#sotwk ocs

[sotwk]

The Sea Is Always Right (Elendil x OFC) - Part 1 of 4

Summary: The story of how the sea brought to Elendil his wife and the mother of his sons: a nymph in the service of Uinen, who had given up her world to join him in his.

Word count: 1.6k

Content: Romance, Comfort, Fluff, Magic, First Meeting, Mysterious Identities, Sea Nymphs, Reimagined Fairy Tale, SotWK AU and OC

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: None

To Read on AO3: Link

This chapter/ficlet is for @dilettantefeminist, who requested an Elendil fic. I hope you like this one. :)

Divider by @plum98

Chapter One

STRANGE TIDES INDEED

Second Age 3204

Andúnië, Númenor

“No--stop! Be careful!”

He snatched her wrist and yanked her hand away in time, before the freshly kindled flames, dancing in fiendish defiance of the seaside breeze, could burn her outstretched fingers. Elendil shook his head, his face swathed in warring halves of incredulity and frustration. But nothing registered in the girl’s expression as she blinked stupidly back at him. When he loosened his panicked grip, she simply withdrew her hand underneath the blanket wrapped about her and buried half her face behind her knees. 

Strange and stranger, Elendil thought, as he plopped back down on the sand. Silence resumed between them, its awkwardness mollified only by the crackle of the bonfire and the rhythmic crashing of waves. He had been a sailor long enough to have participated in the rescue of many near-drowned unfortunates. This one, however, had been a peculiar case from the onset, leaving the young lieutenant wondering whether the situation was too much for him to handle, and how quickly he could pass her on to someone else’s concern. 

He decided to try again. 

“The sun is low,” he began, prodding the fire between them idly with a stick. “If you have nowhere else to go, I know of an inn that will take you for the night. The innkeeper is a kind lady and a good friend of mine. You would not have to pay.”

Only because he would pay her way, but she did not need to know that.

Yet still the girl said nothing. In fact, it only worsened; suddenly she would not even look at him. Curled up into herself, she shrank fully underneath the saddle cloth he had given her off his horse’s back, to provide additional warmth on top of the shirt he had relinquished to guard her dignity.

It was easy enough to overlook decency when he first spotted her pale form prostrate on the shore, water sloshing up to her chest with every sweep of the tide. He leaped off his horse and ran up to pull her further ashore, away from the sea’s covetous reach. 

Once he had positioned her face-up, she was quick to regain consciousness. Before Elendil could lean in to check for pulse or breath, she opened her eyes. There was none of the gasping, coughing, or spitting of salt water that usually came from ones hauled from the deep. With the gradual ease of one waking from a light slumber, the stranger sat up on her own accord and faced Elendil where he crouched next to her. Her wide gaze locked directly with his, and she raised her hand, her fingertips hovering over, but never quite meeting, the hairs of his bearded cheek.

Only then did Elendil’s attention finally fall on the girl’s nakedness, for not an inch of her shivered, despite being thoroughly soaked and at the wind’s mercy. She made no effort to cover herself up. She just stared at him, her features morphing through a progress of expressions too obscure for him to read. 

As Elendil hurried to strip off his outer tunic and help her slip into it, questions rushed from his mouth. 

Are you all right?  Are you hurt?  What happened? How did you come to be in such a state?  What is your name? 

She did not answer, speak a word, or even utter a sound, which left Elendil to surmise that she had gone into shock from her ordeal. He led her inland to drier ground, where he proceeded to build a fire to help warm her up. As he worked he introduced himself, and told her where she presently was, assured her of her safety, and kept up a one-sided conversation using whatever other topics came to mind until he felt like a rambling fool. 

When he finally circled back to his earlier line of questioning, she remained entirely mute, repaying his efforts with that unwavering blank stare. Elendil wondered whether she simply required a hard shake to be broken free of her haze, but he balked at laying hands on such a pitiful waif. Perhaps she needed more time to regain control of her faculties? 

And so Elendil sat across the fire from her in watchful yet uncomfortable silence. He tried to ignore the stare that bore through him with such intensity and persistence. Gradually her gaze learned to wander off and study other things in their surroundings, from her own two feet to the rolling waves far across the blue horizon, but it always returned to Elendil.

Whether those eyes truly saw the things it beheld, was another matter. Elendil had his doubts, judging from the way she looked at him. Without fear, without curiosity, without confusion. Just…nothing. 

After nearly an hour of waiting, not much had changed…except Elendil’s forbearance had run out, leaving space for annoyance to sprout. He would have been home by now were it not for this unexpected detour, and there was nothing left for him to do if the strange girl could not, or would not, communicate with him. 

Elendil scrambled to his feet, a bit too sharply and without warning, yet she did not flinch. “We shall go then,” he announced firmly, to signal that he would accept no argument. “No doubt a hot supper and sleep on a soft bed will refresh you. In the morning you will feel much improved.”

That was the hope, at least. Elendil gave her a faint smile, which received no response like all the others, and walked a short distance across the beach to fetch his horse. 

Valar willing, Yavien would have better luck with the girl. The innkeep had much more experience dealing with all sorts of characters, and maybe a gentle woman would be better received. Leaving her at the inn was surely the correct choice.

Elendil took Súrion by the reins and smoothed a hand over the black courser's neck. He spoke quietly to the animal and began adjusting its tack, preparing him to bear a second rider.

And then he heard it. Soft, high notes carried by the sea breeze, swept into his ears where by its sweetness, it was immediately recognized. Elendil whipped around. The song. That wordless, unknown  melody that had haunted his mind, awake or asleep, recalled or unbidden, unceasing since that day the sea nearly claimed him.

That day he was saved. That day he awoke with the fast-fading memories of clinging to a driftwood plank, and of the desperate moment his strength failed after hours of fighting the raging current. He should have been lost to the deep forever. Instead he found himself with his back to the sands and his face to the dawn sky, bathing in a pale light and a beautiful hymn and a gentle warmth that embraced him from head to toe and told him he was not alone. 

Before his vision could clear, he felt a fleeting weight shift against his chest, and then the light and hymn and warmth all vanished to the sound of men shouting his name. Nearly a year had passed since, and Elendil still clung to those sensations, rejecting the claims of witnesses that there had been no rescuer, no others seen with him on that beach that morning. 

But this voice was indisputably real. It was no taunt in his head or spectre in his dreams. 

Elendil stood frozen for an age, listening. It was THE voice. As dear and as yearned for as the song that had been tormenting him with a crushing sense of loss.

And now, there they were. Both song and singer. Here. Elendil turned, and his feet moved on their own volition, leading him back to the bonfire. 

He fell to his knees. He bent over her, the girl still curled into a blanketed ball in the sand, her face tucked behind her drawn-up legs. Even as the song flowed from her, clearer and louder now up close, and undeniably his.

“You…” He swallowed hard, struggling to raise his voice above a hoarse whisper. “Was… was it you? Who sang to me?”

The tune faded from her barely parted lips as she slowly lifted her head, offering her that unchanged hollow stare. A heaviness gathered in Elendil's chest, choking his hopes. His hands clenched and unclenched. He did not know what to do with them. What he can do with them.

“Please… please, speak. I must know.”

Her brow furrowed with lines so deep it appeared a grimace. As though Elendil’s plea distressed her. Her gaze dropped slightly, resting somewhere in the narrow space separating them…and stopped there. She gasped as one doused by a wall of freezing water.

The transformation that sparked in her eyes spread quickly over the rest of her face, like the first burst of light at the sun's rising. Elendil looked down to find what had caught her interest. 

A spired seashell the size of his thumb, its even whorls colored in perfect patterns of gold upon silver, hung from a thong around his neck. It had fallen out of his shirt to dangle between them. The shell was the second gift that the sea left with him that day, placed upon his chest with the precision of intent. He had worn it everywhere since, to accompany the song and strengthen his faith.

“Elendil.”

She reached out and touched the shell with a single fingertip. His name on her lips spread her trembling mouth into a smile. His hand closed gently around hers, sealing the precious memento she had given him back in her grasp. 

“Elendil.” She whispered again, in the sigh of a traveler that had finally found their way back home. 

For more SotWK Fanfiction: Fanfiction Masterlist

Other useful links:

Introduction to SotWK

Headcanon Masterlist

[sotwk]

@aduialel Your tags made me happy/moved cry! I've been feeling down and demotivated with my writing lately, and just today I was considering a hiatus.

Sometimes hanging out on Tumblr can make you feel like talentless hack. But other times, a Mutual comes along with a golden comment like this that makes you feel seen, loved, and appreciated.

I want everyone who shows love and support for my Thranduilion Princes know that you are extra, extra special to me.

(Much love also to the super talented @g-m-kaye for the unprompted gift of this gorgeous art. It will always be one of the best gifts I will ever receive from the fandom.)

Posting this sketch on its own at the request of my lovely friend @sotwk whose world building and love for Thranduil inspired this quick rendition of two Thranduilion riding in Greenwood the Great! 🌳 🍂

[quillofspirit]

2023 fic recs

If there's one thing to know about me, is that I love to read! and I love to share the good fics, so I figured I would put them all on one list💚

pssst! it's my first time doing anything like this, so if you have recommendations for the format, please do leave them in the comments or drop me a message! thanks xx

Key 🍬 fluff 🧯 spicy 🌡️ smut ⛈️ angst 🌪️ all

For people I have tagged, please let me know if there is anything you’d like me to add or remove — like a link to another account. It’ll be my pleasure☺️

Lord of the Rings (and related)

⛈️🧯Fuck the Forbidden pt. 1 by @entishramblings

Boromir x mermaidfem!oc Teens and Up but read the warnings carefully 9,500 words

Now I want mermaids in everything. why aren’t there mermaids in everything? The descriptions are so well done, everything is so vividly easy to visualize, oh I just loved it.

I am so hyped for pt 2!!

🍬⛈️ Healing Touch by @ass-deep-in-demons

Boromir x fem!oc Teens and Up 4,350 words

My film studies degree was very happy about the descriptions of movement in this one - it’s a little specific but hear me out. It’s much easier to see the actors playing the scene when it’s described this well! THAT ENDING, I have to say I joined Legolas, and I don’t have excuses.

I cannot wait to read the rest of the adventures of Joanna!

🍬 I Might Need to Kiss You by @fizzyxcustard

Thorin Oakenshield x fem!reader 400 words

I was squealing, this is so sweet. like the perfect little pick me up when you need a reminder, and Thorin is nothing if not a good king to his subjects 😇

🍬 Sweet Conversations by @glassgulls

Haldir x fem!reader Teens and Up 5,360 words

did I almost break my mouse when I clicked on this? noooo

Would I do it again? approximately 5 times since ☺️

Who doesn’t love sneaking around and kissing pretty elves, especially when they propose the idea so nicely… Just read it, you’re welcome

⛈️🧯Transformed by @sotwk

Thranduil’s son OC x fem!reader Teens and Up 2,400 words

There are at least two werewolves! When I tell you I read it three nights in a row, just to truly catch all the little things that made me go absolutely feral this so lovely to read. Yes, there’s gore (only a little bit) and there’s angst, but there’s also dialogue that would be made into gifs were it a movie.

Pirates of the Caribbeans

🌪️Catch the Wind by eriathiel (@esta-elavaris)

James Norrington x fem!oc Explicit 418,000 words

101 chapters of epic, pirates, and sweetness. The definition of you will suffer and you will like it. I finished this in like two days, because I couldn’t put it down, like a child on Halloween night going through their whole bag of candy.

⛈️🍬 Fallen Through Time by eriathiel (@esta-elavaris)

Catch the Wind AU Mature Ongoing; 34,000 words

12 Chapters so far, but it’s probably going to make me want to read everything about Theodora again. I am very normal about this character. 😌

Other fandoms

🌡️One of Those days by @capricornafterdark

Jason Todd x fem!reader Explicit 750 words

Sometimes you need to be taken care of, and sometimes its easier to take care of others.

🍬Patience by @velvetcloxds

Charlie Swan x fem!reader Just straight cuteness 600 words

A cute yet serious conversation with Charlie

🌡️That Takes Trust Darlin by @capricornafterdark

Jason Todd x transmasc!reader Explicit 1,950 words

It takes a lot of trust to tell a person about your desires, and even more when you spend your time catching villains.

🌪️ What Happens After You? by StrengthBeforeWeakness

Ominis Gaunt x fem!oc Mature 219,000 words

A badass Ravenclaw, sweet sweet Garreth, and dark!Sebastian. I am tempted to say it’s almost a Hogwarts Legacy AU because the lore in this fic is so incredible, it feels new again.

These are my headers and dividers, please do not use them.

[fellowshipofthefics]

Chapters: 1/2 Fandom: The Lord of the Rings - All Media Types, The Lord of the Rings - J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit - All Media Types, The Hobbit (Jackson Movies) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Thranduil (Tolkien)/Original Female Character(s), Thranduil (Tolkien)/Original Character(s) Characters: Thranduil (Tolkien), Legolas Greenleaf, Legolas Greenleaf's Brother(s) Additional Tags: Family Drama, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Romance Summary:

The Elvenqueen is caught in the first orc attack to occur in the Woodland Realm in centuries. King Thranduil gathers his sons to discuss the incident and what they intend to do about this unexpected new threat.

[cloverkingsmith]

girls who are summoners and have an armored form >>>>

[sotwk]

This is absolutely wonderful and such a beautiful gift to me, personally (though im sure you didn't write it just for me)! 🥰 You nailed the essence and voice of Gelir and the banter between him and Legolas in just a simple drabble! It's amaaaazing. Thank you for this surprise gift of a sorta sequel to Transformed! Again, I'm so honored! ❤️

Taunted

100 word drabble written for @fellowshipofthefics 'Luck of the Draw' March 2024 writing challenge. For this one I got 18 ("I'm not blushing. I don't blush") and 15 ("Secrets").

The combination made me think of a sibling teasing another about a secret. I recently enjoyed @sotwk's fic Transformed, which features her OC Prince Gelir Thranduilion, older brother to Legolas. I am posting this with her permission!

Warnings: None, but contains spoilers for Transformed as it is set shortly after the events of that story.

......................

"I'm not blushing. I don't blush."

Rebuttal is Gelir's only defence from the healing ward bed. Were they in the training grounds, things would be different; Legolas knows his teasing would be met with blunted steel.

"She's your girlfriend."

"No, she's not."

"Okay. She's your secret girlfriend."

Gelir does not rise to provocation, but cannot hide his malcontent. Testing the newly-developed lycanthropy cure should have been his sacrifice to make, not hers; the huntress whose friendship he had cherished since childhood, before it had blossomed like a spring wildflower into an undeniable, reciprocated love.

"She is far more than that."

[estethell]

Adar and Kathet, commission for @ladyk8tie ✨

Congrats again for winning @sotwk 's 400 Celebration!!!

[sotwk]

Thranduilion Interactive "Letter Exchange" Game

Since I first encountered posts of people saying they "love" or "need" Character AI or other chatbot AI services because they're lonely or think it's fun to talk to their favorite fictional characters, I've been toying with the idea of starting one of those "interactive blogs". I think it could be fun to provide a chat game that will entertain/comfort and also prove that AI cannot emulate the heart of real writing.

I was a forum roleplayer for over 10 solid years (starting with LOTR actually), so I like to think (I hope??) I have some chops in this area.

That being said, I would need to narrow down the character scope to just Thranduil's family and the Greenwood Elves. Otherwise, it would be far too much for me to keep up with on top of everything else on this blog. I'm actually counting on interest/engagement to be very low, and low enough for me not to feel swamped.

Obviously I'm still new to this format and will need to figure out how it's properly done, as well as the rules, but there will not be a separate blog for this. I think activity would be low enough that I can throw it into the overall SotWK bag o' "stuff".

The process itself should be super simple:

Step One: Asker/Reader (Anon allowed) sends a "letter" or "note" to the chosen character via SotWK Ask Box. Could be one sentence, could be pages of prose.

Step Two: SotWK answers the letter in that chosen character's voice.

Characters that would be immediately available:

Elvenking Thranduil (as a father-figure, non-romantic)

Elvenqueen Maereth (as a mother-figure, non-romantic)

Crown Prince Mirion

Prince Turhir

Prince Arvellas

Prince Gelir

Prince Legolas

Feren, soldier of the kingsguard

Info about these characters can be found in my Headcanon Masterlist. I will definitely be writing and posting more if/when this "game" launches.

Here is a poll to get a general idea of overall interest:

Reblogs would be greatly appreciated to help spread the word and gather more input! :) Thank you!

[fellowshipofthefics]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: The Lord of the Rings - J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings - All Media Types, The Lord of the Rings (Movies), The Hobbit - All Media Types, The Hobbit (Jackson Movies), The Hobbit - J. R. R. Tolkien Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Thranduil/Thranduil's Wife, Thranduil (Tolkien)/Original Female Character(s) Characters: Thranduil (Tolkien), Thranduil's Wife Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Angst and Feels, Romance, Drama & Romance, Family Drama, Family Feels, Elves, Middle Earth, POV Second Person Summary:

On the evening of his coronation, a heavy-hearted Thranduil prepares for the ceremony with the help of his wife. Takes place in SA 3441, seven years after Oropher's death and shortly after the end of the War of the Last Alliance. 2nd Person POV is Maereth, Thranduil's OC wife in the "Sons of the Woodland King" series.

[sotwk]

I'M SO HAPPY AND EXCITED about this gorgeous commissioned piece of Elvenking Thranduil and his elder sons (my OCs), the Warrior Princes Mirion and Turhir!

Grab a commission spot with this super talented artist while you can! @killer-laurent is absolutely amazing, so nice to work with, and can definitely do justice to Tolkien characters and OCs! <3

Commission for @sotwk (Colored Sketch style)

[estethell]

Commissions for @sotwk 💫

I drew Fili and her beautiful female elf Oc 💕 Thanks you to commissioning me ✨

Commissions are open still on my Ko-fi💯

[sotwk]

I hear you are in a Theodred mood?👀 I was wondering if you have any headcanons you'd like to share about him? Or even what you enjoy about writing him?

6 SotWK AU Facts About Théodred

(that I'm looking forward to exploring in my upcoming Rohan WIP)

Théodred is not an only child. He had an older sister. That's right--Idis, daughter of Théoden, exists in the SotWK AU! She was the biggest influence in Théodred's life, the person he loved most. Sadly, Idis passed away from illness when he was just 11 years old, and this deeply affected him.

Théodred is a scholar first and a warrior second. He loves reading, and learned to write at a prodigiously early age. At the time of his death, he knew more about Rohan's histories than even the most experienced scholars in Edoras. He had to be forced by his father to dedicate more of his time to learning military skills.

Théodred is nearsighted, which makes him a poor marksman. As soon as he realized and accepted this deficiency, he focused his efforts on mastering close-quarter combat. He is considered one of the best swordsmen in Rohan.

Théodred values the tradition of shieldmaidens. He pushed for the training of his young cousin Eowyn despite the objections of both Théoden and Éomer. He is the patron and mentor of the shieldmaiden OC in my fic "Taken", and its WIP sequel.

Théodred was nearly betrothed to Lady Morwen, daughter of Hurin of Gondor, in a political match encouraged by their fathers. Ultimately, Théodred declined the engagement, unable to tolerate Morwen's condescension towards Rohan and her ideas (however well-intentioned) about "improving" Rohirrim culture.

Although he did wish to marry and have children, Théodred struggled to find the right woman to settle down with. He felt overwhelmed by his own high standards and the pressure of finding not just a wife, but a Queen who would love and serve Rohan as much he did.

In my head, Théodred is a magnificent character, and it would be a joy and honor to write more about him. (I say as I battle against this dreadful writers' block.)

Bonus headcanon: Théodred is HOT. (Thank you, Charlie Hunnam.)

I'm so happy to be receiving such great Asks from you again, Ace! <3 Thank you for the chance to gush about this man!

[fellowshipofthefics]

Chapters: 6/12 Fandom: The Lord of the Rings - J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings - All Media Types, The Lord of the Rings (Movies), The Hobbit - All Media Types, The Hobbit (Jackson Movies), The Hobbit - J. R. R. Tolkien Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Thranduil (Tolkien)/Original Female Character(s), Legolas Greenleaf/Reader, Legolas Greenleaf & Thranduil Characters: Thranduil (Tolkien), Thranduil's Wife (Tolkien), Legolas Greenleaf, Legolas Greenleaf's Brother(s) Additional Tags: Family, Fluff, Romance, Children, Comfort, Confession, Pregnancy, Crushes, Cuddling & Snuggling, Dancing and Singing, Domestic, Falling In Love, Feelings, Ficlet, Firsts, Flirting, Food, Friendship, Holidays, happy endings, Hugs, Humor, Light-Hearted, Love, Love Confessions, Marriage, No Smut, Original Characters - Freeform, POV Multiple, Reader Insert, Royalty, Teasing, Tumblr, War Summary:

A "Sons of the Woodland King" AU Special Holiday Series. A collection of ficlets highlighting Yuletide celebrations in the Woodland Realm, winter traditions of the Silvan elves, and milestones in the Elvenking's family history. In the spirit of the season, each ficlet embodies a theme from the "12 Days of Christmas", and takes inspiration from a Christmas carol. Features Thranduil, the Elvenqueen, Legolas, and the four OC Thranduilion Princes.

[sotwk]

Ahhh this such an honor!!! 😍 it's hard to describe the gratitude you feel when someone says wonderful things about your OC (esp one you feel insecure about). Every writer definitely knows that. You are such a talented writer in so many fandoms, so this is an even higher compliment, @two-white-butterflies!

Thank you for being such a wonderful friend. ❤️ you have always had such kind things to say about Maereth and my AU, and I'm not exaggerating when i say you are one of my motivators for continuing my work on Thranduil's family.

I'm so happy you zeroed in on Maereth's kindness and loving nature as your reasons for liking her. I worry that people hate that quality because it makes the character seem "Mary Sue Perfect". But if Elrond or Cìrdan can be kind and loving and people love their characters, should we hate an OC for being the same? (Btw Maereth is Cìrdan's granddaughter and spent her childhood with him, so she gets it from somewhere.)

Anyway, I apologize the little insecure rant. 😅 JUST. THANK YOU. ❤️❤️❤️ this means so much to me.

Choose five of your favorite ocs (be it yours or another) and pass it on to 5 different people! Spread oc love

I haven't read a lot of fics with OCs lately, but here are my (few) favorite ones. (some of these are not OCS)

Queen Maereth from @sotwk. I love how motherly and feminine Maereth is. She is Thranduil's perfect match. I reread all the fics/headcanons about Thranduil and Maereth every month 🥺 I love all their sons. I could finish this post by naming all their children. If ya'll love LOTR/TH/ROP please check out sotwk's blog because it is the epitome of Tolkien loving.

Princess Saera Targaryen from coaxed you into paradise. This is a shameless self-plug in. I wrote her during a time where I was still honing my fanfic-writing powers. She isn't the best flawless OC, but she's the one closest to my heart ❤️ I'm a sucker for kind and feminine OCs, so I made her out to be everything that her sister isn't. Whereas Rhaenyra had to put on a strong front as the heir apparent, Saera had the freedom to be kind and flawed.

Reader in @youvebeenlivingfictional 's Bad Faith (x Harvey Specter). This is the best Harvey Specter fanfic in the ecosystem. You can insert yourself shamelessly in the reader part, as all the characters seem to act their character. There was an amazing characterization of Harvey, Mike and Jessica. The words that the author used, I can imagine being uttered in Suits. I LOVE THIS FANFIC SO MUCH!! 10/10

Reader in @edensrose 's When Darkness Reigns (x Thranduil, x Mairon love triangle). This is also one of my favorite fanfics. Constantly lives in my head rent free. I love how sassy Mairon is, but I also enjoy the characterization of Thranduil as he is corrupted by darkness to protect his people. Really dances will with Tolkien's motif: goodness cannot be determined by the destination, but the means to get there.

Theradis in @mismaeve 's Long Live The Queen (x Thranduil). Yes, I'm obsessed with Thranduil. I love the theme of corruption portrayed in this fic. Reminds me of that one episode in Encantadia where Mine-a was brought back to life, corrupted by evil, and forced to fight against the people that she loves. I love that even when fighting against each other, they can't ignore the pulse of love.

That's all! Thank you anon.

[ladyoflindon]

Across the Seas (Ereinion Gil-galad, Rings of Power)

Author's note: My OC, Itarille, is the younger sister of Elrond and Elros. Gil-galad has just asked to court her recently. Takes place way before the events of Rings of Power. Can be read as a reader insert, and either as a standalone or part of my upcoming Tolkien fic series. From @sotwk "Comfort Fic Writing Challenge".

-------

It was a nice day, Itarille thought to herself. She was sitting on the windowsill in her chambers, overlooking the sea. Her ears picked up the faint sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shores. Her grey eyes, so like those of her older brothers, drifted back down to the book in her lap.

Adûnaic, the language was called. From the land of Númenor, Elros' kingdom. She was reading a book about the island kingdom's history with the sea.

“From the dawn of Númenor, our fate has been intertwined with the sea. It guides, it judges, it endures. The sea is always right.”

It was a longstanding belief of the people. Itarille glanced out of the window once more, her eyes fixed on the blue waves of the ocean. It seemed calm, serene, steadfast. Just like how Númenor should be. How the Eldar should be. How she should be, considering that she would soon marry the High King and become Queen of Lindon.

She flipped the page, deciding to move on from the poetic passage. On the next page, there was a portrait. A man, regal, with high cheekbones, gazed back at her with eyes so familiar. His raven hair was mixed with streaks of white, and age was so visibly shown on his face.

Elros Tar-Minyatur, the description below the portrait read. Founding King of Númenor. Itarille hadn't gazed upon a painting or portrait of her brother in so long. It had been too long since his passing, but for her, it felt like yesterday.

The day Itarille had received word of Elros' passing, it was as if the floor had collapsed from beneath her feet. When she'd heard it, Itarille was at dinner with the High King. The news was delivered to him by a messenger, then him to her. When the last word had left his lips, Itarille stood up abruptly and fled. She remembered the look in Gil-galad's blue eyes. Those blue eyes, blue like the sea.

She and Elrond grieved. He did his best not to show it, maintaining the stern facade of the High King's Herald, but Itarille was different. She had locked herself away in her chambers, sitting on this very windowsill, gazing out at the sea which Elros had sailed away on the day he decided to be counted amongst Men.

She had known that day would come, but it didn't hurt any less.

A knock on the door brought Itarille out of her reverie. Wiping the tears from her face hastily, Itarille spoke softly, "Come in."

The door opened gently, and in stepped Gil-galad. As usual, he was the picture of elegance and serenity, clothed in robes of a deep blue, a departure from his usual gold. His gold crown of leaves was nowhere to be seen, and his deep brown hair tumbled down his back in waves.

"My lady," Gil-galad spoke in that velvety voice of his, bringing Itarille's hand to his lips and pressing a kiss to her fingers, "how I've longed to see you so. This day has been dreadful without your presence at my side."

Itarille didn't respond, her mind still whirling with the memories from Elros, the memories that reading that book had stirred up. Gil-galad noticed her silence, the lingering tears in her grey eyes. He was about to ask if everything was alright, when he saw the Adûnaic book on her lap and he understood.

"You were thinking about him, weren't you?" Gil-galad asked quietly. Itarille gave no verbal answer, only the nod of her head. After a moment of silence, Itarille finally spoke. "O-oh, Ereinion," she sniffled, a fresh wave of tears falling down her face. "I miss Elros."

"My love." Gil-galad pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. For a moment, they both said nothing, Itarille's sobs speaking for her. She pressed her face into the crook of his neck, her tears staining the fabric of his robes.

"Why does it hurt so much?" She looked up at him, her eyes glimmering with tears.

"You loved Elros deeply. He was your brother, and like Elrond, your protector. Your closest confidante. It's natural to feel this way about him." Gil-galad exhaled. "It's alright to grieve, melda."

"But," he looked down at Itarille, wiping a tear from her cheek, "Elros wouldn't want you to cry for him. He loved you deeply and would wish for you to be happy. He'd want you to live a happy and long life. So, please, do not weep, my love. Live, for Elros, for Elrond. For me."

Outside, the flowers bloomed. The birds chirped. In the distance, the waves lapped against the shores. Somewhere up there, Itarille sensed that Elros was watching. The grief was still fresh, it would always be, but for now, in this moment, Itarille felt at peace. Gil-galad's arms tightened around her, the High King murmuring words of reassurance and love in Quenya, the language she adored.

Everything would be alright.

[sotwk]

I started reading a LoTR fic called ‘Song of the Witch Kingdom’ and someone commented under it “rereading bc sotwk is the best” or smth of the sort and that reminded me of you 🤭 Hi please will you drop a headcanon of the Mirkwood brothers’ dynamics maybe? Please share anything you like.

Hello Kind Anon! Was someone really randomly name-dropping me?? I would say they must have mistaken me for someone else, but Sotwk is an unusual name, so I'll just thank YOU for thinking of me! :)

I would happily provide you a fun overview of the Thranduilion Princes' dynamic right here:

BAND OF BROTHERS, THRANDUILION STYLE

My personal favorite headcanon and imagine about my Thranduilon Princes is how lethal and unstoppable they are as a military force when they act as one unit. I mean, you've seen both movie Thranduil and Legolas dominate every battlefield they were on. Now imagine FIVE such warriors (or six, if you include their Ada), all incredibly skilled, honed, and experienced, felling giant hill trolls (Damrod would have been toast) and cutting through ranks of orcs with the ease of water flushing out dirt.

But the reality is, Thranduil established a hard rule that all five of his sons should NEVER be present on the same battlefield at the same time. He'd lived through enough wars where entire Elven bloodlines were decimated in one battle, and he refused to let that happen to his family.

But the Thranduilions excelled working together as a unit, whether it was in battle, hunting, playing games, or anything that required teamwork and coordination. The brothers knew each other's strengths and weakness, and pride never got in the way of their respect for each other. This is not to say that they never disagreed, but when they were on task, they stuck to the agreed upon plan and always had each other's backs. Strongly bonded through ósanwe, they were also able to operate on a collective consciousness and move as one, like a glorious Elven symphony (or ballet?)!

Here is a general description of each brother's role on "Super Team Thranduilion", which each one of them understands and upholds whenever they work together. They're so settled in these roles that they could be dropped at the height of any bloody, hell-on-earth skirmish and they'd know exactly what to do. Thranduilions Assemble!

MIRION: The Commander

Eldest and most beloved and respected by all of his brothers, Mirion knows them well and is most tightly bonded to them as individuals. He can serve as a sort of conduit of their collective strength, and his one mind can coordinate all five bodies. Due to the whole-hearted trust his brothers place in him, they are willing to surrender themselves to his total control if asked. Mirion is more than deserving of this trust; he is not only unfailingly moral and kind, but his brothers know he would sooner sacrifice his own life than let anything happen to them. (Which is what eventually did lead to Mirion's death in the end.)

TURHIR: The Tank

Turhir would stand in front of a hundred arrow shots to shield his brothers, and when absolutely necessary, his brothers would even allow it--because if any one of them could walk off a hundred wounds, it would be Turhir. He is the hardiest, most enduring, and most indefatigable of the princes, to a level that rivals his father or even the legendary Elven heroes of the First Age. He is not just some dumb brute or punching bag, either. Turhir is an unparalleled fighter and cunning tactician, but he is willing to submit and take orders from an authority he respects.

ARVELLAS: The Healer

Arvellas gave up most participation in warfare rather early in his lifetime to dedicate himself to the highest and most advanced of Elvish healing arts, but he is still Thranduil's son and can wield a sword to deadly effect. His true value on the battlefield is his ability to pull fatally wounded fighters from the edge of death. His brothers all know--as long as Arvellas is nearby, there is hope.

There was a common saying in Eryn Galen that became even more utilized as the realm declined into Mirkwood's darkness: "No one goes to Mandos under the Master's watch." The title "Master" was an honorific given to Arvellas by the people themselves, as a mark of respect and gratitude for all the lives he had saved through his wisdom and healing abilities.

GELIR: The Rogue

Stealth, craftiness, and lack of scruples are Gelir's primary assets. He is willing to risk his neck and get his hands dirty for any cause he deems worthy of it, and his undying loyalty to his family means he would do just about anything for them, many times without requiring explanation. Enemies fear his ability to attack and get things done before anyone could see him coming. There is also this little thing about him being the finest archer seen since Beleg Strongbow (his great-uncle), making them right to fear him as an assassin.

LEGOLAS: The Support

Support might sound lame, but Legolas relishes his eternal role as an indispensible sidekick to great heroes he admires (see: his enthusiasm around Aragorn). And Mirkwood's Youngest Prince is FAST. In his adult prime, he could outrun any of his brothers in a race, and that says a lot. He could get from one end of the battlefield to the other in a flash and bring aid to whoever needs it. Legolas also spent his entire lifetime learning and picking up skills from his parents and each of his brothers, transforming himself into a living swiss army knife.

The Elvenking's Five Sons: (L-R) Legolas, Arvellas, Mirion, Turhir, Gelir

Art: Commission by hffhifjou

SOTWK CONTENT LINKS:

Introduction to SotWK

Main Headcanon Masterlist

Fanfiction Masterlist

sotwk headcanon - This tag captures all SotWK headcanon posts, including minor ones that might not be on the Masterlist.