#ofc fingon knows

[stacytea]

Maedhros has learned the black speech in Angband, can speak it fluently & very much prefers death than ever admitting it to anyone

[youareunbearable]

Watching Bridgerton and My God all im craving rn is Valinor!Russingon with Regency Era courting style

Hand kissing, balls with big sparkly outfits, courting seasons, Maglor willing and ready to shoot Fingon for kissing Maedhros and breaking his brother’s heart and honour by not marrying him after (CAUSE ELVES ONLY MARRY/LOVE ONCE!!! HOW DARE YOU NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY!!!), a Russingon scene with the "I Burn For You" line

Feanor would also be just like Anthony at the beginning of season one, scaring the hell out of all of Maedhros' suitors until his wife forces him to back off, Maglor and Feanor alternate between telling Fingon to Watch Himself and treat Maedhros with respect

Oh and a scene with Nerdanel with a heartbroken-but-doing-his-best-to-hide-it Maedhros, asking him if he really does want to marry the Teleri Prince, because all she wants for him is to be happy and marry for love, not power, like she did. And Maedhros with a schooled face and heartbroken eyes, who knows his family NEEDS political ties, NEEDS a favorable connection like what a good marriage would bring, just smiles at his mother and says that this marriage would be a good thing, would bring their family honour. And Nerdanel’s heart breaks for her beloved son who was put through so much and is sacrificing So Much

All of the other Feanorians are also there and doing the absolute Most to be Problems On Purpose and getting front row seats to their eldest brother's train wreck of a love life

[polutrope]

End of Year Recs

Inspired by @sallysavestheday's 8+8+8+8 Fic Recs, but with my own twist.

Below the cut, you will find 8 Fics by My Mainstays, 8 Fics by Authors New to Me, and 8 Works of Art.

As with any rec list, it's always hard to narrow it down -- but I also think rec lists are an important part of the fandom ecosystem and I've found many great fics I never would have clicked through them. Please look at my Bookmarks for more fics I loved, and please know you're all amazing for creating and sharing in this incredibly talented fandom 😚.

Many M- and E-rated fanworks below the cut because lbr, that's my jam.

8 Fics by My Mainstays

Some of my favourites by authors who have been consistently putting out writing I love well past the last year, many of whom I am fortunate to call friends.

Sing Thy Memories, Take My Hand by @melestasflight (E, 5.8k). Fingon/Maglor.

‘You have returned to Middle-earth for Maglor Fëanorion, you said?’ Elrond asks. ‘Yes, I am to beckon him come back to Valinor at last,’ Fingon answers hopefully. Few others had been willing to return to Middle-earth, and Fingon had already saved a Fëanorian cousin before. That made him more qualified for this task than most.

Melesta my dear, you put out some truly exceptional writing this year but holy damn did this blow me out of the water. You brought all of your powers to bear on this fic and it shows. Beautiful landscapes, complicated emotions, and sensuous smut.

i've been so worried (you've been so still) by @welcomingdisaster (E, 9.5k). Maglor/OFC.

A maiden of Estë does not explain. A maiden of Estë does not hold anger. A maiden of Estë does not tell what she has seen. A maiden of Estë does not follow kinslayers across the sea, nor does she sleep with the high regent of the Noldor.

Lena, you reached into my brain and pulled out the perfect fic for me. Ellind is a compelling OC, the Feanorian dynamics are so crunchy, the worldbuilding is fascinating and -- crucially -- Maglor is so sexy.

Filature by @sallysavestheday (G, 0.8k). Fingon.

After Thangorodrim, Fingon tries to come to terms with the urgency of Beleriand.

I am just screaming about the way sally uses her powers of economically florid (yes, it's a thing) language to delve into themes that are so core to Tolkien's writings through this character study of Fingon.

Strange Currencies by @jouissants (E, 67.2k, WiP). Maedhros/Maglor.

When Maedhros and Maglor fall together, they don't expect it to matter. Ages later, Maedhros is reembodied in Valinor to find himself married to a ghost. He and Maglor must face the repercussions of their history in Beleriand to move forward together, whether they want to or not.

How could I pick just one! I love everything you write, you know this. But it had to be this one. This fic just radiates love -- between the characters, and by the author for the characters. It's richly emotional, atmospheric, sometimes funny, and deeply engaged with canon in unexpected ways. Even if you don't care for the pairing or the tropes, please read it for the flashbacks. And don't say I didn't warn you if you're drawn in for the rest.

join my barren soil by @meadowlarkx (E, 11.1k). Maedhros/Maglor.

A familiar sound: the door Maglor had hung, parting in a rustle of leaves and cloth. Maedhros closed his eyes. “He wasn’t alone,” someone called out with grim satisfaction. “Brought a bedwarmer for the road.”

This gripped my heart with pain and then released it tenderly. Such an intricate and thoughtful fic. If the warnings make you wary but you're up to giving it a try, DO IT. Lark will never let you down with the tough themes.

An Incarnation by @i-am-a-lonely-visitor (M, 63.1k). Elrond & Family.

Haunted by a lifetime of grief even in the bliss of Aman, Elrond finds himself in a strange predicament — as the rest of his family learns how to survive the Fourth Age on two sides of the Sea.

Again, how do I pick but one fic by visitor? Of course, in the end, it had to be this final installment of his sprawling Elrondverse that I have been consuming like a fine dark chocolate these past few years. Another fic that just radiates affection for the characters and their world. Come for the delectable prose, spicy smut, and juicy conflict; stay for the eldritch identity fuckery and eggpreg.

To Evil End by @zealouswerewolfcollector (E, 2.9k). Fingon/Maedhros.

Decades after the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Fingon comes back to Maedhros.

Every time this author posts something with a complicated premise (which is almost always), I'm like /grabby hands/ gimme gimme gimme. This story gave me many chills. Hewer is a master of succinct and punchy dialogue. I can't believe it's less than 3k, for the impact it's had on my imagination.

it does not disturb your flesh by @crownlessliestheking (E, 50.7k). Celebrimbor/Earendil/Elwing.

There is a Fëanorian in the Havens of Sirion, and Elwing Dior’s daughter is allowing it.

I had no idea what to expect with this throuple and I was blown away by the characterisations, conflicts, and fascinating worldbuilding.

8 Fics by Authors New To Me

Some of my favourite fics by authors I read for the first time this year, and who made my fandom experience richer.

Succour by @misst1ff (E, 3.5k). Hunleth/Mablung.

Hunleth of the Haladin copes with loss and injury after the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and finds healing with Mablung of Doriath.

mouse's writing is crisp, clever, and funny and I'm so glad they're putting those powers to use on some less-explored characters. This fic is proof that straightforward PIV smut can be hot as hell. I love the use of cultural difference. Don't miss the follow-up threesome, either.

the darkness got a hold on me by @luthnethril (E, 7.3k). Daeron/Maglor, Maedhros/Maglor.

Daeron wants to throttle him. He wants to grab him by the collar of his lace robes and slam him against the wall—he wants to wipe that arrogant smirk off his face. "You can have a taste," Maedhros tells him, pushing him slightly forward towards Maglor's open legs. "Given that we are all here to promote relations with our respective peoples, I have decided to be generous."

I went into this skeptical of this triangulation but the author totally convinced me. I also really liked this Daeron and the way they did a Daeron-son-of-Elu that fit into Silm canon, for me.

make me come alive by @queerofthedagger (E, 6k) Maedhros/Maglor.

Maglor struggles to give up control. Maedhros makes sure that he learns.

I love this darker take on the uses of osanwe and on Maemag. It's also incredibly hot. I hope qotd sticks around the fandom for a bit, I'm loving the characterisations and voices they are bringing to some of my faves.

Threnody for the Dispossessed by kenaz. (T, 11.3k). Daeron/Maglor.

When the Valar recall Maglor to Valinor to plead for clemency, it falls to a reluctant rival to find him.

I couldn't believe I'd never read this Daemags before. It was so richly described and I love the characterisations of both, but especially Daeron's first-person POV.

spinning circles in your warm blood by @aredhels (M, 0.6k). Daeron/Luthien.

”Oh, brother,” she sighs as she kisses Daeron’s jaw, ”no one knows me like thee.”

It's the incestuous twist on "Daeron is Luthien's brother" that you never knew you needed. The codependence is so good, the prose beautiful.

rules of betrayal by @tobermoriansass (E, 42.5k). Curufin/Curufin's Wife ... and whole bunch of others.

Finrod attempts an experiment in the name of scientific, Noldorin curiosity about sex, the elf and spiritual enlightenment. It does not go as planned.

I can't belieeeeve clovis is a new author to me this year because they've been such a core part of my 2024 fic reading experience. I have never turned around and re-read a fic as quickly as I did rules of betrayal. A true testament to the way sex-in-art can open up avenues of character and psychology that nothing else can.

Spear-fishing for Ghosts by birrdieEdwards (T, 3.4k). Indis.

Then, her hide jerkin had been proof against tooth and claw and her stone spearpoint had been dipped in the blood of dark hunters and fell beasts. Now, her steel armament was shining and new and had never seen battle.

An entirely unexpected fill for a 2-year-old silmkinkmeme prompt of mine asking for Vanya POV on the War of Wrath. Everything about this fic is unique and I am in awe of this complex, intricate Indis characterisation. The rest of the fics in the series are just as good.

The Thorn is Exceedingly Sharp by @littlewhitemouseagain (E, 16.2k). Curufin/Eol.

After bellowing with laughter at the thought of such a contest, Telchar gathered the two elves up and proposed it to them at once: “A challenge of weapon-craft; the better-made weapon wins. Easy as that.” “What weapon?” asked Eol. “Swords?” asked Curufin, one ring-bedecked hand curled under his chin. Eol glanced at him, but Curufin kept his gaze on Telchar. “I can make no lesser of a blade than you.” “Ah,” Curufin mock-realized, rolling his eyes up at the cavern ceiling (an elven habit, as they often appealed to stars in their rhetoric), “I was being rude in suggesting a contest that would favor my skills. Perhaps, instead—” “And how does it favor you?” asked Eol, cold and biting.

I can't believe I've only been reading Littlewhitemouse for less than a year, either. Everything of theirs is so unique, so clever, so profound yet irreverent at once. I had trouble choosing just one of their fics, but ended up on this most recent Silmfic because it's a testament to how they manage to make a story about awful people so good and so compelling. And the sexual tension is hot as hell.

8 Works of Art

Some of the fanart that left an impression on me this year.

Maglor by @myceliumelium. I just love my guy looking wretched and beautiful with a spattering of blood.

Dior and Celegorm by @aamuusva. Dior the Fair, INDEED. I love his beauty and fierceness, I love Celegorm's unrepentant look.

Maglor by @exercise-of-trust. I don't know how to say it but he's just the ideal Maglor to me. And I love this artist's style.

Fingolfin by @ylieke. The DEFIANCE and GRIEF in this elf's eyes just pierces me right in the heart.

Amrod threatens Elrond and Elros by @runawaymun. An illustration for my fic! The artist went all-in on the horror of this moment and it's breathtaking.

Maedhros/Maglor by @tari-cua. I love everything tari-cua creates. The art is so lush and sensuous and their Maedhros and Maglor are so distinctly characterised. The fic @danmeiljie wrote inspired by this is a perfect accompaniment.

Reunion on the Beach by @arlenianchronicles. The beautiful, emotional art of Maglor and Elrond that I spent all summer staring at for TRSB.

Maglor's penance by @magicinavalon. Last but certainly not least, the strong, naked, tied-up Maglor we all deserve. Please also read the fic it illustrates by @queerofthedagger, you will NOT be disappointed.

[starsofarda]

Christmas with the Feanorians

I would like to thank @erendur for giving me enough rope for my shenanigans.

Tolkien, ILU but sometimes I need to take everything less seriously.

Of course TIS THE SEASON and I am in my transformation in a Christmas Elf, whilst my SO is becoming the Grinch.

Anyway, possible modern AU, the Feanorians and Christmas, stemming directly from this post.

So, we know how Feanor could be ©Extra™, but what would he be like during the Christmas holidays in a modern AU? Well, LOOK NO FURTHER.

I am basically copypasting my brainstorming session and expanding on it.

Unfortunately Feanor is a "go big or go home" guy when it comes to decorating for Xmas, figure the outside plastered in luminous deers, trees, elves, santas and all the works. You can spot his house from at least two miles afar. He will dress up as Santa*, show up with like all sorts of trinkets, hand-write "Santa's response letters" to his children. The inside of his house is cobered in holly decorations, Yule logs, xmas trees, xmas music all over the place. the guy is extra.

*or Father Christmas, your choice, regardless of who he dresses like he's gonna look like Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas, he is very tall, very lanky and he's not gonna be a fat old man delivering gifts.

this also prompts several arguments over the xmas dinner with Fingolfin, cue Finarfin trying to be the peacemaker, all the "not in front of the kids", the "language" and all. In the meantime every single one of the kids, regardless of who's the father, is a different flavour of terror. Nerdanel is with her SILs and nieces, at a certain point Aredhel just starts a treasure hunt with Celegorm and his dog Huan. It's chaos. Maedhros is with Fingon and maybe Maglor, if Maglor and Finrod are not playing Guitar Hero. And so on. Also did someone mention "ugly sweaters"? Yep. All of them lovingly crafted by grandma Miriel (in this AU she is alive, just very divorced from Finwe, but alive). Grandma Indis supplies the wreaths. Grandpa Finwe is sitting by the porch and enjoying some eggnog.

All is good. Feanor and Fingolfin will keep arguing till the end of time. As it was pointed out, this definitely looks like National Lampoon's Christmas holiday.

Now, some clarifications.

THE ELVES They are indeed Feanor's apprentices dressed as Father Christmas's elves. They take turns. They are low key enjoying the attention. Speaking of. I rectify myself, it's not Santa, but Father Christmas and his assistant polar bear - reference to Tolkien's "Letters from Father Christmas". I know Tolkien would have hated it, but this is a modern au. Whatever floats my boat. As for the ugly jumpers: Ofc Feanor has the Silmarils surrounded by snowflakes, deers and red robins. His jumper is red. Maedhros has got a green one with winter gnomes and a "happy yuletide" in elegant lettering. Fingon has a blue one with an icy mountain and penguins with silver scarves and hats.

So. The apprentices don't really mind being hired as Christmas Elves, Feanor pays well and it's all fun and games. They basically get to be up to any shenanigans they can conjure up, because in Feanor's forge not only he is Extra, but his apprentices are the Least Chill on Arda. They will cause problems on purpose, only rule is "be nice to the children" and "don't damage property in a significant way", but everything else is game. They get to dress in fun outfits as a plus.

Miriel and Indis are both there, mostly ignoring Finwe and doting on their daughters in law.

As for the jumpers.

Grandma Miriel lovingly embroidered and knitted them all. Any bad look has been met by Feanor's death glare of "accept my beloved mother's gift or die painfully" and every year they are a must have, especially if the party is at Feanor's house.

So far this is what I have.

Ofc Feanor has the Silmarils surrounded by snowflakes, deers and red robins. His jumper is red. Maedhros has got a green one with winter gnomes and a "happy yuletide" in elegant lettering. Fingon has a blue one with an icy mountain and penguins with silver scarves and hats. Also if Mae has a green one with gnomes, then I envision Fingon with the same but in yellow/golden, but do feel free to envision whatever :p Celegorm has one with like a poodle with a christmas hat and scarf, the poodle looking very much like Huan. Maglor has one with like hollys and singing red robins. Caranthir has one with xmas trees all over. A&A have matching ones, both with snowmen wearing sunglasses and like a cheeky line. Curufin has one designed to show the jacket of a xmas elf and celebrimbor has one with the design of the ribbon of a xmas present.

There will be more as soon as I think of something else.

[doodle-pops]

Hii^^

Your Námo fic was such a fun read, but Mina… you turn every person I don’t like into ones that I would die for✨ You can’t make me simp for everyone… it’s not fair 🫣

Also, I have a question~ Which Elf would own cats, dogs or other exotic animals (parrots, snakes etc.)?

A/N: ✨️That’s a special ability of mine✨️ I have superpowers, and I’m glad that you enjoyed it ☺️. As for which elves would have interesting pets apart. Also, I’m not good at knowing the names of different domestic cats, so excuse my lack of knowledge 🫣

Cats...

— Maedhros (the very fluffy ones), Caranthir (probably a panther), Curufin, Finrod, Egalmoth, Rog (I know it might be odd, but just pick this giant being cuddly and soft with a kitty), Erestor, Beleg (a panther), Gwindor (a black cat bc he needs good laughter from their antics)

Dogs...

— Celegorm (I can see him having lots of others, but being a dog person sticks out the most bc of Huan), Amrod, Amras, Argon, Beleg, Elladan

Birds…

— Feanor, Maglor (parrot), Fingolfin, Fingon (eagles esp after saving Mae), Finarfin (goldfish; to obv lol), Ecthelion (swans), Egalmoth (peacock)

Horses...

— Celegorm (ofc), Caranthir, Amrod, Amras, Fingolfin, Fingon, Argon, Angrod, Aegnor, Glorfindel, Beleg, Elrohir, Elladan, Gil Galad, Elrond

Fishes...

— Celebrimbor (a nice pond filled with a variety), Turgon, Finarfin, Finrod, Galdor, Elrond

Others...

— Celegorm (a wolf bc why not), Galdor (rabbits/bunnies/turtles), Maeglin (ferrets/weasels/mole), Thingol (deers/elks/reindeer), Beleg (a capybara and wolf as well; the entire forest of animals probably lol)

[thelordofgifs]

Writing Patterns: Closing Lines

@polutrope tagged me to share the final lines of my ten most recently posted fics! Thanks for the tag, this is such a fun game!

Fingon looks at him for a long moment: and then smiles, and says, “It does,” and rises onto his toes to kiss Maedhros again, and the Sun is warm and gentle on their heads as their lips meet. (kept you like an oath, 1k, G, russingon)

Fingon could not but admit that he did. (sore must be the storm, 6k, E, russingon)

And I know it is wrong to draw strength from being his — but all the same I hope (Notes on the Care of the Tormented, ed. Elrond Half-elven, 4k, T, Maedhros & Maglor)

She is glad Abraphêl knows how to swim. (before the black gale, 8k, E, ofc x ofc)

But here was his brother in his arms, all the same, and the sound of his breathing rose and fell with the same steady cadence as the unending roar of the Sea. (the cleaving, 8k, G, Maedhros & Maglor)

And he turns back to the chest before Maedhros can object. (crowns and other trinkets, 1k, G, Maedhros & Maglor)

Fingolleth has not the breath to object – nor, admittedly, does she wish to do so. (handmaiden, 3k, E, russingon)

Maglor took his hand, and leaned against him, and they watched as the fire dwindled into the warm darkness of the spring evening. (to be so bound, 2k, G, Maedhros & Maglor)

“Of course, Atar,” he said, and followed his father out of the garden, leaving Fingon standing alone by the wall. (Belonging, 1k, T, russingon)

“[Rhetorical question]?” says [character], and then he [verbs]. (the fairest stars, 78k, T, WIP, redacted for obvious reasons)

I don’t think there’s any particular pattern here – I like a closing line, but they do seem to vary quite a bit! I close on dialogue more often than this sample seems to suggest, I think.

Tagging @welcomingdisaster, @eilinelsghost, @thescrapwitch, @grey-gazania, @niennawept and anyone else who’d like to join in!

[busymagpie]

May I ask what, if any, were your refs were for Fingon's dress/chiton in the "scandalously close" comic? It reads to me as *mostly* an ionian chiton but with some interesting layering that I can't quite pick apart.

Reason I'm asking is that holy shit do I want that dress! And figuring out the construction and if it's based on any real-life examples would be amazing. You draw Fingon with my exact hair and skin so I pay attention to his outfits ^^

Sure! :D I have a pinterest board dedicated to clothing refs on which I pin everything that gives me certain character vibes.

It's not an ionian chiton, but kinda a moroccan caftan with a tulle cape. I kept the dress sleeveless and added a tulle cape with gold accents. I also really liked the slits in the cape from the third ref. At least how how that ref reads to me. (1) (2) (3)

I wanna let you know that it makes me unreasonable happy that you pay attention to his outfits 🥰 I f you ever, idk, make that dress.. I wanna see! (if you want to show it ofc)

[valacirya]

Other people still speaking Quenya doesn't mean that the banning of a language is not a form of cultural genocide (you can't recognize the term when applied in the clearest sense in fiction but accuse ofc it's “everybody else” that doesnt know what it means and minimizing it). If you wanna invoke “real life” shit, languages that have been banned are still public knowledge, doesn't mean barring them wasn't an act in the name of eliminating that culture. The lang. survived *despite* his actions, not bc he was so accepting of them. And attempting to monopolize the common tongue or make your own tongue the lingua Franca of a place is still... xenophobic? It's xenophobia.

He wasn't "making" his language the lingua franca of Beleriand. It already was. Thingol was protecting his culture and people from being assimilated into the Noldor, who came with the express intent of establishing their own kingdoms and showed disdain towards the Sindar ("dark elf in his dark caves"). And like I said in the post, the ban was a way to enact some sort of consequence for the Noldor who murdered his brother's people, stole and burned their ships, lied to him about it and also disrespected him and his people. I really don't think he was trying to "eliminate" Noldorin culture. He told Finrod where to build Nargothrond because Finrod valued his input and showed respect and admiration for the Sindar. He honored Hurin and Morwen even though they were vassals of Fingolfin/Fingon. He doesn't prevent Cirdan or the Laiquendi from establishing positive relations with the Noldor, and he takes in Noldorin refugees after Nargothrond's fall, as well as Sindar who worked for the Noldor after Bragollach. The ban was his way of protecting Beleriandic/Sindarin culture, showing his authority, and yes, as a consequence for the Kinslaying.

I expressly did not "invoke real life shit" in my post because I don't feel comfortable using terms like racism to describe fantasy events (unless we're talking about authorial intent like how Tolkien wrote the Haradrim and Easterlings, which was undoubtedly racist). But if you want to go down that path, don't forget that Thingol and the Sindar were native to Beleriand, and the Noldor came to take and rule territory (among other reasons). Again, do not like applying this here and it's not an exact comparison but if we go with a simplified idea of colonizer/colonized, then the Sindar are in the position of the colonized. In a (limited) comparative hypothetical scenario, the ban is like if Mughal emperor Jahangir banned English in the subcontinent and told his subjects to speak only Persian/Hindi-Urdu with the East India Company. I see nothing wrong with that.

Also, not only did Quenya survive and remain accessible, in LotR it was still considered the "High Elven" tongue compared to Sindarin, so the ban didn't even make it taboo or associated with kinslaying.

To each their own though. I'm just defending my opinion, I don't expect you to agree with me.

[writerrose1998]

Title: Deep Waters

Chapters: 13/13

Rating: T

Pairing: Maedhros/Fingon & Glorfindel/Elarinya (OFC)

Summary: Reborn into Middle-Earth's First Age with only a passing knowledge of the books and movies, Elarinya knows there is a lot of work to be done if she wants her loved ones to survive the coming battles.

Neither her father nor Doriath were going to fall.

This is her oath.

[legendariium]

I am curious what your ships for each of your mises are. (can be canon or oc or all of your muses but I am curious about all of them I just know there are a lot of them)

Oh man I have so many muses I should put this under a readmore

So to start with my canon muses;

My Orophin and @antleredthrone ‘s Thranduil have had a thing going for years and I adore it even if I am bad at replying to stuff they live in my head rent free. Egalmoth is a general ship with any of the the lord of Gondolin tbh but particularly Turgon.

Daeron/Maglor enemies-to-lovers sounds very 👀 to me ngl. I ship Edrahil/Finrod but it’s unrequited. Also hateship Edrahil/Curufin or Edrahil/Celegorm or Curufin/Edrahil/Celegorm

Thuringwethil/Melian is hhhhhhh I like it. Also Thuringwethil/Ungoliant. Fingon is difficult bc fandom has made Russingon inescapable and I can’t tell if I actually like it or if I’ve just accepted it

Eonwe/Sauron is cute to me except it’s a very innocent and sweet kind of thing they had. Eventually they both hold back bc they each think the other doesn’t feel that way anymore but deep down I think they love each other until the very end, even if they never admit it

I love Dior/Nimloth being childhood sweethearts idc if the timelines don’t match up. Also Dior/Celegorm hnnnnnnn

My favorite Tilion ship is probably Oromë/Tilion bc Tilion is a slut for his Vala. I love platonic Tilion/Arien, aka being each other’s literal soulmates but not in a romantic way. Tilion has also been shipped with Melkor in the past and that was rly fun!! In the realm of oc’s, Tilion has a ship with Maltaril @enchantedwoodandflames and it kinda swept me away with how sweet it is I love it

I love Halenthir ofc- but also Caranthir/Ulfang is kinda juicy. I also ship him with an OC wife that he’s a total simp for. Nellas doesnt ship with anyone, I hc her as aro/ace.

Maeglin is a very fresh muse and I’m still figuring him out but like. Sauron/Maeglin has been rolling around in my head lately and it’s kinda 👀

Aight for the OC’s:

I ship Linadel with a couple LoTRO characters (Laerdan, Lothrandir, Aighrig). Inunir doesn’t have any particular ships right now, but in the past he’s been attracted to the baddies & also attractive hunks. The taller the better tbh

My Elurin (which I’m listing here bc it’s non-canon compliant Elurin) doesn’t have any ships yet. He might be ace. Rina has a couple fun ships here with other OC’s that I have yet to explore very deeply but they also live in my head rent free even though I’m bad at responding. Rina is pansexual & she’s usually attracted to people who are different in some way, people who stick out from the crowd.

[ruiniel]

Bites

Fandom: The Silmarillion

Rating: M(ish)

Relationship: Celegorm/Fingon

Additional Tags: Years of the Trees Valinor, Sexual Humor, Rough Kissing, Biting ofc, Flirting, Mild Blood

Count: 0.4k

Summary: a short written a while ago for Tolkien Scribbles & Drabbles 2023

AO3

A side of him expected it to come to this: their competitive natures always clashed, and here was no different. What Tyelkormo didn’t expect, was to like it. For his cousin to track him after his feat, relentless as a Maia of his own horned patron. He softened under the hot grip and the brush of ravenwing curls now lush against his jaw, the force of the sudden bite only giving him more grief, as much as the surge of pleasure he wished he could ignore (his body chose not to listen, now of all times).

"... will you return the dagger?" Findekáno murmured his woe in half-jest before another mind-bending go at the flushed skin of his opponent: warm lips and hard teeth, biting into muscle with relish.

Tyelkormo never thought his half-cousin had it in him. He would have said as much, but found speech hard at that moment. Tyelkormo found himself hardening, and trying to hide it was about as successful as aiming to shoot down a wyvern with a slingshot. “... No,” he said, partly because he really didn’t want to, and partly because this felt too much like the time he wrestled with a bear in the wilds to the North of Valinor, over a trite misunderstanding related to a poorly picked camping place. He felt much like he did now: overwhelmed and much too alive to submit, despite knowing that he will, eventually, lose. "You're stronger than you seem, I will give you this," he grunted suddenly tackling Findekáno, tossing him none-too-gently on his back.

Findekáno growled (good, bad? Tyelkormo decided it didn't matter now), trying to catch a handful of silver hair and pull—only to pause at the sudden pressure on his hips. "It's my weapon, I won it by right. You cheated. Return it, you dishonorable wretch!"

Tyelkormo grinned, sudden and vicious, lips bloodied by a previously well-placed elbow. It was almost... sweet, the way Findekáno struggled. "There is a very poor jest I have as an answer to that."

"Tyelkormo! I-will-end-you!" Findekáno snapped again, his rage choked by a groan too sudden and wanton to not belie his words when the jest became truth.

"I'd like to see you try..." his opponent murmured, gaze softening as he looked down upon his capture.

His cousin's snarl, poise and all faded, a pinch of fondness replacing the animosity on his face. Tyelkormo smiled as a warm, fearless hand gripped his hipbone. Sometimes, they understood each other better this way.

[maironsbigboobs]

i did not see you reblog the ship meme forgive me if i’m hallucinating. now talk about sauron/maedhros.

Drop a ship in my inbox and I’ll fill everything out below ! It’s a mix from fluff to nsfw

How did they first meet? In Valinor. Mai wanted an inside man to know what Feanor was up to.

Who felt romantic feelings first? Sauron doesn't quite feel love in the same way as Elves. He came obsessed post Darkening. Maedhros had presumbly lost romantic feelings for him by then.

Did either of them try to resist their feelings? Mhmmm delicious Thangorodrim angst. Mae trying to deny any lingering feelings. Sauron being like "he's just some elf idc"

Who initiated their feelings first? Sauron

Who said “I love you” first? Sauron. He wanted to make his claim.

Who gets jealous easily? SAURON

Who is more protective? SAURON but in a bad way.

Who remembers the little things? Sauron remembers everything and he's creepy about it

Who talks about their feelings more? They never talk about feelings

Who uses the cheesier pickup lines? Maedhros it would be cute.

What does a first date look like for them? A lovely cliff side picnic :3

What do they like to do together? They talked a lot about crafting (art and smithing) and responsibilities and philosophy

Which one gets angry the most, leaving the other to calm them down? No prizes for guessing Sauron.

Do they like PDA? Sauron does...

What are their big spoon / little spoon arrangements? Sauron likes to be big spoon, snuggle his elf.

Does one like the cuddle more than the other? Depends on the era...

Who hogs the blankets? Sauron even though he's already 100000 degrees.

Who’s more likely to initiate sex? Professional Slut Sauron

Who’s the kinkiest? ..... Sauron.

Who is the top and bottom in their sex life? Are they interchangeable? I don't think they have much sex actually given the circumstances. It changes but its always Sauron who decides.

Who likes giving and who likes receiving oral? I don't think either have strong preferences.

Can they last more than one round? Elf stamina. Maia stamina. Ofc.

Which one is a morning person? Maedhros.

Do either of them like to cook? Maedhros. Sauron likes to cook... elf.

If they get married, who proposes first? Sauron insists on being proposed to.

What kind of wedding do they have? ALL OUT HUGE WEDDING and yes Sauron is a bridezilla.

Does anyone object to their relationship? Maglor. Curufin. Celegorm. Caranthir. Amrod & Amras. Feanor. Fingon. Morgoth. Everyone.

Do they have any kids? Yes they do :3

Do they have any pets? Sauron considers the rest of Maedhros' family his pets. Also at least 1 wolf.

[polutrope]

End of Year Fic Recs

Thanks @sallysavestheday for starting this template, and for the tag!

Recommend up to 5 series or multi-chapter fics from 2023 that everyone should read (multi-year WIPs count, if the last update was in 2023).

Recommend up to 5 single chapter fics/one-shots (long or short) from 2023 that everyone should read.

Recommend up to 5 fics NOT from 2023 that everyone should read (oldies but goodies).

Recommend up to 5 of your own fics (completed or WIP) from 2023 that everyone should read.

This was so hard. I need time for ten more rec lists because I read so much good stuff this year. If you are not on here but I commented on your fic this year, know that I sincerely wanted to put you on here. If you are not here and I didn't comment on your fic this year, please help me find it next year!!

Multi-Chapter/Other

Such a Marriage by DifferentSong (M, 29k, WiP). f!Maedhros/Maglor. Beautiful and unique treatment of these characters and relationship in the years after the second kinslaying. If you’re uncertain about this ship but curious, I highly recommend giving this story a try. 

Droit du Seigneur by destinedatoms (E, 6.4k, WiP). Various elven kings hook up with their mortal vassals. Each chapter is so funny and hot, and features povs from very underwritten female characters. 

Loyalty: A Tale in Three Voices (not rated, 10.1k, WiP) by @grey-gazania. Caranthir, Uldor, Easterling OFC. Compelling story, characters, and incredible worldbuilding following three unique POVs as an alliance is forged between the Easterlings and Feanorians. Great use of first-person. 

Price of Eternity (series) by Encairion (E, 1.83 million, WiP). The novels and stories in this series are not going to be for everyone. They tackle basically every difficult topic you can imagine. They include takes that would probably make some of my mutuals torch the swanships. But Encairion does it all so skillfully. She’s like an artist who has mastered the techniques (i.e., the canon) and then does something radically original that only works because she has that foundation down. Some of her characterisations rewired my brain. I’m still far from done reading the series, but it’s truly a monumental achievement and so worth diving into with an open mind.

Celegorm by @dawnfelagund (reference work). Dawn’s bio of Celegorm for the Silmarillion Writers’ Guild is meticulously researched and engagingly written. Definitely worth a read for any fans of the Fëanorians or just how Tolkien’s characters evolved over the course of the legendarium’s development.

One-shots

The dining room by @ettelene (T, 8.8k). Ettelene kills it with group scenes and dynamics and this riotous fic about a Feanorian family dinner at Formenos from Celebrimbor’s POV showcases it beautifully. 

Against His Wisdom by @melestasflight (M. 3.7k). Fingon/Fingolfin. A stunning, insightful look at the complexities of this relationship. Melesta handles the nature of the relationship so artfully. As always, their prose is so satisfyingly economical and impactful. I know the pairing may make some wary but I really encourage people to give it a try.

stardrop by @welcomingdisaster (T, 0.7k). Daeron/Maglor. I almost wept when I read this fic because it's so perfect. Lena somehow managed to get everything I love about this ship into 700 words. Doom, deceit, cultural misunderstandings, telling the narrative of your own life, immortality/mortality… if you want to know why I love Daemags, read this. 

As Little as Might be Thought by @imakemywings (T, 2.9k). “Kidnap fam”. Rocky is a master of the argument and this spat between Maedhros and Maglor over the peredhel’s upbringing showcases it. So much characterisation and complicated relationship dynamics packed into this short piece. 

Memories, Like Grains of Sand by @cuarthol (G, 1k). Elrond & Elros. cuarthol wrote some beautiful, complex works this year but this short piece stood out for me. The peredhel twins return to Balar and try to piece together their memories of Sirion. Showcases cuarthol’s talent for little moments of intimacy that will make you cry, not because they are particularly tragic (though they may be), but because they feel so real.

Oldies

Maglor and Daeron Sing the Blues by Voidflower (G, 5.6k). Maglor and Daeron meet in the Mississippi delta in the 1920s. I want to pour this fic in a crystal glass and sip on it on a rainy evening. Gorgeous prose and deeply satisfying character dynamics. 2018.

Dancing with my punchlines by LiveOakWithMoss (M, 321k). I know this Modern AU is fandom-famous already, but by god there’s a reason. I could not put these dramamonsters down. It was funny, it was touching, and it was spicy. I want to rip this fic open like a bag of chips and shovel it into my mouth in great handfuls. 2016. 

What We May Become by @naryaflame (M, 8.8k). Caranthir/Finrod. Narya’s prose is delectably crisp and sensuous and I just loved reading this well-constructed nonlinear story of a fascinating rarepair. 2020.

The Redemption of Daeron by Rhunedhel (T, 7.3k). Daeron/OFC. I actually just found this and have not actually finished it, but I’ve read the first two chapters and it’s such a beautiful alliterative verse poem (!!) and original story of Daeron among the Avari. 1997.

An Education by @i-am-a-lonely-visitor (M, 49.4k). visitor has some of the most scrumptious, clever prose and most memorable characterisations I have read in the fandom and this first installment of his Elrondverse covering the early years is bursting with peredhel coming-of-age delights. 2021.

Mine

Scorched (E, 4.9k). Elrond/Maedhros, Maedhros/Maglor, Elrond & Elros. A psychosexual unfamily drama on Amon Ereb. Really enjoyed the experience of letting this tale unravel as I dipped into the minds of all four characters. 

First Contact (T, 2.7k). Daeron/Maglor. Post-canon (they both sail). Daeron meets Fëanor. It’s a silly bit of sitcom, but also it’s about healing. 

Who By Fire (M, 4.9k). Amrod/Fingolfin. A deep dark dive into the psyches of two hurting men in the early days of Fingolfin in Beleriand. 

If You Are the Healer (E, 4.6k). Maedhros/Maglor. Liege/vassal dynamics and heaps of angst surrounding Maedhros’ decision to abdicate to Fingolfin. It’s fucked up, but they love each other. 

Everlasting Darkness (E, 10.2k). Earendil/Maedhros, Elwing/Maglor (also Elwing/Earendil, Maedhros/Maglor). Canon divergence shitshow where Maedhros and Maglor are released from their oath on condition that they serve Eärendil and Elwing. My first fic of 2023, and it set me careening off the rails. No regrets.

[Bonus fic under my pseud: Played (E, 12.1k) by disastrousexpense. Maedhros/Maglor, Fingon/Maedhros. Absolutely off-the-rails smut between two asshole brothers in Valinor. It was SO FUN to write.]

Tagging the people tagged already and @curufiin @elentarial @lightqueer @searchingforserendipity25 @ladysternchen @tethysresort if you'd like to share your recs!

[sauron-kraut]

SILMARILLION and also SANDMAN and IWTV for the ask game ❤️

The Silmarillion:

Favorite character: MAIRON/SAURON

Second favorite character: Fëanor! Don't have the star of Fëanor tattooed for nothing.

Least favorite character: No character that I really don't like comes to my mind (there's probably too many characters :D) but there's definitely a few that I don't care about too much.

The character I'm most like: Hopefully none but aesthetics wise (as I imagine him): Mairon ofc

Favorite pairing: Mairon/Melkor, Annatar/Celebrimbor, Finrod / literally anyone, Fingon/Maedhros

Least favorite pairing: None that I truly despise atm I believe, depends on how it's framed.

Favorite moment: Sauron putting Celebrimbor's dead body up on his banner. H O T

Rating out of 10: I don't have enough zeros to follow the 1

I know this was quite similar to your original answer @lvsifer but we really do pretty much have one braincell regarding this.

The Sandman:

Favorite character: Desire 💔

Second favorite character: Dream I guess

Least favorite character: Thessaly

The character I'm most like: I sincerely hope I'm not like them but yeah, Desire; especially digging comic!Desire's fashion sense.

Favorite pairing: Desire/anyone except:

Least favorite pairing: Desire/Unity Kincaid (that's fucked up in not a good way to me personally), and super popular Dreamling somehow

Favorite moment: Death "collecting" people in The Sound of Her Wings - that was so touching.

Rating out of 10: 9/10

IWTV:

Favorite character: Lestat

Second favorite character: Louis (yeah I'm a no brainer in this one)

Least favorite character: Didn't like Santiago so far but let's see how that's probably about to change with the new season of AMC's IWTV :D

The character I'm most like: Louis, I too am contemplating life, constantly grieving while also wanting to f*ck blonde problematic men

Favorite pairing: Sigh. Good old Loustat.

Least favorite pairing: Can't think of any specific one.

Favorite moment: It's all one big favorite moment.

Rating out of 10: 9/10 (all existing media and adaptations combined and let's not talk about the Queen of the Damned movie)

[leucisticpuffin]

Hello! I have a question abt ur amazing brilliant showstopping fic we will make this place our home, if you don’t mind :) I have been thinking—the Silmarillion, of course, is not really about the silmarils at all, but they are nevertheless a symbol of beauty lost and a vision of hope, while also bringing tragedy down on those who seek it. And I realized: if you view it through that lens, then maedhros’ silmaril is clearly Fingon (who was presumably lost to the sky), while elrond and elros’ silmaril is their parents (lost to the sea). In fact it’s a really beautiful and impressive parallel bc both Maedhros and elrond explicitly in-text hold up their respective "silmarils" as the things that make them keep going, while also being a symbol of an idyllic time now lost. So…does maglor have a silmaril? Does it have anything to do with the wife he was so upset at the mention of in Oroyanwë? Was she perhaps lost under the earth in some fashion (or perhaps to fire) to complete the parallel? Ofc this may be veering into spoiler territory but I wanna know if I’m right!!

(PS i am oswinry on AO3 and I enjoyed ur fic and ur gracious response to my comment so so much.)

I have been mulling over this ask all day. I'd love to say the parallel was planned, but I'm afraid it is entirely accidental.

You are making me think, though; I love it when people find things in my writing I hadn't noticed, and will definitely be leaning into this idea going forward!

As for what Maglor's silmaril would be - his wife would be the obvious answer, but I'm pretty sure she divorced him, which doesn't really fit the earth/fire parallels. On the other hand, Maglor did own a house in Tirion (AU version of London) during the Blitz...

[gwaedhannen]

Another one!

Athrabeth by @raisingcain-onceagain (M, CNTW, Gen, 4.2k; Pengolodh, Erestor, Sauron, Finrod)

Pengolodh and Erestor annotate a rather strange text which has found its way into Elrond's library. Pengolodh has opinions, Erestor's not so sure.

[7] These terms - cruel, abhorred, false - are repeated throughout the text as though the mythical prince proposes to name his tormentor. The only even pseudo-historical reference we might tie to this is a pre-Flight figure that the Avari and the Sinda called Gorthaur. Whatever flight of fancy Gorthaur might have been, the wise among the Noldor quickly dismissed the figure as a mother’s tale to frighten babes off bad behavior, instead focusing on the true and quantifiable threat posed by Sauron. ~Pengolodh [8] More recent evidence suggests that Gorthaur and Sauron might have been one and the same. -Erestor

Storm-crow, doomed by notvega (M, GDV & MCD, F/M & M/M, 12k; Maedhros/OFC, Maedhros/Fingon)

A look into Maedhros, his deeds, and the omnipresent Doom of the Noldor through the eyes of his once-betrothed. Featuring an excellent OC and a take on Maedhros I've been unable to get out of my mind.

There is a part of her that believes Fingon agreed to the Union of Maedhros and the assault on Angband only to give Maedhros a more honourable death than he would have at Elwë Singollo’s hands. It is the same part that wishes that death had come to pass. She hates it. She hates that Fingon died and Maedhros had to live to see it. Yet would it not be crueller if Fingon had lived to see Maedhros turn his sword on Doriath? She doesn’t know. The water in her eyes is tears. She can see the shore. She will make it. Artanáro will succeed where Fingon failed. He will stop them. (She does not think on the fact that she too could have stopped them. Could have saved Doriath. That she condemned them instead.)

To die in the light by @skyeventide (M, GDV, Gen, 6.8k; OFC, Maedhros)

An escaped thrall tries to learn to live again. It's not easy.

The years of thraldom have tested her mettle beyond what she’d thought a spirit could endure. And yet, when she falls in the tall grass and her eyes roll upwards to the heavens, lit up by Anor to painful brightness, she knows she shall not ever take another step forward. The soil under her is cold, but soft. Pebbles dig into her skin, but the grass that frames her vision sways gentle in the biting breeze, and she can smell – smell things other than smoke, sulphur, tangy coppery blood, or sweat. Smell the earth. Better to die here, she thinks feverishly; here, blinded and lung-hurting from cold breaths, but in the light. And if it is death, it is a slow one. High above, carrion birds fly in circles, dark spots against the blue. Then a rumble comes, a vibration against her back and her head, which makes her fingers dig into the soil, holding onto something when the ground will inevitably split open and swallow her back into its filthy dark bosom. They won’t kill her, as long as she can work – surely she can still work. The rumble, an earthquake around her, crashes and diminishes. The grass is not disturbed. A musky smell of animals crawls in her nose. « It is a thrall », one says, a singing voice unmarred by the struggles of bondage. « Alive? » A high-pitched sound that, mid-way through its course, she recognises as neighing rings in her ears. These are those who were once her own people, for no orc speaks Edhellen in this flowing manner among the soldiers of Belegûr, and her fellow miners, well, they do not ride horses. « Barely. » « …What shall we do, captain? » She waits; this tune, she knows well and intimately. Verdict has never been death before, they had use for her; here, how can she tell? Her held breath is like a rope wound too tightly around her ribcage. They hate you there.

sown as seed in the dark by @melestasflight (G, CNTW, Other, <1k; Fingolfin & Ard-galen)

Turns out plants can make me cry even when it isn't allergy season. The remnants of life in Ard-galen welcome Fingolfin's final charge, and mourn him.

‘What new evil disturbs the earth now?’ One of the yarrow flowers cried out. ‘It is no evil,’ murmured the vulnerable seeds of grass trembling still beneath the dirt. ‘Who then? Is that not Oromë returned to roam these lands?’ ‘None of the Valar, but the King rides upon Rochallor, his great steed. Yea, and wrathful he is, flying ahead as an arrow.’ ‘The King? The elven King? The Wise?’ All the flowers of the yarrow stirred, shuffling in their clusters. ‘Here comes the one who summoned us from our long dream! Beneath his marching feet, our kin of old sprang to life.’

Happy Friday, Fellowship! 💛

Fic recs are the best way to help promote someone else’s works! Find some of your favorite fics, they could be WIPs, completed, old, new, whatever you want to share, and rec at least (1) of them for us and your followers to see! Who knows, it might just be the fic someone out there is looking for!

Bonus: tag the author (if possible) and share with us why you are recommending this fic!