#10TH walker fic

[entishramblings]

The Innocence of Brutality Pt. 7 [Legolas/F!Reader]

PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PART 5 | PART 6

A.N: hey my preciouses. so im back from my hiatus with some pain and suffering for you all. this part was very hard to write as this story is a 10th walker. lol i struggle to follow an already created plot and not get bored writing—and that’s why I gotta add some twists and funky ass kicking Rámaitë Mahtar lore heh. anywaysss...enjoy!

Request: none

Pairing: Legolas X Fem!Reader

Summary: The Reader is Rámaitë Mahtar, a warrior spirit race, and she meets the fellowship on their quest to destroy the ring.  

Disclaimer: Any mythology relating to the Rámaitë Mahtar is not canon as I made up Rámaitë Mahtar. Also, all elvish was translated from a translator site—it may not be accurate.

Word Count: 6.5k (i know I'm sorry i am a menace) 

Warnings: nudity (not sex), mentions of war, mentions of torture, violence, fluff, hurt/comfort, beard abuse (sorry gimli)

MASTERLIST | AO3 | WATTPAD | The Innocence of Brutality Masterlist | HERE for OC format

The fellowship and the Rámaite Mahtar spent hours upon hours enduring the biting lash of the snow's frigid touch and the piercing wail of the wind. The Pass of Caradhras fought against them, hard and strong. Relentless it was; as if the mountain itself was pained by their footsteps, doing all it could to shake them off and consign them to a frozen grave. Though they soon discovered that the mountain was not alone in pursuing their downfall.

Legolas frowned, squinting past the snowflakes that landed upon his lashes. It was hard to focus on anything but navigating through the blowing blizzard, for if he wavered his calculations, he and the fellowship would surely fall to their deaths. Yet still, something tugged at his mind, begging him to recognize its warning. The elf, determined to unravel what it was, let his senses settle into the air around him, absorbing all he could. That is when he heard it—a resonant voice murmuring curses into the wintry air.

The elven prince spun on his heel—so fast that he startled the dwarf behind him. Now facing the rest of his company, he cried out his cautionary statement. “Someone is aiding the storm. There is a fell voice upon the air.”

Gandalf met his eye, and only one word passed the wizard’s slips. “Saruman.”

(Y/N) turned to Legolas. Over the wind, she yelled her question to him. “Who is this man of saru?”

However, before any method of how he could even begin to articulate such a person even entered his mind, Aragorn and Boromir tones sprung into the air. Their voices grew insistent, advocating to return the way they came, only for Gandalf to fiercely argue against it.

“Legolas,” (Y/N) addressed again, not paying mind to the serious conversation behind her. “Who is this man of saru?”

“(Y/N),” he started. However, he was interrupted by a deep murmur that reverberated through the mountain’s core. That was the only warning the fellowship received. Seconds later, heavy clumps of snow came thundering down from the slopes above them. Legolas’ unfinished words were swept away by the mountain's rampage, lost amidst the chaotic dance of falling powder.

“Get back!” was briefly heard as Aragorn pressed his body against the side of the mountain. He attempted to take Frodo and Sam with him through a failed outreached hand grasping upon nothingness. 

The Rámaite Mahtar’s eyes followed the motion, her instincts kicking in. 

Her wings snapped open, tearing through the fabric and leather armor that clothed her. They extended outwards, providing a canopy over the four hobbits, just as the avalanche was to bury them. 

(Y/N) grit her teeth, her form shaking slightly as the pressure hit. 

Silent the hobbits were, no sound leaving their normally chatty lips, as the onslaught of snow railed upon (Y/N). Only awe was present upon their expressions as those four pairs of big, worried eyes looked up at her stern face. 

The Rámaite Mahtar, however, took no notice to their concern. She held steady until no further weight was forced upon her wings.

Slowly, she lifted her head up—proud and strong—and her wings following suit. She shook them off. The snow she had caught tumbled from her feathery masses. It skipped off the edge of the mountain, leaving its longtime home.

Legolas emerged from beneath the snow rather quickly. A single glimpse of (Y/N)'s outstretched wings and the visible hobbits revealed to him what she had done. Knowing they were out of harm's way, he wasted no time in digging through the snow to unearth his other companions.

As the first hand broke the surface, Legolas seized hold of it and yanked. Spluttering, up came Aragorn. The two didn't need to speak to know what else needed to be done. They instantly began to sweep away the glistening snowflakes that continued to conceal their comrades. They hoped to retrieve them—one by one—from their frozen confinement. 

(Y/N), seemingly deeming the two men competent enough to handle the task, moved closer to the hobbits. She patted Frodo’s head as she looked between the four of them. “Safe, safe, yes?” 

Their responses consisted of small nods and drifting gazes, their minds still in shock.

Boromir and Gandalf soon emerged, though one member of their company was still not yet found.

“Gimli! Where is Gimli?” Legolas called out desperately.

(Y/N) furrowed her brows as her gaze scanned the snowy landscape. Meanwhile, the rest of the fellowship frantically dug, their efforts driven by urgency. (Y/N) took a few steps forward, her expression determined.

Suddenly, she began stomping in various spots on the fluffy snow bed.

Her companions, including Legolas, exchanged puzzled glances, unable to comprehend her actions. However, their confusion quickly dissipated when a muffled war cry echoed from beneath her feet. Without hesitation, (Y/N) plunged her hand deep into the snow and pulled hard. Emerging from the white depths, beard first, came Gimli, hollering and gasping for air.

Sighs of relief exited many lips before the arguing between the navigators started once again. 

(Y/N) looked between them, watching, observing, trying and failing to understand the gravity of the situation. Though it seemed it wasn't really up to her to have to understand. The decision got passed down to Frodo and the small hobbit picked their dwarven friend’s option: The Mines of Moria. 

Therefore, they wearily trudged down the mountain, their souls burdened and their bodies fatigued. (Y/N)'s wings guarded the hobbits, shielding them from the biting winds until they finally arrived before the sealed doors of the dwarven kingdom. And there they remained, seated in patient anticipation—for hours on end.

In the stillness, only the soft murmurs of Gandalf's whispered words and hushed conversations drifted among the fellowship, creating an atmosphere of quiet suspense. 

Legolas perched beside Y/N, holding her leather armor layer in one hand and a sharp knife in the other. He was carefully carving the ripped section into a smoother line, ensuring easy exposure of her wings. Given their current lifestyle, he presumed it was crucial for her to retract and unveil her deadliest weapon effortlessly. Besides, they lacked the time and resources to stop in a town again, and even if they did, they wouldn't find suitable clothing to accommodate her unique form. The Rámaite Mahtar were not supposed to exist—not in this world at this time. She was an exception. She was a phenomenon. She was a secret—one that could get them all killed. 

“Legolas,” (Y/N) stated. “Who is this man of saru?”

The elf briefly glanced up at her as he continued to work. This was the third time he was asked this question by her, and he knew she would ask it again if it was left unanswered. She was persistent like that. He cleared his throat. “Do you remember how we told you that there were some who intended to harm us and the people of this world?”

She nodded.

“Well,” he continued. “Saruman is one of them. He is aiding and orchestrating armies for Sauron.”

“Sauron?” (Y/N) questioned.

Legolas sighed, placing the leather down as he focused on (Y/N). He knew he would have to give her all his attention for this conversation. It wasn't one that you could have so casually. “Sauron is consumed by an insatiable thirst for power. He wants to enslave its people, create an empire of pain and suffering, and burn it down to ash and bone.” 

“Why?” she asked, so innocently. 

 “(Y/N),” he stated softly, gazing into those goddamn brilliant, concerned, (e/c) eyes of hers. “Sauron…Sauron was a servant of Morgoth.”

The Rámaite Mahtar's lips parted, releasing a hushed gasp that was woven with fear and disbelief. 

Legolas watched as these emotions shattered her soul and wreaked havoc in her heart. Her brows furrowed, her lips contorted, her gaze wandered, and her eyelids fluttered. Processing. That is what she was doing—absorbing the shock and dissecting its meaning. 

“(Y/N),” he whispered, reaching for her hand. “(Y/N), Morgoth will not come here. He cannot come to this plane. The Valar would never permit it.”

She shook her head, pulling away from him. “Yes, he would. For me, he would. For me, they would let him.”

“(Y/N),” he said again, desperately.

She stood, shaking her head, her voice rising slightly. “You do not understand!!!”

Legolas, sensing her distress escalating, abandoned his seat and moved to stand with her. Gently, he took both her hands in his own. “(Y/N), help me understand.” He peered down into her wild eyes, searching for an answer. “Please, help me understand. I am here. I am listening.”

She glanced down at the ground below her feet, taking in a deep breath as she tried to gather herself—to regulate her emotions, Legolas perceived.

After a moment, she looked back to him. Her voice was quiet as she spoke. “I—I did things. B–before. When I was here long ago.”

The Prince nodded his head in encouragement. 

She shut her eyes and withdrew her hands from his hold, letting her arms wrap around herself in what appeared to be a self-soothing state. “T–terrible things.” (Y/N) focused her gaze back onto Legolas. “They–they wanted it empty of some of the stuff they put in it.”

“What do you mean?” he inquired softly, his confusion deepening. “What did they want empty?”

(Y/N) frowned, her expression twitching as she tried to pick out the correct word to use. “The–the world.” She paused, just for a moment. “So, we emptied it. But–but we did not understand. I did not understand. There were peoples there.” As her words flowed on, she delicately extended her hand and brushed her fingertips against his ear. He fought the urge to flinch at the contact, but he did not stop her. Knowing how sincere and vulnerable she was in that moment, he wanted her to continue her truth. He didn't desire to give her any reason at all to halt her words. “Peoples like—like you, but not like you. Different.” She furthered, her hand then slid along the curve of his elvish ear until it was nothing but a ghost. (Y/N) looked down once again. “They screamed and cried, but we did not know, so we did not stop.”

“(Y/N),” he whispered, cupping her cheek and forcing her to look at him. “It was not your fault. The Valar did not teach you. They did not teach you of right and wrong.”

Her eyes squeezed shut, a tear escaping them. “It was my fault. I was the leader.”

Legolas’ thumb gently wiped away the water that ran down her cheek. “But you did not know, my starlight. You did not know.”

A quiet sob escaped her chest as she tried to look away from him. Though he would not let her. He would not let her suffer this guilt alone. Legolas pulled her form into his own. He enveloped her in his embrace, encircling his arm around her waist, while his other hand cradled the back of her head.

Instantly, she responded to this affection. Her hands—those small, deadly hands that had annihilated so many people—grasped onto his tunic, yanking at the threads. The ethereal glow of her wings enveloped him as well, as if just her arms were not enough to hug him back. And the pressure of her body against his was firm, almost urging him to anchor himself in case he lost balance. In that moment, with her face nestled against his chest, she sought solace and refuge in his embrace.

Softly, he pressed a kiss to her head as his hand moved in slow, soothing circles on her back.

Legolas knew the rest of the fellowship was trying, and failing, not to stare, but he did not care. This—this was important. This realization. This moment. This needed to happen. It represented her growth in the most pure and genuine way. 

The embrace, however, was disturbed by the sound of a gentle plop that resonated in the air like a soft melody—though one very much out of place. One after another, the droplets of sound caressed their ears, intruding upon the intimate moment they shared. However, Aragorn’s chidding tone unintentionally attempted to give it back to them as he ordered Merry and Pippin to halt their actions.

Still, (Y/N) turned to look at the rippling of the water, watching as it moved with little rifts and smooth slides. The Rámaite Mahtar tilted her head, ignoring Frodo’s voice pipping up with a question regarding the door’s riddle. It wasn't directed at her anyways. She took a step closer to the water, and another, and another—until the sound of loud stone shifting claimed her and her companion’s attention.

The group gathered their belongings, (Y/N) folding in her wings and pulling the altered leather armor upon her form, before they flowed through the now opened doors. As they listened to Gimli rave of his cousins’ hospitality, they filed in. However, hospitality did not greet them. Nothing did. There were no torches. There were no cheers. There were no dwarven faces. Simply put: not a trace of life offered them a welcome and naught but dread stirred in their presence. As darkness wrapped around them, Gandalf lit his staff. That glow began to reflect light, allowing the fellowship to bear witness to the truth.

“This–this is no mine.” Boromir began, horror upon his tone. “It’s a tomb!”

Immediately, Gimli’s loud cries of despair echoed throughout the vast walls and the hobbits’ heavy breathing followed. 

“We should never have come here. We must make for the Gap of Rohan!” Boromir exclaimed. 

Rash shuffling from each member of the group followed as they began scrambling from the hallway of bones. Those bones, however, were immediately replaced by a new threat—one of tentacles and slime.

Before they even could escape the tomb, Frodo was clawing at the ground, his anguished cries for help piercing the air. The other hobbits urgently grasped his arms, straining with all their might to free him from the vile creature coiling around his legs. Yet his friends were only so strong. The creature drug the poor hobbit to the lake, flinging him through the air like a mere plaything. 

Instantly, the fellowship, with weapons raised, were scrambling after him.

Though, the one that was the fastest was (Y/N). Her wings extended from her form, not breaking the newly crafted adjustments to her leather. With one strong push, she was in the air and weaving through the tentacles. 

“By the Valar,” Aragorn whispered.

At his tone, Legolas’ gaze flickered from his aimed arrow and to his friend’s line of sight above the beast of the lake. Immediately, the elf’s lips parted in astonishment. Even after the months that they had known the Rámaite Mahtar, they had yet to see her fly. They had seen those beautiful wings act as blades, blankets, and canopies, but they hadn't seen them act for their intended purpose. They hadn't seen them serve as instruments of the wind. Legolas could not help but let his bow falter as he stared. 

“She’s….she’s beautiful,” Legolas whispered. 

Aragorn, his own shock subsiding, grabbed the elf’s arm and hissed a panicked order at him. “Legolas, cast aside your admiration and put an end to that vile beast!”

“Right, right,” he mumbled, drawing his arrow once again.

Aragorn ran into the water, slicing at the tentacles in desperate hope to free Frodo—and prevent his own capture. 

(Y/N) maintained a relentless attack from above, using her wings as weapons to sever the slimy limbs impeding her path towards Frodo. With remarkable speed and precision, each stroke of her wings propelled her closer to the young hobbit, the distance shrinking inch by inch. However, just as she was closing in, the beast sent two tentacles her way. She spun quickly, her wings slicing them both, but it was the third to the back that she did not anticipate. It smacked against her shoulder blades, hard. Her body was launched backwards as if she was nothing but a gnat being batted away. The blow held such vigorous force that she crashed into the side of the mountain and tumbled with broken rock. Everything crumbled until she too joined the dust upon the ground.

Legolas, with fearful eyes, screamed her name. She did not answer.

The Prince continued firing arrow after arrow as he moved backwards towards the broken Rámaite Mahtar. Each forceful strike diverted the creature's attention. This distraction allowed Aragorn to slice the tentacle constricting Frodo, while Boromir swiftly caught him.

“Go, go, go!” Aragorn yelled, pushing Boromir and Frodo back onto the land. “Into the mines!”

The group darted through the entrance, Legolas scooping (Y/N) up into his arms as he did so. 

The lake’s guardian tried to pursue them, its battered limbs slamming against the rugged mountain surface. However, in doing so, the squid-like creature lost its meal. In its desperate attempt to give chase, the fellowship’s fate was sealed. The attack caused the rocks to tremble and shudder. So much so, that the entrance to the passage crumbled and collapsed—entombing the alive with the dead.

Thick dust now drifted through the air, melding with the sounds of adrenalized breath and pounding hearts. They stood still as Gandalf lit his staff once more.

“We have now but one choice,” the wizard started as he began walking deeper into the mine. “We must face the long dark of Moria. Be on your guard. There are older and fouler things than orcs in the deep places of the world.”

“Mithrandir, wait.” Legolas called out, almost desperately. 

All eyes shifted, only to be surprised to see the Rámaite Mahtar cradled in his arms. Before, she had appeared to be invincible. From the first day they encountered her, when she lifted the strongest member of the fellowship by the throat and nearly killed him, they had thought she was unstoppable. This belief was further reinforced as they witnessed her relentless prowess in battle. She ruthlessly obliterated a pack of orcs like it was nothing. She had annihilated them with sheer force that made even the elves look weak. A glimmer of possibility was instilled in them. Maybe their quest was not destined to fail after all? She was their hope. And now? Now that hope was a slumped, unmoving, bleeding form. 

“(Y/N)?” Pippin whispered, his voice so quiet, so small. 

“Is–is she alive?” Merry added, his tone mirroring his closest friend’s.

Legolas did not answer them as he gently laid her body onto the ground, kneeling next to her. With frantic lips murmuring a prayer in Sindarin, he reached to hold her face. Almost instantly, the Prince’s shaking hands were painted in her red blood. He tried to not focus on it as his nimble fingers found her carotid artery. He couldn't afford to think that she could be dead. Not now. Not ever. 

The air was quiet and full of anxiety as they awaited his words—ones that would either break or heal their hearts. 

“She’s alive.” 

Sighs of relief left many’s lips, though Legolas did not hear one exit the wizard’s. 

“I must treat her wounds.”

Gandalf huffed. “We cannot linger here.”

“Mithrandir!” Legolas called out, appalled. “She cannot be left to bleed—”

“Legolas, îdh, listo. (Legolas, calm, please.)” Aragorn stated, raising his hand. He then turned to the wizard. “Gandalf, Legolas is right. Without medical attention she could die. I understand you do not trust her yet, but she has saved our lives many times over. We need her.” He paused, nodding to the hobbits. “They need her.” 

He huffed but dipped his head in agreement. He couldn't argue with that logic. “Ten minutes.”

Legolas was quick to pull his medical bag from his shoulder and began digging for supplies. 

“Legolas, man  tur- im ceri? (Legolas, what can I do?)” Aragorn stated as he knelt beside him. 

The Prince passed him a small pouch as well as a mortar and pestle. “Mol hi into a sirith ir im heneb hen. (Grind this into a paste while I examine her.)”

Aragorn nodded, beginning the assigned task. 

Legolas lifted her head, feeling the back of it, before speaking in the common tongue for the others to understand. “Swelling, but no blood from this blow. Seems it just knocked her out.” He twisted her face to see the bleeding cut above her brow. “This cut is pretty deep. I will need to stitch it so the skin mends properly.” 

“Despite her ability to heal quickly? Cuts like this usually are gone within a day or so for her, correct?” 

“Yes, but the flow is heavy and with the risk of infection—especially with all the grime in here…..” Legolas let his sentence trail off. 

“Master elf,” Samwise interrupted softly. “Is there anything I can do?” 

The Prince looked up at him. A gentle smile crossed his face for he knew of (Y/N)’s relationship with the hobbits. He knew how much she cared for them and they her. “Sam, if you could get Gandalf’s staff, maybe provide us with some better light?”

The hobbit nodded and quickly scurried off. Legolas could hear the soft conversation between the grumpy wizard and the innocent hobbit, though he was too focused on (Y/N) to pay attention. Regardless, Gandalf must have given in, for the hobbit returned seconds later with the light. 

“Sam, hold it over here. I must check her wings.”

The light cascaded brightly above them, its luminosity filtering across the brilliant wings. The feathers absorbed and reflected those subtle colors, shining them back upon the three men. If the scene wasn't encased in blood and emotional turmoil, it would have been a radiant spectacle. But now, the once alluring silk-like texture bore the marks of horror—marks none would want to see freely.

“There does not appear to be any significant damage. Most of the blood is from the head wound or superficial cuts.” Legolas stated. “It looks worse than it really is.”

“But–but then why isn't she waking up?” Pippin inquired with unease.

Legolas did not answer, for he didn't have a reason to give the hobbit. Instead, he returned to the wound upon her brow. “Pass me that needle and threat.” 

Soon enough, the Rámaite Mahtar’s cut was sealed and the blood upon her face was wiped clean. If they had not known of the events that had transpired, maybe she would have looked like she was sleeping peacefully. That, however, much to their dismay, was not the case.

Boromir, seeing (Y/N)'s treatment completed, spoke again. “We can take shifts carrying her.”

Legolas clenched his jaw, refusing to look at the Gondorian, as he gathered the winged warrior into his arms. “When her wings are exposed, it adds at least a hundred pounds to her weight. Without elven strength, you wouldn’t be able to carry her for long.” 

Boromir scoffed lightly and sent a look at the elf. 

Legolas wanted to snap back with another snarky reply, but he knew it would do no good. Hell, his previous comment was uncalled for—and he knew it. Boromir was a good, honorable man at heart. Legolas knew he would never do anything to harm (Y/N). The Gondorian respected her—as a woman, warrior, and friend. Besides, at this point, it was quite apparent that the Prince and Rámaite Mahtar’s souls were bound. So, Legolas kept his mouth shut as he pushed past Boromir and towards the front of the group. 

Aragorn walked up beside the Gondorian. He gently patted the man’s shoulder. “Don’t take it personally. Elves tend to get quite possessive over their lovers, especially under dire circumstances.” The Ranger then chuckled. “Not one of their finer traits.” 

Boromir snorted lightly in amusement, now not taking Legolas’ behavior to heart. “Indeed,” was his simple reply. 

Time seemed to stretch endlessly as they continued their journey along the paths of the old dwarven corridors. The fellowship found themselves halted at a crossroads, a convergence of three diverging paths, where Gandalf stood at the forefront, evaluating which direction to proceed with. 

Legolas settled himself on the ground, leaning his back against the cool stone surface. Keeping (Y/N) in his lap, he gently adjusted her position, allowing her head to rest upon his chest and shoulder, her face nestled against the curve of his neck. Finding a moment of reprieve, he let out a soft sigh and pressed his head against the wall behind him, shutting his eyes. With a soothing touch, he traced gentle strokes along the Rámaite Mahtar's cheek, passing the time with rest.

It felt like only minutes, even though he knew it was hours, when Gandalf called for them to follow. Legolas begrudgingly stood with (Y/N) in his arms.

“Legolas,” Aragorn’s voice softly sounded beside him. “Let me take her.”

The elf turned to face his friend. “It’s alright. I’ve got her.” 

The Ranger shook his head. “You must keep some strength if we are to make it through this mine. Exhaustion will do you no good. I will watch over her, even if it’s just for a little while.”

Legolas exhaled slowly but dipped his head in agreement. He knew Aragorn was right. As an elf, he had senses that would allow him to slay twice as many servants of darkness. If they were to come across any enemies, they would need him—especially with their strongest weapon now unconscious. Therefore, he passed (Y/N) to Aragorn.

The Ranger was careful as he took her into his arms, her wings hanging limp around him and brushing upon the dusty floor. “Valar—“ he mumbled. “You weren’t kidding about her weight.” 

Legolas smirked lightly. “If she is too heavy, I can take her back.”

The Ranger grunted. “No, no. I’m fine.” 

The elf raised his brows but followed the others.

Legolas kept an eye on Aragorn and (Y/N) as they moved. Though it wasn't out of distrust or jealousy, it was out of concern. He could sense, as the minutes passed and as the terrain roughened, the Ranger began to tire. However, it seemed he was not the only one who could tell. 

Boromir approached Aragorn. “You look like you could use a break. I will carry her.” 

Aragorn let out a low—and slightly strained—laugh. “Are you certain? Legolas wasn’t mistaken about her weight.” 

The Gondorian bobbed his head. “I hardly believe she is that much to bear.” 

“Suit yourself,” the Ranger replied as he passed the winged warrior to the other man. 

“By the Creator….” Boromir immediately gruffed out. 

Now it was Aragorn’s turn to tease. “I warned you.” 

“That you did,” the Gondorian grunted. He then nodded ahead. “We don’t want to get left behind. Let’s keep moving.” 

However, it wasn’t long before Boromir approached Legolas. “I won’t ever doubt the strength of you and your people again,” he expressed, accompanied by a warm smile. “Are you able to carry your girl again?” 

Legolas nodded, guilt flickering in his heart for his previous rude demeanor towards the man. “Yes. Thank you, Boromir. I appreciate your help.”

The Gondorian nodded in understanding before he passed (Y/N) back towards the elf. 

…..

As the days passed, (Y/N) still hadn’t woken, which proved to be worrisome. The wound upon her forehead had healed, leaving only a light scar that Legolas knew would disappear in a couple days. The swelling upon the back of her head vanished as well, providing even more confusion to her still unconscious state. She would stir here and there, but never did those curious, (e/c) eyes open. If she had survived a fall from the Valar’s incarceration, why was she remaining unconscious from a strike of the lake’s beast?

Still, they could not wait on her to wake. They had to push further. So, the fellowship continued to pass through Moria in secret, observing the dwarven wonders as they did so. However, it was ignorant to hope that that secrecy would last—and as soon as the corpse of an old dwarf tumbled down that well, they knew they were discovered. 

It all happened so fast. 

Legolas barely had time to place (Y/N)’s form down against Balin’s tomb before the doors were splintering, revealing orc faces dripping with evil desire. 

However, at the first clank of a sword, there came at least one good act.

A large gasp, loud and alarm-filled, struck the air. The Rámaite Mahtar jolted upright. In an instant, her wings snapped back to life, shedding their previously limp state, and surged outward with lethal swiftness. As they unfurled, they decapitated three nearby orcs.

Legolas could only manage to call out her name in relief before he too was consumed by the battle. 

With (Y/N) ripping the vile creatures into pieces, even faster than the elf, the fellowship had thought they had a chance. Well, that was until one sentence left the Gondorian’s lips.

“They have a fucking cave troll.” 

From then on, it was a blur. Each member of the group was fighting for their lives—including the hobbits. Though all their hearts stopped when Frodo called out in pain and crumbled to the ground. Shrieks of fear left every member’s lips as Aragorn desperately rushed to his body. Those heartaching cries, however, quieted when Frodo’s small voice sang out clearly. “It’s alright. I’m not hurt.” 

Then they were running again, and again, and again. 

The immense chamber teemed with a horde of orcs, swarming across every surface—the ground, walls, and ceiling. So much so, that the members of the quest were encircled by them, barely having room to breathe. A sort of stalemate settled in, both sides waiting for the other to make the first move.

(Y/N)’s wings twitched as she rotated, readying herself.

Though a fight did not come—not from the thousands of revolting beings. 

Badum, badum, badum. 

Each member of the fellowship spun and turned at that sound. 

Badum, badum, badum. 

The orcs faltered and swiveled their heads. 

Badum, badum, badum. 

Panic then erupted. The grotesque creatures scrambled to flee. They shoved and pushed one and other as their gangly forms scurried away—back to the hellhole that they came from. 

Badum, badum, badum. 

“What is this new devilry?” Boromir whispered. 

Badum, badum, badum. 

Gandalf sucked in a deep breath. “A balrog of Morgoth.”

(Y/N)’s heart froze. 

“A demon of the ancient world,” Gandalf continued. “This foe is beyond any of you. RUN!”

It was here that the fellowship mimicked the goblins—though with more care for one another. They took off down the vast hallway as they made for the Bridge of Khazad Dum. Their legs moved quicker than they ever would have thought possible—stopping only when there was a gap in a path above the fiery abyss.

Legolas was the first to leap across, his nimble form making it appear easy. Gandalf was the next to make the jump. Merry and Pippin were to follow with Boromir; however, they were halted as arrows shot at their feet—just nearly missing. 

(Y/N) whipped her head around, just in time to see another projectile whizzing straight towards Boromir. 

The Rámaite Mahtar was quick to lift her wing in front of him. The fine tip pierced her instantly, causing a deep grunt of pain to exit her lips. The arrow went through the feathery flesh, but halted as it got stuck in tight muscle—only inches away from Boromir’s forehead. 

The Gondorian’s wide eyes shifted to her—in thanks, in shock, in guilt. 

Legolas quickly turned and fired his bow, taking out the archer. 

“Go!” (Y/N) shouted as she lowered her wing. 

With that, Boromir grabbed Merry and Pippin and leaped onto the other side. His feet landed just before the section they had previously stood on collapsed. 

(Y/N) was next. She lifted her wings slightly, despite the pain, to give herself more of a drift. As she landed she shuffled close to Merry and Pippin and ripped the arrow from her wing with a groan.

As Legolas caught Sam and then Gimli—by the beard—another arrow whizzed past the hobbits’ head. 

Once again, the Rámaite Mahtar shielded them—earning two more arrows in the wing. 

By the time Frodo and Aragorn finagled their way across the ever growing gap, the Balrog was upon them. 

The fellowship were fleeing as fast as they possibly could. A few brave souls dared to steal a glance behind, their hearts pounding in their chests. Among them was Frodo, and as his eyes locked onto the fiery menace descending upon Gandalf, a cry of terror escaped his lips. The collective gaze of the group shifted at that, now drawn to the scene unfolding before them. They then bore witness.

The wizard stood strong. His deep voice, full of power and protection, echoed through the cavern. “You cannot pass.” 

The Balrog attacked. Gandalf defended. 

“I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow!”

Once again, the Balrog attacked. Gandalf defended. 

The wizard brought his sword and staff crashing down upon the bridge, a resounding boom echoing through the air. His voice then thundered, filled with unwavering determination. "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!" Those words seemed to reverberate through the chamber, carrying the weight of his command across the stone. In that moment, he stood as a barrier, defying the very force that sought to destroy them and their mission.

The bridge began to crumble. Piece by piece, the stone began to fall, taking the Balrog with it. 

Gandalf inhaled deeply. 

It was done. 

The whip, however, lashed out one final time. With a swift motion, it coiled around the wizard's ankle, forcefully pulling him off his feet. In a fleeting moment, he was airborne, his body suspended before gravity claimed its prize. Gandalf’s hands flailed, desperately reaching out for anything to anchor him to the bridge's edge. His fingers found the stone and his nails dug in. Though, he knew he had no chance. He wished only to leave a message for the one who looked up to him the most.

Frodo cried out once again, lunging for his mentor and friend.

Boromir, however, wrapped a strong arm around him and held him back. 

The little hobbit, sobbing, held eye contact with the wizard. 

“Fly you fools,” Gandalf whispered. 

Then, he too, was gone. 

Frodo screamed, his cry intertwining with that of his fellow hobbits, creating a symphony of despair that echoed through the burning darkness.

However, they weren’t the only ones to have a profound reaction.

Surprisingly, (Y/N) rushed forward. She sprinted down the bridge, her legs carrying her fast, but she wasn’t fast enough. Legolas anticipated what she was going to do. He saw how her strides stretched wide and how her wings extended. She was gonna jump. Reacting swiftly, he took off after her. His paces were wider and his speed was quick. Just as she was about to push herself into the air, Legolas grabbed onto her waist and yanked her backward. The unstable bridge trembled under the sudden motion, threatening to give way, but the elf maintained his balance and steadied the winged woman in his grasp.

“LEGOLAS!” she snapped in fierce anger. Her threatening gaze—one that he had only seen directed towards enemies—poured into him, almost incinerating his soul. 

“IT’S TOO LATE!” He barked back, ignoring the startlement that just flushed his veins and choosing to focus on the bridge crumbling beneath their feet. “RUN!” 

With that he tugged her in the opposite direction, following the remaining members of the fellowship. 

When they burst from the mines, their souls shattered like fragile glass. The hobbits collapsed upon the stony ground, their tears flowing freely, their sorrow reverberating through their chests. Agonized grimaces etched themselves onto the faces of Gimli and Boromir. Aragorn tried his best to conceal his pain, though his grey eyes betrayed him with hidden turmoil. And Legolas? He stood motionless, disbelief written across his face.

(Y/N), however, snapped him out of it. She pushed her palms against his chest, hard. “WHY DID YOU DO THAT?”

He twisted to look at her. “What?”

“Why did you stop me?!” The Rámaite Mahtar quipped back aggressively. She grasped onto the two arrows still embedded in her wing. She yanked them out. “I COULD HAVE SAVED HIM!” 

Legolas shook his head, his tone calm and full of despair. “No, (Y/N). No, you could not.”

Her hands ran through her hair, frantically and angrily, the strands tangled and pulled on as she sought release from the overwhelming emotions rippling through her blood. A frustrated scream escaped her lips—a raw manifestation of these turbulent feelings surging. With a sudden burst, she spun back around, facing him with eyes ablaze. “I have killed one of those–those balrogs!” She took an enraged step towards him. “My legion and I bleed one dry of its fire! And you—”

Legolas interrupted her, his tone now picking up. “And I stopped you from killing yourself! You and your legion—”

“Legolas!—”

He grabbed onto her shoulders as his next words raced across the stones, silencing the area from all but tears. “YOUR LEGION ISN'T HERE!” 

The wind skipped through the leaves of the trees, uneasy at the elf’s sudden tone. It blew gently upon the despairing people, begging to kiss their skin with some kind of hope, but only succeeding in tearing their hearts further. Still, it continued its melancholic dance. Seemingly carrying the weight of their shattered souls with its whispering of sorrowful melodies. 

Nature itself mourned alongside (Y/N) as she stared, bewildered, at Legolas. 

The Prince closed his eyes and lowered his head. He inhaled deeply, regretting his tone. After a moment, now returned to his normal steady and calm temperament, he gazed into her eyes and spoke again. “(Y/N), your legion is not here and they will remain absent. They were not present to help you defeat this Balrog and they will not come to help you fight others. They are imprisoned, beyond your reach. They won't escape as you did—not now, not after you have. The chains will have been fortified and the gates sealed with blood. You are the sole Rámaite Mahtar that will ever step on these lands.” He paused, his tone now a whisper. “You are alone.”

(Y/N)’s expression distorted. Her brows crinkled, her lips quivered, her eyes watered, and her form shook. Emotions whipped through her blood, boiling and freezing in the pain of realization and acceptance. She supposed a part of her had thought that her race would eventually return with her—join her in learning this plane. Though now that that secret hope was exposed and disproven, there was nothing else to be said. The truth stood liberated from the web of self-created falsehoods that had previously concealed it.

“(Y/N),” Legolas whispered, realizing the dream he had just shattered. 

And that was all it took. 

A loud sob escaped her throat and tears pooled down her face. She flung her form into his arms and cried.

She cried and she cried—as loudly as the hobbits. 

And Legolas held her. He rocked her back and forth as he smoothed her hair, desperately trying to keep her safe from the pain, though he knew it was too late. He pressed a kiss to her head as he whispered into her ear. “Though you may be alone among your kind, I will forever be by your side.”

…..

PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PART 5 | PART 6

Everything Tag: @sokkasdarling @scxundress @quilledinkpen @hufflepuffinblr @lea----b @aredhel-of-gondolin @princecami @the-fandoms-georgie @jazziwritestolkienprimary @swimming-in-stardust @elvish-sky @red-riding @brun-lieve @idiotic-canadian @hey-its-nonny @angelxnaa @bisexualdragongirl @mirclealignr @edensgarnden @elizabeth-anya-knight @sydney-1209 @laneynoir @straysugzhpe @runningfeather @awarwithinitself @finallyforgotten @kaiawrites @commanderawkward @xxbluestrifexx @slytherinambitious @redbirdbluebird333-blog @angelgracesworldofchaos @desert-fern @hellsitegivemeafreeusername @galadaelin @glorfindelofgondolin @skairipakomtrikru @genderfluid-anime-goth @skairipakomtrikru

Everything But Spice Tag: @goldfearless @brethil13 @insert-random-blog-name-here @cauliflowertree @heranintomyknife23times @mxmia

Legolas tag: @dark-angel-is-back @mylittle-escapingdreams @moriamithril @abandoncloud9 @bweakmybonez @aphroditesmoon @carojasmin2204 @phoenix666stuff

The Innocence of Brutality: @byshaunajoy @carojasmin2204 @therealscarletpumpernickel @noodlenerd101

if your tag is not hot/clickable bad you want to remain on the taglist, please message me. Next time I will be removing the ones that don’t work :)

ADD YOURSELF TO MY TAGLIST(S)

[lopez-richter-fangirl]

The Tin Can Bros have launched a kickstarter to celebrate their 10 year anniversary with SEVEN new projects, and they need our help!

Read on to find out how:

This is Brian Rosenthal, Corey Lubowich and Joey Richter

You may know them from Team Starkid, or you may know them from their own group the Tin Can Brothers (creators of projects such as Spies Are Forever and the Solve it Squad), formed in 2014. To celebrate 10 years, they’re raising a goal of $200k in order to stage seven projects

They’re currently a week into their campaign and have raised almost $50k with 675 backers. But they still have a way to go! And to help, we need to spread the word

TINLIGHTENMENT PROMO SCHEDULE:

Saturday 10th - The Great Debate

What is it?

A live comedy game show featuring Joey, Brian, Corey and special guests pitted against each other to win a debate. It gets silly!

How will I be able to see it?

Live shows in LA (and potentially other places!) throughout the year, digital tickets, and eventually some ‘episodes’ on youtube!

What can I share?

If you’ve been lucky enough to see past great debates on Patreon, talk about favourite topics and moments!

If you haven’t, share moments and clips from the first public great debate livestream happening on Thursday! (I think - if plans are changed then they’re doing a terrible job letting me help them)

Talk about guests! They talked about a Dropout crossover which I know people have been asking for with Starkid. I don’t know what that is but tell the people that do!

Tuesday 13th - Gross Prophets

What is it?

A brand new comedy musical featuring Joey, Brian and Lauren with music by Ali Gordon and Angela Parrish (shitty broadway! https://youtu.be/AZ-bOPiDqo8?si=F6guq3Pk_lOkCB5B)

How will I be able to see it?

Live shows (some workshop-y) in LA leading up to a run at the Adelaide Fringe, with digital tickets and eventual youtube release

What can I share?

We don’t know a whole lot about this project yet, but we do know it’s got a great cast and creative team - talk about those people!

That it’s going to Adelaide!! Australia is frequently in the top backing countries on kickstarters, and those people finally get a chance to see a TCB show live!

Theories on what the show might involve!

Saturday 17th - SIS at the Fringe

What is it?

An Edinburgh Fringe run of the fucked up Scooby Doo parody, with the original cast!

How will I be able to see it?

Live shows throughout the entire Edinburgh Fringe run in August, or a digital ticket!

What can I share?

This is an existing TCB property, so talk about what you love from the original! Share art, gifs, edits, anything!

That it’s going to Edinburgh! As above, UK fans have been desperate for this for ages, now’s our chance! Make sure people know about it!

Tuesday 20th - Spy Another Day LA and London

What is it?

A live concert screening (Hollywood Bowl meets Rocky Horror!) of Spies with most of the original cast for LA and TCB plus Lauren for London!

How will I be able to see it?

A live show in LA in Spring (likely April) with a digital ticket option, and a live show in London in early September following their SIS fringe run

What can I share?

Like with SIS, anything and everything you love about the original show! Angsty fics, art, memes, it’s all good

Joe Walker. To me personally he’s just A Guy, but some people are still shocked to be learning he’s doing a show again! Get those OG fans to support this!

That it’s going to London. I need Joey doing a passable to decent depending on how much he’s practiced English accent in London! And again, an opportunity for one of the highest backing cities to see them LIVE

Saturday 24th - TCBoB at 54 Below

What is it?

The songs from their musical This Could Be on Broadway in concert at 54 Below in New York City, with Joey, Brian, Lauren, Esther, Bryce and Clark, plus more performers to be announced!

How will I be able to see it?

Live in NYC in November, with a digital ticket option

What can I share?

The first workshop only got a digital ticket release but if you caught that, share favourite parts! And the soundtrack is available, so talk about how fucking good the songs are

The fact that it’s an opportunity for people to hear these songs live!

Tuesday 27th - Intelligent Life

What is it?

A reading of TCB’s queer sci-fi comedy TV pilot

How will I be able to see it?

Live in LA in early Summer, or by digital ticket

What can I share?

Like with Gross Prophets, this is a brand new (to us) project so we don’t know a lot! But we do know it’s gays in space! We love space gays

Remember, these are just ideas. Share anything you personally are excited for and think other people might be interested in! The aim is to make sure people are aware of these projects, what they entail and why they need to happen! Any other way you have of getting the word out about the projects and the campaign in general is valuable!!

Join our discord for more ways to help or to ask questions! https://discord.gg/4VNEBzpA

And if you’re hearing about all this for the first time, check out the campaign! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tincanbros/tinlightenment-world-tour

[camille-lachenille]

Jumping on the trend of badly summarised WIPs

[sotwk]

I found and read bits of the Legolas x OC 10th Walker fic I wrote 20 years ago.

(Please don't ask to see it, because, yeah... over my dead body. XD)

I know I was just 18 years old then, and I don't support cringe culture, but OMG. WHAT. EVEN. *dies of shame*

I know I'm a much better writer now (I hope so--I should be!), but my goodness, the writers in their early-20s whose fics I have recently read, definitely write better than I did in those learning years!

I'm gonna try to just focus on how far I've come with my writing, and enjoy the reminiscing, but for now I think I want to hate on (and laugh at) my young self just a little bit!

[dancerinthestorm]

Fic Recs: Awesome OFCs edition

For some reason OCs tend to draw a lot of fire in certain fandom circles but I love them unapologetically. For me they are a brilliant way to add something new, something unexpected to a well known and well loved story. So, here‘s my utterly incomplete list of „fics that should be read for their awesome OFCs alone“.

Make way Lizzie Bennett, Sophie Hatter and Tiffany Aching, there are a some new girls in town! 😁

Theodora Byrne in @esta-elavaris epic "Catch the Wind" (AO3).

Oh dear, where to start. I am forever in love with Theo. I'd kill for her, I'd die for her. Her sass, her indomitable spirit, her way of throwing poor James Norrington off kilter. The whole story is just shy of 418k words and a beautiful, terrifying beast to behold. I unwisely started it on a Friday night shortly before going to bed and simply could not stop until my darling, long-suffering husband put his foot down on Sunday and made me eat, drink, shower, sleep and (most cruelly) sent me off on Monday morning to resume adulting.

I'm not sure if I should own up to it in public but to tell you the truth: I have not been able to pick it up since that day. Not because I do not want to (oh how I want to!) but because I am afraid. Afraid that the story will end and I am not ready for it. Afraid for what might happen to Theo and James. When I left them in chapter 63/101 they were happy, comfortable and (relatively) save but with the whole ordeal of "At World's End" still ahead of them.

Should you still put down everything else to read it? Yes! Absolutely! Go! Now! Shoo! And don't be a wuss like me, the story deserves so much more!

Pirates of the Carribeans. James Norrington x OFC. Rated E.

***

Nika in "This Destiny is Mine" (AO3) by @messy-insomniac-bookgirl

I knew I was done for when one of my favourite authors decided to let one of her gorgeous female leads tackle one of literature’s most heinous crimes: The fate of Boromir. No way I would not root for her, rage with her, fear for her, laugh with her. A beautifully nuanced and overall kick-ass female lead that I cannot get enough of.

The story itself is not too long yet and is intriguingly hard to place. The author calls it a fix-it. And it is... but also not... not really... It gives us an OFC but she's no 10th walker. It has already made me feel everything it is humanly possible to feel, sometimes within the span of one short chapter alone.

Amazing storytelling and I cannot wait to find out where this journey will take Nika.

Lord of the Rings. Boromir x OFC. Rated E.

***

Jenya in Bramandian0336's "Black Honey" (AO3)

Having to deal with the emotional hot house that is Kylo Ren/Ben Solo is nothing for the faint-hearted and calls for especially intrepid female leads. So, this list would be utterly incomplete without her.

Meet, Jeyna: historian, archeologist and - suddenly and unnervingly - subject of Kylo Ren's scrutiny. I absolutely devoured her stroy with all it's amazing world building, obscure Star Wars lore and action.

Star Wars. Kylo Ren/Ben Solo x OFC. Rated E.

***

Asta in "Where I am needed most" (AO3) by @scyllas-revenge

Unable or unwilling to commit to any of the literary behemoths above? Then I have just the thing for you! A beautiful one-shot set in the chaos of the Battle of Helm's Deep. Wonderfully dense story telling garnished with spot on characterizations. Headstrong, brave, resourceful, sharp-tongued Asta is a sight to behold and I could not get enough of her clashing with Eomer.

Eomer/OFC. Idiots in love, shouting matches and kisses. Rated T.

****

As mentioned: this list is totally incomplete. Please feel free to yell your own favourites at me in the comment section, regardless of fandom! 😁

And as always: a huge shout out to all the authors for your time, your talent and your dedication! You guys are absolute rock stars!

[choicesficwriterscreations]

CFWC F/AotW - Oct 29 - Nov 4, 2023

✒️= Fanfic | 📱= Text Fics/Edits | 🎨= Fanart Ⓜ️ = Mature Content 18+ | 🔥 = Explicit/NSFW 18+ 🏳️‍🌈 = LGBTQIA 🎃 = Halloween

BLADES OF LIGHT & SHADOW

BLOODBOUND

Kamilah Sayeed Fanart 🎨by @myautumnrose

Lily Spencer Fanart 🎨 by @sazanes

CRIMES OF PASSION

Crimes Drabble ✒️ 🏳️‍🌈| Trystan Thorne x MC - @lilyoffandoms

Marguerite's Halloween Bacchanalia, Part 1 | Trystan Thorne x F!MC - @moominofthevalley ✒️🎃

Marguerite's Halloween Bacchanalia, Part 2 | Trystan Thorne x F!MC - @moominofthevalley ✒️🎃

FIRST COMES LOVE

Blake Marshall x MC Fanart 🎨by @mydemonsdrivealimo for @totojo2

IMMORTAL DESIRES

When the Dark Comes, Leave a Light ✒️🏳️‍🌈| m! cas x m!gabe - @aria-ashryver

NIGHTBOUND

Duty & Pleasure ✒️| Nik Ryder x F!MC - @ladylamrian

OPEN HEART

THE ROYAL ROMANCE

Birthday ✒️🎨 | Drake Walker x MC art by @rosefuckinggeniusfic by @petiteboheme

Trick or Treat ✒️| Liam Rys x F!OC - @kristinamae093

Vancross (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x F!OC - @ao719 Chapter 19: As Long As There's You At My Side

WAKE THE DEAD

Survival of the Fittest 🎨| Brynn, f!mc / Brynn, m!mc @fairymatchmaker

Troy Hassan x Saeed🎨🏳️‍🌈by @/artbyainna (C: @lilyoffandoms)

*** Please note: Since we were on vacation last week, these fics/creations will be reblogged on CFWC between now and Friday, November 10th.

[estel-of-the-eyrie]

So I've not written anything LOTR in literal years at this point, but @emilybeemartin's Boromir Lives AU has given me THOUGHTS. (90% of those are He would make the BEST uncle and defacto parent figure T_T)

And especially after their excellent fic recommendation the other day ... I've begun work on a 10th Walker fic of my own hehe 👀

While I finish up the first chapter or so... here's a little sneak peek of the opening piece of Myths of Its Own:

Wren woke to screaming.

And not even the kind which followed – or even predated sometimes – a bar fight. This, blood-curdling terror. Nightmares vocalised.

The whistle of shrapnel and rapid machine gun fire on muddy Belgian battlefields and tommies falling between blood-red poppies-

Glass had been missing from the gaol’s windows for quite some time if the moss around the bars and overall damp were any indication. The cell itself was small, and she was the only one imprisoned there for now; a small mercy, she supposed. Nobody would witness her digging her nails into the warped wooden bedpost or scrambling to get a good look at the insurgents in the dark outside. 

She could make more of a fool of herself with peace of mind. 

Hoisting herself into position, slipping only slightly on that one troublesome bend on the wall, with aching arms she reached up to the window. Her breath caught in her throat and lodged there; choking on fear alone as she spotted them. Then came the siege of thoughts she’d been hiding for days stuck in the gaol, mind fuzzy and battling pain and reason to ground herself enough to even consider escaping. 

They’re dead and they won. We’re all screwed-

A piercing screech.

Where the bloody hell did that come from? It wasn’t human-sounding… 

Her eyes drew skyward. Aircraft? 

There’s a whoosh, a rush of … something. Nothing she can see but it’s enough to send her sprawling back across the floor. 

No… that can’t be possible. That sounded like wings. 

[drake-walker-appreciation]

This blog is dedicated to Drake Walker from Choices: The Royal Romance.

2023 Events:

Drake Appreciation Week kicked off on Drake Appreciation Day Monday 02/27/2023 and ran through Sunday 03/05/2023. Masterlist available here.

National Drake Day was completely overlooked by us this year, but now that we know it exists, we won't make the same mistake next year! National Drake Day happens annually on March 10th.

World Whiskey Day was May 20th. Click the link for details!!

Drake's Birthday Celebration August 1st through August 12th.

We also want to promote Drake content all year long -- all of it! Artwork, mood boards, and stories that feature him. Basically, all things related to our favorite whiskey-drinking, 99-cent burger-appreciating, half-American, angsty, camping enthusiast, overprotective marshmallow!

To this end, we have started a few master lists to collate Drake content from across Tumblr (including from authors who may not be active anymore, so their fics are not being read):

DWAW 2023

Drake's Tight Pants Anthology

World Whiskey Day 2023

Drake Creators

Drake's Birthday Master List 2023

Readers are encouraged to interact, make suggestions, give recommendations, and tag us in any Drake content they feel should be featured.

Writers are encouraged to tag us in any work that is focused and centered around Drake. We will reblog it and add you to a master list of writers that produce Drake content.

Nothing is off limits, and if Drake were real, he’d tell us to stop fussing over him by making a big deal out of this. But don’t listen to him. Because we know he secretly loves it!

If you have questions or suggestions please reach out to this blog, @angelasscribbles or @karahalloway

[the-writing-ninja]

A decade of grieving

(basically Cole angst the fic) (ft. writer trying his best to write Jay (no srsly how do you write Jay in a mature setting that wouldn't come off as obnoxious genuinely))

-TW// mentions of death and grieving.

----------------------------------------------

[Jay is walking around the monastery in search of his best friend. He then bumps into Kai.]

Kai: Look where you're walking Walker!

Jay: Har-Har very funny.

Kai: Just messin' with ya.

Jay: Well maybe, some of us are not in the mood for messing around Kai.

Kai: Ohkay wow, who lit up your fuse, lightbulb?

Jay: It's just that I've been searching for Cole since morning, I have to show him this funny meme I found. [Jay shows Kai his phone.]

Kai: [Puts down Jay's phone] ...right

Jay: Have you seen him?

Kai: Now that you've mentioned it, even I haven't seen him around since like?? yesterday night?

Jay: Let's ask Zane, maybe he knows?

----------------------------------------------

[The two then head to the monastery's underground lair, where Zane is helping Pixal build a mech.]

Jay: Zane, Pixal, have you guys seen Cole??

Pixal and Zane, in sync: No, I'm afraid I haven't. [Kai lets out a giggle, Zane and Pixal look at him with a confused gaze.]

Kai: [now trying to control his giggling,] Don't worry about it-

Pixal: If you insist.

Jay: Can we get back on topic please??

Kai: Right, yeah, my bad.

Kai: So, do you guys like- have a clue where he might be?

Zane: I'm afraid I do not. However, I might know why he's away.

Kai: Really??

Jay: Why???

Zane: Today is the 10th anniversary of Lily's passing.

Jay:

Kai: ..Oh.

----------------------------------------------

[Cole is climbing a mountain, the very same one he scaled when his mother had passed away to handle his grief. He was only thirteen back then, now he is twenty-three.]

Cole: I can't believe it! I-I thought I was over it-

Cole: I thought I grieved enough.

Cole: Then why then am I feeling- so- [Cole grunts]

[He reaches the top. He then sits down on the same spot Wu had all those years ago.]

Cole: I just,

Cole: I just can't believe it's been 10years.

Cole: I can't believe she hasn't-

Cole: That she hasn't been in my life for a whole decade-

[He looks up at the sky, perhaps with some hope of seeing her one more time.]

Cole: Get yourself together Cole.

Cole: [Sigh] And I'm talking to myself again.

Cole: I just-, miss her, so much..

----------------------------------------------

[Back at the monastery after filling Lloyd and Nya in on the situation, the ninja all devise a plan.]

Nya: Do you think it would work?

Kai: Ofcourse. I'm not the geckle chancellor for nothin' sis.

Lloyd: You might be the geckle chancellor Kai but would Shintaro allow you in in the first place?

Kai:

Zane: Considering how close Princess Vania and Cole's relationship is I think she would readily let you in after hearing about Cole's predicament.

Jay: And we will ask very nicely~

Lloyd: Well, all in agreement then?

Jay: Yee-up

Nya: Yeah!

Kai: Heck yeah!

Zane: Affirmative.

Lloyd: Alright, it's settled then, next stop Shintaro!

---------------------------------------

[Back to Cole now, he is still sitting at the top of the mountain wondering whether he should start heading back or not.]

Cole: They're probably worried about me.

Cole: I didn't even tell Zane or Master Wu I was leaving.

Cole: I should start climbing down..

Cole: Maybe i'll get back to the monastery before dinner.

Cole: I should call dad up once to check up on him..

[He starts descending the mountain.]

----------------------------------------------

[After a long journey Cole stops by the outskirts of ninjago city to check up on his dad. He rings the doorbell, but to his surprise he isn't greeted with a response. Then it hits him-]

Cole: ...He's also grieving the same way he did all those years ago huh..

Cole: [holding back his tears.] ..out singing and dancing again, ey dad?

[He leaves and heads back to the monastery. It's around dinner time now. Hope no one has noticed his absence, he doesn't want to be bombarded with a million questions today...]

----------------------------------------------

[Before opening the gates to the monastery, he gives himself a reminder.]

Cole: Whatever happens, you'll not cry Cole.

[He is supposed to be the foundation that forms the backbone of the team, he can't let himself cry infront of them, can he?]

[He's the strong one afterall, right?]

[Cole opens the door and heads inside.]

Cole: Hey guys!

[He notices that all the ninja are gathered in the living room.]

Cole: Why are all of you here? Isn't it dinner time? Oh I sure hope the dessert is some good ol' cake!

Cole:

Cole: ..um guys?

Kai: You don't have to pretend man.

Jay: Yeah it's okay-

Cole: [Looking away] I don't understannd what you guys are saying?

[Kai gets up and goes to Cole. He takes his hand and places something in his palm and closes it.]

[Cole opens his palm.]

[It's the pendant Lily gave to Gleck.]

Kai: We're here for you bud.

Jay: Yeah! Just like how you're always there for us!

[Cole finally breaks. It is the first time any of the other ninja have seen him cry.]

Cole: I'm- so-

Cole: i'm so sorry-

[Jay hugs him.]

Jay: You're my best friend you don't have to apologize for crying in front of me.

Kai: Wow that's the most intelligent thing i've ever heard come outta your mouth.

[Cole chuckles, the others also crack a smile. Jay doesn't mind being the punching bag if it is to make his best friend laugh.]

Kai: Feeling better?

Cole: Yeah..

Cole: I love you guys.

Jay: We love you too you big clod.

[They all sit down on the couch. Cole is at the centre w/ Kai and Jay around him. Nya and Pixal are standing behind the couch, Lloyd is sitting on the armrest and Zane is seated at the bottom.]

[Cole sits there looking wishfully at his mother's amulet. He pauses.]

Cole: [sigh] I can't keep this..

Cole: Mom gave it to the geckle not me..

Kai: I asked him if you could have it and he said yes.

Zane: Which was oddly very out of character for Gleck.

Kai: Eh don't worry about it i'm sure he didn't mind it- much.

Jay: Which meansss,

Lloyd: You can keep it Cole!

[Cole holds the pendant close to chest and starts sobbing. He doesn't apologize this time, for he realizes that he's with his family, who'll just as readily be there for him as he would for them.]

----------------------------------------------

[That night Cole finally managed to let out all the grief he had buried inside for the past decade, surrounded by people who loved and cared about him, who patiently stayed by his side till he was feeling okay.]

--------‐-----------------------------------------------------

[entishramblings]

The Innocence of Brutality Pt. 6 [Legolas/F!Reader]

PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PART 5 | PART 7

A.N: here we go again! you all are being spoiled by the amount of depression fics i am writing lmao. this part was interesting to write. i really had to dive into my psychology background for this juicy piece. but at the same time, this entire series is a psychology whirlwind so  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (also I am running out of gifs of wings that do not have faces in it so if ya got some please send them my way)

Request: none

Pairing: Legolas X Fem!Reader

Summary: The Reader is Rámaitë Mahtar, a warrior spirit race, and she meets the fellowship on their quest to destroy the ring.  

Disclaimer: Any mythology relating to the Rámaitë Mahtar is not canon as I made up Rámaitë Mahtar. Also, all elvish was translated from a translator site—it may not be accurate.

Word Count: 3.6k

Warnings: nudity (not sex), mentions of war, mentions of torture, violence, fluff, hurt/comfort

MASTERLIST | AO3 | WATTPAD

The Innocence of Brutality Masterlist

The weeks continued as the fellowship slowly advanced towards their dreaded destination. They had not run into any more orcs or vile beasts of the darkness, but that is not to say that there were no problems. Decisions regarding safe routes to take and various methods of navigation became harder and the terrain got rougher and rougher. Spirits seemed to lessen as well. The hobbits were weary as were the men. Although, for Legolas, most of his concerns centered around the Rámaite Mahtar that had claimed his heart.

After their first discussion, (Y/N) kept in mind Legolas’ preferences regarding affection; however, after some time, he could see her getting impatient and needy.

(Y/N) started reaching for him more and more—and not just when she slipped. She would try and grab his hand while walking. She would reach for golden locks of his hair to play with when they took breaks. She would purposefully sit right beside him, her form smashed up against his, as they ate. Every once in a while Legolas would send her a warning look and she quickly learned what it meant, but eventually it didn't seem that that was enough.

Part of him felt immensely guilty. He knew she was touch starved. Her life had been spent in war and in chains. He knew very little of it, but he expected she received no comfort. And now? Now that she was free and thriving in Arda, that is all she desired. She just wanted affection and love from him. Hell, Legolas desired it too. But, the other half of him was annoyed and upset. He felt disrespected a bit, like the boundaries he had set were being violated. He had this anxiety surrounding the rest of the fellowship knowing of his and (Y/N)’s relationship, for he feared they would question his loyalties. And she was aware of this disquietude. They had discussed it that night in the forest. It just seemed that, overtime, her patience faded.

Regardless, he had thought that, despite all this, they were doing a decent job of hiding their relationship, but he was soon proven wrong.

One night, as they settled for camp, (Y/N) approached the Prince who sat upon a log beside the fire.

“Legolas, look!” she called out.

“Hmm,” he hummed, his mind being pulled from his rather depressive mulling state as he looked up at her.

But, she didn’t stop her approach before him as he would have thought. Instead, she plopped her ass right down in his lap. Her form then curled into his, her one arm wrapping around the back of his neck and her breasts just barely brushing against his chin as she steady herself.

Startled, he shifted uncomfortably. His eyes widened and his cheeks turned a red hue, like that of a berry blossoming in the summer. He was unsure what to do and how to proceed. If he jumped away from her, surely she would feel unwanted. But if he leaned into such an embrace and encouraged it, their relationship would be quite public and she would think violating the boundaries he had set was alright. Therefore, he just sat still—unable to hide his expression of embarrassment.

“Look what Pippin and I found in the creek!” she exclaimed excitedly, not picking up on his discomfort. (Y/N) opened her palm to reveal a decently sized gemstone. “The rainbows,” she stated as she twisted it in her fingers. “Do you see them?”

“I, uh, yes. I do.”

“What kind of rock is it? Does it have a name?”

Legolas cleared his throat awkwardly. “Uh, yes, yes. It is called opal.”

“Opal,” she repeated. (Y/N) then frowned, looking at his expression. “Do you not like opal?”

He raised his brows. “No, no. I like it. It is a perfectly fine stone.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. He could see her thoughts twisting and her mind turning. He knew she was evaluating his behavior and trying to figure out his strange temperament. After a moment though, she seemed to understand why his tone was slightly off and why he pulled away from her a bit. He had been doing so for a decent amount of time nowadays. It would be ignorant for him to assume she didn’t notice. Unfortunately, this only made her deepen her frown.

(Y/N) stood up from her perched spot upon him and scurried off in the opposite direction. “Boromir,” she called out. “Look what Pippin and I found!”

Slowly, Legolas raised his face. He knew there was one, merely four feet from him, who had witnessed this and would gladly voice his opinion. And, of course, the Prince’s vision was met by Aragorn’s raised brows and questioning gray eyes.

But, before either could say anything, another conversation began a little ways away—one that soon snagged their attention.

“What do you think?” (Y/N) asked.

“It is quite beautiful, love,” Boromir stated. “Shines like those wings of yours.”

Instantly, Legolas’ icy gaze snapped to the Gondorian.

The elf could not stop the anger that boiled in his blood and flashed across his face. He could not halt the possessiveness that spurred in his bones and rippled across his skin. He could not cease the jealousy that flushed his heart and twisted his gut.

How dare he call her such a thing.

Legolas watched as (Y/N)’s eyes flashed back to him, just for a second, before she placed a hand upon Boromir’s muscled bicep to seemingly steady herself as she continued to show him the stone.

The Prince clenched his jaw and released hot air from his nostrils.

How dare she do such a thing.

The elf’s fuming, however, was interrupted by a low chuckle from his friend who had the entire incident laid before him like a play.

If Legolas thought their affections weren’t obvious now, he would be an idiot.

Aragorn spoke in a hushed, teasing tone. “She is pissed at you.”

Legolas, wearing the deepest frown, turned to glare at the Ranger.

Aragorn rolled his eyes as he spoke his next words in Sindarin. “Oh tul- bo, Legolas. (Oh come on, Legolas.)”

“Mahn? (What?)”

“He na- in mel with cin. A cin hen. I pan -o cin ar ú- caudol—edregol hen (She is in love with you. And you her. The pair of you are not subtle—especially her.)”

Startled, Legolas’ eyes went wide as he tried to deny it. “A–a avo sinnen mahn ha na- cin ped- -o. (I–I dont know what it is you speak of.)”

The Ranger snorted. “Nin mellon, mín gar- sinnen an lefnar nia ho- i tád -o cin felf

an eithor. Since, mín govannen hen actuallui. Ha cel al- n- anui mor obstel. (My friend, we have known for weeks how the two of you feel for each other. Since, we met her actually. It couldn’t be any more obvious.)”

“Mín? (We)?” he spluttered.

“Na lesma Gimli a im. (At least Gimli and I.)” Aragorn poked the fire aimlessly. “A conthela i gurth tiro Gandalf eno aned cín té, im asthela hon sui eithel. (And considering the death glares Gandalf still sends your way, I assume him as well.)”

Legolas, now accepting that there was no way out of the situation, rested his chin in his hand and sighed. Defeated, his eyes focused on Boromir and (Y/N). “Thosl im am ú- gelir -o cín cened, im ceri- iest i er eleg wo- finna- glinth. (Though I am not glad of your observation, I do wish that one other would take notice.)”

Once again, light laughter rumbled in Aragorn’s chest. “Im ceri- ú- gûl ho cened hen in i pâd. (I do not think he sees her in that manner.)”

Legolas huffed, his eyes not leaving (Y/N)’s fingers that curled into the rust-colored fabric of Boromir’s tunic.

Aragorn nodded at the Rámaite Mahtar and Gondorian. “Ae telf, im am thossui il -o i na- hen (If anything, I am afraid all of that is her.” He paused. “He na- dol ha bo thel- (She is doing it on purpose).”

The elf sighed. “A sinnen. (I know.)”

Taking a serious turn, Aragorn spoke again. “Whui ceri- cin ab- hen míl if cin trului mel hen? I na- all he waln. (Why do you deny her affection if you truly love her? That is all she wants.)”

A light pink danced across Legolas’ face as he bowed his head. “Cin sinnen -o i custal -o nin bethal. A im–im del iest an i mala -o hi companui na n- enraged bui golodh regath hen a im, an im cened i unesta in all cín elro. (You know of the customs of my culture. And I–I didn’t wish for the members of this company to be enraged by such knowledge regarding her and I, for I see the wariness in all your eyes).”

Aragorn exhaled slowly, carefully picking out the words he was to say. “Nin mellon, ceri- cin beli he wele oiale near huth up- anui -o ammen? (My friend, do you believe she would ever place harm upon any of us?)”

“Baw. Im sennen he will ú-. (No. I know she will not.)”

“Thal whui eou- cin nifred i golodh -o eleg? (Then why would you fear the opinions of others?)” he persisted.

Legolas glanced down, ashamed.

As the hours progressed, Legolas stood upon the edge of the cliff, looking out at the plane below and the stars above. He took the first watch…and the second. He was going to take the third as well, but the soft steps of another pulled him from such focus.

“Legolas,” (Y/N) stated.

He did not turn.

She moved and stood beside him, looking out into the darkness as well. “What is it?”

He shook his head. “Tis nothing.”

“Not out there,” she replied, stepping in-front of him, claiming his attention and getting in his personal space. “Inside…you.”

Legolas shifted uncomfortably. For the second time that day, he used a sentence of denial. “I do not know what you mean.”

“You are upset.” (Y/N) stated.

She frowned as she took another step closer to him, her lips only inches from his own. He could feel her breath tickling his skin. He could taste the ethereal light she inhaled and exhaled. And he could smell her earthy and sweet scent. His senses were overcome by her. Yet, he did not respond to it.

After a moment of silence and no movement, she spoke again. “Upset at me. Why?”

Legolas scoffed slightly, turning his face away from her and letting his eyes drift back into his head briefly. It put a physical distance between them. It showcased his irritation. He did not reply.

Frustration began to brew inside the Rámaite Mahtar. “You will not answer me?” she stated.

“(Y/N),” he huffed in a dismissive tone.

Surprising him, she reached forward and grasped onto the front of his tunic. She roughly yanked him towards herself, getting in his face once again. “Why!?” she demanded forcefully.

Out of instinct, Legolas smacked her hand away and took a couple steps backward. Appallment hung upon his expression as he stared at her. He was shocked by her actions. This was the first time she had ever been aggressive and threatening with him since their first meeting—hell, this was the first time she had ever been like that with anyone in the company. And, to be honest, it scared him. It made him think back to his conversation with Mithrandir, which startled him even more for he didn’t want to believe that she only knew the combativeness of war.

Confused by his reaction, (Y/N) cocked her head.

“(Y/N),” he began quietly, trying to keep his composure. “Do not touch me like that.”

At this, she frowned and her eyes filled with perplexity.

Legolas swallowed dryly. She did not understand. She was frustrated and had no idea how to express it. So, she had done the only thing she knew how to do when she was agitated or angry: lash out. Realizing this, he spoke again. “Have I ever touched you aggressively? Even when I have been upset or frustrated?”

Slowly, the Rámaite Mahtar’s lips parted and the anger in her eyes melted into that of guilt. She realized what he was alluding to: she was being hurtful. “I—I did not mean it,” she stuttered quietly.

(Y/N) turned away from him, in a bit of a frantic manner. Seemingly realizing that she had nowhere to go, however, she moved to sit upon the edge of the cliff. A form of escaping the situation, Legolas guessed, for she genuinely had no idea what to do.

Slowly, he approached her. He stood behind her and spoke softly. “(Y/N), I understand you are frustrated. So am I. I just ask that you speak with me instead of lashing out at me.”

Silence.

“Please,” he added gently, in hopes to encourage her into a productive method of communication.

Silence.

“How about if I start?” He paused, for a moment, before continuing gently. “I was upset with the way you interacted with Boromir. It felt as if you were doing it on purpose to make me jealous and I did not like seeing you give another attention like that. I am sorry that I did not answer you when you asked me calmly the first time. It was unfair of me to do so.”

After a couple seconds of silence, seemingly thinking over his words, (Y/N) shot up. She turned to face him and he was surprised to see every emotion displayed upon her expression. The Rámaite Mahtar then began a long rant that Legolas was not expecting—one that he never would have guessed to leave her lips. It was rushed and full of anger, irritation, doubt, and sadness. It came with running tears, the color and consistency of pure starlight bursting and breaking.

“Why do you refuse to touch me? You do not sit beside me anymore. You do not hold my hand anymore. You do not kiss me anymore!” She stomped her foot and gestured widely. “I–I try. But–but you send me away and look at me as if—as if—” A little shriek left her lips and a sob followed, clearly frustrated as she struggled to pick out words to convey her feelings. “—as if you do not want me—even when no friends are looking!”

Now, the water continuously flowed from her eyes, freely and full of an aching pain. “I do not like hiding us from the friends. Why can they not know? Why can they not know?!”

Another gut wrenching sob echoed from her lips as her rant changed from yelling to a sad, cracking whisper. “I–I am scared. He will come to find me. He will come to look for me. I am not hiding b-because friends need help and I want to help…and I–I want you. But you do not–you do not take care for me any longer! You–you do not dress me. You do not brush my hair. You do not clean off the dirt. And you do not let me do any for you also!”

(Y/N)’s hands found their way into her (h/c) locks. She squeezed and pulled a little as more tears and cries spilled from her. “I don’t understand!!! I have tried–tried to learn it! I have tried to learn why b-but—” Her wings snapped open, ripping past the fabric of the simple tunic she wore: an emotional response. “BUT I CAN’T!”

It was in this moment that Legolas’ heart shattered. It felt as if his blood froze and filled with ice. That ice spread and spread and spread, until it coated his heart and solidified. It then was smashed into pieces—pieces of guilt, shame, sadness, and regret. What had he done?

Instantly, he rushed forward. Just as her form was about to collapse, her knees wobbling and her body drained, he wrapped her tightly in his arms.

“Shhh, shhh, (Y/N),” he whispered. “I am sorry. I am so sorry, my starlight.” Legolas could feel a tear run down his own cheek as he wove his hand unto her hair and cradled her head. “I never intended to make you feel as if I did not love or care for you any longer. I got wrapped up in my own fears of judgment when I should not have.”

(Y/N) buried her head into his neck, tears stinging his skin and sobs echoing into his blood.

Legolas squeezed his eyes shut, just for a moment, before focusing on the sparkling sky above him in an attempt to hold himself together.

He should have known. Valar—he should have known. The decision to create a distance to hide their affections was not the correct choice to have made. She was a very physical being, he knew that already but now he could see just how much. And pulling away from her only made her struggle to adapt harder. She may be able to shred various beings into nothing but liquid, but that did not make her mature enough to handle everything else on her own. She needed someone to care for her physically and emotionally. She was still learning and she needed someone to teach her. It was almost as if she was like a child or teen—just one with the skills of a killer and the intelligence, body, desires, and wants of a grown woman. She was just so foreign to their ways of life that she needed a guide. She had needed him. And he had failed her.

Legolas inhaled deeply, sucking in as much courage as he could, before looking down at her broken form once again. Slowly, he grasped her head in his hands and gently pulled it from the crook in his neck. He forced those eyes—those damn vibrant eyes, now filled with pooling water—to look into his own.

“(Y/N),” he whispered. “I promise you. I swear it to you. I will not let Morgoth take you from me. Although you are much stronger than I, I will defend you with every last one of my breaths. No longer will I fear the judgment of my friends. No longer will I push you away because of such a fear. I love you and I will for all of eternity. I will take care of you and teach you. I swear it.”

He rested his forehead against hers. “I swear it,” he repeated.

In a quiet, sad tone, (Y/N) whispered to him. “Does this mean you will kiss me again? I–I like kisses.”

He chuckled lightly and a small smile formed upon her lips.

Legolas then pressed his mouth upon hers and began to softly show her the truth to his love. She responded to it instantly, accepting the tender apology and gentle care. The kiss was short, simple, and wet, but full of raw emotion. It was full of love.

When they pulled apart, the Prince gently scooped her into his arms. He slowly sat down upon the grass and placed her into his lap. (Y/N) buried her head back into his neck and wrapped her wings around him, covering his back and dusting the ground. They stayed there in silence for a while, calming down.

Legolas was careful to monitor her breathing and her heart rate as she settled from her emotional outburst. This was the first time that she felt emotions all at once—he knew it would have to had beeen overwhelming. And once these things quieted and steadied, she seemed to notice too, for she began to shift a bit.

(Y/N) reached up to grab at a lock of his golden hair. As her fingers twisted and turned it, he did not stop her. And after a moment she spoke again. “What is the word when you feel bad about something?”

He raised a brow, sending a quick glance down to her, for he was not expecting that to be her first sentence to him after their fight. She, however, was not looking up at him to see his expression. Instead, her vision focused upon the softness in her grasp.

“Well,” Legolas began. “Guilt, I suppose.”

She shook her head. “No, not that one. The one you said earlier.”

He frowned, trying to figure out what she meant. It took a moment, but he soon realized what word she was looking for. “Sorry.”

She nodded. “Yes. That one.”

(Y/N) then pulled her body from his chest. Staying in his lap, she looked up at him. “Legolas, I am sorry for making you sad about being close to Boromir. I did it on purpose because I was mad. And that is—that is…” She frowned. “What is it when the hobbits yell rude things at each other?”

With his brow still raised, he provided the simplest answer that he thought she was looking for. “Mean?”

She nodded. “Mean, yes. It was mean.”

Legolas had to fight a smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth, but not for a bad reason. First of all, it was adorable watching her learn their language. Second of all, he was proud of her. He had thought it would take more time for her to realize her wrongdoings and accept that she too had a part in the disagreement. He was not expecting anything in return for his apology, but he was glad to get one as well.

Despite what Gandalf had said, Legolas knew she was grasping the difference between right and wrong.

The Rámaite Mahtar were capable of learning such things.

Legolas bobbed his head slightly. “Thank you for apologizing.”

She sighed and snuggled into him once more. She let her head nuzzle back into the crook of his neck as her wings still hung around him, like a shield or a blanket. And it was like this, that she fell asleep. It was like this, that Legolas held watch throughout the entirety of the night. And it was like this, that the fellowship woke to.

PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PART 5 | PART 7

Everything Tag: @sokkasdarling @scxundress @quilledinkpen @hufflepuffinblr @lea----b @aredhel-of-gondolin @princecami @the-fandoms-georgie @jazziwritestolkienprimary @swimming-in-stardust @elvish-sky @red-riding @brun-lieve @idiotic-canadian @hey-its-nonny @angelxnaa @bisexualdragongirl @edensgarnden @elizabeth-anya-knight @sydney-120-sweetheart-blog @laneynoir @straysugzhpe @runningfeathers @awarwithinitself @finallyforgotten @kaiawrites @commanderawkward @xxbluestrifexx @slytherinambitious @redbirdbluebird333-blog @angelgracesworldofchaos @desert-fern @hellsitegivemeafreeusername @galadaelin

Everything But Spice Tag: @goldfearless @Brethil13 @insert-random-blog-name-here @cauliflowertree @heranintomyknife23times @mxmia

Legolas tag: @dark-angel-is-back @mylittle-escapingdreams @moriamithril @abandoncloud9 @bweakmybonez @aphroditesmoon @carojasmin2204

The Innocence of Brutality: @byshaunajoy @carojasmin2204

if your tag is not hot/clickable, please message me

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[artabria]

Tagged by @onewhoturns

1) How many works do you have on AO3

29!

2) What's your total AO3 word count?

36.281 words. (I like drabbles).

3) What fandoms do you write for?

My current main fandoms are Tolkien, Dishonored and the occasional Final Fantasy drabble.

4) Top five fics by kudos?

Caged, Desert Rain, Time After Time, Through the Looking Glass, Of Halls Painted Red.

5) Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

Sometimes.

6) What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Dream a Little Dream. Emsider one-shot based on a High Chaos!Corvo ending.

Being rewritten/not published yet because the characters have decided to do their own thing: Leitmotiv.

7) What’s the fic you write with the happiest ending?

Maybe In the Houses of Healing?

8) Do you get hate on fics?

The joys of writing drabbles and rare pairs is that you get very little hate, lol

9) Do you write smut?

Yes, but I haven't in a while.

10) Do you write crossovers?

Except for tiny drabbles, I don't write a lot of them anymore.

11) Have you ever had a fic stolen?

As far as I know, no.

12) Have you ever had a fic translated?

Not to my knowledge.

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

Yes!

14) What’s your all-time favourite ship?

Oh, this is a hard one. 20+ years in fandom means that I have have several all-time favourite ships.

When I was a kid, I loved Takari from Digimon 01/02. Back when I was into crossovers, specially with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, my favourite crossover ship was Legolas/Buffy... And I guess it still is?

I guess nowadays my main ship is Emsider, from Dishonored. There's not many of us, but it's fun, :D

EDIT: I forgot my other crossover ship: Youko (Yu Yu Hakusho)/Kagome (Inuyasha).

15) What’s the WIP you hope to finish but doubt you ever will?

Leitmotiv, lol.

16) What are your writing strengths?

I'm not a native English speaker. English exams in high school always had a question where you had to write about something/a story and it had to be between 100 and 200 words.

Anyway, I'm good at writing drabbles.

17) What are your writing weaknesses?

I'm good at writing drabbles. As in "when I write a section of a story that section is always around 100 words and I blame my English teachers".

18) Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

I'm not a fan unless it's random words and expressions in a made up language. Mostly because people tend to use languages that I actually know and I can tell that the phrase makes no sense.

19) First fandom you wrote for?

Lord of the Rings 10th Walker Legolas/OC.

Yes, I was 12.

20) Favourite fic you’ve ever written?

New favourite is Vlatka.

[collecting-stories]

This is a multi-fandom masterlist that's part of my larger anthology series. None of these stories are connected (unless otherwise stated) but all of them are based on songs from Taylor Swift’s 10th studio album Midnights.

Request a song fic | Who I Write for

← Evermore Masterlist | TTPD Masterlist →

Lavender Haze ✰

Maroon - Steve Harrington (Stranger Things)

Anti-Hero ✰

Snow on the Beach ✰

You’re On Your Own, Kid ✰

Midnight Rain ✰

Question…? - Tom Davidson (Walker, Independence)

Vigilante Shit ✰

Bejeweled ✰

Labyrinth ✰

Karma ✰

Sweet Nothing - Carmy Berzatto (The Bear)

Mastermind ✰

Hits Different ✰

The Great War ✰

Bigger Than the Whole Sky ✰

Paris ✰

High Infidelity ✰

Glitch ✰

Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve ✰

Dear Reader ✰

You’re Losing Me ✰

-

Sweet Nothing - Remus Lupin (Harry Potter)

[lady-of-imladris]

Heyyyy babyyy tell us a ✨secret✨

Okay so I don't really have ✨secrets✨

But here's the story of how I got really into fanfic (no one knows about that lol)

When I wrote my AI research paper last semester, I just couldn't fucking function. All the papers were just quoting each other back and forth and most ✨ground breaking✨ discoveries were things like "we changed the variable name from X to Y". I was FRUSTRATED

So what did I do? I went on ao3. And read literally EVERY SINGLE 10th walker fic ever written. And then all the smut I could find. If your wrote it @starlady66 I probably read it.

So for a solid three days I did nothing but read smut and papers about AI. My paper got 100%, my presentation was complimented by the usually rudest professor (might just be because I am a woman tho). And I have to do it all again for my bachelor thesis🙃

Another ✨secret✨ about me (that really deeply worries my best friend): sometimes when I am stuck on an assignment, I just set a 10 minute timer, lay down on the floor and have a breakdown. Full on crying, panicking. When the timer goes off, I go wash my face and continue to work like nothing ever happened.

[genius-species]

What I Read in 2022

I read 88 books in 2022. Mostly romance (37) followed by adult science fiction and fantasy (13).

I also read a vast amount of fan-fiction, but I don’t track fic on my reading list (which I’ve kept as a .txt file on various computers since 2006).

Best Romance:

Husband Material by Alexis Hall - a lot of folks hated the ending of this one. No spoilers, but I adored it. The ending was perfectly in character for Luc and Oliver. I’m really looking forward to Hall’s upcoming 10 Things That Never Happened (which features Jonathan, an mildly unpleasant minor character in Husband Material) which comes out in October 2023.

Evie Dunmore’s historical romances were a new find for me this year, and I liked them a lot. Grumpy men! Spunky women! Hot sex! What’s not to like? The fourth book (about Catriona! My favorite, as she too is deeply introverted and has uncontrollable hair!) has no publication date on Dunmore’s website, but Amazon says it publishes in September.

KD Casey’s baseball romances were also very fun. I’ve long been a fan of Taylor Fitzpatrick’s extended hockey romance universe; I enjoyed athlete romances for a difference sport.

Most Likely to Effect Actual Change in My Life:

400 Friends and No One to Call by Val Walker - everyone who is lonely should read this book. It’s the first self-help book I’ve read that provides concrete advice for expanding your circle of support/socialization.

Out of Thin Air: Running Wisdom and Magic from Above the Clouds in Ethiopia by Michael Crawley - an anthropologist and 2:20 marathoner goes to Ethopia to study running. Hoping to put lessons from this book into practice in my own running in the coming year.

Honorable mention to Being the Change: Live Well and Spark a Climate Revolution by Peter Calms. I’m still thinking about “humanure” and admiring the depth of his commitment.

Recommended:

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas - The world-building is superb. Yadriel’s family doesn’t accept him as a brujo because he’s trans. When Yadriel accidentally brings Julian Diaz back from the dead, everybody is going to Learn Something (especially Yadriel’s family). Also (I feel like this is not a spoiler since the book is published by the Swoon Reads imprint) Yadriel and Julian’s romance is delightful.

See No Stranger by Valerie Kaur - Kaur is a Sikh American and an activist and filmmaker. I wish I could have 1/10th the compassion and grace under pressure that she does.

T. Kingfisher - Ursula Vernon is going on my short-ish list of authors who I will read based on name alone, i.e. the “I’d-read-their-grocery-list-writers.” She consistently delights. I adore the Paladins.

Goals for 2023

A more balanced book-diet. I’d like to read more broadly across genres (I read very historical nonfiction this year) and across time (the majority of what I read was published in the 21st century). 

I’d also like to improve my (very rudimentary) Spanish language skills by reading picture books en español.

What did you read this year?

Romance:

Isn't It Bromantic? by Lyssa Kay Adams

Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne

One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London

A Delicate Deception by Cat Sebastian

If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy

Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore

A Rogue of One's Own by Evie Dunmore

The Duke Who Didn't by Courtney Milan

The Devil Comes Courting by Courtney Milan

After the Wedding by Courtney Milan

The Turner Series (An Enhanced Box Set) by Courtney Milan

The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan

The Duchess War by Courtney Milan

A Novella Collection by Courtney Milan

Lady Notorious by Theresa Romain

The Heiress Gets a Duke by Harper St. George

One Dance With a Duke by Tessa Dare

A Sedition Affair by KJ Charles

Any Old Diamonds by KJ Charles

Gilded Cage by KJ Charles

The Sugared Game by KJ Charles

Subtle Blood by KJ Charles

Slippery Creatures KJ Charles

Husband Material by Alexis Hall

Fire Season by KD Casey

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

Unwritten Rules by KD Casey

Selfie by Amy Lane

Hither, Page by Cat Sebastian

The Missing Page by Cat Sebastian

Tommy Cabot Was Here by Cat Sebastian

By the Book by Jasmine Guillory

Mr. Malcom's List by Suzanne Allain

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev

Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev

Nonfiction - Self-Help:

Indistractable by Nir Eyal

The Home Edit by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski

It's Not You: 27 Wrong Reasons You're Single by Sara Eckel

400 Friends and No One to Call by Val Walker

Meet the Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independent Through Simple Living by Elizabeth Willard Thames

Nonfiction - YA

The Radium Girls: Young Readers Edition by Kate Moore

Awesome Ospreys: Fishing Birds of the World by Donna Love and Joyce Mihran Turley

The Puffin Plan: Restoring Seabirds to Egg Rock and Beyond by Stephen W. Kress and Derrick Z. Jackson

Nonfiction - Memoir/Personal Experience/Art

From Field and Forest by Anna Koska

Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West

Mergers and Acquisitions by Cate Doty

Out of Thin Air: Running Wisdom and Magic from Above the Clouds in Ethiopia by Michael Crawley

I Never Thought of It That Way by Monica Guzman

As Simple as That: Collected Essays by Edie Clark

The Maine House by Maura McEvoy, Basha Burwell, and Kathleen Hackett

Best. State. Ever. A Florida Man Defends His Homeland by Dave Barry

See No Stranger by Valerie Kaur

Sci-Fi/Fantasy - YA

Dark Rise by C. S. Pascat

Terciel & Elinor by Garth Nix

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon

The Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones

Sci-Fi/Fantasy - Adult

Paladin's Hope by T. Kingfisher

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows

Captive Prince by CS Pascat

Prince's Gambit by CS Pascat

Kings Rising by CS Pascat

A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland

A Marvelous Light by Freya Marske

Ocean's Echo by Everina Maxwell

The Angel of the Crows by Catherine Addison

Provenance by Ann Leckie

Nonfiction - Craft

Craft in the Real World by Michael Salesses

Nonfiction - History

An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels by Jon Meacham

The Women Who Saved the English Countryside by Matthew Kelly

Nonfiction - Science/Environment

Being the Change: Live Well and Spark a Climate Revolution by Peter Calms

What If? by Randall Munroe

Science Matters by Robert M. Hazen

Microadventures by Alistair Humphreys

Zero Waste by Shia Su

Expecting Better by Emily Oster

All Things Reconsidered: My Birding Adventures by Roger Tory Peterson, edited by Bill Thompson III

Black and White Styles in Conflict by Thomas Kochman

Mystery

The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

Classics/Poetry

The Odyssey by Homer, translated by Emily Wilson

Hard Times by Charles Dickens

[dwellordream]

when i reread lotr and write my 10th walker fic 20 years too late it’s all over for you bitches

[samayla]

for the fic asks! 1, 3, 17, 18 (for oh christmas tree) AND 23! please and thank you!

Thanks! I love talking about writing!!!

1 What fic of yours would you recommend to someone who had never read any of your work? (In other words, what do you think is the best introduction to your fics? That’s a tough one… Most of my favorites, the fics I’m most proud of, are incomplete. Some are super whumpy, and some are requests for very specific things I probably would not have written otherwise. In general though, I’d probably rec Lemon Meringue, the first fic in my fluffy Hobbit Reshirement AU. It’s short and sweet, and there’s more there if you want it, but it has a very nice ending to it if you don’t.

3 What are some tropes or details that you think are very characteristic of your fics? Um… Hurt/Comfort for sure. As I said, I write a lot of whumpy fics for the express purpose of getting to the comfort bit. I also work really hard to create scenes and snippets that could fit right in with canon. Even in my AU fics, like Gemini or Utterly Impractical, I like weaving the new story into the existing one, putting new twists on key scenes and adding new scenes entirely. Sometimes it’s harder that way, but I love being able to go back and read it.

17 What highly specific AU do you want to read or write even though you might be the only person to appreciate it? So, the Hobbit/LOTR was the first major fandom I really got into online. And it shows. My favorite specific AU in the whole, wide world is…. Drumroll please… 10th Walker/Modern Girl in Middle Earth! I am a SUCKER for it! I have probably read every MGME fic on AO3 at this point — and there are some REALLY GOOD ONES! I have like 20k of notes and snippets and a few full scenes of my own MGME Hobbit AU that I wrote during a bout of serious depression right after college. I was going through some stuff, and I’d amuse myself walking to and from work at my 3rd job by imagining what would happen if I tripped and fell into Middle Earth right then. My favorite version of that is one where Modern Girl (it feels weird to say “I,” which is the reason it has never seen the light of day) falls into Middle Earth in the middle of the Trollshaws. She gets captured by the trolls, convinces Bert he’s haunted but she can protect him, and the company finds her several days later dressed in old elvish armor and being called Buttercup. “When a troll informs you that your name is now Buttercup, Master Dwarf, you tend not to argue.” It’s so bizarre, but I love it so much!

18 If you wrote a sequel to [insert fic], what would it involve? I might be inclined to write a New Year’s Eve fic… Not sure exactly what the hook would be though. Ideas??

23 What’s a trope, AU, or concept you’ve never written, but would like to? I don’t know… Maybe a fake dating fic? Or some other strange crossover fic like Utterly Impractical? I pretty much go wherever the wind takes me in terms of my fic. If a trope catches my eye, I write it, even if the fic never goes anywhere.