#elrond and Gil galad

[havenotwillnotreadthebooks]

Its a funny thought to wonder how a Finwion Custody Battle over Gil-Galad would go, but consider; everyday elves keep trying to make Gil-Galad king again.

Gil-Galad is dodging various crowns left and right. The die-hard feanorians see that the king who reluctantly took them in after mae&mags died is back and immediately try to swear allegiance anew while Feanor and his sons are on probation (to Elrond’s delight, the little shit). Gil-Galad makes an inspirational speech about the inherent danger of Oaths (think; TedTalk). Unfortunately, that only makes him look more kingly and they might as well have sweared anyway.

All the lords of Gondolin are either trying to remain in Retirement or don’t have enough reputation points. Turgon is distracted with his reembodied wife and rebuilding Gondolin anew. So the Gondolindrim elves keep trying to make Gil-Galad their representative in Finarfin’s high court since he’s obviously of Nolofinwion heritage. Gil-Galad dodges that Kingly Position only because he makes a petition for Egalmoth to become the new head advisor and official representative of Gondolin in Valinor in Turgon’s stead.

The Doriathrim have their own king back (all hail Thingol and his weird tree wife). But they still wanna give back to the king that took them in as refugees. So the Doriathrim try to elect and sell Gil-Galad’s reputation to Thingol. Gil-Galad almost becomes a part of Thingol’s court as a highly-respected advisor and steward. He doesn’t only becomes he throws Elrond to the wolves and books It before the Doriathrim aren’t distracted by their strange, distant prince suddenly appearing.

Even the Avari get in on it as some point. They try to elect Gil-Galad their Noldoran representative in Valinor for all the tribes because he always treated them fairly in Middle-Earth, he doesn’t treat them as second-class citizens, and he doesn’t treat them like savage idiots. Unfortunately, that’s basically being High King of The Avari. Gil-Galad escapes this crown by honorably (panickingly) saying that an elven race should have their own leader from their own people. He encourages the Avari to represent themselves and face discrimination with their heads held high. Gil-Galad doesn’t become king but the Avari see him as a king in his own right nonetheless (which he pretends to not notice).

Anyway, the entire premise is that the universe keeps trying to make Gil-Galad a king or king-adjustant. but Gil keeps dodging every crown and sleeping in Elrond's guestroom (or the couch, during the Doriath Incident)

The end result is that every elven race ends up seeing him as a king anyway, even without people actively, publicly following him.

(Of course, the Feanorians follow him discreetly, but Gil-Galad won’t make a fuss as long as they are quiet about it.)

He thinks the Feanorians will abandon him when Feanor & Co’s probation ends. He is wrong, and Gil-Galad becomes an ambassador for the Feanorian Faction, to Elrond’s delight (little shit).

[elffromforests]

This shot, where Elrond jumps from the waterfall in Lindon, from the hut with a bag of elven rings in them, into the water and Galadriel and Gil Galad run after him, really impressed me. 🤧😭

It's just that in my head I once imagined just such strong paternal differences between the High King and Elrond that I fantasized how Gil Galad would follow Elrond or jump after him somewhere, and it didn't matter where. Follows the young elf to save.

And we got it. And I am happy. Of course, I don't know if he will jump, as the creators did. But my heart tells me that it is. Gil Galad will jump after Elrond, and Galadriel may not, but she will run down with the guard.

When I first saw these shots, it seemed to me that Gil Galad's cape was slowly falling from him, and then it seemed that he himself was tearing it off just at that second when he without thinking made the decision to jump after Elrond (my poor child tortured by these adult problems). .

I think I understand the reason why Elrond will decide to grab the rings and jump from a height. Do you remember the scene from LOTR, the meeting, where the One Ring influenced the others and they had a big fight?

Here, too, the same situation. we will focus our attention on the rings by camera. That is, GG and Galadriel can quarrel strongly, Elrond tries to shout at them, but the them do not pay attention to him.

And then he suddenly grabs the rings and storms off because that's the only way to get attention. These rings would not affect Elrond's mind as much as the minds of others and he understands that. And he decides to end this evil by jumping off a cliff, realizing that he will die. But he is ready for this sacrifice, maybe his psyche and nervous system can't stand it all.

Elrond definitely scared them all with his decision. I think Gil Galad then did an educational parenting job after he dragged this fool to the shore, but before that he would have asked a hundred times if Elrond had not broken something and was not in pain or if he had something?

Oh, and it’s also interesting that Kirdan is there. Cirdan, as a loving grandfather and father, scolds Gil Galad, that he will jump the poor child, and Klrond will cook him and give him money for something delicious.

And what do you say? What did you think when you saw it? It is interesting to hear heavy versions

[annoyinglandmagazine]

Gil Galad heaved a sigh ‘and we were doing so well. I mean, apart from you stabbing Oropher last month-’ and Elrond cut him off ‘Oropher deserved it. I’ve made clear to him so many times that I do not intend to overthrow him yet he persists to-’ at this point Elrond was at a high risk of going off on a rant and, not wishing to get to sidetracked, Gil Galad interrupted.

‘Yes, yes, please save it for later. Our weekly bitching about Oropher meeting isn’t until Friday. I’m sure you were entirely justified in threatening to castrate the king of Greenwood.’ This reminded him this weeks session would probably need even more wine than normal. He better remember to stock up.

‘Oh believe me I was,’ in a tone that definitely was not at all terrifying. Yep, definitely a story there. ‘So back to the matter at hand,’ Gil Galad continued pacing back and forth, ‘what are we going to do about Galadriel?’ ‘Well if we’re lucky we won’t have to do anything at all.’

‘When has a high king of the Noldor ever been lucky Elrond? Please, I need realistic options.’ Elrond fell back into the bed, staring at the ceiling and reaching for Gil Galad’s secret stock of wine he shouldn’t have known about. ‘Well I don’t know, kill her? I really don’t know what sort of options you want here. Like, where is this on the solve at all costs scale?’

‘It is nowhere on that scale! That scale does not apply! We are not using that scale!’ Elrond rolled his eyes, loosening the braids that held his hair up, ‘it’s a helpful scale. It tells me whether you’ll excuse kinslaying or if I just have to make do with arson.’ ‘Neither! We are doing neither! Do you really think this being my herald’s first train of thought will convince Galadriel that we have your people under control?’

‘Why are they my people. They swore allegiance to you.’ ‘No they swore allegiance to you. Contrary to popular belief that is not the same thing. Do you know how bad it looks to Galadriel to have this many Feanorians in my city without even an oath of allegiance?’

‘I have them under control.’ ‘Yes that’s what I’m worried about.’ This was met with a pillow being thrown at his face. ‘You know I’d never risk actually becoming king. We can just- deny, deny ,deny.’

‘What like, no I’m afraid I can’t see the star of Feanor, Galadriel, I have no idea what you’re talking about?’ ‘I mean we’ve had worse plans.’ ‘I hate that you’re right.’

[lordgrimwing]

Nesting

Gil-galad hadn’t seen much of Elrond over the last several days. That, in and of itself, wasn’t too unusual; they were both busy people, after all. But he’d spoken to him briefly last night as he was heading to his study after dinner and the apprentice was just getting back from the Hall of Healing. So he knew he’d come back to the house instead of falling asleep in the Hall or (even worse) somewhere along the streets between there and here. He wanted to talk to him about an upcoming gala, one with visiting dignitaries from Doriath, but his friend looked like he was nearly dead on his feet, so he let the moment pass, telling himself they could talk over breakfast the next day—Elrond should have the day off from the Hall if his memory served him, so he should make an appearance at the morning meal, simple as it was.

Which was all well and good, up until he checked his schedule and realized he was supposed to attend the agriculture council this morning. The council always met at a terribly early hour. Honestly, he didn’t even know why he was the one who had to attend, he knew next to nothing about farming or harvesting or anything else related to agriculture beyond the eating of delicious food. He must just be low enough on the peon ladder to get the meetings no one else wanted. The 'why' really didn’t matter because now he had to leave the house hours ahead of schedule and he couldn’t wait for breakfast if he still wanted to talk to Elrond, which he very much did.

So, he went to his room and knocked on the door.

“Elrond,” He called, opening the door. “I apologize for the horribly early visit, but I—” 

He swallowed the rest of his words. The room was empty.

Elrond wasn’t there. In fact, it looked like he hadn’t been there all night: the bed was perfectly made, and the pitcher of water the servants left on the occasional table was completely untouched. The half-elf was generally a very tidy person, but he wasn’t so obsessed with order as to keep things exactly the way he’d found them. Had he not used his room last night?

Puzzled, he stepped out of the room and looked up and down the quiet hall. Where would Elrond sleep if not in his room? This was very peculiar. He should have set the oddity aside and gone to prepare for the council, but if there was one thing he liked, it was sniffing out a good mystery. He began checking the other unused guest rooms.

Fifteen minutes and half a dozen rooms later, he stood outside his own chambers, no closer to finding his wayward friend. Baffled, and slightly concerned, he started toward the stairs down to the kitchen. Perhaps the cook, who always arrived frightfully early, saw Elrond or had some idea for where he might have gone off to.

As he neared the tightly spiraled staircase mostly used by the servants for quick access to different floors, he passed an old closet, hardly used these years except for the occasional guests who brought more than they could keep in their rooms. Gil-galad had no reason to stop here, except that as he passed the door he thought he heard the faint sound of something moving inside. 

He paused. 

Oh, he hoped that wasn’t some animal that decided to move into the unused space. The house really was built for grander affairs than even he could pull together on a regular basis, and it seemed like every few months he heard about another nest of little critters getting relocated after someone found them living in a too-long unused spot. He didn’t particularly want to deal with angry little creatures who’d just had their home disturbed, but if he just continued on, he might forget about it entirely and not ask anyone to look into it later. Steeling his nerves, he put his hand on the little handle and opened the door.

Inside, he was confronted by a mound of blankets and winter clothing twisted together into a mass that managed to keep its shape when the door opened. In the center of the fabrics, nestled comfortably under what looked suspiciously like a tablecloth he'd seen last week, his eyes half hooded and smiling slightly in dreamy content, lay Elrond.

Gil-galad stared at him in open-mouthed surprise. What in all of Middle-earth was he doing sleeping in a closet? He said as much, voice high with shock.

Elrond blinked, his eyes coming back into focus as he shook himself and looked up. His expression quickly changed from profound relaxation to surprise and then embarrassment. He blushed, color rising in his cheeks. 

“I’m sorry,” He apologized, uncurling himself in the tight space and sitting up, somehow still looking comfortably nestled in the mound of material. 

“What are you doing in here?” Gil-galad asked. This couldn’t possibly be more comfortable than a bed with a proper mattress. 

“I’m sorry,” He said again, picking up the hem of a garment that looked suspiciously like one of Gil-galad’s winter riding robes which should have been shut away in storage until the weather cooled. He held it up to his chest like some kind of flimsy barrier. “I tried finding someplace where I wouldn’t get in the way.”

“‘Get in the way’?” Gil-galad repeated, baffled. He looked at the pile of fabric, this time realizing that it wasn’t just a randomly thrown-together collection of unused bedding and clothes. It looked, albeit poorly made, like a nest. “Are—Elrond, are you nesting?”

The half-elf blushed harder and hid his face in his hands. “I didn’t mean to!” He exclaimed. 

Gil-galad was horrified. “You can’t nest in here,” He reached out to take one of the quilts.

Elrond’s hand shot out as if to stop him. 

He froze, fingers hovering over the old quilt, and looked up. To his surprise, his friend looked like he was on the verge of tears. “This isn’t—” He began to say but was interrupted.

“You’re right,” Elrond sniffled. “I shouldn’t have taken these things. They’re yours and I’ll put them back where I found them so you can use them. I shouldn’t have let myself take them in the first place. I’m sorry, I’ve inconvenienced you. You must have better things to do with your morning than tracking all this down.” 

He rose on his knees and began picking up the top layer of the nest. Gil-galad felt almost physically ill at the distress on his face at the prospect of pulling apart what he’d so painstakingly built. 

“Wait,” He said. “That’s not what I meant.”

Elrond looked at him cautiously, the embarrassment still clear on his face but mingled now with a touch of shame that made Gil-galad’s chest clench.

He sat back on his heels, making it clear that he wasn’t about to go anywhere. As calmly as he could, he said, “You shouldn’t be nesting in a closet. You don’t need to hide.” 

Looking a little confused, Elrond settled back down on the fabric, unconsciously snuggling against the armful of clothes he’d picked up. “I’m not hiding,” He said. “I just don’t want to be in anyone’s way.”

“How would nesting in your room, on an actual bed, put you in anyone’s way? It’s your room.” Gil-galad said, feeling like he was missing something.

“I don’t want to be in my room,” Frustration flashed in his friend’s voice. 

“Why?” He made a point of ensuring all the rooms were perfectly comfortable. He liked comfortable things.

Elrond squinted back at him and his tone suggested that was a rather foolish question. “It’s too big and empty.”

“So you’d rather be in a closet?” 

He groaned and clutched at the makeshift bedding. “It’s out of the way.”

Gil-galad furrowed his brow. As far as he understood, the point of nesting wasn’t to hide in some small, out-of-the-way spot, all alone. In fact, it generally involved a lot of cuddling and spending time with romantic or platonic friends. He couldn’t wrap his head around why Elrond would want to shut himself away and avoid everyone else in the house.

“Is this a Fëanorian thing?” He asked. 

The half-elf came to Mithlond from one of the nomadic bands. While nothing like the savage avari tribes in the eastern wildlands, the Fëanorians kept themselves separate enough from the rest of the realm to develop their own peculiar traditions. He wouldn’t put it past them to have some kind of taboo on nesting.

That was, apparently, the wrong thing to say, as Elrond’s expression grew suddenly defensive.

“I didn’t mean it like that!” He amended, even though he had. Thanks to all the trade meetings he attended, he had a better understanding than the average citizen of how important those wandering groups were to the economy and particularly in maintaining contact with the human settlements far to the north. That didn’t mean he couldn’t find them odd and off-putting at times. “It’s just that it feels like we may be running into a cultural difference. I’m sorry that I made you feel like you can’t nest in here—and you can! If that’s really what you want to do. But you don’t have to.”

“I don’t mind,” Elrond said quickly, not nearly as defensive as he’d been before.

Gil-galad sighed and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “You don’t mind a lot of things that I, and most everyone else here, think are absolutely intolerable. Could you explain why you want to nest in this old closet?”

He knew it wasn’t his friend’s job to explain himself or his upbringing to anyone, least of all a minor member of King Finarfin’s court, but he wouldn’t be able to focus all day if he thought the other was hiding because he didn’t want to be a bother—which he never was—or, worse yet, because Gil-galad did something to make him think the behavior wasn’t acceptable. 

That last part was a truly horrible thought. “Wait,” He said. “Did I do something that made you feel unwelcome?”

“No!” Elrond exclaimed, releasing the comforting material and taking one of his hands between his own. “No, you’ve been nothing but unbelievably kind and welcoming, even if you do drag me off to every event you can.”

Of course, he did. As his patron, it was his duty to set him up for the most successful future possible, and in Lindon that included introducing him to as many powerful figures as he could manage. Plus, those parties were far more pleasant when he had Elrond to talk to.

“Then why do you want to hide?” 

“I’m not hiding,” Elrond insisted despite all appearances to the contrary. “I’m—I—” He struggled over whatever he was trying to say, flustered. 

Gil-galad squeezed his hand encouragingly.

Elrond inhaled, his shoulders hunching up to his ears. “There isn’t much opportunity to nest,” He said the word like it was some kind of ill omen, “while traveling. We’re usually moving around too much to have the urge. But if you do get it and can’t shake it, the only option is to take space in one of the wagons and try to make do or else make the whole group stop while you make a nest somewhere quiet. And it’s so frustrating for everyone because we need to keep going but we can’t. 

“It’s different when we set up a longer camp. We’ll stay for a few fortnights sometimes, and that’s more than enough time to build a nest and get through it. And if you want someone in the nest with you, there’s always someone around who doesn’t mind doing nothing for a little while.” He exhaled heavily, his entire body seeming to shrink down from the loss. “I can’t do that here.”

“Of course you can,” Gil-galad said, keeping his voice calm and reassuring. 

“I can’t,” Elrond insisted firmly. “I don’t have family here, or a tribe. I hardly know anyone outside of the Hall besides Erestor and you. He detests everything to do with being like this, and I can’t bother you when you already do so much for me.”

‘You damn well can,’ He almost said. Instead, he pressed his free hand to his chest and said, with complete sincerity, “I am honored that you feel safe and comfortable enough in my house to nest, and as my dear friend, I am more than happy to spend as much time with you as I can.”

Elrond looked like he didn’t know what to do with himself at this, so Gil-galad patted the edge of the pile and asked, “Mind if I join you now?”

His face lit up and he shifted to one side, making a little room for him to squeeze in beside him. The closet was not designed for one, let alone two occupants so it was a snug fit. Gil-galad had to hike up his robes and shimmy his way in, apologizing when he invariably trod on some part of the other. Elrond gave no indication that he minded in the slightest and pressed up against him as soon as he’d settled. 

Gil-galad shifted around until he could rest his cheek on the top of Elrond’s head, and soon found himself with two armfuls of very happy and very cuddly half-elf. As cramped as he was, this still beat listening to counselors drone on and on about the latest harvest or how many sheep had sore feet. 

They stayed like that, half sitting, half lying, for a good long while. 

Eventually, he felt movement beside him and opened his eyes—when had he closed them?—to see Elrond shifting around as he pulled up parts of the bedding with his fingers and toes.

“What are you doing?” He asked, fascinated. 

Elrond stopped, and from how his voice sounded, he was surely blushing. “Making it more comfortable.” 

“Ah,” Was his reply. Then, because he couldn’t help himself and because there was something so profoundly uncomfortable with thinking about anyone shutting themself away in a dark closet because they didn’t want to be perceived as a burden, he added, “A bed really would be better for that.”

Elrond sighed and pressed his face against his shoulder. “I don’t want to be in my room.”

“Because it’s too empty, right.”

They were quiet for a bit. Elrond resumed fluffing up the bedding, his breath coming out in little huffs as he worked. Gil-galad pondered the issue.

At length, he spoke again. “Are you in here because you don’t want to be in your room, or because you want to be in here specifically?”

Elrond twisted his shoulders so he could look up at him. “I don’t want to be in my room or in anyone’s way.” 

Gil-galad hummed in thought. “What about my room?” He could see the argument building in the other’s expression, so he pressed onward. “You can’t say you’re in the way if I invite you.”

A pause, and then, “But you need your bed.”

He snorted. “I certainly don’t need to sleep in it until tonight. Not to say you should be done by then. There’s more than enough room for two.” 

“You really wouldn’t mind?” Elrond asked, his voice small and muffled as he hid his face again.

“Of course not,” Gil-galad ran a hand down his companion’s unbraided hair. He rather surprised himself with the touch, it felt far more intimate than he expected.

“If you change your mind, you can tell me to go and I will.”

“I’m sure I won’t.”

“But you can.” 

He really was insistent over some of the most peculiar things. “Thank you for letting me know.”

They settled for a moment, Gil-galad not wanting to push too hard. He had plenty of time before he needed to leave for a meeting that he really couldn’t skip. There was no rush.

Elrond took a deep breath. “I’m ready to go.”

Gil-galad sat up, his back complaining at the movement after spending so long in such an odd position. “Excellent.”

“You don’t mind if I bring this too?” He asked, hesitant again as he delicately picked up an old hat. 

“I rather hoped you would. Mind if I help?”

“Please.” Elrond laughed at himself, “It’s a bit more than I meant to gather.”

Together, they collected up the odd assortment of quilts and clothes and curtains and, yes, even a saddle blanket, and walked to Gil-galad’s room.

[markantonys]

when the elves find out about galadriel allying with adar

[sakasakiii]

elrond through the ages based on one glorious panel from chapter 95 of Black Butler (hopefully i got that right....). in the context of this sequence, i always thought it was sad to think abt how many people elrond has lost throughout his life alongside how remarkable he is to remain "as kind as summer" still by the time the hobbit rolls around 🥺

i redrew elrond's poses based on ciel's in the original panels BUT i forgot what page exactly the original panel sequence is... however!! if you scroll down to the middle half of this blog post you can find the original reference pic :D warning that it includes heavy spoilers for the black butler manga so u could just alternatively google 'ciel phantomhive running' and it'd probably be one of the first results that pop up haha

[sluttyseacadet]

Rings of Power + text posts (1/?)

[picspammer]

Elves in warrior mode >>>>> The Rings of Power Season 2 posters

[fukutomichi]

The Rings of Power | Season 2 | Aug 29 - Oct 3, 2024 S2.E1 ∙ Elven Kings Under the Sky

[trynot]

THE RINGS OF POWER (2022–) 2.05: HALLS OF STONE

[theivorybilledwoodpecker]

Gil-galad: Be careful of my herald.

Elf: Why? Is he violent?

Gil-galad: Worse. He judges you.

[galatariel]

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: Rings of Power — 2.01 / Elven Kings Under the Sky (2024) For Ulmo bore up Elwing out of the Waves — Jenny Dolfen (2018) / @jennydolfen

Elros and Elrond were taken captive, but Elwing with the Silmaril upon her breast had cast herself into the sea. Thus Maedhros and Maglor gained not the jewel; but it was not lost. For Ulmo bore up Elwing out of the waves, and he gave her the likeness of a great white bird, and upon her breast there shone as a star the Silmaril, as she flew over the water to seek Eärendil her beloved.

[elffromforests]

Every time when Galadriel comes to Gil Galad and says: We have problems, and I didn't know and it's all by accident, then in the head of Gil Galad such a picture:

[annoyinglandmagazine]

‘Rise and shine!’ Gil Galad was roused from his sleep by Elrond’s cheerful singing. He groaned into his pillow. ‘Why did I hire so many morning people?’ Elrond laughed yanking the pillow out from under him. ‘Well I could not divine to understand the thought processes of our most esteemed king, but I feel it is important to mention that it is not morning. There is a feast in your honour in less than twenty minutes.’

Gil Galad scrambled to his feet, ‘When did I fall asleep?’ Elrond busied himself picking out some robes from Gil Galad’s wardrobe, ‘a few hours ago. Erestor and I covered for you for a while but I think you can agree that you need to be at this yourself. Put these on.’ He threw the clothing onto the bed. Gil Galad began to comply while interrogating his herald on the situation. ‘Why was I asleep?’ Elrond had begun to brush his hair into a Nolofinwean braid style suitable while the king continued working on his clasps. Who had decided so many layers were needed for formal wear? Another thing the Finweans had to answer for.

‘Hmmm? Oh I drugged your tea,’ Elrond said casually. ‘You really shouldn’t admit to treason so easily. I’d have thought the Feanorians have taught you enough about avoiding suspicion.’ Elrond laughed and the sound would have been something a poet would wax about if it wasn’t so infuriating. ‘They also taught me how to know the strength of my position. And I know that no one in politics could afford to strike against me. This place wouldn’t function without me for a day. As evidenced by the fact that without my little acts of treason you would have killed yourself from overextension decades ago.’

He would have been put out by the arrogance if it wasn’t so true. ‘What about you? You hardly look ready yourself, even if your braids weren’t falling out they are in far too Feanorian a style to wear to something like this. Surely you’ll need time to work out the right ones to use?’ Elrond laughed and pulled the strand of thread he’d been holding his braids in out in one motion, sending the waves of ink black hair falling loose down to his hip. He then plucked a clasp out of his pocket and used it to pin a few twists together leaving it almost all down in curls. He gave a sarcastic look to Gil Galad before saying ‘There done. If I can’t take advantage of not being entirely elven to get out of having to observe societal conventions really what’s the point? It would be a scandal no matter what I do, too Sindar, too Teleri, too Nolofinwean, too Feanorian, indicating too high a position, not indicating high enough a position. Really I’d prefer just not to for once. So tonight if I’m asked any questions about what house I’m a member of I’m saying the House of Beor, understood?’

‘Got it, got it. It’s been too long since you last annoyed every member of the court simultaneously and so you’re compensating. Have fun,’ he laughed as he picked his final necklace and righted himself in the mirror. ‘Oh I plan to,’ Elrond flipped his hair over his shoulder and grinned back from his place at the door. ‘After you your majesty,’ he said with an exaggerated bow taking Gil Galad’s arm and his ringing laughter paired with the king’s open exasperation carried down the corridor all the way to the banquet hall.

[thesummerestsolstice]

I absolutely love the idea that Elrond took one look at Annatar and immediately disliked him. He just instantly failed the vibe check. And the best part is about that is that there are so, so many reasons Elrond might've immediately mistrusted Annatar, ranging from drama to comedy. I've compiled a few of my favorites below:

Vague, Luthien-related "not this motherfucker again" senses (always a classic)

Something about Annatar reminded Elrond of Maedhros's description of Sauron, even if he couldn't quite connect the dots at the time (good if you want to be emotional about Kidnap dads)

Annatar's general attitude really didn't fit with his story that he was an emissary of the Valar (if you want to be pro-Valar)

Alternately, Elrond fully believed that Annatar was from the west, but had serious problems with the Valar and didn't trust anyone they'd sent (if you want to be anti-Valar)

Vague foresight visions (for a metaphysical reason)

Elrond thinks that Annatar's appearance in Lindon is just a little too politically convenient (for a very practical reason)

Galadriel had warned Elrond that something like this might happen (I would also listen to Galadriel)

Annatar was being really, really unsubtle about being evil and Elrond was just the first person to point out that maybe the guy asking around about the best way to poison an elf without being caught shouldn't be allowed to stay in the city (Annatar got better at the whole 'evil in disguise' thing in Eregion)

Elrond has already heard enough traveling salesmen in his life and doesn't have patience for another one (Lindon really needs a 'no soliciting' sign)

Annatar made a vaguely offensive comment about Elrond being a half-elf and Elrond ran out of tolerance for that roughly an Age ago (good for him!)

Annatar said that Lindon needed a Maia, and excuse me, Lindon is already under Elrond's protection, it does not need another Maia wandering around causing problems! (Maiar territoriality my beloved)

Annatar said that Gil-Galad needed a Maiarin advisor, and, excuse me, Gil-Galad is Elrond's king, he does not need another Maia to whisper jokes to him during meetings, or to tenderly braid his hair, or to be his messenger bird. Elrond does all that perfectly fine, thank you! (Maiar territoriality, good for them edition)

Annatar and Elrond would've gotten along fine if Gil-Galad had bothered to introduce them properly, but seriously, you can't just toss them in a room together! Everyone knows that Maiar need time to acclimate to each other's presences first! You have to use a wall to separate them for a couple days! (did Gil-Galad even do his research before allowing a Maia-adjacent being to be his herald?)

Elrond absolutely refused to explain his reasons but everyone still listened because at that point they knew nothing good came from ignoring his warnings (smart choice)

[elladanns]

this clip of Gil-Galad running has me hollering like why does his run look like he's prancing? Why does he look like a disgruntled Beverly Hills mother?? 😭😭