#by likethenight

[aspiringnexu]

Headcanon that Elves generally keep to themselves not through the aloofness brought about because of their immortality but because they are fucking helpless when it comes to mortal children.

Any mortal children. Man, Hobbit, Dwarf, any kid. Elflings are beloved for a reason but Elflings are still Elves at heart and do not possess the frankly worrying amounts of curiosity and determination that mortal children have and which gives them a certain aura of adorable that the Eldar cannot resist.

I know Elrond took Aragorn in because they took his mother in but I cannot help but think he also saw a tiny human and it clicked in his (admittedly half-Elven but it still counts) brain that this is an adorable baby and he needs doting on.

[nocompromise-noregrets]

All right lads, it's @writersmonth's Writers' Pride Month again in a couple of days, and this is my bingo card! I have a few ideas for some of the squares but as is by now customary, I'm looking for prompts again!

coming out - could this be Legolas and Kíli owning up to the rest of the group chat in All I Want Is You-'verse? Or Thranduil and Bard making a public statement in Dancing in the Dark-'verse? Or something else?

pride - I know I mentioned a Pride parade in All I Want Is You-'verse during this event last year, but I'm not sure if it might go here, or under 'flag'; what about pride in oneself and one's identity? Who might that be...?

adoption - I am thinking of Thranduil and Bard adopting each other's kids in All I Want Is You-'verse or of my original character Jack and his friendship with Ivana Cutabitch the drag queen which has been developing over the last couple of Writers' Pride Months here...

queen - this is definitely going to be Ivana - or perhaps Queen Sigrid of Dale and her ace identity again?

flag - is this where the Pride parade comes in for All I Want-'verse? My flag is very definitely the ace one, so perhaps something about that? And/or Jack working through perhaps having a flag of his own, having spent the last couple of Writers' Pride Months figuring himself out?

dreams - no ideas for this one yet

dual identity - I am thinking of Jack again here, and his public/stage persona (obnoxious punk who'll shag anything that moves) versus who he really is (damaged, traumatised, sensitive demi/grey/ace boy who uses his obnoxiousness to keep people away and actually never shags anyone except his oldest friend Hal, which probably ought to tell him something)

fear - not sure about this one yet either

violet/spirit - not sure about this one either - the concept of 'spirit' is unfamiliar to me, in that I'm vaguely aware it's a thing in the US but I've never actually encountered it before. Any and all explanations and ideas very gratefully received!

I haven't had anything come to me for a kiss in the cold and dark-'verse yet, or any of my other 'verses or fandoms - so if there's anything you'd like to see for any of these, do please let me know!

[fellowshipofthefics]

Hey Fellowship of the Fics! Please welcome @nocompromise-noregrets​ !! 👏🥳 likethenight decided to share her thoughts and impressions on her fic: My Heart Is An Empty Vessel.

Question 1: What parts of this story were easiest to write?

About the first fifty chapters - it just came pouring out of me totally unbidden.

Question 2: Which side character would you be tempted to write a side story from their POV and why?

As a matter of fact I'm already planning to write an accompanying story from Sigrid and Tauriel's point of view...it'll pick up around the end of Empty Vessel and follow the two of them and their friendship/queerplatonic relationship as Sigrid grows up and eventually becomes Queen of Dale.

Question 3: QUICK! In 10 words or less, give me a compelling tag that will make me want to immediately read this story!  

I can't!! Best I can do is 'after the Battle of the Five Armies Thranduil and Bard fall very hard for each other very quickly, much to both their surprise'!

Question 4: Are there any songs you feel your readers should listen to while reading this fic?

The title comes from 'Empty Handed' by Empathy Test, and I listened to their stuff on repeat while I was writing the early chapters, so really, anything by them.       

Question 5: What/who gave you the push to post this awesome fic?

I just really wanted to share it - I write to post, and my brilliant beta lemurious and I had already bounced the story back and forth a good bit, so once I had about 30 chapters written I started posting. And now, two years later, it's finally done!      

If you haven’t read this story yet, go back up to the top and be sure to click the link. Also if you haven’t seen likethenight’s works before, here are some other fics that she has done that are worth checking out as well:

All I Want Is You (series)

The rest of the Empty Vessel series

A Little Piece of the Sea

WE ARE NOW OFFICIALLY OUT OF MONDAY MENTIONS!!! If you would like to get you and your story featured in Monday Mentions, please click the Application Link! If you have any questions/concerns with the form, please feel free to leave an ask or DM one of us! Questions will be updated each month so repeat writers and stories are welcome. New writers will be prioritized.

[myslashyvalentine]

❤ MSV 2024 Collection is Open!❤

Happy Valentine’s day!

Congratulations to our new writers who completed their first swap! Thanks as well to all our veteran writers who continue to participate and make this swap a vibrant part of the Tolkien community. 

My Slashy Valentine 2024: The Master List!

AdmirableMonster wrote A Light Beneath Frozen Water for JazTheBard

Aglarien wrote Rosemary for Remembrance for Tethys_resort

Aipilosse wrote Star-kissed for undercat

Ally/steadfastalysanne2022 wrote Always Waiting For You Just to Cut to the Bone for AdmirableMonster

Argleena wrote Coming Back to You for Aglarien

Bird/ingenious_spark wrote Knit Together for raiyana

BloodwingBlackbird wrote Winter glowed on her leaves for HewerOfCaves

bluehair wrote Tell Me No for Aipilosse

Branka/LadywithaQuill wrote New Beginnings for senalishia

ChrissyStriped wrote Sharing Everything for Jade/Elladansgirl

cílil wrote Herald, Hero, Muse for Maironite

Cirilla/FakeCirilla9 wrote Falling star for Ally/steadfastalysanne2022

Cissy/Lost_inMiddleearth wrote If I Could Make Days Last Forever for phyncke

Elentarial/BaccaratBlack wrote The Forlorn for bluehair

elfscribe wrote And With Him Was Elrond for tabru

Elio/eliogardens wrote Uprooting for Kay/seregons

Ettelenë/firstamazon wrote Under Unclouded Stars for mangacrack

Fey/ThatFeanorian write With Song Meant Only For You and I for Torpi

forelevenses wrote to be alone with you for Luciann/Lucigoo89

Frances/Melusine6619 wrote Anniversary Celebration for RaisingCaiin

Gilithlin wrote Crescendo for elfscribe

Heather/indestructibleplum wrote Phantom Pains for Nuredhel

Heather/ohboromir wrote Hope for yletylyf

Helholden wrote Under the Stars, Above the Sun for Katrina/lemurious

HewerOfCaves wrote White Daffodil for IDNMT/I_did_not_mean_to

IDNMT/I_did_not_mean_to wrote Mix & Match for Zhie

IgnobleBard wrote Friendship Like The Holly Tree for Marchwriter

Jade/Elladansgirl wrote One Night With A King for Branka/LadywithaQuill

JazTheBard wrote Five Meetings for Ruinel

Katrina/lemurious wrote Fair They Wrought Us for Helholden

Kay/seregons wrote I Pledge My Heart to Thy Doom for sallysavestheday

Kefi/EclecticKefi wrote Our Gentle Sin for Kit/kitkatkaylie

Kit/kitkatkaylie wrote Youthful regrets for Lilithsea

Kristen/Harp_of_Gold wrote day will come for Chrissystriped

likethenight wrote the distraction or the force for Argleena

Lillithsea wrote The King of the Greenwood for Elentarial/BaccaratBlackLithgaeril wrote What to Make of This for Kefi/EclecticKefi

Luciann/Lucigoo89 wrote Two Lives Will Be Spared This Day for octopus_fool

lynndyre wrote There and Back Again for Ignoblebard

maglor-my-beloved wrote Of Farewells for Ettelenë/firstamazon

Maironite wrote Ready To Fall for Cilil

mangacrack wrote the home where I belong the most for reindeer_pizza

Marchwriter wrote All That Is Gold for likethenight

Mawgy wrote To the Victor Goes the Spoils for Gilithlin

NiennaWept wrote peaches we devour, dusty skin and all for thurinngwethil

Nuredhel wrote The flower and the flute for Whimsy/a_world_of_whimsy

octopus_fool wrote Thrush and Stag for lynndyre

phyncke wrote The King's Cabin for Frances/Melusine6619

RaisingCaiin wrote to warm my bed for Mawgy

reindeer_pizza wrote The King's Treasure for Skaelds

Ruiniel wrote Ára for Verecunda

sallysavestheday wrote Let Not My Love Be Called Idolatry for skywardstruck/tomefaired

❤sallysavestheday wrote Op. 1: Serenade for Bow and Axe for red_lasbelin

Senalishia wrote Cut Straight to the Heart for starlightwalking

Skaelds wrote you better not kill the groove for Elio/eliogardens

skywardstruck/tomefaired wrote show me the limits of your deceit for Tathrin

starlightwalking wrote Lazy Day for forelevenses

Tabru wrote Elrond and the King for visitor/lonelyvisitor

❤Talullah Red wrote Snowflight for BloodwingBlackbird

Tathrin wrote A Testing of Wills for Kristen/Harp_of_Gold

Tethys_resort wrote Two in Shadows for NiennaWept

thuringwethil wrote between my fingers, she leaves, then she lingers for  Cissy/Lost_inMiddleearth

Torpi wrote Ripe Fruit for Fey/ThatFeanorian

undercat wrote Comfort from a Heavy Hand for Heather/ohboromir

Verecunda wrote All the Luck in the World for Heather/Indestructibleplum

visitor/lonelyvistor wrote one whole with my other for Lithgaeril

Whimsy/a_world_of_whimsy wrote In the beginning for Cirilla/FakeCirilla9

yletylyf wrote Another Way for Bird/ingenious_spark

Zhie wrote Minuet for Basalt_Serpent

❤Zhie wrote His Father's Son for maglor_beloved

❤ Zhie wrote Very Welcome Visitor for Indestructibleplum

—————

❤ denotes a pinch hit or a treat. Thank you to our pinch hitters, Talullah Red and Zhie; they made sure everyone got a Valentine's Day story (or two). Sallysavestheday also wrote a treat for me!!!

If you need a link to the entire collection, it is right here: 2024 My Slashy Valentine

[bi-widower-dads]

bi-widower-dads' February Fic Rec: AUs

Thank you to everyone who submitted recs for us! We've done some sorting and collating, and we've got two posts for you: AUs and Canon-'verse - and a whole load of excellent fic for you to get stuck into while we wait for Barduil Month in April! So without further ado, here are the AUs for you, with a little bit about why our recommenders love them...

Header image by mod @piyo-13!

(a note about tags and trigger warnings: tags are selected from those on AO3 as being those that best describe the story for the purposes of this event; trigger warnings are supplied by the recommenders and may not be comprehensive - your mileage may vary. We've tried our best to include Tumblr handles wherever we can, but if we've missed yours out and you want it included, just let us know!)

One-shots

In the Wake of the Second Horseman by EldritchMage / @eldritchmage | M | 2272 words | tags: angst with a happy ending, implied/referenced drug use, post-traumatic stress disorder - PTSD, implied warfare/violence | trigger warnings: mention of drug use, mention of violence in a war zone, PTSD, nightmares

Summary: When addiction threatens to consume Thran, his lover Bard is desperate to help - but Thran isn't. Yet in ending his relationship with Bard, Thran savages both of them, not just himself. Four years later, Thran's about to discover what remains from his cruelty. What he finds is a surprise - and humbling. What do you love about this fic? Even when things fall apart, redemption is possible if you give it half a chance. Out of tragedy comes hope and a chance for a better life.

love remains by likethenight / @nocompromise-noregrets | G | 11,093 words | tags: alternate universe - modern setting, grief/mourning, Thranduil never sailed west, mythical beings & creatures, folklore, alternate universe - reincarnation | trigger warnings: none

Summary: There is a legend in Dale, that somewhere deep in the forest that borders the city lives the forest king, an ancient being with a special care for archers, and for all things that grow. Bard, camping in the woods after his finals, finds a place that isn't on any maps and begins to dream of something - someone - familiar; and years later, after the heaviest loss he has ever had to bear, he goes back out there again, hoping to find something that might help him recover. What do you love about this fic? Absolutely beautiful fic, such a touching story and excellent writing!

Petrichor by b_ofdale_archive / @beesinspades | G | 14,598 words | tags: alternate universe - reincarnation, alternate universe - modern setting, alternate universe - bookstore, books and cats | trigger warnings: slight mention of past life character death

Summary: It's been six thousand years since Thranduil last laid eyes on his husband - Bard. The world has changed and the great Elvenking with it, lingering in the shadows of Men; as hope for a miracle festers within his heart that grows weaker with every passing day, the only thing keeping him going is a promise he made, many moons ago. What do you love about this fic? I love its overall theme, and the thought that Thranduil will meet Bard again. A lovely and poetically written reincarnation AU, well worth the read!

Multi-chapters: in progress

Love in a time of change by myeaglesong / @myeaglesong | M | 22,840 words | tags: eventual relationships, eventual romance, elf/human relationships, fluff, romance, slow burn, alternate universe - regency, oblivious Bard | trigger warnings: none

Summary: For the longest time, Thranduil has wanted to find a good match for his son, Legolas, to marry. His search leads him to consider Arwen for Legolas to marry, but what if Legolas has already got his eye set on another match that Thranduil may not approve of? What will will happen when Legolas finds out about his father's intentions to marry him off? What would happen when the question of if Thranduil were to marry again was to come up, who could he marry? What do you love about this fic? I am not usually one for Regency AUs but this one is so adorable, and between the kids and the dads there is plenty of potential for shenanigans and some tentative romance! I'm really looking forward to seeing how events unfold…

The Moth Effect by BiSquared / @scary-grace and Dogblessya / @dogblessyoutascha | M | 35,658 words | tags: mothman is real, mothman Thranduil, mothbaby Legolas, park ranger Bard, non-graphic violence, but there is still gore so you've been warned, twilight references | trigger warnings: mothman lore, gore

Summary: (in chaos theory) the phenomenon whereby a mothman moving into your place of employment can have a large effect on the rest of your life. What do you love about this fic? I love the Supernatural/Horror element to it and Park Ranger Bard trying to make sense of all the really weird s**t that's happening around him. Lovely bits have to be the introduction of Mothman Thranduil and adorable Mothbaby Legolas. But best of all is that Mothman Thranduil isn't the weirdest thing happening in Olympic National Park 👀….

Vena Amoris by Patch / @patchoffeathers and Piyo13 / @piyo-13 | M | 72,843 words | tags: crossover with Dracula Untold, alternate universe - vampires, Bard is Dracula, canon-typical violence, slow build, alternate universe - some people live/not everybody dies | trigger warnings: none

Summary: Bard has a secret, one that stems from far to the east, in lands far forgotten and times long past. It's one that no one must know—but times are changing for the people living on the lake. Even for those who, technically, aren't alive. What do you love about this fic? The author does such a great job at merging Luke Evans' two characters here (Bard and Dracula) while still keeping Bard distinctly canon-shaped. Because Dracula!Bard is an immortal, there's a unique comparison of mythological immortalities and the relative costs of them that reflects back onto the plot.

show a little faith, there's magic in the night by BiSquared / @scary-grace | M | 342,922 words | tags: alternate universe - modern setting, slow burn, music industry AU, indie musician Bard, opera singer turned pop star Thranduil | trigger warnings: none

Summary: Bard Bowman's not the type to give up on his dreams easily, but when DJ Smaug's dirty tricks leave his family band stranded in Denver with a forfeit fee the size of Mt. Everest crashing down on their heads, there's really nothing to do but drink about it. The last thing Bard expects is to meet a beautiful stranger in a similar predicament -- and the last thing either of them expects is a rescue. Luckily for them, Thorin Oakenshield's feeling heroic this evening. What do you love about this fic? I am such a sucker for the rock scene (I've spent my entire adult life kicking about there) and it's not often I see it portrayed so realistically in fic (or indeed in original fiction). The characters are all beautifully drawn, the humour frequently makes me chuckle, and Bard going head over heels while trying to tell himself he isn't, it's not happening, not really, because he can't believe his luck, makes my heart go all funny.

Multi-chapters: complete

Followthrough by ofplanet_earth / @ofplanet-earth | M | 26,737 words | tags: alternate universe - modern setting, alternate universe - military, alternate universe - spies & secret agents, snipers, sniper Bard, military captain Thorin, mob boss Smaug, revenge, character death | trigger warnings: violence

Summary: Bard and his children have been living in a little cabin on the edge of Laketown for five years, hiding from Bard's dangerous past. But when that past comes back to haunt them, Bard will have to team up with Thorin and his company to face down his demons, confront the man who killed his wife, and fight to save the people he loves. What do you love about this fic? Great spies/military AU with Bard and the gang!

The grey sea and the long black land by Black_knight100 and Blueberryrock / @blueberryrock | T | 29,702 words | tags: alternate universe - modern setting, alternate universe - cruise ship, first kiss, angst, fluff, angst with a happy ending, eventual romance | trigger warnings: quite angst filled but has an eventual happy ending

Summary: Bard Bowman is thirty-seven years old, widowed and heckled, and he's had enough. If his children want a cruise trip with their lottery money, then so they will have. Bard will only have to work twice as hard to take them out of their little corner of the world. It has been three years. Three years of him raging, and sobbing, and grieving. Three years in which he has turned away from his children. Three years to reach this ship, to put together whatever snapped that day. And the first morning, Thranduil wakes up late. It is going fabulously. Or, in which the two meet on a ship, and there are ups and downs. What do you love about this fic? Thranduil and Bard getting together in the end

Modern Love by Shampain / @abner-krill | M | 65,267 words | tags: alternate universe - modern setting, alternate universe - coffee shops and cafés, alternate universe - human | trigger warnings: none

Summary: Bard is a down on his luck single father working a thankless job as a courier, eternally worrying over when his daughter is going to start sneaking out of the house with boys. As if that wasn't bad enough, his assignments delivering files to Greenleaf Acquisitions puts him in contact with Thranduil, a stern businessman whose only champion is his assistant, Tauriel. And finally, to make matters worse, his friendship with Bilbo Baggins sends everything else into a tailspin. The summer is just beginning, and it's going to be a weird one. What do you love about this fic? Lovely, lighthearted modern AU that is a delight to read!

hands; eyes; voice by bishkebab / @bishkebab | T | 70,163 words | tags: slow burn, alternate universe, accidental cottagecore, governess/single dad romance but make it gay, autistic Thranduil, Thranduil and Bard both have physical disabilities | trigger warnings: mention of autism, fire accident, PTSD

Summary: An isolated life in a too-small cottage was never what Bard dreamed of for his children – especially sharp, scholarly Tauriel and sensitive, insightful Tilda. But school is a distant dream for a large family living off the land – at least until a storm and the subsequent house fire bring a former scholar to their doorstep. Wealthy recluse Thranduil could never have anticipated leaving his family's manor for a shack in the woods and a single father with five – FIVE – children who can barely write ten words between them. But when disaster strikes, he is left with little choice – and maybe close quarters with a handsome widower won't be so bad after all... What do you love about this fic? This is a rare work of art in which Bard is the loveliest dad ever, stubborn, strong and gentle and Thranduil is an introverted autistic lonely lad. The author writes their story in a very poetical way and family is the main protagonist of the story, as is their small cosy cottage. I do love the gentle feeling this story conveys from the start. It feels like a warm cup of tea after a very rainy day and each word is carefully written. This story deserves to be read and reread and rereread. Slowly. (With a nice cup of tea. <;3)

Those Colours We Share by b_ofdale / @beesinspades | M | 84,709 words | tags: alternate universe - soulmates, alternate universe - post-war, set in 1956, Bard owns an animal shelter, slow burn, fluff and angst, disabled character, asexual characters, period-typical homophobia | trigger warnings: none

Summary: Had anyone told them, Thranduil Oropherion and Bard Bowman would never have believed they would see the world painted in colours again. Until that fateful day of December 1956, when one little boy entered a former soldier's animal shelter. What do you love about this fic? I'm a sucker for two lonely people who find each other and forge a new life together.

Beast by Nuredhel / @nuredhel | M | 132,354 words | tags: alternate universe - modern setting, all humans, Bard is a cop, Thranduil is a profiler, mentions of suicide, slow burn, crime and investigation, bonding while working, romance, past problems | trigger warnings: gore, violence, abuse, human trafficing, child abuse, murder, suicide

Summary: Bard Bowman is the leader of a team of investigators trying to solve a very complicated case, when the serial killer they are chasing proves to have a far longer history than they expected the feds call in a profiler. Bard has never believed he could feel attraction again but now he does, how can he express what he feels when they are chasing a beast which seems to defy the very laws of nature? Can Thran feel the same way? The road to love can be bumpy, in special when it is surrounded by murders. What do you love about this fic? It is very exciting, very romantic and intense.

seeking a friend for the end of the world by BiSquared / @scary-grace | M | 238,799 words | tags: alternate universe - modern setting, apocalypse, road trips, family issues and family bonding, opera singer Thranduil, Bard and Thranduil are good parents who are having a bad year, or years | trigger warnings: disease-apocalyptic setting, zombies, major character death, medical injections

Summary: Between dealing with his boss, getting over his ex-wife, and keeping his kids fed and clothed, Bard has more than enough on his plate. He doesn't have time to worry about the frightening rumors coming out of New York City or the lunatic in his service bay who tells him to take his kids and run. But when he stops to help a mysterious stranger on the side of the road, he gets a lot more than he bargained for -- a sexuality crisis, a partner in crime, and maybe, just maybe, a chance for all of them to make it out of this mess alive. What do you love about this fic? Incredible worldbuilding and an edge-of-your-seat plotline! The bonds between all the characters are just beautiful, and it has great worldbuilding. The action is also really well written, and it does tension/dramatics right.

In The Woods Somewhere by Ias / @hubristicfool | M | 249,074 words | tags: alternate universe - modern setting, vampires, vampire Thranduil, mechanic Bard, blood drinking, slow burn, dark, angst, violence, horror, psychological horror, unhealthy relationships | trigger warnings: vampires, blood, angst, sexual content, violence

Summary: These country roads were rarely traveled by any that didn't need to. When Thranduil pulled up beside the man's stopped vehicle and offered him a smile and a ride, there was no one to see the man's grateful expression as he slipped into Thranduil's car. No one to stand by and call out a warning as the taillights were swallowed by the dark branches of the trees. What do you love about this fic? The writing is excellent

Angels and crooks by Nuredhel / @nuredhel | M | 259,072 words | tags: sequel to Beast, alternate universe - modern setting, all humans, Bard is a cop, Thranduil is a profiler, solving crime, family, violence, drug abuse, everyday life at a police station | trigger warnings: violence, abuse, dark stuff, murder, blood, evil, deviousness

Summary: Bard and Thran are getting used to their new life as a married couple, and their new responsibilities as a family. But they still have their jobs and my oh my does that bring some interesting situations and challenges into their existence. Having both experience and special gifts does help, but at times reality can be more bizarre than anyone can expect. What do you love about this fic? It is a good story with very interesting twists and many great characters

When The Pale Swan Flies by EldritchMage / @eldritchmage | E | 290,646 words | tags: alternate universe - modern setting, circus performer Thranduil, cabinet maker Bard, Thranduil's name is Luka, Bard's name is Taliesin (which is Welsh for Bard), slow burn, Thranduil needs rescuing and Bard is happy to do it | trigger warnings: sexual abuse mentioned, underage sex mentioned, prostitution/pimping mentioned

Summary: A year ago, when a carpenter met a caged bird, his good intentions left despair in their wake. Is he a fool to hope he can atone for his missteps? What do you love about this fic? It's got circus acts! It's got two sad men learning to trust and love again! It's got an epic visit to a grocery store! It's got bad guys getting their just desserts, and everyone else getting delicious Spanish teacake! It's got a cute little boy who finds his voice while making puppets! There's a sad short-story prequel to set the stage, as well! And who doesn't like a parade?

Season of Light and Shadow by EldritchMage / @eldritchmage | E | 914,703 words | tags: alternate universe - modern setting, Thranduil is a ballet dancer, Bard is a building super and welder (and artist), slow burn, NSFW, blended family | trigger warnings: momentary violence, momentary mention of drug use, adult bedroom games

Summary: It's the week before Thanksgiving. In an apartment building somewhere in the middle of New York City, the mood is far from festive. Upstairs in Apartment 5B, an injured ballet dancer is having a rotten day. He's lost his job, he's had to walk home in the snow and rain, getting thoroughly soaked and frozen in the process, and the radiators in his rooms are as cold as the New York City streets. He limps downstairs to vent his fury on the night super who didn't fix the heat. Downstairs in Apartment 2A, the night super is also having a rotten day. No money, three overtired and cranky children, a slapdash boss, and not nearly enough sleep. And now someone is pounding on the door like a SWAT team. When an angel knocks on the door of a saint, neither finds what he expects. But with a little luck, the upcoming holiday season might give them both something to treasure. What do you love about this fic? It's two lonely men forging a blended family! It's got ballet! It's got home renovation! It's got four cutie children! It's got cooking! It's got an artist regaining the wherewithal to make his art! It's got lots of cool side characters (ten points to everyone who spots all the Dwarves :-). It's got lots of steamy love! It's even got 3 short follow-up stories! What's not to like?????? This was my introduction to the world of modern AUs with these two, and oh, it's SO GOOD. The kids are brilliant and so realistically drawn, and the dads are - well, they're incredibly hot. XD And the development of the relationship between them is beautifully done, as they go head-over-heels for each other while trying to take things slowly for the sake of the kids…oh, it's great. :D

[sallysavestheday]

10 First Lines

Thank you to @starsuncounted and @thelordofgifs for the tag to share the first lines of my last 10 fics and consider whether there are any patterns in the way I start things off. Here goes:

"Ah! Eru, yes!" (Covenant: M, Russingon)

Oh, the day had gone ALL wrong now! (Whatever Can Go Wrong, Will: G, OC and Maglor)

In what ways might new bones know the old? (Full Fathom Five: G, Glorfindel)

Argon is surprised, more than anything. (Golden Lads and Girls All Must: G, Argon and Fingon)

There is a sound, like a great gong. (The Blue Line Between Sea and Sky: T, Voronwe/Idril/Tuor)

Maedhros sings like rocks rattling in a rusty bucket, or so Maglor always maintains. (From Clamor, Consonance: G, Maedhros & Maglor)

Orodreth is weary. (Let Not My Love Be Called Idolatry: M, Orodreth/Turin)

The battle swept around them like surf around a sea-stack, whirling and thrashing – their enemies’ claws and blades and teeth flashing and scrabbling for purchase yet finding none. (Op. 1: Serenade for Bow and Axe: T, Legolas/Gimli)

It is strange, at first. (Centripetal Force: T, Glorfindel/Ecthelion)

Anairë resents how much she misses him. (Incongruity: G, Anairë/Fingolfin)

I do like a quick hook that sets the mood or establishes a character, don't I?

What doesn't show here is that the next sentence or two are often MUCH longer, digging right into the meat of the fic with teeth. Because I write very short works, I have to get down to business quickly. The quick hook sets, and then the next line begins to reel the reader in. Interesting to see it in practice across a set of fics this way.

If you'd like to look at your own work this way, hop on in. @polutrope @likethenight @ruiniel @eilinelsghost @idrilsscribe @spiced-wine-fic @roselightfairy and all...

[redfurrycat]

🐓👨‍👧‍👦🐣Big Brother Bradley Bradshaw Fic Recs🐣👨‍👧‍👦🐓

Check the Top Gun Masterlist post for the latest updated version. 💕

Ao3 Authors: AnadoraBlack, Bahjrc, Brenda, Capt_scarwidow, ForVendetta, Ginnydear, LadyLanera, Likethenight, Nightfuryy, SaintClaire.

> Kid Fic - Single Dad & Parents {🤠🐓}

I used to hate you by AnadoraBlack {M}

When Bradley Bradshaw and Jake Seresin first meet at Top Gun, they immediately decide that they hate each other.

Shape Up by likethenight {G}

Bradley and Amelia get to know each other. They're pretty much siblings at this point, after all, aren't they?

Ante Up by Brenda {T}

Wild Card

"So?" he repeated, at a loss. She rolled her eyes, and made a production of looking around the hangar. "So, is there anything fun to do in this sad museum of stunted masculinity and 80s-dad nostalgia, or are we just supposed to sit quietly like wax figures until Mom and Mav are done communing or canoodling or whatever?" Shit, Mav and Penny left him alone with Amelia. Who Bradley hadn't even laid eyes on since she was...nine or ten, maybe, at some picnic or another Aunt Sarah and Uncle Ice had thrown. She'd had braided pigtails that day, he recalled. And was a good foot shorter. Or: While waiting for Maverick and Penny to finish their sunset plane ride, Rooster and Amelia play poker and get to know each other again. (Set immediately post-credits)

Winning Hand

Bradley could practically see the radar pinging in Nat's brain. "Poker? You play poker?" "Sometimes," Amelia replied. "Sometimes, she says." Bradley shuddered, exaggerated for Phoenix's benefit. "Don't let her con you, she can kick my ass." "She can kick anyone's ass," Mav agreed, raising his beer. He sounded every inch the proud parent. Phoenix turned to Bradley, those big brown eyes feverishly bright. "Can she kick Seresin's ass?"  Or: A "friendly" game of poker is played, and more than a few long-hidden truths are revealed

Full House

Bradley tilted his head at Amelia. "Didn't realize Lindy was joining us." Mav's grin was very wide and very pleased with itself. "It's my party, and I want her here." "At your bachelor party?" Bradley emphasized, just to be sure everyone was on the same page. Or: Mav hosts a poker game for his bachelor party, and Amelia may have finally met her match. (Takes place a year after Winning Hand)

Flock Together by LadyLanera {T}

They made it home. Settled into becoming a family with Amelia and Penny. Rooster finally had that chance of his happily ever after he dreamed of. Only he was pretty certain that Jake "Hangman" Seresin wasn't into him regardless of what everyone claimed otherwise. No one was that big of a dick to someone they liked...right? > Author Rec: LadyLanera writes lots of Amelia Benjamin & Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw in her stories, with the most amazing brotherly & sisterly feels.

I'll Watch Your Life In Pictures (like I used to watch you sleep) by capt_scarwidow {G}

Amelia and Rooster hang out while Penny and Maverick fly, and Rooster discovers that he may have missed out on things when he was gone - AKA Dad!Mav and Rooster being awful with kids

big brother duties by ginnydear {G}

“But what I’m trying to say,” Bradley says after a moment, handing Jake a clip and touching Amelia’s shoulder, “is that… well, you have me now.” “Ew, are you offering to be my brother?” five times jake helps bradley with amelia and the one time amelia helps bradley with jake.

Amelia's Big Brothers by nightfuryy {_}

Amelia's first period happens when she's staying with Jake and Bradley. Cue the best big brothers.

i’ll fly like an eagle to where i belong by forVendetta {G}

Maverick and Amelia throughout the years.

The Colour Of An Avocado by SaintClaire {M}

Four times Jake got jealous and one time Bradley did. --- The thing about Tim is that he’s probably a decent guy. Jake would know this if he was willing to spend more than twenty seconds talking to him, but alas, he’s not. He’s Bradley’s ex, and that’s three strikes out and a fourth for good measure, as far as Jake’s concerned.

as it was by bahjrc {G}

In this world, it's just us. From that mission day on, things would never be the same as before. But Rooster doesn't think that is a bad thing, he doesn't know if Hangman thinks the same. He just might find out.

Angel Eyes by LadyLanera {T}

When Mav is suddenly transferred back Stateside out of the blue and taken to Rady's Children's Hospital of San Diego, he fears the worst. However, he quickly learns it's nothing like he imagined. There's a sweet little girl with familiar green eyes in one of those hospital beds instead, and her mother is strangely nowhere to be found. Join Maverick and his family as they navigate this nightmare of a mess this time.

[lotr-sesa]

Masterlist for Lord of the Rings Secret Santa 2022

Masterlist for Lord of the Rings Secret Santa 2022

To date, we have twenty stories. The mods would like to thank all the writers, and also extend a special heartfelt thanks to those who filled prompts without signing up with prompts of their own. Thank you!

All the links in the masterlist go directly to the work on AO3. Go, read and enjoy, and please don't forget to leave kudos!

ATHELES also known as KINGSFOIL by TheProphetCassandra for atamascolily (Elrond & Elros; rated G)

The Last Midwinter by sallysavestheday for likethenight (Sam, Rosie, Frodo, Merry, Pippin, Legolas, Gimli, Faramir, Denethor II; rated G)

like calls to like by TheProphetCassandra for BiSquared (Bard/Thranduil, Elrond & Thranduil, Legolas & Thranduil, Bain & Legolas; rated G)

we can fall in love or we can go insane by TheProphetCassandra for Melime (Durin IV/Elrond, Disa/Durin IV, Disa & Elrond, Maedhros & Maglor & Elros & Elrond, Elrond & Gil-galad, Elrond & Galadriel; not rated)

Just Between Us by Melusine6619 for jbean27 (Elrond/Glorfindel; rated Teen and Up)

Treegarth of Orthanc by Melime for sallysavestheday (Legolas & Treebeard; rated G)

Nunc Dimittis by Verecunda for Anonymous prompter (Morgoth/Sauron; rated G)

Poisoned Gifts by Empy for Verecunda (Sauron, implied Morgoth/Sauron; rated G)

A Leaf of the White Tree by bunn for Caiti (Caitriona_3) (Boromir; rated G)

Time and Time Again by jbean27 for Melime (Durin IV & Elrond; rated G)

Prizes won by Melusine6619 for Empy (Bard/Thranduil; rated M)

Because they love thee by oxbridge for Talagan_Silvertongue (Arvedui, Aranarth, Glamagol, Eärnur, Mardil; rated G)

A Long Tale Unfolding by elwinfortuna for Princess_of_Words (Elrond & Elros, Celebrian/Elrond, Elrond & Gil-galad; rated G)

Here in My Heart by Melusine6619 for starlightwalking (Fingon/Maedhros; rated Teen and Up)

fragile/uncanny by likethenight for Empy (Bard/Thranduil; rated Teen and Up)

Sweeter than Strawberries by elwinfortuna for Melime (Elanor Brandyfoot/Poppy Proudfellow; rated G)

Once They Were Wolves by BaccaratBlack for jbean27 (Elrond & Maedhros; rated G)

Inescapable by starlightwalking for Goldscythe (Erestor & Maedhros; rated Teen and Up)

in the hills of dorthonion by Arveldis for Verecunda (Aegnor/Andreth; rated G)

Star-dusk by starlightwalking for sallysavestheday (Eöl/Melian, Elwë/Melian, Aredhel/Eöl; rated M)

[elithilanor]

Aroace Sigrid of Dale refusing a marriage alliance

Short and sweet and warmed my heart!

[ao3feed-barduil]

Born to Run

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/QZUcgG6

by likethenight

Bard introduces Thranduil to the best song ever committed to vinyl...and much, much later, they finally go for a spin on Bard's bike.

Words: 3181, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 8 of A Kiss in the Cold and Dark, Part 11 of Barduil Month 2023

Fandoms: The Hobbit - All Media Types, The Hobbit (Jackson Movies), The Hobbit - J. R. R. Tolkien, TOLKIEN J. R. R. - Works & Related Fandoms

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Characters: Bard the Bowman, Thranduil (Tolkien)

Relationships: Bard the Bowman/Thranduil

Additional Tags: Music, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - Teenagers, Motorcycles, Bruce Springsteen References, Song: Born To Run (Bruce Springsteen)

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/QZUcgG6

[citrusgothic]

fanfic wrapped??

As always, answered below the cut because I'm incapable of being concise ;)

What I read this year Fic authors I read often included circlegame, tellingtragedy, PineappleCoffee, MistressKat, Topaz_Eyes, and zulu.

Some fics that stuck with me throughout 2022 were: - as someone long prepared for the occasion [ITV Lewis, James Hathaway/Robert Lewis] by blindbatalex - Underneath My Skin [Dead Poets Society, Todd Anderson/Neil Perry] by witheredwillows - The time it takes to get from here to there [ITV Lewis, James Hathaway/Robert Lewis] by greenapricot - you know that you want it back [Dead Poets Society, Charlie Dalton/Knox Overstreet] by circlegame - Lovesick [Dead Poets Society, Todd Anderson/Neil Perry] by PineappleCoffee - how soon is now? [Dead Poets Society, Charlie Dalton/Knox Overstreet] by tellingtragedy - Just Like Starting Over [Dead Poets Society, Charlie Dalton/Knox Overstreet] by justahappylittletree - anyway, it’s about old friends. [Dead Poets Society, Charlie Dalton/Knox Overstreet] by circlegame - All We Ever Needed To Say [The Hobbit, Fili & Kili] by likethenight - Newton’s Laws [Dead Poets Society, Todd Anderson/Neil Perry] by PineappleCoffee

The fandoms I read a lot of fics for this year were Dead Poets Society, Lewis, House M.D., The Secret History, The Hobbit, and Welcome to Night Vale. What I wrote this year My favorite fics of mine from 2022, as of right now, are: - Nobody's Savior, Your Oldest Friend (Dead Poets Society, Charlie Dalton/Knox Overstreet) - Dog Days (Dead Poets Society, Chris Noel/Ginny Danburry) - Then and Now (Inspector Morse + Lewis, Morse & Robert Lewis, James Hathaway & Robert Lewis) - Pulling Teeth (Dead Poets Society, Charlie Dalton/Knox Overstreet) - Acquittal (Dead Poets Society, Charlie Dalton/Knox Overstreet)

Evidently, I mostly wrote for the fandom Dead Poets Society but, because I'm me, I also wrote a few Morseverse fics and a couple of The Secret History fics. Thank you for the ask, anon. I hope this is what you were hoping for :')

[nocompromise-noregrets]

omg. omg omg omg!

I think I might just have finished All I Want Is You. It's been resolutely refusing to cooperate for at least two years, but I thought I'd use the May Writing Challenge (200 words a day, very manageable, and I've actually written a fair bit more than that most days) to work on it and finaly wrestle it into submission...and it seems to have worked, with a week to spare! I haven't quite written the ending I thought I was going to write, but there's room for that in a one-shot this Writers' Month or next or sometime - but it feels completed, and I will absolutely take that. AAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

Now off to my fabulous beta @lemurious, and then some sort of posting schedule beckons I guess!

[ao3feed-thehobbit]

A Cup of Elven Wine

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/s3uJzvp

by likethenight

Tilda wants her Da to tell her a familiar bedtime story about the Elves. Bard, now that he's met an Elf or two, feels more than a little bit self-conscious, especially when the Elvenking himself overhears.

Words: 1391, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 18 of Barduil Month 2023

Fandoms: The Hobbit - All Media Types, The Hobbit (Jackson Movies), The Hobbit - J. R. R. Tolkien, TOLKIEN J. R. R. - Works & Related Fandoms

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: Gen

Characters: Bard the Bowman, Tilda (Hobbit Movies), Thranduil (Tolkien), Tauriel (Hobbit Movies), Sigrid (Hobbit Movies), Bain of Dale

Relationships: Bard the Bowman & Thranduil, Bard the Bowman & Bard's Children, Bard the Bowman's Children & Thranduil, Thranduil (Tolkien) & Tilda (Hobbit Movies)

Additional Tags: Mentions of Myth & Folklore, Mythical Beings & Creatures, Post-Battle of Five Armies, Bedtime Stories

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/s3uJzvp

[our-flag-means-death-ao3feed]

Do You See Me?

by likethenight

Ed thought that letting the red silk go meant letting the pain go, but it didn't quite work out like that.

Written for Writers' Month 2022 day 27, 'silk'.

Words: 385, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 27 of Writers' Month 2022

Fandoms: Our Flag Means Death (TV)

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Characters: Blackbeard | Edward Teach

Relationships: Blackbeard | Edward Teach/Stede Bonnet

source https://archiveofourown.org/works/41317488

[herawell]

2, 11, 17 for the fanfic writer asks!

2. What fanfic do you wish you got more response on?

Tbh almost all my fics have been for small fandoms or rarepairs so far, so I'm happy with any response I get!

11. How many words do you have on AO3 (if you use that platform)

302645!

17. Are there any writers and/of stories that you consider an influence?

ReganX's Tudor fics were heavily formative for me, as well as @avani008's writings. In Tolkien fic, @nocompromise-noregrets/likethenight, yeaka on AO3, GriseldaJane, and you!

[ao3feed-tolkien]

love remains

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/79Y0AyV

by likethenight

There is a legend in Dale, that somewhere deep in the forest that borders the city lives the forest king, an ancient being with a special care for archers, and for all things that grow. Bard, camping in the woods after his finals, finds a place that isn't on any maps and begins to dream of something - someone - familiar; and years later, after the heaviest loss he has ever had to bear, he goes back out there again, hoping to find something that might help him recover.

Words: 11093, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 32 of Barduil Month 2023

Fandoms: The Hobbit - All Media Types, The Hobbit (Jackson Movies), The Hobbit - J. R. R. Tolkien, TOLKIEN J. R. R. - Works & Related Fandoms

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Characters: Bard the Bowman, Thranduil (Tolkien)

Relationships: Bard the Bowman/Thranduil

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Grief/Mourning, Thranduil never sailed West, Mythical Beings & Creatures, Folklore, Alternate Universe - Reincarnation, Reincarnation

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/79Y0AyV