#if elrond showed up in rohan

[from-the-coffee-shop-in-edoras]

In honor of my being welcomed by the horse people I ask you this question that lies at the center of our intersecting interests: does Elrond speak Rohanese/Rohirric, and if so how did he learn? (I do not think there is a canon answer? So your headcanon. I think he does not, a rare linguistic blind spot for this lore master)

Ooh, interesting question! I love to speculate! ♥️ But also, my Elrond lore isn’t super deep (though I am a devoted fan of your Dr. Peredhel, I am but a child in comparison to what people like you know about him!), so please correct me if you think I go astray anywhere.

I think you’re right that Elrond doesn’t know Rohirric as it’s spoken by the Rohirrim. Hardly anyone outside of Rohan seems to know it, and there obviously aren’t any books that he could have acquired for his famous library. There’s also no evidence that there was contact between Rivendell and Rohan in any of the years of Rohan’s existence that would have put a native Rohirric speaker in Elrond’s orbit. The only link there is would have been indirect, and that’s Aragorn. He knows Rohirric and he knows Elrond. But I strongly doubt Aragorn was using his precious time during visits back home to teach Elrond a language he didn’t really have a pressing need for — Elrond isn’t dealing with Rohan and, if he ever had to, the Rohirrim all know the Common Speech anyway (and some of their leaders even speak Sindarin!).

There IS a chance Elrond had heard an older, more archaic version of Rohirric based on contact with ancestors of the Rohirrim or related communities. That’s all speculation, of course, but Elrond did spend time in Rhovanion for the War of the Last Alliance, and that was the home of the Northmen who would become the Éothéod and eventually the Rohirrim. So it’s possible he heard some of their language then? Rohirric is also related in some respects to the languages of the Men of Dale and Esgaroth and the traditional tongue of the hobbits before they wholesale adopted the Common Speech. So if Elrond ever dealt with those communities over the ages, he might have picked up something that would have at least had some commonalities with Rohirric (just as Merry was surprised to discover that he could recognize some Rohirric words because they were related to old, archaic hobbit terms).

So, with that being said, I think my personal HC would be that Elrond knows some random words and phrases that he learned over the years in an older language that’s ancestrally related to Rohirric and might sound vaguely familiar/intelligible to a modern Rohirric speaker, but he couldn’t have a conversation in Rohirric with a Rohirrim without Aragorn to translate. And that was probably fine with him, because he had no practical need for it.

But, once he leaves Middle Earth at the start of the Fourth Age, now he’s got all the time in the world and no burdens of leadership to distract him. Now can pursue languages just for the pure joy of learning (he is that kind of nerd, said with all due affection). So maybe then he got Oromë to teach him some (Béma himself absolutely knows how to understand the language of his people!) once he got back to Valinor?

Plausible maybe? Certainly fun to think about! (I am also that kind of nerd!) And of course, anyone with the more substantive Elrond knowledge, please feel free to let me know where I’ve gone wrong!

[rosetinted--clouds]

trying to plan a lotr/hobbit/trop embroidery project and I have come to the conclusion I like too many characters for this to be an even semi small project 😭

i have a list of over 30 names for if i go that direction, cause i could do races or kingdoms/locations either or all how am i supposed to choose a favourite child 😭

[anghraine]

I originally compiled a set of quotes about how Elrond and his children are not identified exclusively as Elves a couple of years ago in a reblog, but I wanted an easier version of my post for reference, so here it is:

The distinction between Elves and half-Elves is most glaring with Elladan and Elrohir, but there’s an interesting description of Elrond as great among Elves and Men, as if (despite his fate lying with Elves) he’s both/neither. And, of course, when Aragorn wishes for Elrond as he goes about healing, he describes Elrond not as a better healer because he’s an Elf, but because “he is the eldest of all our race, and has the greater power” (ROTK, “The Houses of Healing”).

In addition, I think the language used around Elladan and Elrohir is really interesting. When they show up with the Dúnedain of the North, Legolas says of them, “they are fair and gallant as Elven-lords; and that is not to be wondered at in the sons of Elrond of Rivendell” (ROTK, “The Passing of the Grey Company”). They are like Elven-lords because they’re Elrond’s sons, but not actually called Elven-lords.

When we actually see Elladan and Elrohir, we hear: “So much alike were they, the sons of Elrond, that few could tell them apart: dark-haired, grey-eyed, and their faces elven-fair” (same chapter). They look as fair as Elves. But when the Grey Company, including Elladan and Elrohir, goes to the Paths of the Dead:

“The company halted, and there was not a heart among them that did not quail, unless it were the heart of Legolas of the Elves, for whom the ghosts of Men have no terror” (same chapter).

Later, as the armies of the west make their way to the Black Gate, we hear:

“And from that evening onward the Nazgûl came and followed every move of the army. They still flew high and out of sight of all save Legolas…” (ROTK, “The Black Gate Opens”).

Even the random minstrel of Gondor at the Field of Cormallen addresses those present at the victory celebrations with:

“Lo! lords and knights and men of valour unashamed, kings and princes, and fair people of Gondor, and Riders of Rohan, and ye sons of Elrond, and Dúnedain of the North, and Elf and Dwarf, and greathearts of the Shire…” (ROTK, “The Field of Cormallen”).

So the exceptional nature of Elrond and his children does seem a) accurate, given the exclusion of Elladan and Elrohir from generalizations about Elves, and b) very generally understood and accepted.

Oh, and there’s also Tolkien’s extratextual translation of Elladan and Elrohir’s names:

“Both signify elf+man. Elrohir might be translated ‘Elf-knight’; rohir being a later form (III 391) of rochir ‘horse-lord.’ Elladan might be translated ‘Elf-Númenórean’” (Letters 282).

Rohir is “a later form” of rochir because it’s Gondorian/Númenórean usage. The El- in both names and the suffixes indicating 'mortal man' clearly refer to Elrond’s family—so for instance, Elladan can only be considered a Númenórean of any kind through Elrond. If, as Elrond’s sons with a fully Elvish woman, they are not considered Elves, this can only be all the more true for Elrond himself.

[shirefantasies]

hii! love your writings, I was wondering if you could do a reader x fellowship (plus eowyn and arwen) where reader is usually seen in armor and unkempt garments + dirty hair but then one day they show up (probably for an event) in beautiful fancy clothes, hair did and everything? Thanks!!!!

scREAMS I LOVE THIS YES. Warning: minor blood mention in two

LoTR Characters Seeing You Dressed Up For the First Time

Aragorn

Both of you had only borne witness to the other in times of battle and survival, not exactly the most formal of circumstances, but such had never even occurred to you until the night of celebration in Rohan. King Theoden invited you to the company of his family, offering his niece or nephew to take you to a bathhouse and present you with a new outfit. Aragorn turned your way the moment you stepped out, eyes positively glowing with reverent awe focused entirely on your form, your smile as your gazes met. He said nothing, simply drew closer until you could feel his warmth upon you. "The people of Rohan have been good to us," he said. "Yes," you agreed with a nod, "I wish we can give as much back. But perhaps we should start by enjoying their hospitality, hm?” “Indeed. Let us keep this night for ourselves. I fear if I stray too far, though, I may get lost in you.” “Don’t worry,” you whispered, lips quirking upward as you pulled Aragorn into the fray of dancers, “I’ll be here to pull you back, too.”

Legolas

Legolas managed to seem dressed up in nearly anything he wore, a feat you certainly envied! Your travels left you feeling like a drowned rat half the time or else just dirty and bedraggled. When the elves of Lothlórien offered you housing, bathing, even food and dancing for two nights, no had fled your vocabulary entirely. Taking their hands, you were swept off into a river of luxury, emerging clean and smiling and draped in the finest fabrics. An elf on either side, you made your way down to the lower flet upon which your hospitality lie, the way Legolas turned his head not once but twice unable to escape your notice. "What?" You teased, aware at least of his shock to see you clad so differently. "You didn't know what I looked like beneath my helmet?" "I didn't know you looked so nice beneath it," He conceded with a smile, stepping closer, "Perhaps we ought not to return it after this night."

Boromir

Had someone asked him, Boromir would never have said he wanted someone with blood under their nails and sword in hand. That was him, that was his job. And yet he felt something different when he clapped a hand to your shoulder after you saved him in combat. When you emerged at the party dressed up, though? His heart swelled five sizes. He should have known- you could do anything. “Putting everyone to shame here, aren’t we?” “What do you mean?” You asked, gaze flitting deliciously down to the hand Boromir laud upon your shoulder, all but challenging him. Accepting it, he rested the other on your hip, urging you out into a dance. “Looking better than them in both mail and finery.” “I suppose I’m just lucky.” “No, I am,” Boromir shot back, “For I am the one who gets to have you in my arms.”

Gimli

To use Gimli's words, around each other you two tend to remain "fully armed and filthy". It is Lord Elrond, of course, who offers an alternative state upon your entry to his homely-house, granting you the reprieve of your first bath in far too many days and even a new outfit. Elvish craftsmanship was like nothing else, delicately embroidered and soft and light unlike anything that has ever graced your skin. Reactions were something you hadn’t considered in the slightest, but as soon as you emerged you found yourself giggling at Gimli’s parted lips and removal of his helmet as if in some reverence you had not earned. “Now this,” he nodded with a smile of approval as he swept an arm over your entire form, “This is the one thing the elves have gotten right.”

Frodo

The tailors’ shop was busy this morning. Bilbo needed a new set of threads to replace some tugged-off buttons, but every working hobbit was rushing around before Frodo could even ask if they had a spool of forest green to spare. What were they- “Frodo!” He would recognize that voice anywhere. Turning, he caught sight of you in the middle of a fitting, the tailors having been flitting about your form as they worked on quite a fine outfit for you. “What do you think?” Spinning around and then striking a joking pose, you fixed him right in the eyes, and it was like an arrow struck him, taking the very breath from his lungs. Finally Frodo’s sense and words returned to him, bringing a smile to his lips. “It’s perfect.”

Sam

You had worked with Sam plenty of times in the gardens, so he had seen you countless times in things like overalls or pinafores or aprons and thought you looked fit for any king and castle. But then came Fatty Bolger’s birthday party, a bash all his friends were invited to…and plenty of other hobbits would find themselves at anyway. One such was you, and knowing you’d be dancing you got cleaned up quite nice, standing at the edges of the lantern-hung floor hoping you might be noticed. And noticed you were, for you caught Samwise Gamgee as he controlled his gaping expression and shook his head out before he approached you, asking if you’d honor him with a dance.

Merry

Gimli was teasing you as Merry entered the room, feeling his heart shoot into his throat at a mere glimpse. He caught a few spare words from the dwarf, including him asking you if you had someone you’d like to impress. “Hush,” you chastised him, “What if he hears you?” At that, Merry couldn’t resist stepping forward. “I don’t know who you’re trying to impress,” he told you, eyes full of wonder, “But he’s an absolute fool if it doesn’t work.” “You really think so?” Your tone, your hopeful look, those beautiful eyes Merry could drown in. “I know so.” “Well,” you glanced away, “That’s good. Very good, since it was you.”

Pippin

Tired and bedraggled, you all but fell into the arms of the elves of Lothlórien, blissfully bathing and shyly accepting the fine garb they offered you. Tugging it into place, you emerged through the doorway, unaware the rest of your fellowship waited beyond the threshold. Soon as his eyes fell upon you, Pippin's jaw dropped, his lips slowly curling upward into a wide smile that had you mirroring it, gaze dropping from his. “Wow," Pippin breathed as you drew closer still, hands hovering in front of him in the space between your bodies, "You- you look- Wow. They’ve certainly given you a fine…wow.”

Faramir

On the battlefield you had fought side by side, faces obscured by steel and focus. Soldiers from two armies melded as one. Yet here you were simply citizens, representatives of your people. Diplomats even on the dance floor. All thoughts of such relations fled from Faramir’s mind, though, as your form filled his vision. “Never did I think I would be granted such a moment as this,” he confessed as you took his hand and gripped about his neck, body swaying against his.

Eomer

Theoden, Rohan's king, was giving a celebration all were to attend. Something of a victory revel, but you must confess that you just looked forward to the dancing. Stuffy as it may have been, it was also quite fun donning a nice outfit, your reflection beaming back at you. The expression carried on all the way into the great hall, shining into the hanging lights. You caught sight of a head turning the moment you emerged. A golden head. Eomer. With a wave, he dismissed the man he spoke to- a fellow soldier, you presumed- and strode before you. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" "To the same thing everyone else does, I suppose," you teased in response, "This revel." "Well, remind me to thank my uncle later," Eomer replied with a wide smile, extending a hand in a clear invitation to dance as his eyes traveled up and down over your form, "Shall we?"

Eowyn

She had worn a smile of surprise when you even removed your helmet for the first time in her presence, let alone donning your finest. When it came time for a celebration with her people, a far different garb hung from your body, all in gorgeous fabrics and colors perfectly complimenting your own hues. As soon as you stepped into the light of Rohan's hall, Eowyn positively grinned, her eyes of soft blue alight. Taking up a cup from the table by which she stood, she crossed over to stand before you and offer you a drink, which you accepted. "The garb of Rohan suits you perfectly," she complimented, "Do you plan on dancing?" It was worth seeing the progression of shock and speechlessness melting back into a grin when you extended a hand and replied, "If you will have me."

Haldir

Working side by side meant seeing each other in some of the worst moments, sleeves slashed and blood seeping from wounds. Armor caked with dirt and quivering devoid of arrows. Body carried to healers with reddening bandages hastily tied around limbs. And yet this, this is what shocks him. Haldir’s breath is utterly stolen, not of concern or fear this time, but in the manner of one first seeing the falling stars. “Stay still,” he breathes, almost pleading, “Let me take you in for a moment.”

Galadriel

You were a warrior by profession. In a way, at least. One such that mail was your garb far more often than any dress or robe. Thus, when you made to visit the elves of Lothlórien, you were shocked to see the fine things they'd lain out for you, pulled gently onto your body as if you deserved servants. In fact you had tried to protest, but they had simply smiled and shook their heads as fine jewels were hung about your neck. That you had earned an audience with the Lady Galadriel, was a testament to your service you would not soon take for granted. Thus, as you stood before them, you made first to lower yourself in reverence. Before you could fully adopt your posture, though, you felt the grip of a soft hand beneath your chin gently pulling you back up. Soon you were raised to meet Galadriel's eyes. "You need not bow to me. I confess I wished very much to see you like this. Come with me, if you please."

Elrond

Some might say the Lord of Rivendell should not look upon a soldier such as he did. Some of those same voices might have spoken up of the love of man and elf that had brought forth his ancestors. Not that he would not have understood. Yet as it was every time you removed your helmet something stirred in Elrond that had not done so for some years. And then one night came the celebration, a festival to which all in his counsel were invited, you included. It was that very night, in fact, that he realized how little he had seen of you outside the patrols you took together, and the same in which he would confess to you how he felt beneath the moonlight, finally spilling forth every word of your beauty you deserved.

Arwen

Had you asked her, she would have thought not at all of your dress. Your heart was what she loved, the way you cared and the way you smiled whenever you looked upon someone dear to you. Yet the day of her birthday, you draped yourself in your very finest, emerging in the view of an Arwen who could not bear tearing her eyes off of you. Grinning her beautiful grin, the elf took your hand and immediately twirled you, viewing you from every angle with her expression never faltering. “You look amazing,” she told you, "For a moment, I thought I was dreaming."

Taglist: @lokilover476 @fuckyoumakeart @kilibaggins @filiswingman @ibabblealot @stormchaser819 @pirate-lord-of-narnia @datglutengoblin @letmelickyoureyeballs @mossyskinn @wordbunch @tiny-and-witchy @th3-st4r-gur1 @fleurdemiel-145 @mistresskayla-blog1 @misabelle717 @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @evattude | Reply/Message/Ask to join 💕

[tathrin]

This post brought to you by “I just went to a showing of ROTK EE and overheard some girls trying to figure out where Legolas got his fancy shirt for the drinking game in Rohan in the bathroom after” which also reminded me of a post I saw on twitter a while back where someone was wondering where he got his Lothlórien tunic (and I couldn’t answer there because I haven’t got a twitter) but for anyone who wasn’t obsessed with the costuming of the movies back in the early 2000s and thus never noticed...

It’s all the same shirt, and he had it with him the whole time, even back at the Council of Elrond:

Here’s a close-up of the collar peeking out beneath the jerkin before they get to Lórien, and then the jerkin-less Lórien look:

And some longer/full-body shots where you can see the tunic between the splits in the jerkin when he moves:

Full-body shots of just the tunic for reference, as glimpsed in Lórien and Minas Tirith:

Here’s a link to some beautiful costuming research someone did on the whole outfit btw, if you want more details.

One more bonus pic, where you can see it underneath the jerkin really well, which is absolutely the only reason why I’m including this very flattering and serious picture here:

[thefallenangelsgang]

I'm losing my fucking mind

Or: I just saw Lord of the Rings the Musical at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and my brain chemistry has irreversibly changed

I'm too genuinely scrambled at the moment from travel to make a solid post (I am multiple states away from Illinois and I hate city driving) but I cannot shake the life-changing experience that was.

SPOILERS AHEAD

(Spoiler free tldr: story is changed sometimes severely to make a sub-3hr runtime or to simplify, but the message doesn't get completely lost. Tolkien fan approved)

First issue I can see everyone having is how much the story changes because it does change a lot. Rohan and Gondor being merged is probably the most glaring. I think it works because the show is more focused on the Hobbits (specifically Frodo and Sam). Personally I can look past it. My one issue is the missing Sam monologues (mount doom is a rather swift sequence, I'd have liked to see Sam give his devotion speech and his speech about the shire while waiting to die) those would have made insane songs but alas. The ending still was a gut punch though so it's more a personal preference thing.

First thing that blew me away was the technical aspect. The lighting and set design was GORGEOUS and EVOCATIVE. There were multiple times lighting alone drew me to tears.

The puppetry is immaculate. The nazgul chase is singularly some of the most beautiful choreo I've seen and I'm a slut for puppetry

The cast play all of the instruments live on stage, sometimes while doing choreography (nothing will prepare you to see Legolas holding a fucking trumpet or Boromir strapped into a goddamn accordion)

The costuming is more accurate to the original editions' illustrations which I found endlessly charming. One difference is, for safety (probably OSHA), all the hobbits (and Gollum) wear Sandals. This is never discussed. I love that.

BOROMIR IS KILLED BY HIS OWN SWORD WHICH I CANNOT EXPRESS HOW PERFECT THAT IS NARRATIVELY

GOLLUM PLAYED BY TONY BOZZUTO IS NEARLY INDISTINGUISHABLE FROM ANDY SERKIS

(I am not joking about this. Somehow he has mastered Andy's physicality and voice work. It truly was a sight to behold.)

Saruman/Elrond's actor (dressed as a hobbit) was hanging out in our section during preshow and was having a grand old time.

Bilbo and Frodo were in the main audience bothering people. Frodo was playing a stick and ring game and got absolutely shown up by some 10 year old he invited to play.

The Entmoot took literally 2 minutes (the way I had to stop from HOWLING at that)

I was SOBBING at the end, like actually.

Somehow this production managed to keenly make me feel the ending of Frodo leaving for the Grey Havens more than the movies did. The Irony of Frodo leaving being both a hopeful prayer that there is a place where people bound with trauma and wounds too deep to heal can live in peace without pain and also a grim acceptance that sometimes people cannot recover was STARK

Frodo and Sam really push the narrative of this show up until the end and it hits HARD. God bless this cast with steady work, they all deserve it.

[edges-of-night]

hi! I've just discovered your blog and I love it - from the url, profile pic, everything 😍 and most importantly your writing, it's so cute and you're able to write so many characters 🥰 as a fellow fic writer - I'm impressed 💜 can I request how they would first realize they love you, and how they would say it for the first time? No pressure, and thank you so much if you end up doing it. 🥰

- @wordbunch (sadly can't send asks from my Tolkien sideblog, so I'm on anon lol)

Thank you so so much for your kind words!! ♡ I’ve actually had this scenario in my “to do notes” already, so I’m very happy you requested it haha! Sorry again for posting so late, I hope you enjoy the read!

･ﾟ✧ Aragorn.

Aragorn is not someone to make the first step in romance, even if he is the one falling in love first. He’d probably realise it during the ranger job you do together, like looking for herbs or reading traces – where his hand brushed against yours! But Aragorn is very much the person to respond to a love confession of yours, after which he tells you that he reciprocates your feelings in a very romantic manner: “Me too. I am bound to you by honour and affection alike. If you would have me…”

･ﾟ✧ Arwen.

Arwen would fall in love with you after dancing together. It could be on a ball her father’s giving, or just the two of you under the moonlight, where she’d laugh of bliss. You’d notice a slight change in her behaviour afterwards, more smiles, stolen glances – but you could only be sure after she finally told you, “It is because I have fallen for you, melethel. And there is nothing you can do about it!”

･ﾟ✧ Boromir.

Boromir takes a casual approach to love and romantic relationships. This is why his love confession to you would be rather nonchalant, maybe over a lunch you’re preparing together over the fire. “I love you, you know that?” he’d say, all cool – as if he didn’t fall for you when he saw you fearlessly wielding a sword and shield during combat training…

･ﾟ✧ Elrond.

Elrond would fall in love with you so gradually he wouldn’t be able to pinpoint an exact moment of realisation. Maybe it would be over a book you’re reading together, or when he told you about all the ancient stories he witnessed himself – or a grand love story. And then he’d turn to you and say, “Are you aware that this is how I feel about you as well?” He’d be very tender and playful about it, but earnest at the same time. He is very considerate toward you.

･ﾟ✧ Éomer.

Éomer doesn’t fall in love easily. Maybe due to this lack of experience, he has trouble expressing his feelings after that one horseback ride you did through the rain, where he helped you out of your dirty clothes afterward. His love confession would be a tedious process, with lots of phrases like, “Don’t make me say it. I lack the words to tell you…” – before he eventually leans in for a kiss and quietly adds, “Forgive me. I hope this tells you all the same.”

･ﾟ✧ Éowyn.

Éowyn is always brash and joyous around you, so her love confession would take you quite by surprise. She’d pick “an old Rohirrim tradition” to show you, maybe a special exchange of gifts, a traditional dance routine etc. “This is how the people of Rohan express their love,” she’d tell you with a soft smile and hopeful eyes. If asked, she would tell you when she realised she loved you: during sword lessons, of course!

･ﾟ✧ Faramir.

Faramir falls in love with you as soon as he meets you. He’s always been like that, heart racing with as little as a soft look or touch of a hand. For this same reason, and Gondor’s marriage policy, he swallows down any confessions because he has little hope in his own feelings. But after months, maybe years of courting and mutual affection, he’d finally tell you, in some grand romantic spot he chose – on his knees – because he’d connect it to a marriage proposal!

･ﾟ✧ Frodo.

Frodo would realise he loved you on a warm summer morning, as you’re walking barefoot in the grass – and then not tell you. He’d keep his secret to himself (haha), just smile to himself and subtly check the way you’re feeling before confessing to you – probably while holding both your hands, because that’s how sincere he is! “It gives me hope to hear you say that, because I, too, hold you very dear and love you very much!”

･ﾟ✧ Galadriel.

Thanks to her powerful telepathy skills, Galadriel probably knows you love her before you yourself do. She knows all about your feelings – but nothing of her own. I like to imagine her as blissfully oblivious, right up until the moment you confess to her. Then something would click inside her, and with a blank stare ahead, she’d whisper, “I love you, too. I haven’t realised it until now – but I do.”

･ﾟ✧ Gandalf.

Gandalf would realise he loved you after you’ve said or done something incredibly smart, like maybe found the solution to a problem that he was unable to solve. It’d make his heart skip a beat, he even looks away with a blush! And then he’d despair trying to find a “suitable moment for courtship”, as the old ways suggested, full of ceremony – and probably end up telling you his feelings very casually over a cup of tea he invited you to.

･ﾟ✧ Gimli.

Your usually hard-shelled Dwarf gets very flustered when he says the three words to you – followed by some nervous babbling, like, “There! I said it first. And I mean it very earnestly.” The moment he fell for you was probably connected to seeing you in a new light: Working in the mines all day leaves little room for elegance, but after seeing you in your beautiful banquet outfit, Gimli was walking into walls for the next three days!

･ﾟ✧ Haldir.

Haldir has always dreaded falling in love. But when you smiling at him makes his heart skip about three beats, he cannot lie to himself any longer. He can lie to you and everyone else though, needless to say. Not that anyone actually believes his denials… But Haldir would only confess his love in a life-or-death situation, when he thinks he’d never get the chance again. Then, of course, he’d be as elegant and romantic as all Elves are.

･ﾟ✧ Legolas.

If you are near Legolas the moment he realises he loves you – on a scouting trip, for example, or during preparations for a ball in Mirkwood – he’d tell you right away. He’d give you an analysing look, with a smile dancing around his lips, and say something like, “How I love you right now! I love you very much, my dear.” Thanks to his royal training, of course, he’d respectfully draw back until you’ve made your own feelings clear.

･ﾟ✧ Merry.

While he’s usually rather easy-going, Merry would plan out his love confession (meaning: a speech!) step by step, including an outfit plan and meal schedule designed specifically for you. He is the thinking type, and when it comes to this, he tends to overthink. He’d include a line like, “From the moment I first saw you…” when in reality, he probably fell for you when you joined one of his shenanigans without any reservations, proving just how similar you two are at heart.

･ﾟ✧ Pippin.

Pippin strikes me as a very “love at first sight” kind of person. At the same time, he’s really casual and playful about it. He’d only talk about it in return of your confession to him, like, “I never thought about that! I fell in love with you the first time we met!” – and probably shower you in a million compliments in the process!

･ﾟ✧ Sam.

Sam would realise he’s in love with you while thinking of new poetry to write – because all he thinks about is you! Somewhen along the line, he’d lean back in his chair, starting at the dozens of pages he wrote about you – and then have the overwhelming urge to go up and meet you to tell you right away, in his adorably sincere and gentle manner ♡

[warrioreowynofrohan]

LOTR Newsletter - September 22

Happy Hobbit Day!

Unfortunately, unlike Bilbo's birthday party, in the LOTR newsletter this is not a happy day for the hobbits. As far as Frodo & friends know, it's just a good-bye party, but just as they're finishing up Frodo's wine, the Ringwraiths are invading the Shire.

From "The Hunt for the Ring" in Unfinished Tales:

Night was waning on the twenty-second day of September when drawing together again they [the Nazgûl] came to Sarn Ford and the southernmost borders of the Shire. They found them guarded, for the Rangers barred their way. But this was a task beyond the power of the Dúnedain; and maybe it would still have proved so even if their captain, Aragorn, had been with them. But he was away to the north, upon the East Road near Bree; and the hearts even of the Dúnedain misgave them. Some fled northward, hoping to bear news to Aragorn, but they were pursued and slain or driven away into the wild. Some still dared to bar the ford, and held it while day lasted, but at night the Lord of Morgul swept them away, and the Black Riders passed into the Shire; and ere the cock crowed in the small hours of the twenty-third day of September some were riding north through the land, even as Gandalf upon Shadowfax was riding over Rohan far behind.

The Rangers deserve credit for their defence of the Shire against enemies that were well beyond their ability to fight; the mirroring moments of the battle of Osgiliath in Gondor (where an army of the Men of Gondor try and fail to keep the Ringwraiths in Mordor, showing great heroism and courage) and this moment (where the Rangers of the North try and fail to keep the Ringwraiths out of the Shire, likewise showing great heroism and courage, with far fewer resources and virtually nonexistent recognition) illustrate the roles that both groups play (as later discussed by Boromir and Aragorn at the Council of Elrond).

[novelmonger]

Some highlights from the Director/Writer Commentary of The Return of the King with Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, and Fran Walsh:

As they mentioned in TTT, they were originally going to put the Smeagol vs. Deagol fight as a flashback during the Dead Marshes. Before they decided to use it to open RotK, their placeholder idea for a scene to open RotK was to do a sped-up helicopter shot from the Paths of the Dead, across the plains of Edoras, to the Golden Hall where Aragorn wakes up from a nightmare (and then goes and talks to Eowyn). Very glad they went the direction they did!

In the final shot they used when Smeagol takes the Ring out of Deagol's hand, the actor playing Deagol actually blinked, but they liked Andy Serkis' performance so much, they had Weta go in and freeze Deagol's eyes so they could use the shot XD

You know, I forget sometimes that they didn't even have Saruman in the theatrical cut at all. Boggles the mind.

In the scene where Aragorn comes out of the Golden Hall and goes to stand next to Legolas, who's looking out at the night...Viggo and Orlando weren't in the country at the same time, so they shot them separately and then put them together @_@

You know, I never thought about this before, but when Gandalf touches Pippin's face, they had to make sure his hands looked extra big! So they used an actor called Big Paul, who had the biggest hands they could find, and Ian McKellen directed him for how to move his hands in the shot XD And Big Paul is the Rohan guard who gets shoved aside when Merry and Aragorn rush up to the top of the wall to watch Gandalf and Pippin leave!

THEY SHOT A SCENE OF LEGOLAS TALKING TO TREEBEARD ABOUT THE ELVES LEAVING MIDDLE-EARTH?!?!?!?!?!?! :O Originally, it was going to link the Isengard scenes to the scene of Arwen and the other Rivendell Elves going through the forest, but then because of all the Edoras stuff in between, the connection was lost. They also said something about Legolas reciting a poem! And joked again about putting it into the 25th anniversary edition. THAT TIME IS COMING UP, PETER JACKSON!!!! I WANNA SEE THIS SCENE!!!!!!

a;lkdsjs;kdfljds;fjl NOW THEY'RE JUST TEASING US. They talked about a "library scene" during the whole sequence where Arwen goes back to Rivendell and confronts Elrond about how he saw her son, etc. They wouldn't say what happened in the "library scene," but talked about how they should include that in the 25th anniversary edition too. a;ldkfjs;dkfljsd;kfljdslfk

The people on set who had a crush on Sean Bean were called "Beanstalkers"! XD That's the best; every fan to this day ought to call themselves that!

Similarly to the scene with Legolas and Aragorn, the little bit with Legolas and Gimli as everyone's getting ready to leave Edoras was filmed separately because Orlando and John weren't in the country at the same time. So they filmed Legolas' shots with Brett, John's scale double, then filmed John's shots later, filming both of them against greenscreen. Then they took some unused footage from the Edoras set and put it in the background. It just boggles my mind how many of these cobbled-together scenes there are, because it feels so much like all the characters are together in the real location!

RED ALERT RED ALERT THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!!! They mentioned Beregond!!!! 8D When talking about why they put in the scene where Pippin and Faramir talk (when Faramir says the uniform Pippin's wearing was made for him when he was a child), in order to forge the connection between them that will ultimately lead to Pippin saving Faramir's life, they talked briefly about Beregond! They describe him taking Pippin under his wing, showing him about the city, and called the relationship between them "quite sweet" :3

Another little connection between Pippin and Faramir I don't think I've ever thought about before, that apparently Billy Boyd thought about when doing these scenes, is that Pippin is the only son of the Thain of the Shire, so there may have been a certain amount of pressure and expectation on him. Obviously, he's so young and probably didn't spend too much time worrying about that while scampering about the Shire, but maybe that's something he thinks about while watching the way Faramir and Denethor interact. Maybe a contrast to the way he would interact with his own father, maybe a reminder of the way he would be scolded? Hard to say, but it's interesting to think about.

Uuuuuuughghghg, so frustrating to listen to them talking about the scene on the steps where Frodo sends Sam away DX No matter how many times and how many different ways they explain why they did it, the explanations never quite make sense to me. "We needed there to be more tension." WHY WAS IT NOT TENSE ENOUGH THAT THEY WERE GOING INTO THE LAIR OF A HUGE EVIL SPIDER?! "There wasn't really anything happening on the steps otherwise." YEAH, BECAUSE YOU PUT THE WHOLE CONVERSATION ABOUT STORIES IN THE PREVIOUS MOVIE! Also, why not just cut from one or two shots of them climbing this awful staircase to a shot of them entering the cave? "There needed to be a payoff for Gollum's scheming." WHY WAS GOLLUM BETRAYING THEM TO SHELOB NOT ENOUGH OF A PAYOFF?! "We knew InStInCtIvElY that Frodo needed to enter the cave alone." WHY? WHY?! I've never understood that. They get separated eventually in the book, so why not just ramp up the tension of that in the movie, instead of making the characters so OOC? "We knew it would shock readers of the book, and if we'd changed that, what else might we have changed?" You know...I really, really love these movies, and I appreciate what these three were able to accomplish so much...but sometimes I kind of hate them too -_-

The horses didn't want to walk down the hill on the cobbled streets of Minas Tirith, because their steel shoes were so slippery on the stones. So they all had to be re-shod with rubber shoes. What were horseshoes made of back in ye olden days, though? Iron? Did people run into the same problems back then?

I never really noticed this before, but Aragorn never wears Anduril on his belt! He straps it to his horse, and every time you see him with it, he's just holding the naked blade. This is because they made Anduril so long it was really hard for him to wear it from his belt or to pull it out of the scabbard in a natural way XD

The aerial shot of all the Rohirrim leaving Dunharrow was originally shot to show Gandalf's cart heading into the Shire, but since they didn't use it for that, they repurposed it for RotK!

To get Elijah Wood to foam at the mouth when he's stung by Shelob, they gave him two Alka-Seltzer tablets to put in his mouth and work up some foam with his saliva. I've always wondered how they do that sort of thing in movies, but no one's bothered to explain until now....

Sean Astin's audition scene was holding Frodo after Shelob ;A; Apparently, they (or at least Philippa Boyens) were a little skeptical that an American actor would be able to do Sam's character right, but actually a lot of the English actors who auditioned for the role had a hard time with the Shelob aftermath scene, but Sean nailed it :')

Other than the close-ups, they used a dummy for Faramir on the pyre most of the time. Now I'm just imagining John Noble crouching on top of the pyre, cradling a dummy XD

The first Orc that Aragorn kills on Pelennor fields is played by his son Henry! XD

ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME. They actually filmed Sam pushing past the sort of psychic barrier of the Watchers at the gate of Cirith Ungol, but they didn't put it into the extended edition! I love that part. Like...I'm not even sure why, but I've always thought that was such a cool little detail, and I've always been a bit bummed it wasn't in the movie, though I was thrilled to see the actual Watchers at least there as a sort of homage. And all along, they'd actually filmed something for that after all and I never knew! :O

You know, I never thought about it before, but it makes sense that they had to replace the sky digitally in a lot of scenes in Mordor, because of course when they filmed it, the sky wasn't always completely cloudy, but Mordor needs to have a complete cloud cover at all times.

When Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens first saw the footage of Sam carrying Frodo up Mt. Doom, they sent a fax (lolol 1999/2000 technology) to Sean and Elijah. They made the first page look all formal and official, and then on the second page it just said, "You made us cry." :')

Andy Serkis refused to have Gollum stand on two feet until the scene in the Crack of Doom. There were a few times that PJ directed him to lurch onto his feet or something, but Andy wouldn't do it. He wanted to show the difference in Gollum physically when he has the Ring again. What a cool detail!

Originally, the whole part where Frodo's hanging off the ledge and Sam is begging him to reach for him happens after the Ring is destroyed. It's really interesting to consider the slight nuances of how different that would be. The final version makes it almost seem like the Ring is still calling to Frodo, like he wants to fall into the lava and join it, whereas originally it was more like "I've lost the Ring and now I have nothing left to live for."

PJ made a sweet comment in the scene where everyone bows to the four hobbits: "This is a moment where there's always a huge sniffle in the audience when the movie's going, and it's usually me." XD

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?! They shot scenes of what happens to the other characters when the hobbits return to the Shire! There is footage out there somewhere of what Legolas and Gimli do, what happens with Faramir and Eowyn!!!! ;aldkfjsd;fkldslfkjd 25th anniversary edition LET'S GOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

[lazywitchling]

“So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?”

(Yes I did just order a pot pie from the chicken fast food place. I’m watching 12 hours of movies, I ain’t cooking a whole pot pie!)

Okay. Look.

When I was younger, my cousin bitched about elves at Helm’s Deep not being in the book, but I didn’t think it mattered because it’s cool and I liked elves and it made me the fun kind of sad when Haldir died.

But now I get why. (I mean, ultimately it’s a fictional story so it doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of life, blah blah, you get the drill. I will complain about this, but I don’t care if you like it, ya dig?)

So here’s the thing. Theoden’s whole storyline throughout this movie and into the next is that he does not believe anyone will help him. Gondor could have come to save his people, but they didn’t. Rohan was left on its own, and people died, and that sucks. So Theoden has succumbed to the depressive thoughts of “We’re all gonna die anyway, why bother fighting?” (Hey that’s a major— actually THE major point of this whole story!!) He has hidden his people away to hide because he knows fighting is futile because they will be alone.

It’s a big deal when he agrees to go out and fight alongside Aragorn as the Uruks are about to overwhelm the keep. I said last year, Tolkien’s brand of hope is the difference between “I only have one hit point left :(“ and “I still have one hit point left >:)” Theoden STILL has no reason to believe help is coming, but he chooses to act like it is anyway, because the alternative is just curling up and dying right there. And he is rewarded, because Gandalf shows up with reinforcements!! Eomer, who has every reason to hate Theoden, brought all the riders to help! Everyone is saved! Hooray!!

But the damn elves show up in the middle of Theoden’s “Aw nobody will help us :(“ thing. And then elf help arrives. And he goes “Yay, help is here!!” And then nobody really mentions the elves again except for Haldir’s brief dying scene, and Theoden is right back in his “Aw nobody will help us :(“ thing. It just slaughters the pacing of the story, and Theoden’s arc along with it.

Furthermore, the elves say they were sent by Elrond, who has chosen to have the elves fight alongside mortals once again to honor old alliances! Except that Elrond isn’t really participating in this portion of his own character arc, and in fact doesn’t reach that “idk maybe mortals aren’t so bad after all” point until RotK. So it’s somehow fully out of character for him at this point even though he’s not even there.

ADDITIONALLY, it fucks up ARWEN’S story, because the whole thing with her is that she has to choose between sailing to the undying lands and being with her people forever but losing Aragorn, or staying with Aragorn who will eventually die and then she has no one left and no way to get to the undying lands and will never see her family again and will just live until the heat death of the universe. See, I’m pretty sure (don’t quote me on this) that there’s like… a respawn thing that happens with Tolkiens elves. They’re not only ageless, they’re unkillable. They CANT die. That’s why Arwen’s choice is so difficult. She couldn’t even live out life with him and then jump off a bridge after he dies so she doesn’t have to see the heat death of the universe. She’s literally stuck.

But friggin Haldir takes a sword to the head and has a sad death moment, and then I’m left wondering why everyone is pestering Arwen so much. If elves can die, then she has no problem.

I’m pretty sure it messes up other storylines too, but my pot pie is getting cold.

[apoloadonisandnarcissus]

“Rings of Power” 2x08 (Season Finale) - Speculation and Clues

As promised, and since I've correctly guessed so many plot twists in 2x07, I’ll try my luck in speculate what will go down in the finale. But I’m putting my clown make-up on this time around, because *that scene* left me baffled and wondering if the show producers will give us anymore of that random shock value bullsh*t "Game of Thrones" style.

What's confirmed for Episode 8/Season 2 Finale?

Númenor plot: The Faithful (to the Valar) are declared traitors; and Isildur kisses Estrid and asks her to go with him to Númenor 

The Dwarves of Khazad-dûm dig out the Balrog 

The Stranger meets the Dark Wizard of Rhûn 

Battle of Eregion

Sauron vs. Galadriel 

Númenor Plot

To me, this will be one of those “Season 3 prep-up" plots of the finale. Mostly because, in Season 3, Sauron will, likely, dwell in the kingdoms of Men to find the Nine ring-bearers for his masterplan.  

"The Stranger" Identity

In Season 2 finale we’ll get the reveal of “The Stranger” identity mystery box, when he’ll find his wizard staff and earn his name. Gandalf. Because, lets’ face it, everyone saw that coming from a mile away, and ever since Season 1 there have been clues that “The Stranger = Gandalf”.  

And as I’ve said before, I’m kind of disappointed, because I was hoping for him to turn out to be one of the Blue Wizards.  

Unsure if the “Dark Wizard" identity will be revealed. But since the clownery is lose, I’ll go ahead and say the Dark Wizard of Rhûn can turned out to be Saruman, after all, even if it doesn’t make any sense, and Saruman was a member of the White Council and only joined Sauron after "The Hobbit" timeline, because why not? Apparently, everything is possible and Elves just casually kiss each other on lips, now. 

Battle of Eregion: Celebrimbor’s Death 

Celebrimbor won't come out alive from Season 2. Sadly. The big question here is: will Sauron kill Celebrimbor, himself? I've already discussed this in my "Season 2 red herrings" post, but I'm inclined to believe that "Sauron killing Celebrimbor" might be a red herring in itself. Mostly because, and even though Sauron did tortured Celebrimbor, he still has respect and admiration for him, as a fellow craftsman. And besides, Sauron hates frivolous friction and wastefulness; he’s Lawful Evil, every action of his has a purpose. I can be completely wrong here, but this is my bet.  

In the books, it is said that Celebrimbor is killed by Sauron and the Orcs turn him into a banner. But the catch is: the Orcs aren’t led by Sauron in the show, so it is possible that it’s Adar (and not Sauron) who kills Celebrimbor?  

I think we have two possible scenarios here: 

Sauron kills Celebrimbor after him disclosing the location of the Nine rings of power, and he goes after Galadriel OR because he refuses to reveal where the Nine are;

Adar kills Celebrimbor in Elrond’s presence: making come full circle Elrond’s father prophecy that, one day, Celebrimbor’s life would be on his hands, which was mentioned in both Season 1 and 2x04. 

Battle of Eregion: “Durin will come”. Or won’t he? 

I already speculated that the Dwarves would only join the Battle of Eregion in 2x08, and with the showrunners “deus ex machina” them, and have them arriving when everything seems to be lost and that all Elves are going to die (pretty much like the Knights of Rohan in Battle of Helm's Deep in “The Two Towers”).

However. There have been some references to Peter Jackson’s LOTR trilogy in “Rings of Power”, and we have Elrond telling Aragorn something along the lines of Dwarves caring only about themselves and blind to the troubles of others (even though this Elrond’s opinion has no base in what Tolkien wrote). So, will Durin, actually, come? 

My guess is: yes. Because we know neither Elrond nor Gil-galad will die, but Eregion will fall, all the same.  

Balrog of Moria - "Durin's Bane"

By bet is: Durin III, guided by his ring of power (controlled by Sauron), will dig out the Balrog himself. And like in the books, the Balrog will kill him, and earn the nickname “Durin’s bane”.

And that’s pretty much it for the Balrog plotline: the Balrog just wants to chill on the mines and be left alone.

Sauron/Galadriel - "Last Temptation"

I've already speculated about this scene quite a bit: I did a megathread on it, after all: Part 1; Part 2 (after 2x07, many of it has been erased); and some wild crack theories Part 3 and Plot Twist Kiss - I'll just throw this last one in for fun and laughs, or if someone wants prompts for fanfiction).

I’ll start by saying, Sauron and Galadriel scenes at the finale will either be: (1) a major anticlimactic letdown, or (2) mind-blowing revelations. I don’t think there will be a middle ground, here. And I would advise every shipper to go into the finale with no expectations whatsoever, in order not to get disappointed. 

What's confirmed for this scene?

Galadriel and Sauron will fight; 

Sauron wants the Nine rings of power, and Celebrimbor gave them to Galadriel in 2x07, so he’ll want to retrieve them from her.

There'll, probably, be visions, too, since 2x04 already teased the "return of King Halbrand", and Charlie Vickers said that Sauron still believes he can get Galadriel to join him.

I’ve already presented all the foreshadowing from 2x01-2x06 leading up to this scene on my megathread, so I’ll talk about 2x07, alone. So, we had: (1) the shock value E+G kiss, (2) Galadriel witnessing Adar performing a funeral ritual to the Orcs and (3) her emotional exchange with Celebrimbor, where she admits that she did want to accept Sauron’s proposal in 1x08, and she desired what he offered her (to be his queen). Then Celebrimbor tells her: "It's not strength that overcomes darkness but light. For in its presence, all darkness must flee.” 

This can foreshadow three outcomes (aside from her “Lady of the Light” character arc): 

Galadriel has found resolve, and will outright resist Sauron;

Season 1 finale rehash: Galadriel temporally succumbs, but snaps out of it;

Galadriel might believe she can actually redeem or keep Sauron “in check” with her Light, and goes with him (this one is just wild to me, but it’s one of the interpretations I took from her scene with Brimby). 

Personally, I’m guessing the “last temptation” can go down: 

The anticlimactic let-down: they fight; Sauron bombards Galadriel with visions, retrieves the Nine when she’s either distracted by his illusions or by force, Galadriel resists him, and he probably leaves her for dead or something. There: all the foreshadowing throughout the season turns out to be red herrings, and the OST title ("last temptation") isn't a red herring, at all;

The “Major revelations” scenario: Sauron and Galadriel disclose the extent of their true feelings for each other (explicitly stated or highly implied), with Sauron revealing that the connection they shared when Galadriel believed him to be “just Halbrand” wasn’t a deception on his part (“Halbrand is Sauron” also appears to be a theme this season).

Most likely scenarios on how this scene might end:

Sauron takes the Nine and leaves Galadriel for dead or badly injured; 

Sauron walks away with the Nine, leaving Galadriel unarmed and saved; 

Galadriel’s sacrifice: Galadriel reluctantly joins Sauron, to “keep him in check” and save Middle-earth.

Honestly, my expectations are so low at the moment, I’m not even going to place any bets here.

Will Adar survive Season 2?

I already did a speculation post on Adar’s fate, where I theorize that Adar will die at Sauron’s hands but not before witnessing him becoming Lord of Mordor. Right now, and after that WTF moment in 2x07, I’m not sure of anything. 

If Adar and Sauron run into each other in 2x08, I believe Adar is toasted and won’t make it to Season 3, that’s my guess. 

[suzannahnatters]

FOTR Book 2: Chs 1-4: What A Lot of Subdivisions This Book Has

I also had a HUGE amount of things to say about Arwen but I'm going to put them in their own post. stay tuned!

CH 1 - MANY MEETINGS

Frodo is like "welp here I am in rivendell yay I feel that a month of blood-curdling danger will do me for life" oh my poor boy

"he may become like a glass filled with clear light" this line is just so beautiful

will never not laugh my head off at the mental picture of Elrond and Gandalf getting together and geeking out over this flood that they're concocting, designing it to look as awesome as possible regardless of whether it actually...like...obliterates the people they're trying to save. they are just nerdy magic bros and I love them.

Arwen Evenstar! she is coded very wisdom rather than warrior.

GLOIN!!!

BILBO :')

"he was alone and felt rather forlorn" gosh I had forgotten how much Tolkien isolates Frodo, even from the beginning

icymi, the Earendil poem is an updated version of a bit of clever but not very good nonsense Tolkien wrote in younger years called Errantry, written in a fabulously complex rhyme scheme, which among other things rhymes "porringer" with "oranges for provender" which is just showing off. but he knew it wasn't a very good poem, so he gutted it, opened up the rhyme scheme a little, and turned it into the tale of Earendil instead, and it's ever so much better this way!

CH 2 - THE COUNCIL OF ELROND

something about Sam not even being invited to the council of Elrond but in the end the quest would never have succeeded if not for him? clutching my heart

"rings he would give for it, rings such as those he gave of old" The Audacity of This Birch

they seriously did the BEST job of Sauron in TROP

aw man the dwarves' vague allusions to the second age and their instinctive impulse to seek help from Elrond is giving me so many feels post TROP, and I know TROP isn't canon but I really enjoy how it enriches the canon.

again with the blood of Numenor being mingled with that of "lesser men" - while I know Tolkien well enough to believe that he genuinely did not hear himself here, this specifically feels a lot like things I've read in genuinely racist history texts of the early 20th century and I find it very distasteful.

love the picture we get of Boromir and Faramir fighting together, having prophetic dreams together, and tackling their dad together 😍

lol @ Frodo jumping at the chance to handball the ring to Aragorn, the heir of Isildur

love Aragorn's epic speech about his life spent fighting the enemy to protect simple humble people. it's the entire basis of his claim to the kingship. he is the rightful king less because of his bloodline (Gondor rejected the claim of an Arnorian heir centuries prior) than because he's spent his long life so far in defending the simple and the humble in thankless secrecy. it's humiles exultavit all over again.

love that Tolkien gives Saruman an Evil Makeover but instead of going funeral with black he goes...disco with many colours...and Gandalf is required to deliver some accurate fashion advice.

think it's so fascinating how clear it is from the outset that what compromises both Denethor and Saruman is their lack of hope - their readiness to believe that the enemy can win.

Saruman is really giving the Trump recruitment message

this whole chapter is so packed full of exposition, backstory, and planning, and again I'm in awe of just how fascinating it all is. like, among the many things this chapter achieves is a speed tour of all the major players in and even on the margins of this story, from the dwarves of the Lonely Mountain to the kingdom of Gondor to Saruman and Rohan - it's all here. it's like that little exposition section at the start of the journey so far is being done in a grand scale for the entire rest of the book.

and I love it so much. I'm legitimately wondering whether everyone else finds this chapter to be a highlight of the entire FOTR, I've always absolutely loved it.

we find out what Gandalf has been doing, viz, charging around with a lot of fanfare distracting the enemy while the hobbits creep into Rivendell on foot. which is precisely what Aragorn will do with the armies of free Middle Earth in ROTK. FORESHADOWING.

something that has killed me previously is that Elrond says opinion is divided among the Wise as to whether the Three will still be able to heal middle earth after the One is destroyed. he doesn't really say what HE thinks but a few chapters later we get conclusive proof that Galadriel is one of those who knows it'll be goodnight for her. and now I'm thinking about how that awareness must have impacted her relationship with Arwen, whose role in the narrative is to give up her mortality to renew and heal the world after Sauron is defeated; she does what her grandmother cannot and both of them pay a heavy price for it.

and at last the chapter has one by one ruled out every other possibility but this: a hobbit must take the ring to Mordor. And then of course Frodo's final escape is cut off when Bilbo, the person he loves best in the world, volunteers and is unanimously turned down. MY BOY.

CH 3 - THE RING GOES SOUTH

aw, Elrond is trying to spare Pippin the journey cause he's baby

meanwhile: Pippin refuses thereby preventing the Shire being warned. not that it would have done much good, but FORESHADOWING.

LOVE Elrond's little exchange with Gimli about vows. it is so Biblical. like Gideon, Elrond tells them not to stick with the company if they get scared, and when Gimly objects, he then double down by saying let him who puts on his armour not boast like one who takes it off, and then finally there's another example of jrrt's wisdom in mental health when Elrond refuses to demand an oath, saying that it may prove too much for them. chef's kiss

the trees of Hollin don't remember the Noldor but the stones lament them brb crying forever 😭😭😭

the spying crows are so very WWI spy plane coded.

Legolas Greenleaf, Sassiest Elf in Middle Earth. he's just cheeking everyone in this chapter, including GANDALF, and gets away with it, a Legend

love that this chapter shows all of them working together with their different strengths, taking care of each other and cracking jokes. they're starting to work past the prejudices they showed in the previous chapter and it's just so lovely and wholesome. also it doesn't feel overly blokey despite the fact that everyone is male, because there are so many different personalities and fantasy races involved; you don't get a one size fits all concept of masculinity but rather a whole spectrum of different kinds of personality, and I think this is part of what makes this book so extremely lovable.

CH 4 - A JOURNEY IN THE DARK

"you cannot imagine how much worse the Nazgul would be if Sauron regained the ring" says Gandalf and yes I find it very difficult to imagine how they'll do this in TROP, like I was half expecting the One to be forged at the end of s2 but maybe they would even postpone that until the end of s4 to avoid Sauron getting too OP?

the fact that Aragorn is desperate to avoid Moria and disagrees with Gandalf about it is a deliciously ominous sign.

"I led us almost to disaster in the snow" what makes Aragorn such a precious pet lamb to me is that every time one of his plans goes wrong, he's fully ready to admit it and then beat himself up about it. go easy on yourself honey you're doing great

very thoughtful of the wargs to return Legolas' arrows lol instead of making off with them altogether.

the doors of Durin! aka "top ten signs this fantasy novel was written by a linguist"

Tolkien is so good at creating atmosphere. The past two chapters have just basically been atmosphere building, as the fellowship tries to avoid going into moria and the whole landscape is chasing them in there and then literally locking them in! the vibes are perfectly ominous.

love the way that he's writing spiritual things, too. from the birds and wargs that attack them to the snows on Caradhras trying to discourage them to Frodo's heightened spiritual awareness - it feels less like something out of the fantasy genre to me, and more like actual spiritual warfare in a Christian sense, which is so refreshing.

"let the guide go first, while you still have one!" Aragorn is a bundle of fun right now, continually prophesying Gandalf's fall lol

so with Pippin's ill judged stone, I don't think it's just him being an idiot. specifically: there is SO MUCH spiritual warfare coded stuff through this whole section and everyone and everything has become a battle ground. the Watcher at the Gates grabbing Frodo first, and Frodo being so aware of it before it even attacks, and Aragorn prophesying Gandalf's fall without even knowing it - everything has significance. the text says Pippin is drawn to the hole for some reason he can't explain, as though he's being affected in similar ways that Frodo was in confrontation with the Black Riders. I think this is intentional. there's thick malice in Moria working to trap them and it can use Pippin, not necessarily because he's stupider than the others, even the ones without heightened spiritual awareness - but because of who he is, a young hobbit, curious and unafraid. and those are good things to be! they are things that will ultimately win him friends, allies and renown! like yes it is a stupid thing to do and yes it's obviously the youngest and most inexperienced person that's most vulnerable to what's going on spiritually here, but he very much is being influenced by outside forces here.

we stop to hear the history of Moria 😭😭😭 Gimli's song is delightful and I love how for a dwarf he's a history/poetry nerd.

BALIN 😭

[justsomerandomfanfic]

Hi and congrats on your milestone!! I've been following for a while and it's been awesome to read other matchups and your fics (I'm a little behind but that's what this weekend is for 🤩)

If it's possible to submit a matchup request here are my details:

I'm 32, 5'8, weight is being worked on - back in size 16 pants, Strawberry blonde shoulder length- slightly wavy hair, gold/brown eyes. Pronouns are she/her and I'd like to be matched with a man.

Personality: Overprotective, overthinker, worries about everything, caring, creative, introvert, likes to be competitive and silly sometimes. Aesthetic style: licenced logo shirts - bands, tv shows, movies, anything colourful and cotton based clothing. I dress for comfort rather than fashion and style. Favourite colours: ocean blue or rainbows. Hobbies: Swimming in the ocean, collecting shells and rocks on the beach, browsing new or second-hand bookshops, eating out at fun family or steak restaurants, reading fantasy or scifi books from 90s-2010s.

Favourite movies: What's Your Number? James Cameron's Avatar, Crazy Rich Asians, Sleeping Beauty. Favourite TV shows: Westworld, 1883, Gargoyles, Resident Alien. Favourite artists: Empire of the Sun, Nickelback, Human Nature, Coldplay. Favourite songs: How Bizarre by OMC, Rocketship by Llunr, Friday Night by McFly, I See You by Leona Lewis.

And the three fandoms are Lord of the Rings, Marvel or X-Men, and happy for both platonic and romantic matchups

Thanks and hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Hi!

:)

I am so glad that you like all my fanfics and matchups! Thank you for all of your support! <33333

I hope you like your matchups!

(I'm nervous, I had a lot of fun with this, and gosh, I felt like I rambled a bit)

<3333333

Enjoy!

<3333333333

Romantic and Platonic Matchups; Lord Of The Rings, Marvel, and X-Men

~~~

Romantic;

~~~

Lord Of The Rings;

Boromir -

You were personally asked by Elrond and Gandalf to join the Fellowship, knowing your unique skills and strength would be an asset to the quest.

While you were honored, you worried about the dangers ahead and overthought every possible worst-case scenario before agreeing.

Boromir wasn’t sure about you at first - not because he doubted your abilities, but because he worried about another person being burdened with this dangerous task.

He could tell you had a thoughtful mind and a caring heart, and in his experience, those were the ones who carried the heaviest grief when things went wrong.

The first time he really took notice of you was when you expertly navigated a difficult terrain, finding a path for the Fellowship that was much safer than the one Aragorn had suggested.

He respected your intelligence and attention to detail from then on.

Boromir quickly took on a protective role with you, always making sure you were safe in battle and watching your back.

While at first, you found it unnecessary (you were more than capable of handling yourself), you soon realized it was just his nature to care deeply for his comrades.

You two bonded over collecting little things from your travels - while you picked up interesting shells and rocks, Boromir would sometimes carve small wooden tokens or keep trinkets from places you passed through.

He once found a riverstone in Rohan and gave it to you, saying it reminded him of you.

You both had a competitive streak and often challenged each other to small competitions - who could walk the farthest without stepping on a crack in the path, who could catch the most fish, and once (to Aragorn’s horror), a wrestling match where you actually managed to take Boromir by surprise and pin him for half a second before he flipped you over.

He loved your humor, your sarcasm, and the way you could bring light to even the darkest days of the journey.

He often teased you, calling you "the Fellowship’s secret weapon", because you could outthink any situation and keep everyone in good spirits.

Boromir was the last person to realize his feelings.

Everyone else noticed the way he watched you, the way he automatically reached out to steady you whenever the ground was rough, and the way he seemed to listen to you more than anyone else.

He hated seeing you stressed or overthinking things.

He would always tell you, “Do not trouble yourself with worry. We will see this through. Together.”

The moment he realized how deeply he cared for you was when you got injured during a skirmish.

You brushed it off, but he refused to leave your side for the rest of the night, making sure you had water, food, and rest.

When Aragorn joked that you were in good hands, Boromir just nodded, not even arguing.

You started feeling the same way when you realized Boromir made you feel safe - not just physically, but emotionally.

He never dismissed your worries, but instead, reassured you that he would carry some of them for you.

It happened one quiet evening when the Fellowship was resting.

You were both sitting together, talking in hushed voices while everyone else was sleeping.

You mentioned that you feared what would happen after the quest, and he simply said, “Whatever happens, I will be at your side.” When you looked at him, confused, he sighed and finally admitted, “I would follow you anywhere. Not because of duty, but because I do not wish to part from you.”

He was nervous - Boromir was a strong man, a warrior, but when it came to emotions, he was unsure.

When you reached for his hand, squeezing it tightly, he finally let out the breath he’d been holding.

Boromir is the definition of protective.

He’s always looking out for you, always ready to put himself between you and danger.

He’s surprisingly affectionate - he’ll drape his cloak over you when you’re cold, sit close to you by the fire, and sometimes, when he thinks no one is looking, brush his fingers against yours just to feel you there.

He loves to hear you talk about the ocean.

He has never seen it, and he always asks you to describe it to him, picturing it in his mind.

He swears, “When this is over, I will take you to see it. I want to see it through your eyes.”

You love watching him train with his sword, and sometimes, he’ll offer to teach you a few moves.

The training sessions often end in laughter, especially when he exaggerates his movements to make you laugh.

He loves the way you take time to collect small, beautiful things.

After the journey and the defeat of the ring.

(Boromir isn't dead, but Denethor is-)

One day, he hands you a small, silver pendant in the shape of a wave.

“I had this made for you in Gondor,” He says gruffly, looking away as if embarrassed. “I thought you should have something to remind you of the sea.”

You take care of him in return, making sure he doesn’t carry too much weight on his shoulders.

You remind him that he is allowed to be vulnerable and that he doesn’t have to bear every burden alone.

When you finally do reach the sea together, he is speechless.

He stands there, watching the waves crash, before looking at you with a soft, awe-struck expression.

“It is as beautiful as you said. But I think it is even more so because you are here.”

Simple domestic moments would involve him helping you gather books to read at night, sitting beside you as you get lost in a fantasy tale, his fingers occasionally brushing against your hand.

He loves running his fingers through your hair absentmindedly, especially when you’re sitting together after a long day.

Boromir isn’t a poet, but he always finds simple ways to make you feel loved.

When you’re feeling anxious, he will press his forehead against yours and say, “You are not alone.”

He teaches you Gondorian songs, sometimes humming them softly as you drift off to sleep.

He will absolutely carry you if you’re tired.

You can protest all you want, but he’ll just smirk and say, “It’s either this, or you sleep on the road.”

If you ever cry, he will sit with you, hold you close, and let you have your moment.

~~~

Marvel;

Thor Odinson -

You were already part of the Avengers when you met Thor, your magical abilities catching the attention of the team.

Your powers resembled telekinesis, and it was clear you had a vast, untapped potential.

Thor was immediately intrigued by your strength and grace.

The first time you met, he was more than a little over-the-top in his greeting, which you found endearing, despite his boisterous nature.

He introduced himself with the charm only a god could possess.

“I am Thor, son of Odin, and this…” He gestured to you grandly, “Is a fine day to meet one so powerful!”

You were taken aback by his size and demeanor at first, but once you saw the warm smile behind that godly exterior, you couldn’t help but smile back.

Thor was genuine in his admiration for you from the start.

He liked that you were powerful and kind, two traits he deeply respected.

He instantly began to watch your powers in awe, asking you how you did what you did, always interested in learning more.

You two bonded over your shared experiences of having powers that were at times overwhelming and unpredictable.

Thor could relate to that - his own powers came with immense responsibility and control, which wasn’t always easy.

There was a bit of playful rivalry at first between you both.

He loved hearing about your interests, especially when you talked about your love for fantasy novels.

You’d spend time swapping stories about your adventures, and Thor would often tell you about his travels across realms, making you laugh with his overly dramatic retellings.

“And then, with the might of Mjolnir, I sent the beast flying through the air, and-”

You’d tease him, “You always leave out the part where you almost fell off the cliff after, though.”

He’d listen intently whenever you talked about your worries.

He might be a god, but that didn’t make him blind to human struggles.

He was there for you, always.

You realized your feelings for Thor the more time you spent together.

It was when you caught yourself smiling whenever he spoke, and how your heart skipped a beat whenever he would look at you with that unguarded softness.

Thor, on the other hand, took a bit longer.

Oblivious boi~

He wasn’t sure if you were simply being friendly or if there was something deeper there.

But when he started to notice how you would worry about him, especially after dangerous missions, he began to understand.

Your kindness, your attention, your way of caring - he realized that you made him feel truly alive in a way he hadn’t in centuries.

One evening, after a particularly grueling mission, you both sat together on the roof of the Avengers compound, watching the stars.

You didn’t speak at first, but when Thor reached over and brushed your hand lightly, it was like everything fell into place for him.

But his time to go back to Asgard was approaching fast.

“I do not wish to leave without you, my star,” He said softly, his voice unusually quiet.

Your heart clenched at his words.

You reached for his hand, holding it tightly. “I wish I could come with you.”

"Then come with me." He spoke, "To Asgard."

That moment sealed it for both of you.

The unspoken feelings were there, and you both couldn’t deny them anymore.

Thor didn’t know how to confess his feelings.

He wasn’t one for subtlety, but when he did try to speak about his emotions, he could barely find the words.

So, on one of the many balconies in the castle of Asgard, Thor finally spoke.

“I have seen many things in my time, but none have captivated me as you do,” He said, the words finally tumbling out.

You turned to him, heart racing. “Thor…”

He smiled, that same easy smile, but there was something more behind it now.

“I find that I cannot imagine my days without you in them. You make everything brighter, even on the darkest days.”

You both laughed, nervous and giddy at the same time.

Thor was a god, but at that moment, he was just a man who had fallen in love with you.

You spent your days together, training, laughing, and sometimes, just sitting together in quiet understanding.

Thor often pulled you aside when you were having a rough day, offering comfort and companionship without asking for anything in return.

Your relationship was simple yet profound - Thor would hold you after a tough mission, letting you rest your head on his broad shoulder while he stroked your hair gently.

He would surprise you with small gestures of affection: a bouquet of wildflowers, a warm cup of tea after a long day, or a handwritten note left by your bedside.

He loved spoiling you, but not in a flashy way - just little things that showed you how much he cared.

He was surprisingly shy when it came to expressing his deeper feelings, often tripping over words or becoming embarrassed.

In return, you would always reassure him that you loved his sincerity and that he didn’t need to be anything but himself.

You loved how he would make you laugh, even when the world seemed like it was falling apart.

Thor would often carry you on his shoulders after a long day, making you laugh as he pretended to be your personal “chariot of the gods.”

When you were both alone, he would rest his head on your lap, closing his eyes with a content sigh, while you gently stroked his hair.

He liked to surprise you with your favorite meals, especially when he learned about your love for certain foods from Earth.

He would try to cook them himself, often making a mess, but always with the best intentions.

Thor would also love to pick you up and spin you around when you weren’t expecting it, making you laugh uncontrollably.

~~~

X-Men;

Charles Xavier -

Charles found you one day, wandering through a second-hand bookstore in a quiet little town.

You were picking through a pile of dusty books when he noticed you, quietly flipping through a book of ancient lore.

He was immediately intrigued by you since he knew that you were a mutant.

You know, he can tell with those things.

He approached you gently, using his telepathy to read your curiosity, and asked you about the book you were holding.

When you looked up at him, there was a flash of recognition in your eyes - another mutant.

"You're like me." You had spoken.

Charles introduced himself as Professor Xavier and mentioned that he ran a school for gifted individuals, offering you a place there if you ever decided to join.

He sensed you were apprehensive but kind-hearted, and knew you’d fit in perfectly.

Charles respected your quiet nature, knowing that you liked to keep to yourself.

He admired how intelligent you were, especially with your love for books and deep interest in learning.

He started having you help with the school library, knowing you’d take care of the books with the same meticulous care that you gave to everything in your life.

You’d often find each other in the library late at night, quietly organizing the shelves or reading together.

He’d tell you stories about his own life, sharing his hopes and dreams for the future.

You would listen, offer support, and, on occasion, suggest a book he could read to relax.

Your friendship grew naturally, and soon, you were one of the most trusted people at the mansion.

Charles came to rely on your opinion, knowing that you were one of the few who would always tell him the truth, even when it was difficult.

As time went on, you began to notice the little things about Charles that set him apart from others - the way his smile would light up when he was genuinely happy, the way he’d listen intently when you spoke, and the quiet moments when he would show vulnerability, opening up about his past.

Charles, on the other hand, began to feel an intense pull towards you.

He’d catch himself staring at you during your late-night study sessions, or when you’d quietly read in the corner of the room.

You had a quiet strength about you that he found incredibly alluring.

It wasn’t just your mind - it was the way you saw the world, the way you always managed to stay calm and grounded even when things were chaotic.

You were the first person he could truly open up to without fear of judgment.

And in return, you began to admire him for more than just his intellect.

You saw the kindness and care that radiated from him, and it made your heart beat a little faster each time you saw him.

The confession came one evening when Charles was feeling particularly vulnerable.

He had just finished a meeting with the students, and he was exhausted from trying to juggle so many responsibilities.

You found him alone in the garden, staring up at the stars, lost in thought.

You sat beside him, offering him quiet company, which he appreciated more than words could say.

Without warning, Charles turned to you, “I cannot pretend any longer,” He said, his voice soft but firm. “I find that you are always on my mind, and I cannot imagine my days without you in them.”

You were taken aback, but when you looked into his eyes, you saw nothing but sincerity. “Charles, I…”

You couldn’t find the words, but your heart said it all.

He smiled gently, understanding the quiet way you expressed yourself.

“I would like to take care of you. You mean more to me than anyone ever has.”

As a couple, Charles would always encourage you to pursue your dreams and help you grow in any way he could.

He’d offer you support, whether it was telepathically guiding you through difficult decisions or just being there when you needed someone to lean on.

You often spent time together talking late into the night, discussing everything from philosophy to your childhood memories.

Charles had a way of making you feel safe, and you would find yourself seeking out his company after long, stressful days.

There was something deeply intimate about the way you both shared your lives.

Charles loved that you took the time to get to know him for who he truly was - beyond his powers and the weight of his responsibilities.

Charles would often surprise you with quiet moments, like sending you a book he thought you’d enjoy or asking you to meet him in the garden to stargaze together.

He loved listening to your thoughts without intruding, letting you talk freely about whatever was on your mind, and always validating your emotions.

He would leave little notes in your room, hidden in places only you would find, telling you how much he appreciated you and how happy he was to have you in his life.

Charles would often take you to a quiet spot, just the two of you, where he could hold you close and whisper how much you meant to him, knowing you could feel his sincerity even in his softest words.

~~~

Platonic;

~~~

Lord Of The Rings;

Aragorn -

Unlike most, you didn’t barrage him with questions or demand stories of adventure - you simply shared a companionable silence, which intrigued him.

You were the type of person who observed rather than spoke, and Aragorn found himself gravitating toward your presence, appreciating the peace you provided in contrast to the chaotic world he often navigated.

Your bond grew through quiet moments by the fire - him sharpening his sword, you browsing through an old book you found.

Occasionally, he would ask about what you were reading, and you’d end up in a deep discussion about fictional worlds, comparing them to the lands of Middle-earth.

Aragorn admired your creativity, often asking about the stories you wrote in your spare time, and he would even try to come up with tales of his own for fun (though he’d insist he wasn’t much of a storyteller).

He noticed how overprotective you were of your friends, and though he never said it outright, he deeply respected that trait.

In return, he made it clear he always had your back - whether it was keeping an eye out while you wandered alone or subtly stepping in if someone made you uncomfortable.

Long walks in nature.

Sometimes, no words are needed - just the sounds of the wind, birds, and footsteps.

Aragorn understood the comfort in quiet companionship.

Searching for unique rocks and shells while traveling.

You once found a particularly smooth stone that reminded you of the ocean, and Aragorn kept it as a good luck charm in his pouch.

Occasionally humming a tune or singing softly while tending a fire.

He found your voice calming and often encouraged you to share more.

~~~

Marvel;

Natasha Romanoff -

At first, she didn’t pay you much mind - she was always on guard, especially with new people.

But she couldn’t ignore your wit, sarcasm, and ability to make her laugh when she least expected it.

Despite your introversion, Natasha found it easy to talk to you.

You had a way of making people feel safe, and she valued that more than she could ever express.

She’d tease you about how much you overthink things, but at the same time, she’d help ground you when you started spiraling.

“You’re worrying about things that haven’t happened yet,” She’d say, pushing a plate of food toward you. “Eat first, panic later.”

Natasha loved how competitive you could get - it made things fun.

Whether it was a playful argument over who could run faster or who knew more random trivia, she enjoyed having a friend who didn’t back down.

Training sessions.

Natasha insisted on teaching you self-defense, even if you weren’t keen on fighting.

“You never know when you’ll need it,” She said, smirking.

Late-night drives.

Natasha wasn’t the type to sit still for long, and sometimes she just needed to escape for a while.

She’d bring you along, blasting music and letting you pick the playlist.

Bookstore browsing.

She wasn’t a huge reader, but she enjoyed watching you get excited about old fantasy and sci-fi books.

Occasionally, she’d pick one up just to have something to talk about with you later.

~~~

X-Men;

Ororo Munroe (Storm) -

You were the quiet guardian of the X-Mansion’s library, keeping the shelves organized and helping students find books.

Ororo had always loved literature, and naturally, she frequented the library often.

The first time she saw you carefully repairing an old, torn book, she smiled and struck up a conversation about your love for preserving stories.

Ororo admired your patience and your creativity.

She often sat with you in the library just to enjoy the peace, sometimes reading together in comfortable silence.

She found your love for ocean blue and rainbows beautiful - so much so that, one day, she brought you a tiny prism to hang in the window, letting the sun scatter colors across your desk.

She understood your overthinking tendencies and always knew how to calm you down, whether it was with soft-spoken reassurance or a gentle breeze carrying the scent of fresh rain through the open window.

Beach days.

If there was anyone who could ensure perfect weather for a day at the ocean, it was Ororo.

She loved watching how at peace you looked while swimming, and she’d collect unique shells to give you later.

Reading under the stars.

Some nights, she’d take you to the mansion’s rooftop, where you’d both read or talk about the things you wished to create.

Cooking together.

Ororo had a knack for making simple but delicious meals, and she loved having you in the kitchen with her, even if you were just taste-testing.

[from-the-coffee-shop-in-edoras]

I was looking again at Peoples of Middle Earth and was reminded that there’s a tiny little mention there of an early version of the tale of Cirion and Eorl where Elrond’s sons ride at the front of the ranks of the Eorlingas to drive the Easterlings and orcs out of Gondor. And good god am I glad that Tolkien changed his mind on that and left them out of it!

Elrond’s boys are great, but the Battle of the Field of Celebrant is THE defining moment that creates an eternal bond between our two main kingdoms of Men. Without Eorl coming to Gondor’s aid, there is no founding of Rohan. There is no Oath of Eorl. Gondor and Rohan don’t become BFFs that show up and fight for each other over and over again for centuries. The bond between Rohan and Gondor represents the very best in Men—their loyalty and courage and self-sacrifice. It shows how true friendship allows communities of Men to endure indefinitely and thus achieve a measure of immortality even as each individual member of those communities remains a mortal destined for death. Elves are wonderful, but I want the Men to be able to make this pure, sweet, wholly positive thing happen between them on their own, without requiring a “higher”/“ennobled” people to be involved.

So, good edit there, JRR! Ordinarily, I’m all for moments of fellowship and the different groups in Middle Earth showing up for one another. But this is a rare instance where Men needed a victory all to themselves, and I’m glad they got it.

[runawaymun]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

Tagged by: @zealouswerewolfcollector @melestasflight & @niennawept - thanks guys!!!!

Under the cut for length.

1. How many works do you have on Ao3?

43 total. 26 on my reg runawaymun account, and 17 spicy works under spicy_runawaymun.

2. What’s your total Ao3 word count?

466,324. Geez.

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Currently just Tolkien. Mostly focusing on early third age and late second age. I used to write for Stargate and Doctor Who but that was like ten years ago.

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

To Partake - 842 kudos - Longfic in progress. Elrond/Celebrimbor set in the second age, based loosely off The Rings of Power but it's really gone off the rails now because I didn't like some choices in the show and am trying to fix them haha. Show knowledge is honestly not needed because I stop following it after like the seventh chapter. Mostly an Elrond character study disguised as porn.

And the Stars Shine the Same - 695 kudos - Longfic, complete. a look at early third age Rivendell as told by two kids from proto-Rohan who get adopted into Elrond's family out of harsh and traumatic circumstances.

Beneath a Boundless Sky - 520 kudos - longfic and in progress. Sequel to above. Much wider scope. Dealing with the politics of proto-Rohan and exploring Fram's rise to power, while also keeping a firm focus on Elrond, his relationship with Maglor, and his relationship with his family. Oh yeah, and there's an eldritch monster in the mix (one that isn't Elrond that is!)

A Gown Spun from Starlight - 400 kudos - Thranduil x Reader insert oneshot. Mostly fluff.

Supine - 358 kudos - exploratory kidnap fam multi shot. Mostly Maedhros-centric.

Tinúvion - 289 kudos - Oneshot. Elrond and Sauron meet and hiss at each other and fight over Gil-Galad for 1972 words. Sauron shits his pants. Transitive property Luthien-Elrond.

5. Do you respond to comments?

Yes! Sometimes often my spoons are low so I am not always as fast as I like. But I endeavor to respond to everybody!

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Ohhhhh. Let me think, here. Probably That We Are Still - in which Elrond has a foresight nightmare about Cel's death and they have sex about it, which fixes nothing.

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Most of them have happy endings, because I love happy endings and I've written a good deal of fluff! I think And the Stars Shine the Same has the happiest/most satisfying ending, though. But it's an unfair comparison because it's a longfic. But Never Doubt I Love (Russingon) has a happy/bittersweet ending that's one of my favs. And Equinox (Elrond and Lindir's first meeting) is just pure sugar haha.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Not that I recall, honestly. Hopefully it stays that way. I've gotten one or two slightly homophobic comments but I believe the commenter meant well. It was a weird experience.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Yes! I find exploring how characters are sexual really really fascinating. It's like a microcosm of everything -- of their relationships, of their trauma, of their securities and insecurities. It's so interesting and fun! And especially the journeys that characters can take sexually, learning to open up and explore :) it's very rewarding. All of that is over on my spicy account. It's nearly exclusively Celrond but there's a few others in there.

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

I've written a few, but none on AO3. My favorite was one I wrote a long time ago where SG-1 (Stargate SG-1) got into a tangled up mission with the Eleventh Doctor and River. I also do a lot of daydreaming and play in my free time imagining my OCs from my original works winding up in middle earth. :)

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I am aware of.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

I've had someone offer but if it wound up happening, I wasn't tagged, so I am not sure! But receiving the offer was very nice <3

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Not any of the ones posted to AO3, but @the-commonplace-book and I have collaborated on a lot of work together! I'm always open to collaboration. It's so much fun.

14. What’s your all time favorite ship?

CELROND CELROND CELROND. Though Brimbrond is becoming a close contender now!

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

All of them, really. I try not to doubt I will finish things and just trust my process. I am a naturally slow writer who's a perfectionist and tends to hop from project to project, which is why I focus myself on one or two longfics at most, and I just let the others percolate in outline form until I finish something. I used to not finish things ever and it drove me crazy, so I try my best to stay focused so that things will always get finished in their due time.

16. What are your writing strengths?

Prose. Action and horror. Long character arcs -- especially the unfolding of characters who are recovering from traumatic experiences. I have a pattern haha.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Descriptions of settings and characters (I know what they look like in my head and have to actively remind myself that this image isn't downloaded into someone's brain). Politics and schemes. And IMO I am not good at twisty plots. I tend to write pretty linear progressions with few unexpected surprises.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic.

I like peppering individual words here and there, or perhaps small phrases. Pet names, absolutely. But nothing more than that. IMO adding in language can really help ground a story in the worldbuilding.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Funnily enough, Tolkien. When I was a kid I set out to rewrite the entire books just from Merry and Pippin's perspectives. I did not get very far.

20. Favourite fic you’ve written?

I think it's honest to god And the Stars Shine the Same. I am obviously fond of To Partake, but Stars just is in its own special category for me. It came to me at the exact right time in my life when I really needed it. It's a very personal story, and it revived my love of writing and reminded me why I liked doing it.

I am rather late to this and I am not sure who has been tagged and who hasn't, so forgive me if I tag someone who has already done this! But no pressure tags for: @emyn-arnens @jaz-the-bard @lordgrimwing @greyjedijaneite @maglor-my-beloved and whomever else would like to participate!

[adamwatchesmovies]

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is the definition of “epic”. The climax is on a scale so massive it’s legendary. You see it and cannot imagine how the series could top itself in the final chapter. It also contains great, quieter character moments, just enough comedy to give you the emotional breaks you need before the action kicks up again and some romance too. The special effects were spectacular for the time and hold up today. Yes, the extended edition is long - you basically have to dedicate an entire evening to it – but it never feels long. As soon as it's over, you'll debate whether you have time to sit down and watch the next chapter.

As Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) make their way toward Mordor to destroy the Ring of Power, they discover that its previous owner, the creature called Gollum (Andy Serkis) is following them. Though treacherous, Gollum may be the key to fulfilling their quest. Meanwhile, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) arrive in the kingdom of Rohan to find its King, Théoden (Bernard Hill), corrupted by the wizard Saruman (Christopher Lee). In the forest near Saruman’s tower, Merry (Dominic Monaghan) and Pippin (Billy Boyd) try to convince Treebeard (voiced by Rhys-Davies) to join the fight against him and his army of Uruk-Hai.

Before we dig in, let me clarify that we’re talking about the Extended Edition of the film, which is 45 minutes longer than the already lengthy 179-minute theatrical version. Yes, that’s a lot of time spent in Middle-Earth. No, it doesn’t feel like too much. The pacing is the key. We begin with one story, see how dire the situation is, get to a turning point and are then whisked away to the next plot, where the cycle repeats itself. As the middle chapter in a trilogy, this film is not contained, but it feels complete. There are character arcs, clear stakes, and a beginning, middle and end within each of the three stories and for the picture as a whole. Even more than before, the action feels like it’s happening in a real place. You can see the history of the fortress of Helm’s Deep, of the people of Rohan, the realms in faraway lands that are choosing to either ally themselves with the great, never-blinking eye of Sauron, or against him and his forces. In the sets, costumes and weapons, you notice details that show how much love and dedication was poured into this project. When there is comedy, it’s not the kind that undercuts the action, it’s the kind that makes what comes next feel even more dramatic, exciting or tragic.

Director Peter Jackson has a knack for raising the stakes. You know it’s only a matter of time before Gollum betrays Sam and Frodo. You think that’s all the hobbits have to worry about but then they meet the late Boromir’s brother, Faramir (David Wenham). You figure the journey Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli will make to the fortress at Helm’s Deep will be perilous, but then we see what’s brewing in Saruman's lair. The journey there is the least of their problems. There’s a glimmer of hope in the form of Merry, Pippin and Treebeard but the more we learn about tree-like Ents, the less you have faith in them. Those are all part of the big picture but within the individual characters, we have engaging stories too. In the kingdom of the elves, Arwen (Liv Tyler) is told by her father, Elrond (Hugo Weaving), that the elves are abandoning Middle-Earth, and that she would be foolish to stay, particularly for love. Frodo and Sam are at odds when it comes to Gollum, with Frodo sympathizing with the creature and Sam believing they’d be better off without him. In Gollum himself, there is conflict, as the creature’s twisted mind cannot decide whether it should act as a loyal guide to the hobbits or kill them in their sleep.

Whether swords are drawn or sheathed, you’ll be gripped by the picture but what you’ll probably remember best about “The Two Towers” are the big, special-effects-heavy scenes. Most memorable is Gollum, a character created entirely by motion capture. It’s common nowadays, but this is a rare example of a pioneered technique that still holds up. As soon as Gollum enters the frame, you just think of him as a character, never as a trick of the camera. You might even forget there was a person, not a creature on set. Equally capable of knocking you off your feet is the big battle at the end of the film. This gigantic siege, set at night, in the rain, is so well-lit and well-directed that you’re never lost or disoriented. It feels like everything's been building up to this and in some ways it is, but in others, it hasn't. There's still more to come in The Return of the King.

Like its predecessor, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is a significant achievement in filmmaking. The performances are excellent, the production on a scale we seldom see, the story and plot make you forget there’s a world outside of the movie itself. The only flaw in is that you can't sit down and watch this movie on its own, but it was never meant to be seen that way. (Extended Edition on Blu-ray, April 27, 2023)