#the rings of power x reader

[floatyflowers]

Hey girl! Do you have any plans for a part 3 for the dark Sauron x Celebrimbor's daughter?

Part 2

The moment you held your daughter in your arms, you could feel a heavy weight being lifted off of your shoulders.

But worry returns as soon as you remember that Sauron is standing beside you, staring down at you and his newborn daughter.

"Have you chosen a name for her?" Annatar asks, moving his finger towards the baby before gently patting her right cheek.

"Amatírë" you reply with the chosen elven name.

"Perfection" Sauron states the meaning of the name, with a small smirk.

"I need to see my father now" you argue sternly, trying to get up from bed.

The Maia grabs you by the shoulder to keep you in your place.

"I believe it's better that you rest, as Celebrimbor is not in his right state of mind, my dear" 

You believe Sauron immediately, thinking that the rings made your father lose his sanity, not knowing that it is Sauron who is deceiving you.

"Eregion is under attack, I need to do something, I can't let my people suffer!"

"Your father has put me in charge of Eregion, you don't believe I would harm our daughter's homeland, do you?"

You know that those words are only spoken with deceit, ready to show his true colours if you dare to argue.

"No, a father only wishes the best for his child" you repeat the same words your father once said to you.

Sauron smiles, his finger slowly and gently tracing his daughter's cheek.

Amatírë slowly opens her eyes to reveal the same golden eyes, similar to those that belonged to her father in his original form.

The only difference is the innocent light in your daughter's eyes.

"She is beautiful and pure like her mother." 

Those are the only truthful words Sauron has spoken with his eyes filled with something else.

A glimpse of nostalgia for how he was once pure and innocent like his daughter before Morgoth corrupted him using torturous tendancies.

°°°°°°°

You have been wandering for days after you left you homeland when you saw the dead body of your father with a spear in his stomach.

Your daughter is protectively slinged around your chest, you feel pain and exhaustion but you kept being strong for Amarítë. 

Also your elven ears are hidden under your hair in fear that someone might discover your identity.

As for Amarítë's ears, the back of her head is hidden under a cloth.

Once you reach the gates of Númenor, the guards brings you to the son of Ar-Pharazôn, Kemen.

"What do we have here?" 

You stay silent as the young man examines you from head to toe, realising that you look noble, and your features are flawless and divine.

Not like any human woman he has seen before in his life.

"I came to seek refuge from the king of Númenor as my home was destroyed by the Orcs, and I have heard that Ar-Pharazôn is Just and kind"

This is a clear lie, but you need to pass and sweetened words is going to do that for you.

"Are you perhaps married?" 

You acknowledge the way Kemen is staring at you, which made your skin crawl in disgust. 

"My husband has been slaughtered by the Orcs, my lord." You lie.

"Then my father would never refuse to help those who are truly in need."

You smile warily and place your hands on your daughter's back, as Kemen leads you into Númenor.

How sad that you don't know that Númenor is Sauron's next destination.

[queers-gambit]

The Risk

part one: Match Made in Grey Haven

prompt: after your wedding, you and Elrond embark on your honeymoon touring Middle-earth. your company is attacked on the road by Orcs. help comes from an old friend.

pairing: Elrond x shy!female!wife!reader

fandom masterlist: The Rings of Power

word count: 7.1k+

note: internet researched Elven wedding customs, i don't want to hear it. keep the Elrond requests coming.

warnings: pre events of TROP, the "shyness" more so conveys as inexperience, romance, little bit of fluff, Gil-galad is a girl's girl, and Elven weddings! also cursing! violence! angst! character injury! Orcs! blood! literal hurt and comfort! emotions are hard! abrupt but happy ending, not edited, wonky brain went wonky, and intentionally misspelled words to indicate accent.

You spent a year and a half planning your wedding.

Due to your status amongst the Elves and their court, it was declared the event of the century and the High King himself demanded it be planned to the highest of exquisite detail. Granted, you and Elrond were content to marry in a quicker fashion, leaving it between family, but Gil-galad loved a good party and who were you to refuse your King?

So, you spent about 18 months (on and off) in Lindon, going over details and specifics with Gil-galad while Elrond did the King's actual work. You're positive Elrond was content to escape the wedding planning and honestly, you didn't mind as much as you feared you would because the King was opinionated, decently funny, and decisive. He spared no expense. He encouraged you to branch away from your usual humble taste. He wanted the whole of Elvendom to come together to celebrate. He wanted this occasion to be...his.

You had no objections.

You were honestly relieved someone else wanted to plan such an extraordinary event for you - but were beyond you ready to be married! Several times in the last several months, Elrond actually offered to elope - run away to the Gray Havens and marry before your beloved grandfather, Elrond's old master, Círdan - but the King was putting so much effort into your wedding, you didn't accept. It was nice, though, how mutually anxious Elrond appeared to be to marry you, too.

However, the past three moons, you've been absolutely inconsolable. Your wedding was only days away, Elrond had traveled to Eregion for "business" months ago, and Círdan had yet to arrive! You felt overwhelming panic consume your very being, becoming slightly more irritable as you couldn't help but feel (wrongfully) abandoned - should it not of been for your best mate, fellow Elleth, Bôril. She held your emotions in check, posed as buffer between you and emotional ruin, and was the voice of reason when your rationality vanished.

"What if something happened?" You worried during one of your late night, last minute sessions. "How would we know? What if - while traveling - something went awry?"

Gil-galad sighed gently, "Herald Elrond was sent with some of my most trusted warriors."

"Elrond is warrior enough by himself," Bôril smirked, "you worry for nothing - "

"I am supposed to get married in a matter of days and neither my grandfather nor my intended can be found. I think I have plenty to worry over!" Gil-galad and Bôril shared a knowing look while you wiped your face clear of frustrating fear. "I am not accustomed to not knowing. It's this unknown, the lack of answers that pushes me towards insanity."

"Well," Bôril smirked, her eyes casted towards the hall, "fear no longer, sweet friend, all your answers approach."

In confusion, you turned in the seat you had been slumped in, seeing Elrond and Círdan heading down the hall towards the room you were gathered in. With a gasp, you leapt from your chair and rushed into the causeway towards your dearest loved ones. "Thank the Valar! Elrond!" You gasped first, flinging yourself into his arms; which coiled around you tightly and lifted you, his face burying in your neck. "My love - where were you? What happened - why the delay?" Your voice cracked as your whispered, "You said you'd be only 6 weeks, you were gone twice that! I was so worried!"

"I'm so sorry for worrying you, my star," he whispered back; breath hot in your ear. "I'll explain it all," he promised, lowering you back to your feet to pull back only to instantly take your cheeks in his hands. "I'm sorry it took so long, but I promise, it was for a good reason," he told you softly, thumbs sweeping over the apples of your cheeks; then glancing over pointedly at your grandfather.

"And you!" You scolded playfully. "We expected you weeks ago! Yet you sent no word!"

"We were delayed," Círdan smirked, approaching you as Elrond released his hold; confirming they were together this time. "C'mere, sweet one," he chuckled, bringing you in for a tight embrace. After releasing, he gently tapped the button of your nose, "I am here now, ready to help where I can."

"Oh, please," you chuckled, taking a half-step closer to your betrothed, "there's nothing left to be done, our generous King has planned it all for us. I'm just relieved you are both safe."

Elrond smiled and wrapped his arm around your waist, bringing you in to place a sweet peck on your cheek. "Come," your fiancé encouraged, and when you reentered the planning chambers, you realized others had followed you in.

Evidently, Elrond had gone to Eregion on "business", yes, but it was personal. He had gifted you a ring to symbolize your engagement; modest, silver, simple, gorgeous, and so perfectly "Elrond" - but he wasn't satisfied with it, apparently. As per Elven customs, the engagement rings would be exchanged at the ceremony for wedding bands, and Elrond was determined to give you something extravagant - to prove his adoration. So, he went to Eregion and forged with the Greatest of the Elven Smiths, Lord Celebrimbor, a wedding ring he thought suitable for your finger. Círdan met them to aid in the creation of this gorgeous ring Elrond crafted - insisting you couldn't see it until the ceremony. The trio also crafted Elrond a matching wedding ring that would only accentuate yours; another show of his devotion to you.

Hence their collective delay. Lord Celebrimbor arrived with them, greeting you with mirth; truly excited and honored to have been involved with your wedding band creation.

You were just relieved everyone finally safe and gathered in Lindon. That night, you laid in bed with Elrond; deflated by relief, just staring at him, hand on his cheek, caressing his flesh. "Next time, send word if you're to be late," you requested in a whisper.

"I'm sorry," he repeated, "we were so focused, purely driven by creating something that you'll have forever - we lost track of so much time."

"How many rings did you make?"

"Too many. Though, Celebrimbor will have now options to gift others."

You both snickered, sighing with contentment. Then you whispered, "I fear I might owe a few people an apology..."

"Why? What happened?"

"I was... Operating on a short fuse while worried about you. Might've gotten a little snappy."

"You were rude?" He gasped comically. "I didn't know you even knew how to be."

"Hush," you breathed, leaning closer, "I was worried."

"But I'm here now," he promised, hand to your neck encouraging you to kiss him.

After that, the days passed in a breeze, as if a collective sigh of relief had been heaved by all of Lindon.

And then, the morning of your wedding finally arrived and it was like chaos struck. You never knew, but apparently, outside the chambers you used to prepare in, Gil-galad had everyone rushing around to perfect final details; prepare food, set tables, water and arrange flowers, retrieve whatever was requested by other guests. However, you were none the wiser (as he intended), being fretted over by all types of Elves who were impassioned to make you and your day as flawless as possible.

The High King ensured Elrond was taken care of, the young Herald quiet and seemingly concentrated on his thoughts; lips moving without words, repeating his vows to himself silently. Before it could've been questioned, Círdan arrived with a velveteen jewelry box; appearing ready for the day's events, as if awake for hours.

"Here," Círdan smiled, shooing away the attendants so he could sit beside Elrond, "this is for you, my boy."

"My Lord?" Elrond questioned softly, accepting the gift.

"It's customary."

"What is?" He wondered, opening the lid and revealing a gorgeous, glimmering broach. "Lord Círdan - "

"It's custom for the bride's mother to gift her new son-in-law a gem to be worn as a boastful show of the joining of two families," the craftsman explained. "This... This sapphire belonged to my daughter, and now, I'd like you to have it."

"I don't think I could accept - "

"It is customary," Gil-galad stepped in, seeing the refusal ready on Elrond's tongue.

So, Elrond swallowed his nerves and nodded to Círdan, "Thank you, my Lord. This stone is... Beyond words, surely, only it's previous owner could rival it's beauty."

The tears were bright in Círdan's eyes the rest of the day.

Due to the lack of conventional family, the ceremony was kept between only the High King Gil-galad as officiant and Círdan as witness. The King had designated a private overlook for your ceremony, standing at the cliffside under the golden glow of the Great Tree with Elrond in fine velvet tunics; gorgeous sapphire glittering on his chest, keeping his father's cloak in place as his own special tribute. Just as the sky turned heavenly, sun in position to set, Círdan began to lead you down the pathway - towards your forever.

Elrond choked on air, tears slowly filling his eyes.

You were draped in the finest of silks, a thin veil covering your face; hair in long ringlets, pinned back from your face in an elegant updo. It was like the Light of Valinor itself was shining through you, nearly blinding Elrond with sheer bliss. It was almost as if time slowed, nearly stilling completely; as if your form was moving in slow motion. Even under the sheer veil, Elrond could see your grin and suddenly, he couldn't hear, see, smell, feel anything but your love and light.

With a gentle sniffle, Elrond glanced at Gil-galad, who was beaming with pride already; his own growing, which nobody realized was even possible. Upon approach, Elrond instantly met you at the base of the stone stairs; watching Círdan give a watery smile while hugging you sweetly. He pulled back, gently lifted the veil to flip over your head, and sighed while caressing both cheeks.

In Sindarin, he whispered, "They'd be so proud of the woman you've become... And the man you're marrying. Just as I am."

Now, Elrond choked on his emotion.

"Thank you for everything," you managed to whisper, your grandfather sighing gently before guiding your hand from his into Elrond's. He joined Gil-galad on the platform, both watching proudly as Elrond was at a loss for words - only able to look you up and down.

Finally, he breathed in Sindarin, "Gorgeous."

Before the Elven High King and under your grandfather's loving eye, you and Elrond exchanged vows during sunset. It was intimate and private, either of you slipping your engagement rings off as Círdan presented your wedding bands. You gasped when you saw the ring Elrond crafted for the first time, looking at him with wide eyes, voice gentle as you asked, "You made this?"

"I did."

"For... Me?"

Elrond smiled, "Of course. A wife as beautiful as you deserves a ring that could only strive to embody your shine."

"Don't make me scold you for being so cheesy on our wedding day, my love, please," you giggled, Elrond chuckling while he took your hand to splay before him. He slid the ring onto your index finger, allowing you to do the same with his matching band. Neither of you were able to contain your glee when Gil-galad pronounced you officially as man and wife - Elrond all but lunging forward to hold your cheeks, swooping in to sear your lips with his kiss. You were just as excited, holding onto his biceps to keep him close; feeling warmth swell and burst in your chest as you realized... You were finally married.

After, at the feast Gil-galad had planned, the whole of Lindon was decorated and celebrating your union; hosts of food on long banquet tables, live bands entertaining the crowds, lanterns and candles glowing, conversation turning boisterous as Elves indulged on the castes of wine gifted or collected by the King.

Who, if you were wondering, was hosting the entire affair and having a splendid time as Bôril danced with Camnir - seemingly to Vorohil's chagrin, which Elrond pointed out to you first.

You were just happy to bask in your husband's glory; unable to believe he was yours, that you get to spend your life with him, that you were bound together. He seemed... Youthful in this setting; a young lad that was forced to grow up too quickly, finally able to appreciate the attention directed at him while gracefully accepting words of congratulations everywhere he turned. It was so simple, something decently mundane, but you found it impressive; the way Elrond could accept conversation from just anyone.

It simply intimidated you; content with your written letters and accounts, never truly needing to interact with people on this level. You were better, not quite as shy as before, but old habits die hard and overcoming social anxiety was a lifelong profession. Speaking of, your anxiety spiked from the sheer number of attendants, but Elrond was both sword and shield - intercepting people left and right, saving you from any "on the spot" moments.

The party went deep into the night, and while it was a fun time - complete with Bôril challenging the High King to a silly drinking game, Celebrimbor teaching the steps to an old dance, and Vorohil getting shot down by several Elleths - you were beyond exhausted. Perhaps you didn't hide it as well as you thought because Elrond slid into his empty seat and instantly leaned into your ear to ask, "All right, love?"

"Hmm? Yeah, 'course," you answered, setting the glass of First Age wine (a gift from Celebrimbor) aside to focus on him. Gently caressing his chin, you asked, "You all right?"

"Perfect, actually, just look at my wife," he mused, "though, you look tired, my star."

You hummed, "Can't fool you, can I?"

"It's my job now," he chuckled, letting you lean in gleefully to peck his lips. "How about we slip away? Hm?" He whispered softly, glancing around dramatically - like he was conducting a secret mission.

"Yes, please," you hissed, both snickering lightly. Like a couple of randy youths, you stood with the gifted First Age bottle, hands tangled together, 'sneaking' away to your rooms; thinking you were pulling it off, being so sneaky.

"Oh, bless their hearts, look. Look! I love those idiots," Bôril giggled to the King, "they're so obvious! Look at them go!"

"They're in loooove," Gil-galad teased, refilling his goblet.

"Guess they just can't wait to consummate their marriage, huh? Good for Elrond," Camnir snickered, freezing when Círdan's blank stare registered. "I-I'm so sorry, my Lord, I did not - I misspoke - I didn't think you, uh... I'm sorry."

Círdan just groaned lightly, his friend, Lord Celebrimbor, leaning over to top off his glass and encourage it closer to him; patting his shoulder in sympathy. Bôril and Gil-galad truly tried to hold back, but the scene was truly comical to witness and the two laughed so hard, they ended up leaning on each other and slumping in their chairs.

The party continued without you and Elrond, but it's safe to say, you were engaged in a party of your own.

"You've been quiet, love," you noted softly, one hand held tightly by Elrond's, the other holding your horse's reins; walking to give them a break on this leg of the journey. For weeks, you've been on the road together, touring Middle-earth as part of your honeymoon.

Never having been anywhere other than the Gray Havens and Lindon, you were like a new born fawn in the wilderness - but it was exhilarating to travel.

"Hmm?"

"You're pensive," you amended.

"I am simply in thought, my star, nothing of concern," Elrond assured.

"You're sullen."

"I don't mean to be," he sighed.

"What's troubling you?"

Elrond was quiet for a long moment, stepping carefully as neither of you noticed thick, dark clouds beginning to fill the sky. Finally, he admitted quietly, "We are not far from Khazad-dûm."

You hummed in understanding, then pondered while stepping around overgrown tree roots, "Remind me why we did not extend Prince Durin a wedding invitation?"

"We did," Elrond informed, sighing deeply, "he just... Did not respond..."

"That does not sound like him, based on your account."

"No, it was truly... Odd," Elrond admitted, "perhaps being why I feel strange being close to his kingdom now."

"Do you wish to visit?"

"We don't have the time - "

"We can make time, Elrond," you insisted, squeezing his hand with a grin. "And as far as anyone is concerned, the great Dwarven Kingdom of Khazad-dûm is part of Middle-earth, and therefor, part of our tour. I'd like to meet your friend, my sweet. Now, which direction?"

"We don't have time, starlight, we are expected by Lord - "

But Elrond came to a sudden halt, pulling you into his side as both your horses stamped and whinnied loudly; tossing their heads and snorting, the whites of the eyes flashing as ears flattened as they suddenly stopped in place. You flinched into your husband's side, the horses restless, guards circling around the pair of you quickly. Darkness descended.

"What is it?" You asked in concerned confusion.

"Something is amiss," Elrond rushed, looking confused and concentrated. "I-I do not know what, but the shadow has stretched. C'mere, mount up, my love, quickly, please."

"My Lord," Vorohil, one of your guards and a friend to your husband, directed his horse between yours while Elrond ensured you were safely seated, "there's a darkness to the path ahead, the horses - they are refusing to go forward. It grows darker, my Lord."

You had to reseat yourself as Elrond mounted; the horses backing away as there sounded a ghostly moan from the woods surrounding you.

"This darkness?" Elrond repeated, "Where did it come from? 'Tis midday - "

"Look around us!" Vorohil barked, Elrond sending him a sharp look before looking up - realizing there seemed to be a sort of dark cloud covering the sun, your path, and the woods surrounding you.

You gasped when there came a sudden, horrendous, guttural screech in an echo, making it impossible to locate the origin; and suddenly, a force bodied into your side. It knocked you from your horse, but due to the sudden nature of the attack, also took your beast down with you.

You were lucky your leg didn't shatter on impact.

You heard Elrond scream your name; body hitting the dirt and rolling a few feet before being halting by a boulder. Your sight cleared, evened out, gasping again and shoving yourself against the jagged rock in an attempt to create distance when you saw the horrid, gangly creature made of pure, tangible darkness - pure evil - muddy and growling while surging towards you with gnashing teeth.

A sword decapitated the creature before it could reach you, making you flinch at the show of violence. Your name was spoken in a rush, but you couldn't comprehend hearing words yet; staring at the dead creature, twitching from the severed nervous system at your feet - spewing black blood. Your eyes caught sight of it splattered up your skirt.

Boots hit the ground, a pair of hands caressing both your cheeks and making you gasp in panic. But Elrond's worried face was in front of yours, speaking soothingly in Sindarin, "Easy, easy, be calm, it's me, my love, it's just me. I'm so sorry, but we have to go - now, my love, please, get up for me, come with me - "

"My Lord!"

"Elrond!"

Elrond was forced to stand over you and use his bloody blade to defend you both; choking back tears as you realized this was an ambush by Orcs, creatures of pure hate; something Middle-earth thought extinct after not having been seen in an age. And you were defenseless.

"NO!" You gasped when a hand came around your throat, hoisting back into the boulder; holding you in place as two Orcs ravaged your body for anything of value they could've taken. When they tried taking your wedding ring, you fought back harder - struggling in their putrid arms, sobbing, trying to stave them off. "ELROND!" You begged, gagging when the hand around your throat constricted to close your airway.

"Just cut the bloody thing off!"

You whimpered when you were overpowered, hand flattened to the rock forcefully; fingers spread, the Orcs snarling as a dagger was brandished and stabbed directly into the boulder through your pointer finger.

"Y/N!" Vorohil was heard struggling, your cries muffled from the lack of air and tight hand. The gem-glittering belt you wore was yanked from your waist just as the Orc holding you hostage was ripped away, making the other react by stabbing your lung with his dagger between your ribs.

After Elrond killed the first Orc, he instantly engaged the second; only Vorohil catching sight of you freezing before slowly collapsing against the boulder and sliding down it. He noted the smear of blood you left on the rock before the blade protruding from your ribcage.

You were in shock. The pain was insurmountable, yet you felt nothing at the same time. Numb. Confused. Overwhelmed. Paralyzed.

The fighting lasted several long minutes after that, your dress now properly saturated as you knew enough survival skills to not pull the blade free of an injury; it acted as a plug to keep the blood from pouring OUT of your body. You were left on the ground, slumped, weakly holding your wound and feeling unable to react when an Orc leered closer to you.

Elrond's blade emerged from the Orc's chest and was yanked free, the body dropping to reveal your husband; bloodied, panting, caught off guard, but obviously fairing well enough. He was in the heat of the moment, battle turning his blood hot, eyes catching something glittering in the mud and only thinking how out of place it looked. When he blinked, Elrond realized it was your wedding ring - complete with your severed finger still in it.

Elrond snatched the digit from the mud, eyes raking over you, needing to do a double look when he realized the extent of your injuries. Your finger was lost but your ring was secured in your husband's belt.

"No," he whimpered, rushing forward and dropping his sword to take hold of your cheek; blood gently leaking from your nose at a slow but steady pace. "No, no, no, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, stay with me, stay awake for me," he begged, sniffling emotion as his other hand laid over yours around the dagger's handle, "just let me see, let me see the damage, my love, c'mon, I've got you. I need to see to help."

You were too weak to fight him anyways, letting his muddy hand pry yours away to reveal the weeping wound. His eyes widened, nodding as he assessed the situation; wanting to get you out of here, but the Orcs weren't yet vanquished.

In fact, Elrond was tackled off you by another Orc, crying out when the momentum yanked the dagger free. Ironic timing, perhaps, because an injured Orc was clawing at your legs; biting at your flesh; making you grit your teeth, pick up the dagger, and drive it into the Orc's eye. You were relieved when the creature stopped moving; adrenaline instantly draining and making you slump back once more.

You didn't notice when the Orcs were fully killed off until Elrond was propping you up again, sprayed in blood and mud, tears in his warm brown eyes. "No, my starlight, no, you have to stay awake, you must," he reminded, getting one arm around you, the other first laying to your openly bleeding wound, then shoving the dead Orc off your legs. Elrond cursed in Sindarin when he noted the bite marks, how dirty nails left deep streaks after clawing up your body. "Please, stay awake," he hissed, cradling you into his chest before calling out, "Vorohil!"

"My Lord!"

"We need to get her to a healer - where? Where?" He begged, sniffling as you were shifted into his arms and lifted; few surviving horses being wrangled in.

"I don't - I don't know - "

"You are the cartographer!" Elrond snapped, "Tell me where to take her, where are we closest - !?"

"My Lord," Vorohil sighed, "t-the closest civilization to these parts is-is Khazad-dûm - "

"Hurry!" He barked, situating you sideways on his horse before swiftly mounting; settling you into his chest with a secure hold. The others were left in the dirt as Elrond spurred his steed onward, knowing the way to the Great Dwarven Kingdom of Khazad-dûm.

Upon arriving at the gates, he was a frenzied mess. Elrond doesn't even remember the procession of events; he just knows his men showed up at his flank, he was holding your limp body, begging for aid, and someway, somehow, was then lead into the Kingdom's healing quarters.

"Elrond?" A voice questioned softly, a few nurses and healers checking over the remaining company as you were laid on a surgical table. "Is tha'... You?"

He looked over, eyes void, dead, still splattered in the blood and grime of his enemies. "Durin," Elrond whispered.

"What happened?" The Dwarf Prince asked carefully, taking a slow step forward.

"We... We were..." Elrond looked back at you, hating how many healers surrounded you, "We were attacked - just less than a league from here."

"I see. Who... Who attacked you?"

"A pack of Orcs," he whispered, stumbling back into a wall as his breathing turned ragged, "while we were on the road."

"She's not breathing!" It was announced, Elrond sliding to the floor as horror struck his face. Panic seized his heart, short circuited his brain.

"Elrond?" Durin worried, Disa rushing into the room after him. "Hey? Can yah hear me?" The ginger asked, hand to Elrond's shoulder. "Elrond? Elrond, can yah - "

"I need help! Hold here! She's bleeding!"

"I can't see the wound - cut the corset!"

" - the finger's been lost - "

"She's got bruising on her neck, help me save her windpipe!"

Elrond's breathing became erratic, knees pulling into his chest as his men stood firm in support. Tears were streaming down his cheeks, Durin asking his name again, then, "Who is she?"

"M-My wife - she's my wife, Durin, she's my wife - "

"Okay, okay, okay," Durin comforted, kneeling to the ground at Elrond's side; keeping themselves separate as Disa neared them slowly. Durin shot her a look, silently saying 'close enough', and she stopped - heart aching for the devastation on the Elf's face.

"What's this? An Elf!?" Another Dwarf was heard barking.

"We do not deny aid!" A different Healer Dwarf barked, quickly shedding your dress and revealing your wounds to the room; making a few avert their eyes and hiss as ebony poison had taken to the veins around the wound.

"Do what needs done!" Durin barked, "To save her life! Use any means necessary!"

"You heard your Prince!"

"C'mon," Disa encouraged the Elves, "we should let the Healers work, we do not want to get in their way."

"Is there... Somewhere we can wait, nearby?" Vorohil asked nervously, glancing at you, who was being fussed over as blood splattered onto the ground; wound raging, blood covering your side as they seemed to aggravate the wound in order to clean it of the infection. "What if they need us?" Vorohil whispered.

"We have somewhere close-by for yah's," Disa assured. "Durin?" She asked, "Perhaps Elrond would like t'wait with us?"

"We'll be along," he agreed, knowing Elrond was like a rock in that moment. Disa lead the others away, leaving Durin to sigh and take a seat beside Elrond; just watching the Healers at work. "So, uh, how long yeh been married?"

"We... We sent you, um, a, uh..."

"Oh, right, yeah, yeah, of course. So... Only a couple months, then?"

"Seems like no time at all."

Durin chuckled, "Nah, two months in? You's two are still in that blissful state."

"And when it ends?"

"Oh, yeh'll see, married life becomes all yah know." Durin sighed, hating himself but needing to ask, "What happened to her, Elrond?"

The Elf shook his head, the tears never ending; suffocating him. "The horses," he managed to choke out.

"What of 'em?"

Elrond gulped. "They picked up on it first - that's what I noticed. They didn't want to go down the path, then this sort of darkness came... It was quick... It happened so quick, Durin, I did not - I did not see nor hear them. We were unprepared."

"What else?" Durin was unusually soft.

Elrond shook his head, "I got her on her horse, something didn't feel right. I thought - I just thought to get her out of there, get to safety - you know?"

"Just in case?"

"Yes. But the darkness - it brought them, let them move in the daylight. They tackled her from her horse - I tried to get to her. I swear, Durin, I tried, but it was all so fast - I didn't even see her get hurt. I just found her like that, holding on. What kind of husband can't even defend his own wife? By the end... She was... She wasn't..."

Elrond melted into sobs, folding in on himself, Durin's frown deep and concerning. Despite his own feelings of malcontent towards his old friend, he reached out and let his arm wrap around Elrond's neck. This allowed the Elf to lean into the Dwarf's neck and absolutely lose his shit. Not like anyone heard him, though; the Healers all yelling over one another as they rushed around in an effort to pull the blackened poison from your body.

You don't remember much. Just pain.

Then you remember voices. They were all around you, yet hazy; like you were underwater.

You remember smells - like alcohol and disinfectant.

You remember warmth in your hand; a weight, a constant presence that you squeezed when you felt ready to open your eyes. The twilight had passed, you were awake, a soothing voice cooing and encouraging you back into reality. It was just hard to pull yourself out of the tarpit your mind was seemingly lost in.

Upon regaining consciousness, you were greeted by Elrond's tearful expression of relief. "My love," he spoke clearly, "can you hear me?" You nodded, trying to open your mouth, but he rushed, "No, no, do not - don't do that, don't try to talk. Save your strength, please. You're okay." You nodded again, watching his watery smile warble before dissolving into sobs. "I thought you wouldn't make it," he admitted through his emotional breakdown, hovering close to you if only to feel your warmth and be assured that blood still pumped freely through your body.

"I had reason to come back," you whispered, earning a stony look of reprimand before he sighed and leaned in to kiss your forehead.

"Here, I have something for you," Elrond sniffled, reaching for his belt, "and I cannot keep it any longer." Your brows furrowed when your husband retrieved a bright gem, quickly realizing it was your wedding ring. Elrond saw your confusion, lifting your hand to place the ring on your pointer finger - making you lift the other, finding it bandaged with only four fingers. Your head snapped towards Elrond, but he begged, "Please, just rest, my star, you've been through enough - "

"What happened?" You demanded in a gravely voice.

"Do not - "

"Tell me."

Elrond sighed and situated himself at your side, careful not to jostle your form. "Well, first... We are in the Dwarven Kingdom of Khazad-dûm." He descended into the tale of how you lost your ring and obtained further injury, then rushed to get help, being reunited with Prince Durin, and ending on how you've been asleep for 'too long'.

You croaked, "I'd like to thank our hosts..."

"That can wait until you've rested longer. You've been unconscious for days."

"Then I've rested enough."

"I almost lost you," Elrond growled, "you will not move, not until you are cleared to do so. And I have the best authority to ensure you follow the rules."

You chuckled, "Oh?"

Elrond went to answer, but frowned in a panic when you started coughing from the dry prickle in your mouth and throat; quickly fetching the cup of water from the side stand. "Easy, my star, here, carefully, carefully," he whispered, holding the back of your neck, helping you sit up only slightly as to not irritate your abdomen, and tip the cup to your mouth to fill it with cold, fresh water.

"How's our patient doin' today, Elrond?" A voice asked cheerfully, "I'm tellin' yah, I can feel it, she'll be awake in no time, real soon, and then you'll actually sleep - "

"You have not slept!?" You asked sharply, looking to Elrond and noting the contradiction to his flesh; how pale he appeared with dark circles under his eyes, cheeks sunken.

Yes, Elves didn't need sleep like humans or Dwarves, but still, they needed some - and it was evident Elrond had none.

The Dwarf gasped and whirled around to spy you awake and conscious on the stony bed they had layered with fluff, furs, and blankets for your comfort. She dropped the tray of nutrients to another table, looking like she wanted to rush you. "You're awake!" She squealed.

"Disa - "

"DURIN!" She bellowed, hiking up her skirts and rushing from the room, "SHE'S AWKAE! DURIN! DUUURIN!"

You couldn't help the laughter that burst forth, wincing when your side seared in pain - making you choke on air. Elrond muttered to himself in Sindarin, finding a wet cloth and approaching your injury, carefully lifting the thin sheet covering you and peeling the bandage off. You heard Elrond hiss between his teeth, you trying to glance at the mark - but your husband would not let you. "Just stay still, my love," he whispered, "this won't take long, but it might sting - "

You grunted and whimpered when Elrond began soaking your wound; the cold water feeling nice in the hot infection, but making you squirm from discomfort. "Elrond," you begged, hand slapping to his wrist, "please."

"I know, but it needs cleaned - it won't hurt forever, my love."

"Oi," the Dwarf, Disa, snapped as she reentered the room, "get away from there, Elrond, go, go, go, shoo, let me through."

"Disa - "

"No," She now scolded Elrond, pushing him to stand straight and take the cloth from him, "your only job is to be a husband, not Healer - that's my job. You stand over there, hold her hand, and - DURIN!" She suddenly shouted towards the door, where a ginger Dwarf revealed himself sheepishly.

"Oh," you breathed in interest, trying to sit up a little, "Prince Durin, what an honor - "

"Oh, no, no, you don't, lassie, you lay back - just lay back."

"Listen to Disa, starlight," Elrond worried, both their hands reaching out to try to gently encourage you back down.

"It's customary to greet royalty on your feet - "

"Not in yer state, dearie," Disa comforted softly, patting your shoulder; Elrond gently caressing the top of your head. "Just rest - Durin will come to you," She shot her husband a look, who slowly entered the room.

"I just - I want to thank you, Prince Durin," you stuttered, wincing as Disa started tending to your wound again. "For saving me - or saving us, so I hear."

"Ah," Durin cleared his throat, nodding with pursed lips, "'twas nothing, uh, my Lady, we just... Couldn't say no to the state of things."

"Still. Thank you," you breathed. "And for your friendship to Elrond, it's been - "

"Starlight," Elrond quietly discouraged you with a small head shake, looking just as uncomfortable as the ruddy-faced Dwarf.

"What? What's wrong?" You asked, but neither man could meet your eyes. So, you looked to Disa, "What did I say?"

"Oh, you said nothin', dearie; 's just two stubborn mules refusin' to speak of the boulder in the room," she tisked with a small smirk.

"Do you think this boulder has to do with your absence from our wedding? I must admit, I allowed myself to feel excited, thinking we'd finally meet; and was entirely saddened by your lack of attendance."

"I know, sweetling, me too," she assured with a sigh, "but their boulder is truly suffocatin' - prevents them from speakin'."

"Oh-hhhh," you hitched the word to exaggerate, both your husbands stunned into silence by the quickly casual conversation, "so, like most men?"

"Mhm," she hummed sassily. "Friends for decades, Durin even considers Elrond a brother - "

" - So does Elrond - "

" - And yet, the fools cannot bear t'speak few words t'mend the bond! Oh, it's absolutely pigheaded!"

"What exactly needs mending?" You pondered softly. "I thought..." You looked over to see Elrond's head bowed, both hands resting in your single one; looking ashamed. "Elrond?" You asked, squeezing his hand.

"It's nothin' of note anymore, my Lady," Durin stepped in, making your suspicion grow, "just... A little, uh..."

"Distance," Elrond supplied finally, lifting his head and nodding, "our tension stems from a matter of distance."

"Hm," you noted, turning to Disa - who was already offering you a tired, pointed look. "What do you know of this boulder?"

"Oh, aye, it's distance," she nodded, frowning, "some... 20 years of it? Or just about."

"Has it been only 20?" Elrond questioned softly, looking earnestly to his friend; who stiffly looked away, but you saw the cracks in the ginger's foundation.

"'Only'?" You repeated, Disa sending her husband a look. "Prince Durin, my Princess, you must forgive my husband - he can forget how... Long life is. 20 years is a mere blink to an Elf, but to the other races, Elrond, it's a lifetime."

"I did not mean to offend," Elrond told you.

"I know, love, but you speak to the wrong person - I am not the one who deserves to hear your apologies," you said, pointing at Durin with your wedding ring firmly in place.

Elrond agreed and turned to his friend, admitting, "I'm sorry for the offense I've caused. I did not realize so much time had passed." Durin scoffed, Disa growling his name. "Is there more I've done? I do not understand, I have missed my friend - "

"Missed!? Yah missed my weddin'!" Durin snarled in a shout, your head resting on the pillow under your head and deflating in pain as Disa worked to fix one of the stitches.

"You missed ours - "

"And the birth of my children! Two of 'em!" Durin tacked on. "You cannot barge into my mountain and demand I welcome you with open arms! You cannot claim that which you discarded! I did yah this favor because of the obvious threat to life, and I comforted you in the wake of yer wife's injury! I ignored my own woes and bygones because that was the decent thing t'do! I mean," he chuckled without humor, "even when yeh wrong me and refuse to even take ownership - accountability - for yer wrongdoings, I still comfort yah!"

"'Discarded'? 'Refuse to take'..." Elrond repeated, "Durin, I - "

"It's as yer wife said!" Durin growled, "20 years might be the blink of an eye to an Elf... But I've lived an entire life in that time!" Emotion caked Durin's tone. "A life you missed! So, yeah, yeh know what? We missed yer weddin', yeah... But you've missed the past 20 years..." There came an awkward sort of silence, the group stewing in their tension. The Dwarven Prince scoffed a couple times as Elrond processed his words, asking with attitude, "So what do yah have t'say to that... 'Friend'?"

You smirked gently as Elrond did not respond, instead slowly approaching his friend as if a skittish, injured deer. Slowly, in a fluid movement, Elrond laid his hand to Durin's shoulder, squeezing as he spoke with sincerity, "Congratulations." Disa laid her hand in your bandaged one, both smiling as she paused her cleaning session to watch and listen. "On your wife, your children," Elrond elaborated. He slowly retracted his hand, "And thank you for your help, the aid that saved my wife's life. Thank you for comforting me, too; I hope you can come to forgive me."

You cleared your throat, the two turning to find their wives watching them smugly. "I think you might owe someone else an apology, my love," you whispered.

"Disa - "

"Don't even," she beamed, "yer already forgiven."

"Ah, don't let him off easy," Durin grumbled.

"His wife almost died in front of him, I think that's reparation enough."

Durin paused for a long moment, then nodded, "Yeah, all right, fair enough."

"Now," Disa announced, standing, "I think the Lady's wound is as good as it'll get for now - it's up to you for the rest of the healing," she patted your shoulder.

"On the morrow, we shall - "

"Oh, no, you mistake me," Disa smirked to Elrond, "there's no leavin' yet. She's not ready - she can't sit on a horse, one awkward bump on the road and she'll pop a stitch, start bleeding, risk worse infection - "

"How long?" Elrond worried, magnetized to your side again with one hand in yours, the other caressing the top of your head to stroke your hair in calming motions.

"Just a few days, until the stitches come out," Disa assured. "Yeh'll stay with us!"

"No, they will not," Durin argued.

"They're staying."

"They're leaving."

"They're staying!" Disa scolded her husband, who huffed and shook his head before pacing in a circle. "Now, yeh wanna try t'move around a bit, love?"

"Please," you begged, "losing my mind just sittin' here."

"All right, just be careful - your legs took a beatin', too. Them buggers got you good with their teeth - easy, easy, there's a good girl." Once on your feet and both hands in Disa's, she distracted you from the pain by asking, "So, go on, lass, tell us 'bout yer weddin', hmm?"

You chuckled, stumbling a little into her arms before rightening yourself while answering, "Oh, it was lovely. 'M pretty sure my best friend hooked up with the High King, too."

"No!"

"I know! I knew the King wanted the party of the century, but there's other ways to achieve such status."

Durin snickered, thinking Elrond looked like he was going to have a stroke as Disa helped guide you around the room to earn your bearings. Behind you, Durin's hand held Elrond's shoulder to keep him in place; letting Disa assist you as the two men appreciated the obvious relationship blooming before them.

And years from now, when your daughter rescued the Ring Bearing Hobbit, Frodo Baggins, your husband would heal him; a direct result after nearly losing your life that caused him to study the art.

part one: Match Made in Grey Haven

requesting rules and masterlist

TROP masterlist

[etherealeowyn]

"Will you be my queen?" - Annatar x Fem Reader

Annatar comes back early, and Y/n's in for a surprise.

THIS CONTAINS SMUT - MINORS DNI

Word Count: 682

My requests are always open, so feel free to message me if you have an idea! I'll write for any character from The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, or The Rings of Power!

Raindrops endlessly fell from the sky, as a chill washed over Y/n’s bedroom chamber, making the woman pull her blankets closer to her body. A fire was flickering near the foot of the bed, but the warmth emitted did not compare to Annatar’s body heat.

He had left early to attend to some matters with Celebrimbor regarding forging the rings of power.

Naivety was not an attribute that Y/n possessed. She knew Annatar was not his true name; he was Sauron, the demi-god feared for ages. But this knowledge did not dissuade her love for him.

Even though logically, it should have.

But logic carried very little weight over matters of the heart.

Sitting up, Y/n pushed the covers off her body before swinging her legs over the side of the bed, wincing at the feeling of the cold stone beneath her bare feet. She walked over to the divider in the corner of the room designated as a changing space and began to slip on a thick velvet dress.

“There’s no need for you to put that on,” a man’s voice sounded, causing Y/n’s head to snap up from what she was doing.

A small blush crept onto her face as she recognized Annatar’s voice. She could see the silhouette of his frame, through the divider, illuminated by the burning fire.

She watched as his hand pushed the divider to the side, removing the barrier that separated the pair.

Looking up at him with anticipation prominent in her eyes, she felt her heart pound rapidly within her chest, wanting nothing more than for his skin to encounter hers. His fingers delicately pushed the garment from her shoulders, making it fall onto the ground in a heap. Annatar offered his hand to the woman, and she eagerly took it, stepping away and following him to the bed in the middle of the room.

“Sit,” he stated, his voice containing a well-balanced mixture of assertiveness and warmth.

She did as he said without hesitation, knowing everything he did for her was always in her best interest.

Using his calloused hands, Annatar spread open the woman’s legs, causing Y/n to fall back onto her elbows. The way that his long blond hair brushed the inside of her thighs before his mouth reached her clit, made her breath quicken, and she swore that she could feel electricity flowing through every part of her body.

There was no sorcery involved, but when he went down on her, it felt like time slowed down, and every touch, whether big or small, was amplified. He’d occasionally look up at her, eyes clouded, with a smirk playing on his lips as she squirmed in pleasure.

Her hair was sprawled out around her on the bed, slightly messy but perfect, nonetheless. He had hardly seen her like this, usually, in the public eye she was the epitome of put-together, making him feel mildly powerful that he was able to unravel her like this.

“S-Sauron,” she moaned his name as she finished, panting as beads of sweat adorned her forehead.

Y/n wasn’t expecting to let that name fall from her mouth, but she had a hard time calling him by his other names when this one seemed to fit him so well. Plus, her head felt like it was spinning, from the way that his tongue worked. Y/n knew that it was twisted to love someone like him, but at the same time, she felt so deeply connected to him that she couldn’t possibly run from him.

“I was not expecting you to say that, but I’m not surprised you figured it out, love. I always knew you were smart,” he spoke with a cocky smile.

Y/n sat up, struggling to form words, however, she let a smile brighten up her features.

“I could fill you in on everything later, but I just need to know, will you be my queen?” he asked, sloppily trailing kisses up her leg.

“Absolutely,” Y/n responded breathily, placing her finger underneath his chin and pointing it upwards so she could connect her lips to his.

[bamsywrites]

And Comes Dawn pt iii

Pairing: Sauron/Halbrand x Reader, more ships/love triangles to come, though, so stay tuned.

Summary: the deciver has decided he must get rid of you until a stranger reignites his curiosity in an unexpected way.

Word count: 2k

Notes: let me know if you wanna be tagged. I was not expecting this many people to like this fic. Thank you so much for the feed back, I read every comment and reblog multiple times. Keep any and all feedback coming. I'm super invested in this series and have so many plans that I'm so excited to write.

Tags/warning: male masturbation, nothing super explicit but sauron has some pretty unhealthy kinks, slow burn, saurons post nut clarity is murder plotting, sauron being sauron. galadriel finally shows up, cliffhanger

Series Masterlist

“She does nothing but sit there, day in and day out. Our rations are wasted on her!” 

“All of us sit and do nothing because there is fucking nothing to do.”

Halbrand and the older man were fighting again. Halbrand had become annoyed that the other had declared himself the de facto leader of the raft, and his anger exploded when it was proclaimed you had not 'earned' your rations. He had obviously found it absolutely insane and when you made no sound or protest, he took it upon himself to make it known how insane it was. 

“I am the leader here. I have organized the rations, I have kept order, and I have directed where we go.” The other man seemed offended. He had proven himself to be rather arrogant, and you held no surprise that he would suggest such a thing or believe that he was the leader of the raft.

“Oh great Lord of the Raft. How difficult your job must be. Deciding if we die a little to the west or a little to the east.” Halbrand rolled his eyes as he spoke. 

“Be sarcastic all you want. She's lucky we don't throw her in.” 

The air stilled and a dark shadow passed over Halbrands face, his jaw clenched and in a moment he had grabbed the other by their shirt, “The moment you do that is the moment I feed you and every single person on this raft to the wyrm.” Their faces merely inches apart,  Halbrands voice was cold, full of hatred, and it sent a chill over everyone on the raft. The older man stared up at him with fear, a fear so palpable and intense that it was as if he was looking into the eyes of the great foe himself. 

“Halbrand,” you spoke softly, fingers gently wrapping around his wrist and moving him away. “This is not what I wish.”

He turned to look at you and his gaze softened,tongue peaking out to wet his lips. The air flowed again, and the darkness lifted, “You wish to starve? Because that's his wish, that's his plan. He wants to make our supply of food last longer by taking the very little portion you have. He knows you would never say anything to him, and you can not ask me to sit back and watch you starve, sweet one.” His eyes searched your face as he spoke with such earnest conviction. 

“I do not wish for you to murder in my name,” you replied in a passionate whisper. 

Halbrand nodded, sighing softly, “Then I will not,” he leaned closer to you, so his lips were next to your ear, and you could feel his hot breath on your skin. Your breath caught in your voice as he whispered softly, “Know that I would, though. If you only asked, I would burn this raft and everyone on it to keep you safe.” 

He pulled away and pressed a soft kiss to the crown of your head as you stood speechless. The butterflies in your stomach exploded. This was new. Your interactions had been purely platonic until this point. He never presented himself as someone more than a friend, and you had been content with that. Yet you enjoyed the feeling of his lips on your forehead and greatly missed them when they were gone. 

The talk of murdering everyone else was one you didn't wish to dwell on. Perhaps it was hyperbolic. Perhaps said in anger. Either way, those were thoughts for another time. Now, you would embrace the shivers and butterflies. 

“Well, your highness, she will be eating today and I will ensure it,” Halbrand gave the man a pointed look and the other simply nodded, his eyes still swimming as if he'd seen some great horror but you were too fixated on the ghost of Halbrands kiss that lingered on your forehead to pay it much mind. 

~

He'd taken the deception too far when he placed that kiss upon your head. He regretted it the moment he did it. The taste of your skin stained his lips, and it was all he could think of. Your skin felt unbelievably soft and he could just imagine what your lips would taste like, your tongue, your cunt. 

Your cunt. The thought of it had been all consuming. Warm and wet. Soft and velvety. He ached to feel it, to taste it, to take it. The thoughts had led to his current position, standing at the edge of the raft with his cock in his fist. This act felt below him but the thoughts wouldn't leave his mind and he needed some relief from them. From the thoughts of you. 

Thoughts of your cunt. 

Warm and wet. Soft and velvet. 

His eyes fluttered, and his breath caught in his throat. He hated every second of this. He had no control. Ever since you looked up at him with those eyes of yours, eyes he wanted to make weep as you choked on his cock. He breathed a soft curse as he imagined your sweet, innocent eyes looking up at him with your lips wrapped around his cock. His thumb collected the precum from his tip and worked it around his shaft, the soft wet sounds filling the night. 

Would you be inexperienced?  Had someone claimed you before? You were his and his alone, his precious sweet one. The thought of someone else having you first filled him with such rage. He would drench his hands in their blood and paint your body with it as he fucked you. His hands around your neck, squeezing enough to feel your life thrumming underneath his fingers. 

You were his and his alone. No one else could touch you, no other lips taste you, no other cock take you. He'd burn all of Middle Earth to ensure it, torture any man who dared look at you. He'd carve his name into your flesh, lick the blood off your skin. A growl escaped his lips, the thought of his name scared into your soft skin. His hand tightened around his cock and his movements increased in speed. 

His breathing got more ragged as he got closer to his peak,  your name tumbling past his lips in a choked whisper. He could almost imagine you whining and whimpering his name, his real name.  That was what sent him over, the visual of you impaled on his cock and desperately calling his name. He groaned loudly, his seed shooting into the water. 

Breathing heavily, his eyes closed. Almost immediately, the cacophony of thoughts entered his mind. That had been a brief reprieve, but now his existential crisis continued. What was his purpose? Who was he now that his master was dead? Power and control, how could he have both without sacrificing the other?  

And then your smiling face flashed through his mind, the sound of your laugh...-

This couldn't continue. No amount of curiosity was worth this loss of control. He was a god, but his mind as of late had been reminiscent of a teenage boy. Thoughts may plague him, but he would forget you within the age. He needed you gone, dead. The longer you stayed alive, the longer these damn lustful thoughts would plague him and be his undoing. He was slowly losing his sanity because of you. 

The problem was he couldn't do it. He tried mere minutes before giving into these urges, but as he looked at your sleeping face, he couldn't bring himself to push you in and under the waves. In thousands of years, no one had been able to still his blade or stay his hand with such ease. He couldn't look at you and take your life. He could not be the one to do it, that thought alone proving to be more a reason for your death. Weakness was not something he would tolerate. 

His mind called out to wyrm, calling it to their location. If he couldn't do it, he'd give the task to something else. By nightfall tomorrow, you'd be gone. You'd be at the bottom of the sea or in the belly of the beast. By nightfall, he'd have his mind back. 

Why did the thought of your death fill him with such dread?

~

He wouldn't even look at you. You'd greeted him in the morning, and he ignored you. You sat next to him, and he moved to the other side of the raft. You watched as his eyes bore into planks of the raft. You wet your lips and pulled it between your teeth. He was your first friend in a very long time, and now you had lost him for reasons that escaped you.  You were utterly alone, lost at sea, and you struggled to find hope here. All you could do is close your eyes and remind yourself that falling into despair would do nothing more than make the situation worse and more hopeless.

You watched the clouds pass in the sky, counting them, and your fingers tapped away at the wood. Every few moments, you had to blink away the tears that had started welling in your eyes as you thought of losing another person you cared for. Suddenly, you sat up as you heard what you thought was a voice in the air. You squinted as your eyes examined the fog.

“There's a voice on the water.” You spoke quietly. 

Almost instantly, bickering broke amongst the others. To save her or not. You shook your head, “We're not leaving her to starve and die!” 

One of the others pulled her up and gave her water as you grabbed her a chunk of bread and looked for a piece of cloth or something that could bring the stranger some warmth. The bickering continued as you searched and returned with a piece of bread.

“Suppose you'll be sharing your rations?” the old man asked. 

You couldn't help the roll of your eyes, “Damn the rations,” you kneeled and handed the stranger the bread. “It's not much, but it's something. Are you hurt?” 

Before she could answer, one of the others asked, “What are you doing out here?”  

The stranger took the bread, “I was separated from my ship.” 

You looked at her with empathy. Of course, you could understand. She looked over at you as if to answer your question next, but she stopped, her eyes examining your face as if she knew you but was unable to place how. It made you uncomfortable, made your heart still. Has your past caught up with you all the way out here? 

“She doesn't look dangerous,” the other woman spoke.

“Looks can be deceiving,” Halbrand spoke, and you were about to protest when you saw the point to her ears. Your blood ran cold, and you moved back from her. 

“Remove your hand from me, sir,” the stranger spoke, her attention returning to you. “I know your face.”

You quickly stood up and stepped back. This could not be happening. Not here. Not now. Perhaps the elf could save you, or perhaps she would convince the others to throw you into the sea. The sins of your father would never stop chasing you, it seemed. 

~

“I know your face."

His head snapped your direction at this revelation. What did that mean? How would an elf know you? He watched your reaction, the fear and shame passing over your face confirming that there was a story there. He cursed silently.

All day, he avoided looking at you. All day, he had convinced himself that you were nothing more than a naive human, that the warmth he felt had to be in relation to this new form getting used to the world around him. There was nothing special about you. Nothing at all. He repeated it over and over, though he never really believed it. He could sense the darkness and calamity swimming through the ocean towards them, the beast he had called, and he had convinced himself that your death would solve his internal struggle. 

But now, this damn elf had reignited the curiosity with vigor. It felt as if an inferno burnt through him. He had to know more. He knew when the wyrm came, he would be unable to leave you to death. You were the most curious thing, and it was infuriating. 

Who were you? 

previous next

[staygoldsquatchling02]

Anyone else blocking smut tags? Like I'm fine with it and if my likes were public on here you'd see a lot of it, but I'm just tired of it. Like every fic I scroll by these days is smutty in some way. Gone are the days where you really had to dig to find a smut in a sea of fluff because now it's the opposite. I know tons of people say this but seriously more people need to write fluffy or angsty fics and take a break from the smut. Please

[system-to-the-madness]

Not Forever - Elrond x Reader

Pairing: tRoP!Elrond x Reader (can be read as any gender, no pronouns used) Genre: fluff Word Count: 1 044 Warnings: mentions of Sauron and death Summary: During the longest night, Elrond and you are on patrol around the refuge A/N: Rather unsurprisingly, tRoP!Elrond was the winner of the poll! Also: This is posting exactly as the sun is setting in my city.

Cold starlight glittered overhead, covered partially by the bare branches of old trees. It was only early afternoon, but the longest night of the year had already begun shortly past noon. 

Turning your head, you spied your companion stepping through the fallen leaves, carrying a pouch with provision over his shoulder. It wasn't much, since you were only patrolling the lands surrounding the new settlement that had been built as refuge for the elves of Eregion. Trying to block out the anger that patrols had become a necessity now, the rage at the mindless destruction of peace and beauty for power, you called for Elrond, who closed the last meters between you.

"It seems quiet in the south for now," he told you. "What about the east?"

"Nothing," you replied, "but the stars have come out."

Elrond followed the line you indicated with a reach of your hand and leant his head back to look at the sky above.

Instead of turning your eyes the same direction, you watched him. His hair had grown longer since the battle, and now fell in soft locks almost down to his shoulders, shifting as he moved his head to get a better look at the stars. Their light sparkled in his eyes, and for a moment the burden of grief and responsibility fell off his shoulders. It seemed like a lightness returned to him, an upwards tucking of the corners of his mouth, one you had not seen in several moons upon his face. It made your heart beat harder, and you barely were able to resist the urge to brush away a curl of his hair that had caught on his cheek. 

As if he had felt your eyes on him, he turned to look at you. The forest was dark, safe for the stars above, but still you could make out that his expression grew ever softer as he took you in. Your breaths condensed as white clouds between your faces while he considered your form, wrapped in the warmest coat you had found, feet tightly tucked into some light, but warm boots, bow thrown over your shoulder, quiver with arrows on your back and a sword strapped to your hip.

"You're cold," he observed, a frown creasing his brow, and he stepped forward, placing his hands at your upper arms and rubbing gently. It was a strangely intimate gesture, one like he had often shared with you recently, but you did not find it in you to refuse his approach. His hands were warm in the winter night, and his touch filled with familiarity and light, that pushed back against the darkness that had begun to spread over the lands even before the sun had reached the highest point of the shortest day.

"The winter feels colder this year," you finally answered, praying that Elrond would not mind the way you had lent into his touch. But he yet had to draw away, so you told yourself not to mind.

"It's Sauron's darkness that draws the warmth out of all that is good in this world," Elrond answered, his voice having taken the heavy tone he often struck recently. "I cannot even feel the warmth in the ground anymore. It is frozen in more ways than the winter would allow."

You knew what he was talking about. Even when the ground was frozen solid, there were always the lingering traces of life, the roots of trees that roped through the earth, young acorns and other seeds, waiting for spring warmth before starting to grow their first leaves, bugs and worms or even rabbits. But none of that life was there now, only cold, frozen, dead soil.

“I love the stars, but this cold makes me think this night will last forever,” you admitted guiltily. “It no longer carries the comfort it once did. It’s distant now, and dangerous.”

“It is not the night’s darkness that carries the danger, but Sauron’s,” Elrond answered. “But this night, just like all the others before, shall pass.” Carefully he moved one of his hands from your shoulder up to your cheek, his warmth sending a shiver down your spine, his smooth skin gentle against yours. “Even the darkest night will end and when the stars’ light fades by sunbeams, our hearts will be filled with hope once more.” 

You inhaled deeply, the icy air, the scent of fallen leaves and the warmth of Elrond’s hand at your cheek before you looked up at him.

“It seems impossible,” you denied. “Like I’m suffocating in the dark.”

“You won’t, I won’t let you,” Elrond promised, taking a step closer and resting his forehead against yours. He was warm and alive, and it felt like golden light was bleeding from his touch into your heart, lifting the darkness that had wrapped around it. “We will face this night together and welcome the sun again. And we will hold onto each other and defeat whatever darkness lingers in this world. I will not let you despair; this I promise you.”

Tightly closing your eyes at his words, you inhaled shakily and nodded. “I promise, too,” you replied and even though your answer was simple, you knew Elrond understood how important the words’ meaning was.

For a few more moments he held you there, forehead to forehead, breath condensing to mist between your bodies, but eventually he drew back.

“Let’s have some of the Lembas and the fruit,” he suggested, rubbing his thumb over your cheek as if to rub life back into your skin, or to chase away the heat that had begun rising at the proximity, you could not be sure. 

Settling down on the frozen ground, leaning against a fallen tree, Elrond unpacked the provisions, handing you some of them before scooting so close that eventually his side was pressed against yours. With a reassuring smile he wrapped his cloak around the two of you, warmth beginning to chase out the cold and as you rested your head against his shoulder, feeling him lean his cheek against your hair, both of you watching the stars slowly move over the sky while eating the sweet, dried fruit, you suddenly felt as if Elrond was right; the night would not last forever.

[wordbunch]

friends to lovers [Isildur] (pt. 1)

a/n: idk why so many of you are sleeping on this chaotic boi but i am here to start waking you up!!! DING DONG IT'S baby isil time besties!!! some fluffy hc's i have about him, by yours truly 😘 hope at least someone likes it and shares the love 💌

ft. my beloved @lady-of-imladris reading me to filth😂💛

honestly sometimes he is a tough nut to crack because he is Still Figuring Out many things, but his intentions are good

pure of heart dumb of ass

if he has a passing crush on someone, he will be confident and flirty and not care much

however, if he is reeeeally into you, he will be a stammering clumsy mess of a human

luckily for him, you clocked that and you find it endearing!

however i think he's an absolutely perfect candidate for lifelong friends to lovers story

you start catching on when you realize he is just magically wherever you are

sure, you used to spend time together before as well, but suddenly he seems to be following you like your shadow (not in a creepy way, more like following you like a stray puppy way)

at first you're a little suspicious and then you're just like okay, guess this is my life now

of course he could have other places to be but... he just likes being near you

you get him and you don't criticize him for every other minor thing and you give him simultaneously a feeling of complete freedom and perfect safety

also he became a bit more touchy feely with you, more inclined to give you a (long) hug, have a hand on your back, around your shoulders in a public setting and such

and you certainly grew to enjoy it - it was part comfort of a familiar presence, part excitement at such genuine, unapologetic close contact

after being friends who mostly got up to no good for years, or saved each other from numerous troubles, you started getting occasional glimpses into his deeper inner world

mostly during evenings by a fire or by the ocean when the only sounds are wind in the trees and lapping waves

every now and then Isildur would just let something slip, something intimate, something that had been unknown to you

accidentally or not, you weren't sure, but you enjoyed being his safe space, and you didn't push him to confess anything

okay when you sensed he was holding something in, wanting to keep up his fun-and-unbothered persona, you would prod a tiny bit, and he can't deny you for too long

that is how one night you found out that he feels guilty for his mom's death and unworthy of the sacrifice

you were alone after a group hangout on the beach; it was just the two of you sitting knee to knee under the starry sky, and undoubtedly those settings often lead to deep conversations

you held back a gasp when your eyes met his watery ones

hesitantly, but warmly, you cradled his face in your hands and moved his hair away from his eyes

he was looking at you like he was scared of being judged and cast aside

but you would never

"isil" (it was his weakness when you gave him a nickname) "you were worthy of being saved. and she would be proud of you today. please, don't ever think otherwise."

he scanned your face as if for signs of you being sarcastic or silly. you were not.

you just pulled him close and he all but wrapped himself around you, your hands in his hair and his face in the crook of your neck (you were uncertain whether he was crying but you strongly suspected it); you muttered words of comfort into his wavy hair as the fire crackled in front of you

(PT 2 SOON)

[septimaseverinawannawrite]

With Talk of Summertime

Fandom : Prime's The Rings of Power

Type : One Shot

Pairing: TROP!Elrond x Wife! Reader

Summaries: It's not easy to cope after slaining the Orcs, even a few decades ago. But, luckily, Elrond is there for you.

Content : Fluff. Established Relationship.

Warning: Angst. Depiction of mental health (PTSD). Depiction of gore. Hurt/Comfort. My first English poem it's silly please forgive me. My hypothetical Sindarin. My English (is my second language). Using of Y/N.

Rate: T+

Word: 1,810

A/N: This is my affection to TROP!Elrond. He is adorable, wise and nerdbrave, it hurts. 🥺🥺🥺. By the way...feel free to correct any mistake!

🌹Click to My AO3

You thought they would not disturb you anymore and any further.

But you were totally and completely wrong after all, what had you just seen and experienced them in your own sleep – dream.

And why did they wrong you now? Especially this time of the year, when you were supposed to be joyous and pleased with one-week long celebration; all days, all nights.

You had woken up when most of musicians, bards and poets – who had stayed up since the previous evening – were retreating to their quarters, sparred just undertone notes and tunes lingering in the air. Climbing out of the bed, hobbled out of the room to the door that led to a balcony, and you sat down on cold hard floor.

You stared outward, through the gaps between trees, leaves, and monuments, wanderingly and aimlessly: sat still right there without moving; even chill and frigid breeze from western wind that numbed on your exposed skins could not irritate you.

And you could barely breathe. Right here. Right now.

Little had you known was the moment you pulling a blanket out and moving away from the bed; your husband, the High King Gil-Galad’s Herald, Elrond Peredhel was returning back to the quarter – perfect timing. Since he must stay for the basis of courtesy and rank, until honourable guesses and the High King dismissing, while you had retreated earlier than him, when one noble elf from Eregion mentioning about recent irregularity nearby his house.

That was not supposed to aggravate you, as you ignored that tale.   

In spite of murksome bedchamber, Elrond sensed, no, saw you sitting on a cold floor in a mere thin and lucent nightgown. Dim light from candles outside the bed chamber cast hued shadow behind where you were; stiffen straight manner became crooking, knees closed up to a chin, both arms hugged both legs tightly – trying to protect yourself from what had lurked in your mind.

He removed the brooch and pin that hold his cloaked together and a leather belt of his sword, hung them on cloth-pole next to the vanity, before approaching you in quiet manner �� afraid that he would panic you more than this presence.     

‘No, I am not really there, where the darkness and those abominably twisted creatures are; I am home, I am under the light of the Great Tree, bright cloudless sky with my beloved’

Closing your eyes, tears ran down along your cheeks, you started muttering the phrase, the reminder that kept you staying sane, quietly.

‘No, I am not really there, where the darkness and those abominably twisted creatures are; I am home, I am under the light of the Great Tree, bright cloudless sky with my beloved’

And kept breathing; breathed in the fresh air of this pleasant night, breathed out while continued the litany repetitively:

‘…No, I am not really there, I am home…No. I. Am Not. Really There…’

All indistinct pictures, even sounds and chilliness from earlier began to prevail, more and more distinctively. You shook your head, orally reciting them.

“I am under the light of the Great Tree…I am home…I am under the bright cloudless sky…”

Nevertheless, those visions and sound completed themselves right in your imagination, as if it was pulling you back in time:

Sword and daggers in your hands slew those abominable and twisted creatures – the Orcs – with rapid and sharp blows. Dark liquid splashed across your face, as the darkness crept around you…until you could not see anything but protruding eyeballs.

“…I am under the light…”

You whimpered, murmured, then started sobbing. The four sides of bedchamber’s wall squeezed you, both physically and mentally; the hitching breath, at the very first of this struggle, gradually became chokes and smothering.    

Seemed as likewise as the weir breaking out; pool of tears in your eyes’ sockets rapidly fell down along your cold cheeks, fisting the material of your nightgown tightly, you shook harder.

“No…I…I…I…” You tried reciting those words, even if they were almost smothering, “I am…I…am…I am under the br—”

Perilous completely blurred before your senses and your mind. Darkness and death, finally, overwhelmed and defeat the light that you persisting to seize with whole of your own body; they were impeding you from the smooth and soft voice ringing behind you, totally deafness.

“No! Silence! Stop…Please…Please don’t…”

Sniveling, cried and screeched like maniac, you pushed and teared a pair of big, yet soft hands which holding your shoulder and forearm.

“Y/N…”

“Let me go!”

“Y/N!”

“Hands off!” 

You shouted, wriggled and screamed in high pitch. Over and over. Again, and again. Gripping and tightened your skirt tighter, almost tore it down.

“Elen Nîn!”   

Then you heard the words; meant for only your ears, just yours alone. The voice that seems far and distance away gradually became clarifying. You woke. coming back to sense; not all, those illusion faded out, replacing by gentle and familiar face.

“I’m here…” Elrond had sat beside you, whispered softly, “I’m here with you, Y/N.”

“Meleth Nîn?”

Raspy voice slipped out from your quivering mouth, your eyes got wider, before blinking twice; dispelling wetness away.

“You’re safe now, my star. Those dreadful and horrific deeds are long gone, out of reach and far away.”

“But I see them…Grotesque, ghastful and—”

“Shh...Forget those monstrous terror, Elen Nîn. They can neither hurt nor haunt you now.

“Elrond…”

You still sobbed and whimpered; trying to take control over your own body again, nevertheless, tears kept traveling its path. All you could do now was closing your eyes.

Elrond tenderly pull the back of your head close to his forehead. He cradled your cheek, wrapped his other arm around your body like a blanket, murmured and solacing you:

“…Of what and where darker than darkness dwelt, with the grace of Elebereth; O luminous and light expand from her shining hands, over the sunless and moonless land – million sparkles through velvet sky, they fly…”

It was his own poem. The poem he wrote you after he confessed his heart out to you, and proceeded courting you, about two decades ago, but it never ceased to please your ears.

Meanwhile continued reciting fine proses and proses, he lifted you up, straight to the bed, before laying you down on soft and feathery mattress.

“Weep no more, my star.”

He lolloped beside you. An arm reached behind to hold you in his arm until his curls touching your skin, another one – caressing your hair – trail down your temple, nose, cheek, ear and chin.

Though looked up, meeting his orbs with yours; puffed red pair; pale face; messy hair and bruised fingernail marks upon your forearms, Elrond still reckoned that you were captivating him.

He smiled down at you, sealed your forehead with his plushy lips, continuing his verses:       

“For the time passes by, Kementari ploughs and pries, for tall trees and pines sprout sowing… In blooming, summer arriving, brightening every evening like eternal.”

You felt warmness of the world again, eventually. His gentle tone in his delicate and mild voice soothed your utmost core; you stopped shaking and shivering, breathing was much slower and more even, pursing lips unraveled into relax form, altogether with your feet.

“Darkness and winter but just the endless season on earth, my dearest.”

In Elrond’s embrace, you snuggled up to his chest, as you listened to the smooth rhythm of his heartbeats; they calmed your cadence down until it was grown closing to state of normal. Henceforth, you prolonged this one of his masterpieces. Your sound was less quiver – steadier:

“After the frozen and withered, as Tilion’s journey on the heaven above at endings of Springtime, and Anarien’s ascendant from the most eastern horizon beyond the sea; Summertime has begun…”

“…Summertime has begun…Yes…The Golden Leaves, and thin delicate Daisies to big Bignonias, shall wave countless shining gleaming colours onto greenery floor.”

He repeated the phrase, nodded leisurely to affirm your words. Both of you smiling to each other, giggling a little. 

For Elrond; your tears had ceased, beginning to dry and fading away under the light outside which passing through bedchamber – glittering like the million diamonds and plain golds around.

For you; Elrond’s face and expression were beautiful and much more softening, as always, when those haunted memories struck before getting the best out of you. His gentle touches and kindness brought the light – your eternal Sun – within you back again.

“Other glore to bloom, to blossom here and there.”

You sighed with delightful and pure bliss nearby.

“When you write the High King speeches under the Beech, I shall adorn you with orange’s blossom crown.”

“Then I shall write you more songs and poems, so we are going to be exceedingly indulging ourselves, under the golden light; tasting all sweet and sour berries, dancing and singing until we fatigue, and so, looking above the ocean of stars and listening to the sound of seagulls and the streams.”

“Elsewise, just jump into the streams and swimming with lovely creatures wherein they reside…” You purred, enchantingly, as he kept stroking your hair and brushing your face with delicate in every touch of his fingers “But you, no need to deliberate me about how they arriving this world, promise me?”

Elrond chuckled amusingly tinting with a little bit nervous. You knew the redness and hotness had been creeping along his face to his ears and neck already.   

“Don’t you treasure my attainment at all, Elen Nîn?”

“Oh…I do always more than treasure your intellect, Meleth Nîn, no doubt…”

You, at this moment were happier now, bent your husband head down, giving a long, but chaste and loving kiss upon his mouth, and could sense his wide smile spreading on your lips.

“Gi melin, i-galad e-guil nîn.”

You breathed, of course, unruffled now, playing with his curls on your face.

“No, Gi melin rovaer.”

He kissed back, shifting his weight down from your body, yet hovering those lips over yours.

“Should I trust the man who prepares and arranges words into numerous soul-propelling speeches?”

“Believe me, you would not let me roam this world without you forever, since your smile captivating me from that day, if you have never trusted me until this minute.”

“You wordsmith!” Merrily laughing out louder than earlier, you push him to his side. “Go get change, Meleth Nîn, or I would not let you lay on the same bed to me!”

Elrond stole one more kiss on your nose, warm and joyful grin still plastered on his face, before turned away and taking his outer robe off – again, turned toward, lounged on the bed, leaned in, and pecking your chin.

“Please bid me into your mesmeric dream…”

The consciousness that remained in you humming quietly to his appeal. Seem like the Valar heard his desire, so they blessed; you and your beloved now and forever did meet each other in same visions.

[thondirelfoflindon]

Surely, it is lost to the ages now. Whatever happened here was long ago.

[newtthetranswriter]

I need input on this idea

Ok so here is my idea. I have seen people write about different disabilities and I think it's a wonderful thing to do. It helps people with them feel more included and seen in fandom. I mention this because I want to write an x reader for one of my disabilities that often gets over looked as a disability. I have a lisp and I also stutter and stammer some times. For the most part people can't tell I have these problems because I went through speech therapy for most of elementary school and so I can kind of stop it but when I get overstimulated or excited I slip up and it can be hard to understand what I'm trying say.

My idea is writing a piece where the Reader has a speech impediment like mine and is self conscious of it. Doing things like staying quite when their excited, or slowing down the way they talk so they can enunciate words correctly. All of this of course is a result of past experiences with bullies and even family members making fun of how they talk. And which ever character reassuring them that there is nothing wrong with the way they talk and don't have to try so hard to hid such a key part of who they are or even offering to help them out with keeping up with there speech therapy exersises if thats what reader wants.

(i don't know which way I want it to go yet)

The input I need is who to write this with. I'm not sure which character to write this with so I figured I'd give some choices and hopefully y'all could help me pick.

(I am open to suggestions for other characters as long as they are on my will write for list)

(dividers by cafekitsune)

[night-night-stories-before-bed]

So I’ve started working on the Sauron/Male-gn! Reader I mentioned weeks ago. However, I have been wondering who reader should flirt/try to seduce as revenge. I was thinking about my favourite virgin king Gil-Galad, but Elrond would also be a great idea!

So I came to ask you what y'all would prefer!

[floatyflowers]

Platonic Father! Sauron/ Halbrand/Annatar x Daughter! Reader

You are the daughter of Sauron, and nobody knows that except for a few, Morgoth and his servants.

Honestly, nobody knows how Sauron came to have a child of his own, nor do you even know how you are his blood child, fully from his specie none the less.

When Morgoth is backstabbed by Sauron, you thought you didn't have to be afraid of evil scheming anymore.

But no, Sauron had other plans, he wants to take the place of Morgoth.

This is why you ran away without looking back.

And you ended up with Celebrimbor who took you in and treated you as his daughter, allowing you to call him 'Ada' without knowing that you are related to Sauron

You are disguised in another form so nobody recognizes you.

You chose to start a new life, and Celebrimbor is the perfect match.

Everything was peaceful, until Halbrand or rather Annatar entered your lives and decided to manipulate Celebrimbor.

You felt extremely uncomfortable with him around, despite being unaware that he is your father in disguise.

Sauron was amused at how you didn't recognize disguised as Halbrand or Annatar, even though he immediately knew you.

Afterall, you are a part of him, body and soul.

"Annatar, you have lied to my father!"

"Your father? You truly have forgetten that you were created in my image, that I'm your real father who knows you best, my child"

[queers-gambit]

Commander

prompt: ( requested ) being on opposite sides of the Rings eventually sends your husband back into your arms, and between your legs. haha, nice.

pairing: Elrond x female!wife!reader

fandom masterlist: The Rings of Power

word count: 4.6k+

note: it is NOT said (that i've heard) that Elrond wears his father's cloak - that's just author being sentimental.

warnings: not edited, some obvious angst, mostly hurt and comfort, romance, established relationship, small relationship angst, smut, is this a Commander kink? i'm not sure. small spoilers, sibling reader.

bonus

The trees of Lindon glimmered gold and winked in the sunlight as vibrant veins of restored Light flowed through them all. It was a gorgeous sight; one you were happy to bask in after nearly losing it to the dark depths of evil corrupting Middle-earth. The only reason you had this glorious sight of twinkling beauty was because you had alined yourself with Galadriel and Celebrimbor about the distribution and use of the Elven Rings of Power - though you did not wish to claim one.

You merely desired the salvation of your people on this Middle-earth the Valar gifted The Children of Ilúvatar.

In order to support the Rings, you had to oppose the only person you had ever loved unconditionally, and nothing hurt like that. Despite the pain, disruption, turmoil, the angst it put you and Elrond through, you did not waver in your opinion - but he did not relent in his stance, either.

That was usually a quality you adored in your husband; how stubborn, strong, enduring, passionate, educated, and unrelenting he was. Yet for this, you were beyond frustrated.

You remembered the look of utter betrayal in his eyes when he stormed away the day the Rings were all claimed by Círdan, Gil-Galad, and Galadriel. He couldn't look at you, on those stairs, opposing him and defending the Rings. So, he fled the scene - unable to hide how displeased, unhappy, and horrified he felt.

After that, the two of you began to bicker over simple, common, mundane, marital situations; he instigated fights, prolonged arguments, even lit purposeful fires to force you into verbal altercations. You argued endlessly, needlessly, heatedly about things that voices didn't need raised for. Tension followed you everywhere, filled every room, and after just a few nights... Elrond decided he couldn't sleep in your shared chambers any longer.

You had returned from duty to find him sending several cases of his personal belongings away, freezing when he realized you had caught him. He looked akin to a startled animal. "I did not mean for you to see this," he offered stiffly as if embarrassed, "I-I thought you were on patrol."

"I was switched to the nightshift," you explained meekly, watching servants stream from the room with their arms full of his desired effects. "W-What's going on? What're you doing?"

Elrond sighed, unable to meet your eyes for several long minutes. Then, he licked his lips, nodded, and told you, "I just figured, considering the state of affairs, we'd benefit - "

"Our marriage isn't an 'affair', Elrond!" You snapped, tears filling your eyes. "We're just in a strange state, couples are allowed to disagree, there's a lot unknown - "

"I can't stay here anymore, love, and watch how much I'm hurting you," his head shook. "You think you're silent, but I hear your weeping. I know you avoid coming to bed because I'm there first. You used to pin my robes in the morning, and now, I'm lucky if I even catch a glimpse of your skirt as you rush out the door as I wake. We're not happy anymore, Y/N..."

You froze, lungs shriveling into nothing, shock pumping into your system. "Yo-You're not happy?" You stuttered, stumbling back a couple steps as if he had brandished a sword.

Elrond just stared at you, asking, "Are you? Truly?"

"Generally, yes! I am certainly not so unhappy that I want us apart! This is just a difficult position we're in, but we will get past it, Elrond, we always do!"

"This isn't just a difficult position," he snapped, shocking you back another single step. "We're at odds, starshine, and I hate to admit it. But this is bigger than us, than our love - this is fundamental - "

"And about more than us! Yes! That's what I'm thinking of, Elrond, our people!"

"And what of Sauron? What of his influence upon the Rings!?"

"What of the good they've done? What of the connection?"

"What do you mean - "

"Galadriel!" You snapped. "The obvious connection the Ring amplifies within her! There is a grave new sense she and the other Ringer Bearers have. She can use this Ring to-to-to sense evil, perhaps even see ahead of the enemy! It might be his influence, but aren't we stronger? Stronger than him, together?"

"Those who wear the Rings - "

"You speak of your former mentor, the Elven High King, and your greatest friend. Which of them will you predict to fall?"

"After Galadriel’s already fallen prey - "

"But she is the wiser, the stronger for it! She is thrice as determined before! Why must these Rings divide us, Elrond? Why can we not simply say we leave all politics at the door when we are together?"

Sadly, slowly, he shuffled closer and reached out to caress your cheek. "I love you, my star," he reminded, "but in knowing your stance, I cannot allow us to continue being so destructive to each other. Support the Rings, my love," he lowered his forehead to yours, "but I cannot stand at your side while you do so... Not when I know of Sauron's influence..."

You pulled back, sniffling down the tears that surfaced to nod with a sarcastic smile. "I thought when we took our vows of matrimony, we'd hold true... But I can see, you do not intend to see us through this bog."

"That's where you're wrong," he snarled, stepping closer to hold both of your upper arms and jostle you slightly, "don't you see? Don't you understand? We need the space or we'll keep hurting one another, and I don't know if there's a way for us to heal after that. As of now, we stand a chance, but only if we curate distance - so we need to proceed individually as we need best."

His reasoning was logical, but you were beyond hurt by his departure. Perhaps it was for the best; especially when the High King decided to send a scouting party after Sauron, anointing Elrond as Commander, and upon the news, you panicked. Like, fully broke down in worried tears, alone. Yet you did not go to him, you did not speak out, you just accepted the High King's command and gathered in the courtyard with any other loved ones wishing the company safe travels.

Yet Elrond just looked at you sadly and lifted his hand in parting before turning to lead his comrades out of Lindon.

You shed a single tear as High King Gil-galad was felt at your flank, slowly entering your peripheral. "They have passed out of my sight," you informed him, voice trembling.

"I know of the strife between you and Commander Elrond..." the King trailed off, "But I would like to commend you for remaining a pillar in your belief. These Rings," he showed his, "are a power and force we do not yet understand in full."

"Perhaps, in time," you agreed, sniffling. "If you would excuse me, my King."

He agreed, letting you go; and all you could do was return to your chambers and throw yourself into your pillows for a good cry. After a single day or moping, you got up and got back to work; working with the other trusted advisors to devise battle strategies, evacuation plans, and whatever else you could do preemptively. You didn't know how long Elrond was gone for because after leaving your chambers, you scarcely saw him - something you suspect was on purpose. All you knew was that he was gone and you missed him.

"Sister!"

You looked up when Tinnriel, or Tinnie, rushed into the council room. "What's wrong?" You asked in alarm, straightening up to take her in arms.

"I-I saw - I saw Elrond - he's on his way here - "

"Slow down," you pleaded.

"Something's wrong!" She sneered at you, pushing your arms down. "I've been telling you for weeks! But you do not listen! To myself or your husband!"

"Oh, not this again, Tinnie, I've told you - "

"That it is paranoia, yes, I've heard you, but you and Elrond are at odds! That's not my paranoia! You two never feud, he's been gone days and now returns, looking worse for wear!"

"High King, I apologize for my sister's interruption - "

"She's not wrong," Gil-galad muttered, making you pause.

"My King?"

"You are not wrong, Tinnie," He addressed your sister, finding her eyes and holding her hostage by a single look, "for I have felt the darkness, too. There is something amiss, I will agree, but..."

"It is the Rings!" She insisted.

"Oh, not this again!" You snarled, seizing her upper arm. "Out! Now! You will still your tongue before the King!"

"High King!" You heard Elrond calling, rushing down the hall you were surging up. He spoke your name, "Where are you going?"

"To have a word - "

"This is much more important. Trust me, please! With me, now!" He breezed past you, but caught your free arm in his hold - pulling you after him and forcing you to release Tinnie. "High King," Elrond addressed as he lead you back into the room, your younger sister lingering in the doorway to listen, "the Orcs are not in Mordor."

"Elrond, our reports - "

"We've encountered them!" Elrond cut you off, making you silence yourself out of sheer curiosity; not accustomed to seeing him so disheveled and manic... So authoritative. "A legion of them are headed for Eregion." He pulled out Nenya, showing the King, "My wife and Galadriel were right! They were right! You must send the army to Eregion this moment."

Your head bowed in disappointment, wishing beyond wishful thought that you had been gifted with foresight - then you could've seen this, withheld the Elven Armies from marching to Mordor, been better prepared. Elrond noted your silence first, ready to question you, when the High King stiffly informed, "That will not be possible. I have reason to believe that Sauron is the architect of all this."

Choosing his words carefully, Elrond argued slightly, "High King, Eregion is the very jewel of Elvendom. If it were to fall, it would be a mortal blow for all in Middle-earth. You must send aid!"

"Our armies cannot defeat both Adar and Sauron. Not alone."

Something clicked in your mind, straightening up and taking hold of Elrond's arm. You bowed your head in agreement, "Of course, High King, we understand. Allow me the day to catch my husband up on recent events, we might reconvene later - "

"I shall send for you when a decision has been made," Gil-galad waved off, you all but shoving Elrond from the room; almost tripping over Tinnie.

"Go, go, go, just go," you muttered to the two in Sindarin, releasing Elrond's arm - surprise coloring your features when he snatched your hand into his. Yet you did not comment. At the end of the hall, you halted them both, being aware of the stationed guards, keeping your voice low, "Tinnie, go attend to the rest of Commander Elrond's company. I imagine they'll need food, rest, perhaps aid?"

"Camnir was shot with an arrow..." Elrond muttered, "But Galadriel healed him."

"How?" Tinnie squeaked.

"Nenya... I saw it myself..."

You sighed, "Tinnie, please?"

She nodded, "Shall I speak to them?"

"They will want to give their account, please take record for the King," you instructed, Elrond's hand tightening in yours almost unconsciously.

"What're you going to do?"

"Speak with my husband," you sighed.

"No, I mean... If you and Galadriel were right, if the Orcs are marching on Eregion... What're you going to do?"

"We have much to discuss before a decision can be made," Elrond told her, tone hardened, "now, please, Tinnie, go."

Tinnie noticed the darker, deeper baritone to his voice and instantly nodded and scurried away towards the front gates. "How far back did you leave your company?" You asked softly, watching the last of Tinnie's skirts sweep around the corner.

"Far enough. Come," he directed, turning to start down the pathway; leading you towards the quarters you once shared. Yet before you could enter, you reared back; yanking his hand, his concerned expression turning down in gentle aggravation. "What's the matter?" He asked.

"You don't live here anymore."

Elrond heaved a great sigh, turning to you, "Truly? You wish to do this now?"

"For weeks, you've picked arguments. You've been combative, irritable, spiteful. You... You chose a ring over me - "

"That's not true - "

"How would you phrase it then!?"

"I chose ethics! Morality! You chose a Ring of Power, not just a ring!" He barked at you, both cracking under the pressure the Ring had subjected your marriage to.

"And look where it lead! You come storming in, declaring Galadriel and I are right to the High King, and now... Now it sounds as if you still defend your decision!"

"I do."

You shook off his grip, "Then perhaps we might find somewhere more neutral to discuss matters?"

Elrond heaved a sigh, "What's wrong with our rooms - your rooms? What's wrong with your rooms?"

"Exactly that, they're mine. Not ours. It seems, no matter where I look, I am reminded that my husband didn't love me enough - "

"Don't you ever say that again!" Elrond snarled, leering over you; back to a bannister, bending you back slightly as you refused to back down - keeping him in front of you. He was heaving for breath, body trembling; proximity allowing you to count the pores clogged by dirt, blood, and grime. "You may hold all the anger you wish, but never accuse me of something so heinous, impossible, untrue. So unfathomable."

"Then prove me wrong!" You fired back, shoving at his abdomen to force him back a step so you could righten yourself off the bannister. "You proved to me your anger, now prove your love! Your remorse! Show me an apology, do not just say it! You looked at me with such hate, Elrond, and you left our rooms, you left me - over a matter of opinion! Do you know what that felt like? What pain that caused? You swore to me - "

"I know what our vows were!" He snapped, tears tinging his eyes red; the air hot between your mouths as you both seethed in anger. "I know what we promised, but never did I think Sauron would return, let alone offer such threat!"

"I am beginning to think you are angry about something else! Is it Galadriel - "

"It's me!"

You were startled into silence, his voice echoing down the hall as his facial expression turned angry. Elrond turned from you to pace himself in a semi-circle, and for whatever reason, you softly questioned, "Where's your cloak?"

"What?" Elrond scoffed, having created distance that you closed to lay your hand on his bicep.

"Your father's cloak, Elrond, where is it?"

"I do not know - I don't..." His head shook, looking annoyed with himself. So, you sighed and nodded, dropped your hand to his and laced your fingers together before leading him into your quarters. "Don't - "

"Just come in," you nudged his shoulder, encouraging him into the room as you shut the doors and drew all curtains to keep your conversation private. You locked the main doors.

"You rearranged?" He noted, stalking around the room; slotting himself between furniture as he silently judged it all.

"Just trying something new, I can't sleep most nights and need something to occupy my mind," you explained, shutting the balcony doors, too. With a sigh, you spun on the spot and implored, "What did you mean, Elrond, when I questioned what you were angry about and said it's you? Please, talk to me. We did not talk about Nenya, and now..." You sighed deeply.

Elrond seemingly remembered he still had the Ring, looking at it in his flat palm with what you could only describe as terror. His eyes lifted to yours, asking, "Do you have a chain?"

With a nod, you ventured to your personal jewelry box and located a glittering braided chain; approaching him to gently drop it in a coiled pile beside Nenya. His hand shook, hating the feeling of the Ring... So, you gently took his hand to steady it and asked, "Tell me what you meant."

Elrond watched you thread the Ring onto the chain. "You're right, thinking my anger is sourced elsewhere... It's not Galadriel, per se - though, I am angry, for varying reasons. But it's me - I'm angry at myself."

"Why?"

"I did not see..."

You lifted the two ends of the chain slowly to his chest, but when he flinched, you reminded, "Galadriel entrusted it to you, nobody else should keep it." He nodded in acceptance, so, you lifted the necklace again, asking, "What didn't you see, Elrond?"

"Halbrand... While in Eregion, making the Rings, he helped Lord Celebrimbor and I, it was... He was there the whole time... So very present, innocent - feigning a King of Men - "

"Halbrand is Sauron."

"He is," Elrond confirmed, "and I did not see it."

"You are angry Sauron the Deceiver deceived you!?" You gaped, hooking the chain and retracting your arms. "Elrond, do you hear yourself? You are victim, none of you knew!"

"But the Rings - they work! You were right!"

"Elrond - "

"It's why I'm angry," he admitted, "because the Rings work, I've seen it, but also because I did not see Sauron for who he was."

"None of us did," you whispered, seeing the struggle behind his eyes.

"I couldn't protect them, either."

"Who?"

"Well, now, none of us - but Lord Celebrimbor and Galadriel specifically; they were with us, with Sauron. I..." He sighed deeply, "I did not see, now we all suffer - "

"We do not suffer, we are fighting back," you cut him off now, his sad eyes finding yours. "And you, our Commander, because you alone feel responsible for our entire salvation. You will lead us, Elrond," his head shook in refusal, making you insist, "no, listen - hear my words. You will lead our people, command legions of Elves, because you have proven strong and determined enough. Since you realized the truth of Sauron, you have fought tooth and nail for the rest of us - even me, you fought me - to see the truth. We have all been blinded, deceived, and now, we all must fight, but trust that the Rings... With the darkness they bring, they must also bring light - it is not just Sauron alone in them, but you all. Which means, in the grandest scheme, all your good overpowers Sauron's bad - proven by the Light of the Valar returning. By Camnir's rescue."

"I fought..." He whispered, reaching for your face - neither of you moving away, wanting the comfort, "At a time my words were needed most. And now, it's too late."

"It's never too late, Elrond, or have you not been paying attention?" You chortled lightly, sighing as you pet over his tunic; manicured nails gently fiddling with Nenya in admiration as it glimmered in the candlelight. "I... Had an idea I want your opinion on. Born of the High King's decision to send he army to Morodor..."

He nodded, stepping closer so his hand fully caressed your cheek and slid to hold the back of your neck. "Speak it," he whispered, "tell your Commander."

You could not repress the shiver of attraction even if you tried. He leered over you, holding you tenderly, close, pressing you closer as his eyes dared you to lose your train of thought. "We seek help... From the Dwarves, from Prince Durin," you whispered, "for they hold Sauron's Rings, they will need our aid in time - we just need theirs first."

"You would have me go above our King?"

"I would have you lead us, Commander."

Elrond smirked slightly, free arm coiling around your waist to hoist you into his embrace. "Something sounds as if you... Like this new position of mine?"

"It suits you - authority, I mean."

"Oh?"

"Being decisive," you listed as Elrond moved forward, walking you backward, "assertive, argumentative... It's a good look."

"Then are you ready to listen to your Commander?"

"At once, sir."

He paused you, lips hovering over yours; demanding of your ears only, "Strip."

"My Lord - "

"Aht," he tutted, pulling back; leaving you cemented in place.

"Commander," you amended, watching him nod subtly. Slowly, your hands lifted to start unlacing your corset; his eyes dark and concentrated, watching each movement you made. Elrond stood with his shoulders squared, hands clasped in front of him, feet spread apart; ensuring you were operating to his level of completion.

"All of it," he told you when down to your small clothes; pausing your venture onto the bed behind you.

So, you stripped those off, too. He nodded in approval, watching you teasingly turn to crawl onto the bed and settle in the middle of the mattress - facing him. Elrond's eyes locked with yours, only straying when your legs slowly spread to reveal your sweetest point for his viewing pleasure. His shoulders heaved upward as he drew in breath, lifting his chin, eyes darting around to note the speckling of honey collecting between your legs.

"Touch yourself," Elrond demanded, reaching for his weapons belt and unhooking it.

"Where, Commander?"

He smirked and simply repeated, "Touch. Yourself. If you can't take direction..."

You didn't question him again, watching him slowly unlatch the belts and hooks of his uniform; deft fingers rubbing through your wetness as others came up to pinch your nipple and roll the bud. Elrond shed his boots, discarding them to the side; tunics yanked from his bare torso, leaving the glittering jewelry around his neck. A moan escaped as you dipped your fingers within your cunt as Elrond ripped his trousers open - then paused. He admired the sight of you splayed out, both hands at work, watching him undress.

In Sindarin, Elrond questioned, "Are we still at odds, my starlight?"

You whined, replying, "If you're not inside me in the next minute, Commander, we will be."

Elrond chuckled and shucked his trousers from his hips, down his thighs, then stepping out of them. "Do you forgive me, my star?"

"Nothing to forgive."

"Don't feed me that," he reprimanded, stepping up to mount the bed; his own hand beginning to fondle his reddening cock, stroking himself to straining life. "I have wronged you and your Commander intends to show he is remorseful. Tell him how."

"Move back in," you pleaded, reaching for him as he allowed himself to hover over you, "and do not leave me - not again."

His breath exhaled against your lips, settling to lay against you while a single leg bent to secure his hips on yours. "Never," Elrond agreed, "but I'll need to hear you say it."

"Is that a command?"

Elrond smirked and lined himself up to notch his cockhead at your cunt's mouth; sinking in as he answered, "Of course, it is." You gasped and slapped a hand up to hold his flushing neck, mouth wide at the familiar sting; public hair grinding together as his balls pinned between you, cock fully sheathed. "You've been given a command, my star," he grunted in your ear, "don't disappoint your Commander now."

Like all Elves, your ears had increased sensitivity; creating a legion of goose flesh to shoot across your flesh. Without breath, you affirmed in his ear, "I-I forgive you - fuck - I forgive you, my love. Don't leave me," you whimpered, "and I forgive you."

"What side do you remain?"

You whined, "Yours, yours, my husband, I remain on your side, Commander."

"And will you obey your Commander?"

"Until the end," you nodded, his lips finally findings yours. A sharp whimper ripped from your lungs as Elrond retracted his hips, thrusting into you at his own set, even pace; lips messily sliding against each other from tongues and spit. "You were gone too long," you managed to whisper.

"We won't be apart that long again," he grit, grunting as he held your thigh in a bruising-grip, "I swear it - "

"You can't - "

"I swear it," he gnashed your bottom lip between his teeth, making you gasp in pain and shock before moaning when he suckled at the mark. Softly, he released your lips, whispering, "I promise, we won't be. We go together from now on."

Nenya dangled between you, tracing around your chest from his aggressive thrusting; you agreeing with a nod, "Together."

"Now," Elrond grunted, "'M not gonna last, pet, gonna need you t'cum with me - together."

"Yes, Commander," you moaned, seeing the way his eyes fluttered; cheeks, neck, and ears blushing bright as his orgasm mounted, trying in vain to hold back. Seeing the almost involuntary reaction your words caused, your hand found Elrond's cheek and directed his eyes to yours, encouraging, "I'm so close, Commander, you make me feel so good, so full, it's been so long - too long! I'm right there, my love, my Commander, please - "

"Ah," Elrond hissed through his teeth, "yes, love, I'm there, too; right there, right there - "

"Cum in me... That's a command, Commander," you demanded in his ear, and it was all that was wrote. Elrond bucked wildly his last few thrusts, pinning you to the mattress; your own orgasm triggered by the flooding of warmth filling your too-empty womb.

"O-Oh," he stuttered, humping into you in languid thrusts before slowing to a shivering halt. You watched Elrond try to regulate his breathing, wrapping your arms around him in an instant to bring him in close; resting him on your chest while your one arm wrapped around him, the other threading into his curls. "I love you," he whispered into your flesh.

"I love you, too," you affirmed. Then, while toying with the sweat-curled ringlets of his hair, you mused softly, "You need a cut."

"You told me for years to grow it out, now you want me to cut it?"

"No, I don't want you to; I just know, you prefer a cleaner crop."

"I've... Grown fond of the look."

You smirked, "That is relieving to hear."

Elrond sighed and slowly lifted off you; only enough to help maneuver you so he didn't have to pullout of your cunt but could still hold you as the big spoon. "So... Prince Durin, is it?" He asked in your ear.

You smirked, "Why not? He is a friend, his father wields a Ring of Power... He would more incentive to help than others. And the Dwarves are formidable in battle, it could help turn the tides, by uniting the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. Elf, Dwarf, Man..."

"What alliance of Men would - "

"We do not speak of Men, we speak of Prince Durin," you reminded him; his face nuzzling into your neck. "I think you should go in person. To plead the severity of our situation, how dire the need for aid is. To convey our desperation."

"The High King - "

"Leave him to me," you insisted, holding his arms around you. "I know we just agreed to not part ways, but you need to parlay with Prince Durin and I will keep Gil-galad at bay. When Durin agrees to march to our aid in Eregion, we march our remaining forces against Adar and meet the Dwarves on the field."

"It sounds good..."

"But?"

"Is it possible?"

"We will have to work in tandem, but I would assume the King would not argue asking for aid. I'll inform him of your departure and intention after you've left."

His arms tightened, "We can speak of it more later. I just want to feel you in my arms - it's been too long."

"You will hear no such complaints from me."

After a moment, where you both spent it resettling and nuzzling into the peaceful silence, Elrond asked, "Do you... Do you think one of the company managed to find and grab my cloak?"

In amusement, you replied, "Oh, I'm sure."

"And that Tinnie would have it?"

"Knowing her, by now, surely," you mused, reaching up to pet his cheek; requesting, "now, I have gone too long without the feeling of you beside me and wish to rest."

"As you command, my love."

requesting rules and masterlist

TROP masterlist

[etherealeowyn]

"Correction, they're looking at you" - Elrond (Rings of Power) x Fem Reader

Elrond and Y/n dance together at the Winter Ball.

Pure Fluff

Word Count: 454

My requests are always open, so feel free to message me if you have an idea! I'll write for any character from The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, or The Rings of Power!

The annual Winter Ball was underway, causing swarms of elves to gather in Lindon, eager to dance and socialize with one another. Warm-hued lights hung from the trees, illuminating one of the town squares designated as the dance floor.

“Elrond they’re looking at us,” Y/n whispered, leaning into him.

“Correction, they’re looking at you,” Elrond replied, a bright smile adorning his face.

“Why? Is there something wrong with my dress?” she asked, trying to conceal her panic as she looked down at the silver floor-length dress that perfectly accentuated every part of her body.

“Y/n, my dear, there’s nothing wrong with your dress. They’re looking at you because you look magnificent tonight,” he replied, taking in the sight of her standing there, the lights reflecting off her dress in a way that made it look like she was glowing.

“Thank you, Elrond you’re making me blush,” Y/n giggled before she grabbed his arm and let him lead her to the dance floor.

Elrond smirked at her before gently resting his hands on her waist, Y/n immediately letting her arms hang around his neck as they swayed back and forth to the slow-paced music the orchestra was playing. Neither one paid any mind to the couples that danced around them, being too lost in one another’s eyes that everyone else disappeared.

They continued like this for a while, until Y/n let her head fall into the crook of his neck, inhaling the scent of his cologne. Elrond couldn’t conceal the smile playing on his lips because he was so completely and utterly happy, that there was no hiding how he felt. He enjoyed the feeling of her in his arms more than anything else, and he swore that as she melted into him, he could spend all of eternity in that same position without even thinking of moving and disturbing her.

“What did I ever do to be able to love someone like you with the entirety of my heart?” Elrond asked, resting his head softly against hers.

“Darling, you know good and well I should be the one asking that question,” Y/n responded, her voice barely above a whisper.

“You flatter me too much darling,” he laughed, running one of his hands through her long flowing hair.

“I disagree,” she started pulling her head away from his body, “I don’t think I flatter you enough.”

Elrond looked down into the female elf's eyes, his lips slightly parted in anticipation before he began to lean towards lips. Standing on her tiptoes, she met him halfway, their mouths connecting and moving in sync, seemingly dancing. It was like the dance they had experienced earlier, for the kiss blocked out the rest of the world around them.

[bamsywrites]

And Comes Dawn pt ii

pairing: halbrand/sauron x reader; there will be two love triangles in the future

Word Count: 2.3k

Summary: In all beings, there exists darkness. when the deciver finds one who seems to defy this, he becomes obsessed with finding it within her. and if he can't find it, he will ruin her himself.

Tag: dark romance, slow burn, sauron is Stressed™️ , sauron is so horny he contemplates murder, minor sex mention, idk what else to tag or warn

Notes: 24 hours later I already have part 2 done. I was going to have up until galadriel joins the raft for part 2 but I have a lot of ideas so I'm splitting them up. I am also stretching the time during season 1, like instead of being a couple months it's gonna be about a year because it's my fic and I can do that. Saurons pov is all over the place bc he is all over the place and yeah. Feed back always welcome and lemme know if you wanna be tagged. Oh and everything was still done on my phone so sorry if it's weird.

Series Masterlist

It was all a blur for you. You were woken from sleep by the creature attacking the ship and in the flurry of rushing water, screams, and the sound of breaking wood. You had found a pair of arms around your waist. You held your breath and clamped your eyes shut, if you were to die you didn't want your last memory on this Earth to be of the ship's wreckage and the corpses of your traveling companions floating under the water. These fears disappeared as you broke to the surface of the sea with the arms around your waist still holding you securely. You gasped and filled your lungs with air, wet hair obstructing your view, but you could see the familiar face of your savior.

“Halbrand?” You coughed.

He hummed a response, and you could feel the sound reverberate in his chest. It was comforting, the feeling of his strong arms and solid chest. Despite the cold of the waters, his body was abnormally warm, and you found yourself pressing into him for more of that heat.

“There's a raft not far. I think there's another survivor or two aboard it.” He spoke, securing one arm tightly around your body as he used his other to move through the water.

You squinted and could see what you suspected to be the raft he spoke of, but it was rather far for him to swim carrying you “I can swim. I do not wish you to have to carry me all that way through the water.”

“No,” he responded firmly. “There is some terrible beast who just destroyed our ship. I will not allow you to go out on your own in the water.”

“But then we could both die if it finds us.”

Halbrand looked down at you, looking into your eyes as he spoke. “In that case, my conscience will be clear because I will be dead. I can already see the arguments forming on your tongue, and the answer is still no.”

He gave you a pointed look at which you nodded, “Thank you. Now hold on, sweet one.”

You wrapped your arms around his waist, closing your eyes. This has been quite the journey for you. You missed home, but you longed for a new start, a new place where your family's reputation didn't loom over you, and you weren't regarded with suspicion at every turn. You couldn't allow yourself to think this was it, that you'd die like this at the sea. You'd been through too much.

You didn't know if it had been 15 minutes or 3 hours when you heard a voice call out your name from the raft, the woman who'd slept across from you. You had only introduced yourselves and not talked much at all, but it was still a familiar voice.

“Here, help her up,” Halbrand called to one of the men as he hoisted you as best he could on to the raft. “There you go, sweet one.”

You pulled yourself up on the raft, and almost instantly, you found yourself falling asleep on the wood. Exhaustion took you after the adrenaline drop of finally being out of the water. You were swept into sleeps embrace as the sun began to peak over the horizon.

~

You awoke, rubbing the sleep out from your eyes and looking around you. The horrors of that night replayed in your mind, but then you remembered Halbrand. You sat up and noticed that the raft was considerably larger, different pieces of driftwood tied together, and makeshift sails set up. There were also more survivors than last night, but it was a considerably small amount. Your eyes roamed the passengers, but you couldn't find the one you sought.

“Your awareness of your surroundings is incredibly lacking.”

You startled at the sound of his deep voice, causing him to chuckle. He had been lying down and sat up as you turned to look at him. “Glad you woke, sweet one. If you'd slept much longer, I'm sure they'd try to add you to our rations.”

“There's rations?” You asked eagerly, unable to ignore the emptiness in your belly.

Halbrand nodded, “There is. He”- he motioned to an older man on the other side of the raft - “didn't want to give you any because you were sleeping, but I was able to do some convincing.” He handed you a chunk of bread and a small portion of dried meat.

You gave him your thanks, and as you grabbed it, you noticed his knuckles were bloodied. A quick glance at the old man, who you now noticed was sporting a bruise and a few cuts under his eye, gave you the answers you needed.

“Tell me you didn't strike an old man for this?”

He sighed, rolling his eyes and pushing the bread and meat further into your chest. “If I tell you he fell upon my fist, will you eat it? How I came about this matters not. What matters is you will not last if you do not eat.”

You sighed, feeling guilty but taking a bit nonetheless. The feeling of the bread and dried meat hitting your barren stomach was enough to make you moan softly. Halbrand chuckled, watching you and leaning against one of the makeshift masts.

“Thank you. For the food and for saving me. I don't know how to express my gratitude for all you've done for me,” you swallowed and wet your lips. “Though I must admit I'm greatly confused as to why.”

You looked over at him, brow furrowed as you awaited an answer.

“Because you are fair of face. I can not imagine the despair I'd fall into if I was stuck on a raft with nothing but them to look at,” he motioned to other inhabitants, “it would be quite bleak indeed.”

You couldn't help the blush that formed on the bridge of your nose and traveled across your cheeks. Despite this, you still shook your head. “There is no need to be rude or dishonest. I simply ask for the truth.”

“I admit that was rude, but it was anything but dishonest. You are beautiful, and I quite like looking at you,” his eyes noticed your blush, and it caused him to smirk - if only he knew of the butterflies forming in your stomach at his affirmation.

“Though,” he continued, “you are right. That is not the reason I saved you. It's only an added benefit. When I met you on the ship, there had been many that had complained that there was not enough notice. That I would deplete the rations and that they would have to recalculate everything. But you brought me extra soup, and it wasn't a small portion either. You brought it because you knew I had been on my own and assumed I'd been without food. You had no selfish intention. You were simply kind to a stranger because you felt it was the right thing to do. There is not enough of that in the world, and humanity can not bear to lose someone like you who is kind and good for no other purpose than that it is right.”

“Oh,” your voice was small, and your entire face burned bright red at his compliments.

“I would tell you more, but I'm afraid if I do, you may burst into flames.”

~

The waves rocked the raft gently, the previous night it had lulled you into a nice, deep sleep but there's only so much to do on a raft in the middle of nowhere and you had spent the majority of that time asleep. Your eyes watched the stars, feeling lucky that the sky was full of them and that the moon shone bright. The thought of endless darkness, especially knowing what was out there hunting in the ocean depths, was a terrifying thought. The sound of the others snores mixed with the sounds of the waves.

There was only one other who was still awake. Halbrand was busy tightening the ropes to secure the pieces of the raft together. You had noticed he did not sleep much. You had been on the raft for 3 nights and two days, and most of that time was spent with him. Though there wasn't much conversation, you seemed to be the only one on the raft he wasn't annoyed with. You caught him looking at you at times, which made you think he really did mean what he said on that first day.

“Still looking for hope in the stars, sweet one?” Halbrand teased with a smirk as he walked to where she sat and sat down next to her so close that their legs touched.

“Have you forgotten my name? You seem to only refer to me as ‘sweet one’.” You asked, tearing your eyes from the stars to look at him.

He rolled his eyes, your name rolling from his tongue. “Do you not like my nickname?”

“It is fine. I was just curious, and I wasn't quite sure why.” You looked up at him as you awaited his answer.

“Because you're sweet. Hence, sweet one.”

You laughed softly, shaking your head. “You're quite the flirt, Halbrand.”

“Only with you, sweet one.” He playfully pushed his shoulder into yours, and he sat there with you, looking up at the stars.

You enjoyed the moment. The heat from his body and the solid feeling of him next to you brought contentment. You wondered if it was meaningless flirtations or if he could mean all of it. You pushed those thoughts to the back of your mind. You were stranded on a raft in the middle of the ocean. Any romantic feelings you may be growing for him were unimportant in the face of that fact.

You looked over at him, and your eyes trailed down to the relic that hung from his neck. You'd noticed it before but had never thought to ask about it. Your fingers gently reached for it so you could get a better look.

“What is this?” You tilted your head, holding it in your palm.

“Have you seen it before?” His voice was soft, but his brown eyes watched your face intently.

You shook your head in answer.

“It's the heraldry of my family. I only asked if you'd seen it because it has been almost an age since we used it. I can't imagine any family in the Southlands has used heraldry in some time.”

You turned it over in your palm, examining it further. “Why do you carry it?”

He wet his lips, gently taking it from your fingers and looking at it himself. “It's a reminder, a grim one, that our fates are never certain and that fortune can change for anyone. We've seen that here,” he motioned around them.

“Is it a grim reminder? I find it quite hopeful. No matter what, nothing is certain, and nothing lasts forever. There may be evil, and there may be terribly dark times, but those times do not last forever. There is also good. Also times of wonder and prosperity.”

He laughed, smiling as he looked at you. “Of course, that is what you would say. Ever the light and so full of hope.”

~

It was not long after this that you had fallen asleep. He still sat next to you awake as ever. His mind reeling and racing with millions of thoughts, the conflict within him felt as though it would rip right through him. He wanted control and order. It was the only way in which this world could know peace. He also wanted revenge on Adar, on the orcs who attempted to kill him.

But he remembered Morgoth. He remembered his former master and the chase for power that ended in his utter destruction. Even before then, Morgoth had become enslaved to the power he held and the power he craved. That was a fate that Sauron did not wish to share. He did not want to lose control for the sake of power, but he would never be quenched without having power. He could not have both.

Then there was you. He had not expected you, and he was finding himself enthralled with you. He could not understand you or the effect you had on him. A human, of all creatures, making him question all he knew to be true. He had not lusted for the pleasures of the flesh in thousands upon thousands of years and it was never for a human but when your eyes gazed up at him through your lashes or when he saw the smile stretch across your lips and the dimples that followed, it made it impossible not to imagine how those same eyes would look gazing up at him as you kneel at his feet or how those lips would look parted in ecstasy. His thoughts were plagued with the idea of taking you, tasting you, and utterly corrupting you.

It was all incredibly inconvenient.

This wasn't part of the plan and if it was just lust that plagued him, perhaps he could drown you and be done with it but the infatuation with understanding you and your motives and how you became this way stopped his hand. And the damn warmth that radiated from you that reminded him of the home he could never return to. With you curled into his side, he could close his eyes and imagine a time before he was corrupted. It made him wonder if he truly was past all redemption.

When those thoughts dared make themselves known, he'd imagine you looking up at him with tears streaming down your cheeks and his cock shoved down your throat.

His eyes drifted toward the water. It wouldn't be hard. He's so much stronger than you. He could handle any resistance as he pushed you under the waves, and then his mind would be free of those thoughts. But then he looked at you, and a million unanswered questions filled his mind. He knew if he killed you, they would remain unanswered and would plague him forever.

He cursed under his breath and watched as you slept. The choir of a million thoughts did not stop, and he briefly wondered if you would be his undoing.

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[local-fanfic-addict]

The Sea is Always Right

Elendil x Fem!Reader

Beauty and the Beast AU

Notes:  Romance, No Songs, Themes of Manipulation, Violence, Unwanted Romantic Advances, Depictions of Blood, Loose Plot, and Heavy Canon Divergence (Canon? Who’s she?.) Seriously, there's like… no RoP canon here. It’s almost all freeform. (It’s so I can add in references.)

Soooooo... Eight months. Let's just say my life got immensely busy, and is likely to get busier... I should be a bit better now, and working on some form of schedule, but I can't promise it'll be quick. I just got over some huge writer's block and burn out.

{Chapter Three}

Your daily walk into the town was uneventful as you waited for Celebrimbor to return later that evening as he said he would. The sky was gray, only small rays of sunlight breaking through over the sea as you crossed the bridge that connected your land with the open space that belonged to the village. It was definitely one of those days that signals rain for later, but you didn’t mind. It meant you could curl up with a good book and some hot tea and watch as it fell from above. 

Rain was soothing in your mind, a chance for growth to come from it, new life and small bugs and oh the smell. The smell of fresh rainfall was something you treasured dearly, your father being one to take you out afterwards and let you run to your heart's content, always coming back muddy and wet from jumping in puddles but he couldn’t care less as long as it made you happy.

So you walked one foot after the other, happy to dwell on your thoughts as you approached the marketplace, only a few people walking around you, no doubt grabbing one last thing before the sky opened its arms to let the water fall. Many of the open stands were already closed, the eery crack of thunder ringing in the far off distance. 

As you started to converse with one of the shopkeepers, looking to purchase some new tea for your aforementioned rain watching, you could hear raised voices from one of the shops closest to you. It was tempting to try and see what was happening, but you knew people in this village were nosy enough without you needing to add to their ranks, so you turned back to browse the tea selections; you continued until the raised voices became shouts and curses, then you heard the sound of glass shattering and could ignore it no longer, setting a quick pace towards the apothecary and the stand that stood before it. 

What you set your eyes on immediately ignited a flame in your chest, for three men stood above the crumpled form of an Elven figure, a crate full of herbs and now broken bottles lay beside him, and you could see he was injured; the crimson color leaking from his hands where he had fallen onto his crushed wares upon the steps of the apothecary. 

As he lifted his head, you could put a name to the pained expression on his face. Thondir, an Elven herbalist who you had met a few times on the road going to and from the village. He didn’t live close by, but since this was the closest village for a good long while, he came every so often to sell elixirs and herbs. He was a sweet boy, you thought, and undeserving of such treatment. 

The men were jeering at him as you advanced, and one placed a quick kick to his side as he was staggering to rise, only sending him back down with a crunch of glass and groan. 

“Hey!” The words left your lips in a scream, furious you elbowed your way through the three men and placed yourself between them and Thondir, gently helping him to his feet as he fought to hold onto a shred of his dignity despite the blood falling from his hands and the bruising that was no doubt blooming onto his ribs. 

“Have you nothing better to do with your sorry lives? How dare you treat another person with such contempt, what has he done to warrant such violent behavior?” You stood as a shield between the Elf and the Men, face red hot with anger as you spoke.

The one who seemed to be the instigator, the one who had kicked Throndir, stepped closer to you, aiming to intimidate you though you stood your ground.

“Why do you care so much, woman, Hm? Because your bastard of a father is an elf? This freak is putting my brother out of business because of whatever witchcraft he sells. You would defend him while he destroys my family’s livelihood?” The man growled, and you could see now the two other men who stood with him. The owners of the apothecary on who’s steps you stood. Typical. 

With a fighting glint in your eye you grinned, mocking and mischievous. “Well maybe if your brother was anywhere decent with healing remedies he wouldn’t be so threatened by the competition. But he’s not, so clearly you feel like sabotage is a good moral to have on your compass.” 

“Why you little-“ The man grabbed the front of your shirt and cloak, pushing you against the store wall behind you, effectively trapping you there. The force threw your head back against the wall and you knew you would have some kind of headache tomorrow. With a methodical motion, he drew a knife from inside his coat, gleaming steel with a bronze hilt. He held it to your throat and all you could do was let out a shuddering breath and wait for the feeling of cold steel slicing your skin, Thondir injured and unable to help against the two men who saw it fit to restrain him.

 Only lucky for you the final motion never came. Instead you heard the sound of a sword being unsheathed and saw its blade being placed against the man’s neck. 

“Now what’s this here? Three stupid brutes against a woman and an injured elf? That is highly unfair I’d say. Why don’t you let the girl down before my sword makes its home in your head.”

The feelings that swarmed within you were some of the most conflicting you’d ever felt, though you supposed that Halbrand showing up to your aid was rather confusing in its own way. You hated the man, but here he was, sword pressed into the neck of your attacker with one arm firm to his back and a fire in his eyes like you’d never seen before. 

“Thondir too, you sorry excuses of men.”

He waved his sword toward the brother and his associate, who promptly did as they were told. 

“Cowards!” The man holding you slowly but surely released you, his slow motions merely a facade as he quickly placed an elbow into Halbrands ribs, turning with knife in hand towards the swordsman and making a wild slashing motion in an attempt to stave off whatever injuries he thought he would receive. 

Halbrand grunted, bringing his arm up to protect his face before catching the man’s knife hand with his own and smashing his head in with the hilt of his sword. The man crumbled like a sack of potatoes as you sat on the stone steps, trying to catch your breath from the whole ordeal. Once you knew the man was alive by the steady rise and fall of his chest, you turned to look at Thondir’s injuries with gentle hands. 

“I’ll be fine Miss (Y/N), my pride is more injured than my body if I am to be honest.” The Elf spoke with a shrug as you offered him your handkerchief for his hands. He looked undecided for a moment, but took it anyway, thankful for the gesture.

“And thank you, Halbrand.” He gave a respectful nod and carried on his way, not wanting any more humiliation for the day. 

This left only you and Halbrand, who sheathed his sword and offered you his hand. There was reluctance as you took it and he hauled you upwards and onto your feet with a hiss, thankfully letting go after that. You would have written off the hiss through his teeth as perhaps soreness or strain of some kind had your hand not come away covered with his blood. He was injured. 

“You’re injured.” You voiced your thoughts, looking at your hand before showing him. 

“Ah. Nothing too bad. I’ve definitely had worse, dear (Y/N).”

There was that word again. You didn’t like it, but you didn’t think he could help it. It might as well have been engraved into his vocabulary. With a sigh you gently grabbed his arm and pulled back his sleeve. He was right, the wound wasn’t as bad as you had thought, rather shallow, but bleeding profusely all the same, the red liquid dripping down his fingers and pooling at his feet. 

“Come on, there’s some herbal remedies at my cottage. A… repayment for tonight.” You chose your words carefully, not really wanting to thank him for rescuing you, but it also felt wrong to completely dismiss him, no matter how much you didn’t like him. 

“Ah, thank you.” Halbrand accepted the invitation and the two of you made your way back to the seaside cottage, the wind piercing through your clothes as those storm clouds were practically on top of the coast now. You could feel the start of the rain, tiny droplets landing on your face and hair as you made your way to the door. 

Starting a fire wasn’t hard, the forge was always ready to be lit and soon you had a decent amount of light and warmth as you grabbed the box of herbs and other healing materials your father kept in the house. 

These were not like the things the apothecary sold. No, these were elvish remedies, Celebrimbor having taught you the basics and then Thondir a bit more when he could. You took a cloth and dipped it in some water, gabbing a roll of bandages and a tiny jar of salve that desperately needed to be refilled. 

“That elf tonight, you knew his name.” Your words left like a half formed thought, not really implying anything, more of an observation of Halbrands character. 

“Yes, Thondir. I’ve met him before. I’d like to say I’m an Elf friend, just as you are.” Halbrand seemed unresponsive to the stinging of his wound being cleaned, his eyes locked onto the forge fire.

“I’ll be honest I didn’t think you cared so much.” Your voice was a whisper, realizing now what an accusation it was once you said it.

There was a huff that came from the man, a scoff as he shook his head lightly. 

“You never liked me anyways, though I can’t say why so I’ll ask. Why? It’s not wrong to help elves, that’s what I’m doing with your father. That's what you do with Arondir, how is it different?” 

This left you in stunned silence. He was right, at its core there was no difference. Had you been so blind this whole time? He had saved you, saved Thondir. 

“I- I’m sorry. No, you’re right, it’s not different.” Your fingers began to apply the salve on his open wound, eye contact would make you feel more embarrassed so you focused on his arm. 

“This feud between the races, it needs to end. I want to help it end.” His voice was quiet, gentle almost. His words were so confident, you believed them in a heartbeat. Had you two been so similar all this time?

Having applied the salve, you moved to bandage his arm, tying it together securely before making sure everything was in order. 

“Well…” You cleared your throat. “That’s that.” You moved to stand, Halbrand following, his eyes looking over your handiwork. 

“Thank you.” He said simply, a smile on his face that you couldn’t quite place. The two of you stood in silence that managed to grow slightly more uncomfortable with each passing second until Halbrand lowered his eyes, perhaps in embarrassment, you couldn’t tell. With a nod of his head he moved to leave, pulling his cloak over his head. “Until next time, (Y/N).” And with that he trudged out into the rain, leaving you to watch his form disappear into the dark of night. 

With a sigh you reached out to feel the rain fall, trying to compare notes in your head as to what had just happened tonight. You didn’t like Halbrand or Waldreg. There was something off about them, but you didn’t know what. But now Halbrand shared your opinions on Elves? Hadn’t he proven as much by saving you and Thondir from possible death tonight? 

Your thoughts were muddled, mixed emotions trying to root themselves into your subconscious. You needed sleep. You had just begun to shut the door when a blurry figure tore its way onto the beach, huge and looming, your first thought was some kind of monster until it whinnied. 

“Berek?!” You found yourself rushing out into the rain, leaving the open door forgotten as you looked for your father atop your horse's back until you realized he wasn’t there. Panic flooded your veins and you tightened your grip on the horses reins to calm him down and get him to focus on you as you spoke. 

“Berek, where is father? Where is he? Can you take me to him?” Berek was frantic, hooves refusing to stay still atop the sand as you shimmied your way onto his back, letting the horse have some control over your directional course before he sped off down the beach and into the forest, wind screaming in your ears and you hood refusing to stay on your head. 

Berek had some energy out of pure desperation, but once it was spent, you were in a part of the forest you didn’t recognize. It was unbearably cold, unusually so for summer rain; you could see your breath as you shuddered, white and frigid as you exhaled. The lump on the back of your head throbbed as you did so, the cold seeming to isolate it. 

Something was not right here. As you took one step after another, the trees seemed to cave in around you, slow and creaking like they meant to swallow you whole and never let you see the light of day. The road before you, however dark, seemed to stretch out as far as you could see; an endless strip that made you dizzy to look at. It was like the forest itself was fighting you. Magic forests were not unheard of, though incredibly rare. If you had stumbled into one, there was no guarantee you would ever get out again. Not without help of some kind.

As terrifying as the thought was, you focused on one thing: finding your father. Truly, that was the only thing on your mind, the only thing that mattered to you. And so you continued onward until you started to see the tiny flecks of snow that flew on the wind, pooling onto the pathway until it lay like a white sheet over the ground. 

You drew your cloak closer to yourself and continued onward against the bitter cold, thinking only of your father and whether he was alright. You willed him to be alright, to be safe. You prayed for it from the very depths of your soul, it consumed you until Berek’s sure footing led you to the iron gates of a dark Castle blanketed in snow and frost. What was something like this doing all the way out here? The lightning that struck behind the sky illuminated the sharp architecture of the structure, gothic in nature. It was beautiful in a dark and forbidding way, drawing you closer with curiosity. 

Shutting the gates with a creek that was quickly drowned out by the wind, you led Berek into an overhang by the front steps. The wind had somewhat died down since you had arrived, and you didn’t think he would be too uncomfortable if you were to leave him unattended for a bit. 

“I’ll be back, okay? Stay here.” You spoke in a hushed tone before ascending the stone staircase that led up to the door. 

With bated breath you tried the door handle, its brass figure of a sea serpent looked at you with eerie eyes, yet you were not swayed. You came here for answers and to find your father and you wouldn’t leave without them. With a deep inhale you steeled yourself and pushed against the door, hearing it creak open on its great hinges, sweeping snow into the marbled entryway as it followed your footsteps.

The echo sounded through the halls, followed by a quiet “Hello? Is anyone there?” As the door swung closed behind you, the wall sconces were lit, and a warm glow came from the hearth in the room adjacent to you. What magic was this? Had your father been here? You wandered further and further into the Castle, gentle footsteps echoing softly as you ascended the wide staircase that led up to the second floor. 

Despite its worn appearance, the whole place was still very ornate, filigree and complex designs crowding the space as overgrown plants dotted the hallway. Columns of stone and marble lined the walls, its golden accents long tarnished. 

There were far too many rooms to reasonably check, and the hallway seemed to stretch the longer you walked. It wasn’t until you reached another, smaller set of stairs, that you heard a faint noise from the top of them, the soft light of torch-fire illuminating your way up like a trail of breadcrumbs. Straining your ears, you waited silently to hear the noise again, it had sounded like an eerie sound of the castle until it reached your ears again: The shuffle of a body against stone and metal, its weight banging on what sounded like a steel door. 

Slowly, you climbed up the narrow stairs, bracing yourself for what you might see at the top. Unfortunately nothing could have prepared you for the sight of your father, his clothes a bit worse for wear, arms slung through the bars of his cold cell. 

“Father!” Your voice cried before you had a chance to even think about what you were doing. Your hurried footsteps scrambled up the remainder of the stone stairs, hands clawing at the bars of his cell like they would bend to your very whims. Celebrimbor looked at you almost like you were a dream standing before him, his face weary and helpless until he felt the warm flesh of your fingers grasp his face through the bars. 

“(Y/N)?” His voice was quiet, but instantly alert, now realizing that you were indeed standing before him and not some figment of his imagination.

“Yes, yes it’s me! Father are you alright?  How on earth did you end up here?!” The words rushed from your mouth in a panic, looking at the bars for any sort of weakness. 

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you, I hardly believe it myself, dear…” His voice was still hushed, his eyes looking down the stairwell that you had come up from. “But that’s not important right now. Right now, you must leave! Leave before—“ 

He was abruptly caught off guard by something whisking past the both of you in the shadows, so quick and fierce that it blew out the already dwindling torch that sat bolted into the wall beside you, leaving only moonlight to illuminate the darkness. The gust ruffled your hair and clothing, bringing with it the smell of fur and hot breath muddled by a scent you knew all too well: Leather. Your heart leapt into your stomach at the sudden movement and you did all you could to stifle a cry of surprise and fear before a tall and shadowy figure stood opposite you further up the stairwell, only adding to its height . 

All you could hear was its heavy breathing, the rush of blood in your ears as you drew closer to your father. He was trembling as his hand held yours. 

“Why do you trespass here, girl?” He spoke, catching you even further off guard as you had expected him to just tear you limb from limb within a moment's notice and yet you were met with a question from a deep and imposing voice. Stealing yourself with a deep breath, you let go of your fathers hand to stand straight against the being, trying you best to show that you were not afraid despite that being the furthest thing from the truth at the moment. 

“I- I came because my father was missing. Here I find him locked away as a prisoner, how dare you? What has he done wrong that you would treat him like some common thief?” Although your voice was much more confident than you had thought it would be, words still stuck in your throat. 

A deep and guttural growl came from the creature and he took a step down the stairs, teeth bared as you could now see exactly what he was as he stepped into the moonlight. 

Tall and while somewhat slender, the ripple of muscle could be seen, powerful arms and shoulders that could rip someone apart with a single grasp hung lanky at his side, and his lizard-like hands sprouted the slender claws to match, fingers still appearing to be slightly human in nature. His face was angular and long, but unplaceable to any one animal, his brow was like that of a wolf, while his ears seemed more opossum shaped. Overall, he looked like a gargoyle of some kind, long fur sprouting from his head and neck like a mane while scales gathered along his hands and feet. He had a pair of deep set eyes of the clearest blue, the only normal thing about him, and the only thing you could bear to look at as you gasped. 

“Father? Your father was caught trespassing in a home that was not his own. Much like you are doing now.” The low, angry voice quieted only a little and you could hear the huff of breath exiting his lungs.

You struggled to even look at him, it only made speaking all the harder as a million questions ran through your mind. 

“Is- Is that a- a threat? W-Would you lock up an innocent daughter trying to find her only parent?” Your voice was close to a whisper now, words feeling thick as you stared straight into the creature's blue eyes with terror before your voice seemed to speak up for you. “I demand you let him go!” Your voice, while still quiet, was indeed demanding; almost like a dare, and you knew immediately that you had spoken without thinking. The creature snarled, akin to a dog of some kind, and you could tell he was considering the option. 

“You have no right to demand anything of me, Elf. Your kind deserves to rot in stone cells.” 

Of course. It was too dark for him to see that you were not elven, your hair was covering your perfectly human ears like a godsend as your mind now rushed to formulate some sort of plan to rescue your father. 

“Then— Then let me rot instead of my father… please.” You added on the last word with some hesitation, the ill formed plan in your head tacking itself together like a broken vase repaired by a child. The cloaked creature stilled for a moment, you could practically hear the gears turning in his head as his ears flattened before he made a move to close the gap between the two of you. 

“You understand, Elf, that this is a permanent arrangement. Would you really trade yourself for him?” His eyes narrowed and you could see the tip of his nostrils flare. 

“No, please! Let my daughter go, I beg of you.” Your father shoved against the bars of his cell, if only to gain his captor's attention. “Please, She is—!” 

“Yes. I’ll do it.” You practically yelled, effectively cutting off your fathers words. 

“Very well.” The creature moved swiftly to unlock the cell door as your father began to object and yanked your father up from off of the ground, much to your utter dismay of his methods. 

“Why must you be so harsh— Don’t hurt him!” Yet your cries fell on deaf ears as you were unceremoniously shoved into the same cell and could only watch helplessly as both the creature and your father disappeared down the stairs, his protests and pleading sinking into your ears as you fought to retain your composure and confidence as the nature of the situation finally settled upon you. A prisoner. Forever. Never to see your father, or Arondir and Throndir ever again… 

Tears pricked at the edges of your eyes, making the world blurry around you as you waited for your captor to return. If he ever would. Maybe he truly would leave you to rot in a cell…