instance, the concerto he's perfoming on Friday is Allegro - quick and bright, followed by Andantino - slightly slow, and then back to Allegro again.

On the other hand, his relationship with his cute neighbour? Larghissimo - very, very slow.

Stepping Stones by misplacedkisses

It feels like it's fate Thorin's trying to resist, his destiny, his bloodline.

Fresh out of inpatient, Thorin's struck with the urge and maybe it's fate (or therapy) that has him stumbling into a late-night cafe instead. It may be the start of a new life.

Write Me Down Easy by lucyraebrown

Bilbo Baggins, a simple man with a wish for something more than his life teaching high school English, is obsessed with a famous author by the pen-name Oakenshield. Although he knows the future is dim for his chances of finding out about the man behind his favorite book, it's reassuring to know someone has the same thoughts about the world.

Fix-its 

I'll Die to Care for You by thehufflepuffhobbit

His gaze landed on Mahal's eyes once more. "You did your best, Thorin." It was tempting to look away; he wanted to deny that with everything he had. It certainly didn't feel as though falling into Gold Sickness and then dying was doing his best. Mahal smirked, as though he knew Thorin's desire to contradict him, and pinched his cheek before walking over to a table. "Aye, I didn't think you would believe me. I'm not lying, it certainly could have gone better. More according to my plan, but I know you really did try."

"Your plan?" He didn't know if he should ask, really. Knowing that his Maker had set a course for him, he didn't want to think about the ways he had done everything wrong. There were too many examples of mistakes in his long life, too many opportunities that he had missed that had probably been planned for him from the beginning.

Or:

Mahal feels like Thorin fucked up his legacy and gives him a do over.

Roses of Iron by Porphyrios

Two years after Bilbo returned from his adventures, he's made his peace with being back in the Shire. He still wonders what might have happened if things were different, but figures all that is behind him now. A mysterious visitor turns out to be someone he never thought he'd see again, and he's shocked by the news he hears.

Beside Myself by bliboboggins

"What are you doing? Just who do you think you are?" Startled, Bilbo turned around slowly. And there, in a familiar patchwork dressing gown, brandishing a fire poker wildly about, was... Bilbo.

i wouldn't have danced like that with any but you by Percyjacksonfan3

Thorin has survived the Battle of the Five Armies but his relationship with Bilbo is uncertain and precarious, especially in the newly reclaimed kingdom of Erebor. With Kíli set to marry Tauriel, and the Dwarves of Erebor still holding prejudice against outside races, Thorin must choose between his nephew's happiness or his own.

Though he believes sending Bilbo back to the Shire is for the good of everyone, he and the rest of Erebor are thrown into turmoil when 5 years later his nephews secretly plot to bring Bilbo back. Coming face-to-face with Bilbo again makes it impossible for Thorin to stay apart from him any longer- but is Bilbo still willing to be with Thorin once more after he broke both of their hearts?

A Matter of Payment by heartshapeddog

"And Thorin rose from the little table, keeping Bilbo’s fingers crushed gently in his own, and went down to his knee before him. Bilbo was struck with the likelihood that no creature greater than a farm-dog had lowered its head before a Hobbit since the birth of Eä until this very moment. He looked down, fascinated, at the crown of Thorin’s head, bare of royal circlet, and felt at once humbled and strong.

“I swear it,” Thorin said, and Bilbo thought of the vows from Elven history, of the type which followed the oathkeeper to the ends of Arda as a deep and binding magic. Then, he took Bilbo’s knuckles up to his lips. The rasp of his beard and his soft mouth were shocking in their immediacy and contrast. Bilbo could not help his racing heart."

Feet that Wander Have Gone by WednesdaysDaughter

“Run away with me.”

Bilbo turns to see who would say such a cowardly thing only to realize it was his own traitorous mouth which has run away with his heart: They’re already down the mountain and past Mirkwood by the time he realizes no one has objected.

“What a delightful solution my dear boy,” says Gandalf who looks to the east where the eagles are skimming the horizon.

Other AUs

between synapses and circuits by MistakenMagic

Different diagnostic results slowly trickled through and Thorin swiped them all to different corners of the screen depending on their relevance and evidence of abnormality. He paused when a particular chart appeared and smiled to himself.

“What?” Bilbo murmured, sounding genuinely worried.

“Your heterochromia,” Thorin explained, meeting Bilbo’s green and blue gaze. “The irregular algorithm that causes it has been running for almost half a century.”

“Most mechatronics offer to fix it for me,” Bilbo said, looking away, seeming suddenly self-conscious.

“Then they’re idiots.”

(Note: I just love MistakenMagic’s works. That’s all. This one is good and she writes angst so so well.)

past one hundred thousand miles (feeling very still) by childishinquiry

Commander Thorin Oakenshield is the leader of the first Mars mission, Project Golden Eagle, with twelve crewmen. Back on Earth, Specialist Bilbo Baggins is their communications specialist. Making history is easy; it's much harder to deal with falling in love with the person on the other end of the signal.

Hallowbit by batherik

As simple pawn shop owner in the human world, Bilbo isn’t all that thrilled to find himself lost in Thorin’s magical undead kingdom. Lured there by an old man dressed in grey, who turned out to be a wizard, Bilbo is charged with doing a job no one wants to do: fetch the King’s head from the corn maze. The King often loses his head when his temper boils over.

In the House of a Skinchanger by Bardic

Thorin and Company have finally reached a safe house after a few crazy weeks on the road. After three days of goblins, orcs, and a massive bear that's chased them into the home of one of Gandalf's acquaintances the Company is quite exhausted and quite tired of surprises. Unfortunately for them, or fortunately there is another staying there.

Master Baggins is not who the Company expected to find, especially when he claims to be one of the only outsiders Durin allowed a title and a rank to. Although that's the least surprising thing about him.

Thorin makes some discoveries and has some observations.

Basically an AU where Bilbo is a skinchanger and the Company meet him at Beorn's on accident.

It Runs In The Family by Imagined

At first, Bilbo is very glad to hear of the new alliance between Erebor and the Shire. He is even more excited when he learns that some of his family members are coming to the Lonely Mountain to discuss the details.

That is, until the dwarves (and Thorin, who is decidedly not and never shall be his) start getting along a little too well with one of his more adventurous cousins, and Bilbo starts doubting about his place.

[anak-ng-heneral-blog]

your soul will not betray

I haven’t written Rusciang in A LONG-ASS TIME but here! 

Fifty one-sentence fics (well, more than one sentence for many of them) for fifty prompts, nicked off and inspired by this Chrom x Avatar fic called honeysuckle memories.

Title is from Don’t Be Afraid by Lee DeWyze, the song I listen to whenever I used to imagine a Rusciang 1890s wedding. 

Finally, have a refresher in case you’ve forgotten my Lunasona, Leriang Sentido. That said, enjoy!

#1 - Ring

Camaraderie was born in their nightly circles around the cookfire after dinner, until they couldn’t tell where one comrade ended and another began.

#2 - Hero

There was nothing grand, or sweeping, or romantic about the entirety of what they went through. What stood out was every small, ordinary, unpleasant moment they endured just for the right to live another day.

#3 - Box

Most people had a box of their favorite expletives. Rusca had a fucking baul.

#4 - View

He exchanges seats at the breakfast table with Jose, so he’s face to face with the new girl who doesn’t laugh at his jokes.

#5 - Strength

“Eduardo Rusca.”

“Leriang Sentido.”

“I know you,” he says, because it’s impossible not to by now. “You’re Rafael Sentido’s sister.”

Something flashes in her eyes, and if he were standing, he thinks he would have stepped backwards. “No, you don’t know me. I’m Leriang Sentido.”

#6 - Ice

“It’s just so rare that someone can resist your charms,” Jose says a week in, clearly enjoying the show.

Rusca is glowering at him. “Well, she’s a rare person, I’ll grant you that.”

#7 - Dance

“Maybe instead of breaking down her walls, you should try to understand why they exist,” Jose had advised him. So he spends today staying out of her way, trying to find vantage points where he can watch her.

By nightfall, she’s the one who’s watching him.

#8 - Promise

“You swear not to tell anyone about this,” Rusca says through gritted teeth, as she squeezes aloe sap onto the sunburn marks on his back.

“I swear,” Leriang says, and he thinks she might be smirking but his neck burns too much for him to turn and check.

It’s the first of many secrets they will keep together.

#9 - Wait

He likes to think he’s quick on his feet. She likes to inform him he’s just rash, and impatient, and por dios, por santo, Rusca, I told you so.

#10 - Candle

He doesn’t mind studying by candlelight, but he tries to read everything he needs before sunset so it takes longer to deplete his stash.

The following night, she runs out of candles.

He discovers he doesn’t mind studying by moonlight.

#11 - Talent

Somewhere in the Academia was a piece of paper detailing the weekly outcomes of the ongoing bet on Rusca and Sentido’s shooting scores.

#12 - Talk

They get to know each other best on the nights they’re on patrol; their feet trace the perimeter, their words map out their souls.

#13 - Dream

“If it weren’t for the war, I’d be a baker,” he confides. “I’d run my father’s panaderia and eat as much as I’d sell. And you?”

“If it weren’t for the war,” she replies, “I would know.”

#14 - Mask

I’m literally wearing somebody else’s face, Rusca thinks with a scowl as he trudges his way to the river.

#15 - Run

He admired the sight of her when she ran, all clean lines and sure steps and braid flying in the wind, but he never fully appreciated the reality of it until she was running to him.

#16 - Storm

They say like called to like, so maybe it was the rushing water of the river that called her tears to the surface, the current of emotion sweeping them both away.

#17 - Farewells

She had been terrified of the idea of her brother dying, which is why she had refused to say goodbye, and later regretted it. Now she’s twice as paranoid, because bidding Rusca goodbye so they would regret nothing if they died meant accepting that was a possibility.

#18 - Fall

He got tossed off his horse’s back when he was a young rider, and he remembered the shock of suddenly being aloft, the thrill of almost believing he could fly, and dreading the bone-crushing thud of the landing he knew would eventually come.

Being in love with Leriang was much the same.

#19 - Wings

If she only allowed it, her heart could probably soar above the mountaintops and leave the misery of the trenches behind—and that is the precise reason why she doesn’t.

#20 - Temptation

Jose is away for the night, and he’s miserably proud of his effort to resist inviting her into their hut.

She undoes it all by coming anyway.

#21 - Midnight

“Mahal kita,” she says after several minutes of silence, testing the words out on her tongue.

He responds with a resounding snore, and she lets out the breath she’s holding.

Maybe that’s just as well.

#22 - World

American, Spaniard, Filipino—they sweated and cried and bled out when they died all the same. To Rusca, it didn’t matter what color your balls were if they didn’t keep you alive in the trenches.

#23 - Laugh

He laughs in the face of death. Some people feel like he’s stupid, he’s annoying, he’s disrespectful, he’s crazy.

“That’s fine with me,” he tells her when she points it out to him. “The important thing is that they no longer feel fear.”

#24 – Cover

They cut through the chaos of their invaded campsite back to back, and though this is the closest to the enemy they have ever been, neither of them are afraid.

#25 - Fire

One moment she was a girl with a long, thick braid, the next she was a human candle with a burning wick.

#26 - Drink

Leriang teases him all the time about his habit of pilfering the heneral’s unfinished drinks; he retorts that maybe military brilliance rubs off on people that way and he’s not taking any chances.

#27 - Music

He’s heard her sing, of course, but he prefers the arpeggio of her laughter.

#28 – Gravity

The first time she met Gregorio del Pilar was also the first time she saw Rusca in that crisp white undershirt she liked so much, and the distinction in how the two images appealed to her was the only reason Del Pilar figured in the memory at all.

#29 - Formal

She imagines him, just the one time, in the white dress uniform Roman and Luna wear to cabinet meetings.

#30 - Eclipse

She slides up his body slowly, slowly, until the crown of her head blots out the sun completely and her lips, wet with his arousal, crash down on his.

#31 - Silk

In her hands, she thinks of him as silk wrapped around steel; in her, he thinks of her as silk enveloping velvet.

#32 - Body

They were never more aware of each other’s anatomy as that time during roll call when they belatedly realized they had accidentally exchanged uniforms.

#33 - Sacred

They are married in naught but their uniforms and flowers picked from the summer fields, bound by the two things they believed most in—duty and hope.

#34 - Forever

“Mahal kita.”

“Mahal kita.”

“Mahal kita.”

“Mahal kita.”

“Mahal kita.”

“Mahal. Kita.”

“Mahal.”

“Kita.”

#35 – Highway

It’s a long ride to Cabanatuan, and already Rusca has finished off three pieces of suman, cussed out the Spanish, led the regiment in a ribald marching song, cussed out the Americans, none too quietly declared that he loved her (no less than seven times), cussed out the Kawit brigade, and made the heneral laugh and Koronel Roman frown disapprovingly and Joven blush and Kumandante Bernal roll his eyes and Jose turn to her and ask what a nabo was.

She loves him, but dear God, can’t they just get there already—

#36 - Red

Red like the sky over Cabanatuan, red like blood, red like the traitors’ clothes.

#37 - Overwhelmed

He could say that he ran out of options, that they outnumbered him, that the wise thing to do was cooperate until he could get away from his captors (all true), but the fact was that he just didn’t know what else to do.

#38 - Silence

About the bodies of Heneral Luna and Koronel Roman, everyone had a story to tell, but as for the whereabouts of Kapitan Rusca, no one could give her an answer.

#39 - Journey

For many nights, Leriang didn’t know whether to wish he had not gone at all or that she had gone and perished with them.

#40 - Hope

Until there’s a body to bury, her hopes refuse to die.

#41 - Whisper

The younger Nable Jose girl is soft-spoken, but she might as well have been shouting the words in Leriang’s face—RUSCA’S ALIVE, RUSCA’S ALIVE, RUSCA’S ALIVE.

#42 - Lock

As the Nable Jose girl fumbles for the key, it hits her like a full chamber of bullets that this door is all that stands between them now.

#43 - Fever

In his delirious haze, this is what he lets slip: “Leriang.”

In his wildest dreams, this is what he doesn’t expect to hear: “Yes?”

#44 – Breathe

Leriang’s heart might as well have stopped beating and Rusca’s ribs are too broken for a full breath, but the moment that their hands touch again is the one where they both return to life.

#45 - Search

They shot Jose in the middle of a busy plaza, with dozens of townspeople milling about under the bright noontime sun.

Huddled close in their unassuming little hut in the middle of the night, she’s sure someone will come for them too.

#46 - Forgotten

There were five candles on the stoop when she wakes on Undas morning.

“Your brother too,” he explains.

#47 - Lies

By chance, they see Aguinaldo one last time before the country falls to America.

In the thick of the crowd they grip each other’s hand tightly, both holding the other back from putting a bullet through the president’s false heart.

#48 – Unknown

“What will you do now? He asks one evening as she carries in the last of their wares. The smell of the bread he made himself comforts him after years of being followed by the stench of death.

He knows though, that the absence of it disorients her. “I suppose we’ll find out.”

#49 - Cold

“Cold,” Rusca would tell the man who had come asking him what Pangasinan had been like decades later, remembering the hard stone floor beneath his knees and the steel shackles around his wrists as he prayed for daylight.

#50 - Memory

She urges him to do the interview. “So the whole world can remember,” she reasons. “And we can finally forget.”