#gimli: oh the elf only lives off of tree leaves

[silvantransthranduiltrash]

Out of all the elves, silvans have the largest appetites.

It’s because they’re constantly moving throught the trees, or dancing, or hunting, or fighting. Basically they are outdoors 24/7.

Their appetites grew even larger during the 3rd age because they are constantly holding back sauron, and the extra stress didn’t help.

Other elves can also eat alot, but because they’re also a lot more scholarly, with entertainment preference being singing and such (as opposed to dancing which is the silvan’s main art) means they do eat less than the silvans.

The only ones who can compete are the avari and the elves back during the age of trees before Orome found them.

So imagine:

Aragorn, Elladan, Elrohir, Legolas: *sitting down in a tavern after an adventure*

Aragorn: *ordering more than even most men eat, but still substantially less than his companions*

Elladan: aww, look at our baby brother, ordering little baby portions!

Elrohir: are you sure you can eat all that? Wouldn’t want to have a tummy ache!

Legolas: *orders 1 of everything they have in the tavern, and even 2 portions of some of it*

The twins: .....

Elrohir: are you sure you can eat all that?

Legolas: *eating all his food, never pausing, but not ravenously shoving it down* i’ll be fine. My sisters eat even more than me. But are you sure you can eat all your food? Wouldn’t want anything to go to waste.

Aragorn: HA.

Bonus:

Erestor: our food supply is even more depleted than usual! We need to stock up.

Elrond: strange. It seems that every time Legolas visits our food supply dwindles ridiculously quickly. But he can’t be the cause. There’s no way an elf could eat that much.

[sweetshire]

💛 LOTR GEN FICS REC LIST 💛:

for @genworkjune i’ve put together some of the fics i’ve loved reading (ignore that it’s the last day of the month please). as usual, don’t forget to leave a kudos or a comment if u enjoyed them! oh also, if this formatting seems familiar — that’s because i’ve shamelessly copied it off of @emyn-arnens; i just think it’s neat XD! onward, and enjoy :)

O Wandering Winds by yet_intrepid (G, Faramir & Boromir, 3.5k):

By the time Faramir is told in his sleep of Isildur's Bane, he is already accustomed to seeing with more than his eyes.

The Darkest Lord by rhymer23 (G, Sauron, ~600 words):

Sauron sings us a summary of his nefarious deeds, in an attempt to prove that he is the ultimate Dark Lord of fantasy fiction.

Home Fires Burning by starryeyedknight (G, Hobbits, 5.2k):

The War of the Ring rages on and, in the Shire, the hobbits learn to live without those they love.

Eowyn’s New Toy by @torchwood-99 (Éowyn & Gimli, 1.1k, cw gore):

Gimli, son of Gloin, pays a visit to the White Lady of Rohan, and brings with him a very welcome gift.

Something of Home by @emyn-arnens (G, Faramir & Finduilas, ~800 words):

Faramir never stops bringing his mother flowers.

with every seed you sow, let it wash away, wash away by @afaramir (G, Faramir & Legolas, Éowyn & Faramir & Legolas, 3.9k):

In which an elf and a prince of Gondor speak of grief and death and the sea, and life and song and brothers.

Looking for Dragons by Raksha_The_Demon (G, Gandalf & Belladonna Took & Bungo Baggins, 1.3k):

Gandalf makes a new friend, in an unanticipated and fruitful meeting.

Too Burdened to Fly by @hobbitwrangler (G, Finduilas, 3k):

A look at Finduilas' thoughts during her final moments.

On Gardens and Growing Things by rhymer23 (G, Sam & Aragorn, 2.5k):

En route to Weathertop, Aragorn tries to ease Sam's distrust of him. It doesn't go quite as planned.

Bitter Was Their Parting by @dreamingthroughthenoise (G, Arwen & Elrond, 2.2k):

“You knew,” Arwen said, unable to meet her father’s gaze. “You’ve always known what path I would follow.”

On These Hither Shores by @emyn-arnens (G, Frodo & Boromir, 3.2k):

As the Fellowship travels south, Frodo and Boromir speak of their homes and families and come to understand one another, for a time.

The complexity of bachelorhood by unknownlifeform (G, Gimli & Boromir & the Hobbits, 1.5k):

Gimli explains to the Hobbits and Boromir that marriage is for Dwarves only one of the paths that can be taken.

The Horn of Gondor by @saentorine (T, Boromir, 3.5k):

Five-year-old Boromir receives the horn of Gondor, which goes about exactly how you'd expect.

Greenleaf’s Tree by @sotwk (G, Legolas & Thranduil, 2.8k):

Six-year-old Legolas goes on royal progress with Thranduil for the first time and learns more about the sort of king his father truly is.

The Fathers of Fools by Carlandrea (G, Glóin & Thranduil, 1.3k):

Gloín, on the way home to the Mountain, tells the Elvenking what has happened to his son.

The Adventures of Peregrine Took by bunn (G, Pippin & Sam & Merry, ~450 words):

A Poem by Samwise Gamgee (Mayor) and Merry Brandybuck on the occasion of Peregrine Took, Knight of Gondor, becoming Thain of the Shire.

What Keeps Us Here by @sallysavestheday (G, Celeborn & Thranduil, 1k):

Celeborn and Thranduil after the War. To sail or not to sail.

Different Ways To Light A Path by baby_bat_98 (G, Gimli & Legolas, 5.1k):

Legolas has a hard time in Khazad-dûm. Gimli helps.

For Want of a Ring by @tathrin (G, Gimli & Legolas, 4k):

The aftermath of the Battle of the Hornburg is a time for the survivors to rest and heal, a brief pause in the long march to war. The same is true of the lone Dwarf and Elf who fought there—but the members of the Fellowship of the Ring faced peril long before this bitter night, and some scars sit deeper than any mere bandage might soothe.

The Ring has gone beyond their reach now, with but one casualty from their Company to its name so far; but that does not mean its dark whispers do not linger still within the hearts that heard it.

But what could tempt an Elf of Mirkwood to look upon that terrible Shadow with aught but loathing?

the innermost life of my life by pinkmoon (G, Frodo & Sam, 1.5k):

Sam meets Frodo for the first time.

A Corner of the Hall by Zdenka (G, Aragorn & Bilbo, ~550 words):

Aragorn gives Bilbo the promised help with his song.

a red book pressed into his hands by dirgewithoutmusic (G, Bilbo & Frodo, Sam & Frodo, 2.4k):

Even on the sweet walks of the Shire, things come along that sweep you off your feet—adventures, wizards, children. Bilbo came down, a month after he’d adopted this strange, quiet boy on a whim and a wonder, and found his whole (second) living room scattered with some unholy combination of paint, jam, and mud. Frodo sat in the middle of the mess, with dirty hands and innocence plastered all over his face.

Bilbo leaned on the door because something in that bright grin had taken his balance from him. He went for a mop. He had not felt so at home since thirteen dwarves had tumbled through his round green door. He felt like Frodo had stolen something from him and then given it back better than it had left.

Thievery, perhaps, ran in the family.

[arrantsnowdrop]

Informalities - Éomer x reader

Request:  “Eomer x reader fic where the reader is from our world and Eomer listens to the stories the reader says of our world and he thinks that it is a grand place and so when they are finally getting together, Eomer feels kind of insecure cuz he feels he'll never live up to the reader's "standards" and the reader says that they are insecure because he is a prince and she has nothing"

Tags: @thewhiteladyofrohan

Warnings: mention of battles and death, about 2,200 words

A/N: Hoppy Easter lads and lasses, we are back from a many month writing hiatus. Hope y’all enjoy, I’m glad to be here :)

You genuinely had no idea how you’d ended up in Middle Earth.

It was one of those fever dream situations - one moment you were falling asleep in your own bed, and the next you were waking up at the bottom of a tree, surrounded by many bearded and concerned looking men.

Of course you’d been startled and so, so confused, but it had only taken you a few moments to recognize the characters from one of your favorite stories, and then you’d fully accepted your new reality.

By the time you first encountered the fellowship, they had already lost Gandalf at Moria and passed through the realm of Lothlorien. They were traveling in their fancy elvish boats when they’d spotted you from the river. You were extremely grateful for that - who knows what would’ve happened if the Uruk-hai tracking them had found you first.

Boromir and Gimli were quite intimidated by your presence, having been brought up in traditions that designated men for warrior roles. Aragorn and Legolas were much more accepting (female elves were just as badass as any male elf or man, and both of them knew that). The hobbits had all taken an immediate liking to you, and you’d been devastated to lose them during the Uruk ambush. Of course, this only gave you a stronger drive to track them into Rohan with Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli.

It was there that you met Éomer for the first time, after his riders surrounded your small group of assumed invaders.

He was handsome, there was no denying that, and you found his decision to protect Rohan even in exile extremely brave. He’d been startled by your presence (a group including a dwarf, an elf, AND a woman must’ve been an oddity for him), and thus had talked primarily with Aragorn, but you could not shake the way his eyes locked with yours as he offered you his condolences about Merry and Pippin.

You figured you’d never see the handsome blonde again, glumly complaining to Gimli about it several times throughout Rohan.

Thus, you’d been overjoyed when he arrived at the Battle of Helm’s Deep - half because he was saving your asses from almost certain death, and half because you’d get to see his face and hear his voice again.

You followed Aragorn after the battle, searching for Gandalf in the celebrating crowd. It did not take long, with his bright white robes being quite easy to pick out.

“Gandalf!” you screamed gleefully, weaving between the people around you to get to the smiling wizard.

“It is good to see you, (Y/n),” he said as you embraced him.

“Oh, it’s even better to see you,” you said.

“I have to agree with (Y/n),” Aragorn said from behind you. You pulled back, allowing Gandalf time to greet your friend, and quickly caught sight of a familiar face.

He had been laughing with some other men when his gaze fell on you, eyes locking with yours for the second time. You smiled a bit and offered an awkward wave, face flushing as he flashed you a smile.

“Ah, (Y/n), this is Lord Éomer, current heir to the throne of Rohan,” Gandalf said, noticing the two of you staring at each other.

“We’ve met before,” he said, walking towards you

“Indeed we have,” you replied as he stopped just in front of you. “It is a pleasure to meet you, oh-future-king,” you said, bowing a bit.

You could hear Aragorn slap his forehead from behind you and grinned.

“She’s not from around here, so do forgive her manners,” Aragorn said.

“Or lack thereof,” you added, straightening yourself once more and looking at Éomer’s amused face.

“I appreciate the informality,” Éomer grinned. You spun around and pointed at Aragorn.

“See? Someone appreciates me,” you accused.

You were extremely happy to meet Éomer. It’s not that you didn’t adore Aragorn and Legolas and Gimli, but they were also the only people you’d been around for quite a while. It was exciting to make a new friend, especially one so handsome and charismatic.

The two of you spent the entire ride to Isengard delving into each other’s lives, from childhoods to secret fears to favorite foods. Obviously, the two of you had led quite different lives, and he was fascinated by the world you had come from.

“These cars you speak of, are they like horses?” he asked.

“No, they’re much faster,” you replied. “They’re more like a carriage, since they have space for several people inside.”

“But it moves without a horse?”

“Yup!”

“Who steers in then?”

You were grinning ear to ear at the look of bewilderment on his face.

“One of the people inside,” you answered. “There’s a wheel to control which direction you go and pedals on the floor to control the speed.”

“That sounds terribly complicated,” Éomer said, brows furrowing.

“It’s not too bad,” you said, “I was even pretty good at it.”

Éomer shot you an alarmed look.

“You used to steer these...these things?” he asked incredulously. You laughed and nodded. “You have to be taught how to do it,” you explained. “It’s not like they throw you into it without any preparation.”

“It still sounds extremely dangerous,” he decided.

“I did break my arm in a crash once,” you said thoughtfully. He gasped.

“You can crash them?”

Éomer had quickly become one of your favorite people, which only made the continuous battles over the fate of Middle Earth even more stressful. You were terrified he would ride into a fight and never return, and even more terrified of what that meant.

You’d searched for him for hours after the Battle for Minas Tirith, heart growing more and more heavy as you continued. Every person you asked had no idea where he was, and by the time you returned to the White City, your hands were shaking with anxiety. Finding him outside of the makeshift infirmary that had been set up was the most relieving moment of your entire life.

You had gasped the moment you caught sight of his all too familiar golden hair, letting out a desperate sob as his eyes met yours, him rushing over to you and wrapping you in his arms. Your embrace was filled with all the emotions both of you were too terrified to say aloud.

“I thought you were dead,” you murmured into his chest, eyes wet and lips trembling.

“It will take far more than a few Oliphaunts to kill me,” he whispered, pressing his lips to the top of your head.

You wanted nothing more than to tell him in that moment how much you loved him, but decided against it. You knew the fighting was not over, the last thing you needed was for him to be distracted by you during battle and find himself impaled with some pointy object. If you both lived to the end of this, you would tell him then.

But then you were too scared to do it.

Of course you had won - the ring had been destroyed, Aragorn had led the crusade against the forces of Mordor, and Gondor was preparing to crown its long lost king. Everyone was staying in Minas Tirith until the coronation, but then everyone was leaving. All your friends would be heading home, but you did not have one of those here in Middle Earth.

Aragorn had already offered you a place in Gondor’s leadership, and thus a permanent residence with him, and the hobbits were more than happy to escort you back to the Shire with them, but you knew both of these options would separate you from the one person you wanted to be with.

All you wanted was to follow Éomer back to Edoras, but you were unsure if that would be best for him. He was about to be crowned king of Rohan, and probably had many ladies of Rohan’s nobility lined up to rule with him. It was selfish for you to think you had any right to his heart, especially when his duties and responsibilities were so much more important than an outspoken, title-less woman.

So you distanced yourself from him. You avoided him whenever possible, taking the longest routes you could to dinners and meetings. You tried not to be affected by his desperate gaze, or the way he called for you as you rushed out of a room. It hurt you more than anything, but you knew it would be better for him in the long run. You succeeded with your plan until the night before Aragorn’s coronation.

You’d been walking home from dinner (a huge, pre-celebration feast that qualified as a celebration itself) through an old, twisty corridor. You opened the door to your room only to see Eomer sitting on your bed, a worried look on his face.

You jumped slightly, startled by his presence.

“What are you doing in here?” you said breathlessly. “This is totally an invasion of my privacy and absolutely uncalled for at such a late hour, you almost gave me a heart attack-”

“Forgive me,” he interrupted, standing up from the bed, eyes fixated on you. You both stood there in silence for some time, the closest you’d been to each other for the first time in days.

“I missed you,” he murmured finally. “You’ve been avoiding me.”

You looked down at your feet and nodded. You did not want to see the look of betrayal that he was undoubtedly wearing.

“Why?” he whispered. You winced at the sound of hurt in his voice.

“You would not understand Éomer, but I promise it was in your best interest,” you replied.

“You are my best friend, (Y/n), how could ignoring me benefit me?” he asked incredulously. You looked up at him, trying to ignore the tears beginning to form in your eyes.

“Éomer-”

“Please,” he cut you off desperately, slowly walking towards you. “I have missed you more than you could possibly imagine.” “That is the issue,” you whispered, closing your eyes to avoid looking at him.

“How is that an issue?” he begged.

“Because you are about to be a king,” you shouted, eyes still closed. “And you will leave after tomorrow with everyone else, back to Edoras, where new responsibilities will be awaiting you and demanding your attention.”

“How does that have anything to do with you?” he asked, voice sounding a lot closer than before. You gulped, sensing him right in front of you.

“I would be a distraction,” you replied meekly. Éomer did not reply, but instead reached to grab your hands with his own, you gasping as he pulled you into his chest.

“(Y/n), you are not a distraction, how could you-”

“I do not want you to leave me here,” you interrupted, resting your forehead against him. “I am so scared I’ll never see you again, but your life is about to be so much more important than me.”

“I do not want to leave you here,” he said, wrapping his arms around your back. “I want you to come with me. You’re my best friend, how could I abandon you?”

“That’s exactly the problem,” you whispered, “even if I were physically with you, that would not stop me from...from…”

You stopped and bit your lip, terrified of the confession about to pour out of you. Éomer moved his hand below your chin, tilting your head up to face him.

“Stop you from what?” he whispered intensely, eyes searching your face desperately. You exhaled breathily.

“I love you, Éomer,” you said softly, watching as his expression softened. “So, so much.”

He blinked once, twice, registering what you had just said, and smiled, leaning down to rest his forehead against yours.

“I love you more than anyone, (Y/n),” he murmured.

“But, surely there are women back in Rohan who are far more suitable for-”

“(Y/n),” Éomer said seriously, pulling away to look you in the eyes once more. “I have the power to be with whomever I choose.”

“But why would you choose me?” you asked meekly. Éomer chuckled, brushing a stray bit of hair out of your face and tucking it behind your ear tenderly. You leaned into his hand slightly, relishing in the way he cupped your face.

“I was more nervous that you wouldn’t choose me,” he admitted. You look at him in confusion.

“How could I not choose you?” you asked.

“You’re much more interesting than I am,” he shrugged. “You come from a world that is so much more exciting than mine, and the last thing I want is for you to settle for me.”

“Éomer, you stab people with swords and ride horses all day. And live in a castle. That is insanely cool,” you grinned, wrapping your arms around his midsection. “Of course I choose you.”

“And I choose you,” he murmured, pulling you closer to him. “Please come home with me.”

“Yes,” you whispered, nodding fervently. “Yes, please.”

Éomer grinned, tilting your face up to his once more and leaning down to kiss you. Your heart leaped, hand reaching up to grab the back of his head to intensify the kiss. He moaned softly, bending down to pick you up and twirling you around. You giggled and pressed your nose against his.

“I’m thinking we make my coronation far less formal than Aragorn’s,” Éomer said, “as much as I’ve been loving these dinners, I don’t think I could stand hosting them.”

“You know I’m fantastic at informalities,” you replied.

[bonjour-rainycity]

Late in the Night | Part One

Prompt: Unrequited love/the love is requited, they’re just oblivious (Content Challenge Day 5)

Pairing: One-sided ( or is it ;) ) Female Reader x Legolas

Rating: G

Word count: 1847

Warnings: None

Challenge participants: @game-ofthe-company @grunid @themerriweathermage @errruvande @the-reformed-ringwraith @awkwardkindatries

A/n Hello hello, and happy Day 5 of my content challenge! As always, you can find the challenge’s masterlist here and my personal masterlist here. 

I’m making these last three days into a mini-series, so here’s part one! Also, for this story, I’m going with the “girl wakes up in Middle Earth” plot, but LOTR doesn’t exist in her world. So she doesn’t know anything about the characters or their journey. She just kind of fell through a portal between worlds. Y’know?

Translations (I think): Taur-e-Ndaedelos — Mirkwood // Eryn Galen — Greenwood

Reader’s POV

“And Miss Y/n, what will you do once this is all over? Will you go back home?” Pippin stops to let me catch up, bringing me into step with him and Merry.

I purse my lips, not wanting to give too much away. The others know that I have a bit of an, erm—strange— situation, but they don’t know that I haven’t got a home in Arda. We’ve had at least ten variants of this conversation already, and each time, I’ve managed to avoid participating. It seems my hobbit friend, though, is done letting that slide.

I shrug, trying to seem nonchalant. “I haven’t really thought about that much…” Just in case there’s no ‘once this is all over’. “But I guess I would find a human town somewhere and build a life. I’ve learned quite a lot on this journey, so maybe I could make a living as a guard or even a seamstress, seeing how often I mend your clothes,” at this, I throw a teasing look at Gimli, who blushes. Out of all of us, he’s the most prone to non-battle related injury, and I often find him trudging back to camp with a rip in his sleeve after simple tasks like collecting firewood or refilling his canteen.

Pippin ignores my joke, and now I realize that I have the concern-laden eyes of all four hobbits. “You…would not go back home? You wouldn’t see your family?”

I sigh, avoiding Gandalf’s gaze. He said I was free to tell my companions that I am not of this world, but I haven’t yet worked up the nerve. The stress of figuring out how I got here, why I’m here…it’s too much to burden them with on this perilous quest. I stifle a little laugh, my exhausted mind finding humor in the situation. Maybe that’s what I’ll do ‘once all this is over’. I’ll tell them that I’m practically an alien.  

Lost in my thoughts as I was, my silence drew the attention of Gimli and Boromir, and now I have six sets of concerned eyes regarding me. Great. I try to speed the conversation along so we can get to someone else. “Well, I haven’t seen my family in quite a long time…I think they think I’m dead, actually, and for all I know, they could be too…” This thought troubles me greatly, and I hurry to replace it with something else, forcing my voice to sound cheery and hopeful.“But that only means that I’m free to go anywhere—explore any place I like.”

Pippin looks quite heartbroken at my words, and I scramble to think of ways to fix it. But before I can, he grips my hand tightly in his, and I feel Merry mirror his actions on my other side. They look up at me triumphantly, smiling brightly. “You can come live with us, in The Shire,” Pippin declares, to which Sam nods earnestly. Frodo, as always of late, seems distracted, but offers me a distant smile.

A laugh of shocked joy escapes my lips, and I look between my valiant hobbit friends with possibly even more affection than before. “Do they even allow that? Big Folks moving into The Shire?”

“Sure they do,” Merry brushes away my concerns, appearing quite assured of himself.

But Pippin only shrugs, seemingly having not a care in the world. “And if they don’t, we’ll just sneak you in.”

“Gondor would be happy to host you as well,” Boromir adds, surprising me a little. We haven’t talked much on this journey, so it’s nice to know that he sees me as enough of a friend to invite me to his home.

Feeling much better, I squeeze Merry and Pippin’s hands. “Thanks, you guys. Really.”

{***}

We stop when it gets too dark for most of us to see.

“We are too far from Rivendell’s borders for me to feel comfortable.” Aragorn shakes his head slowly as he considers our surroundings and the potential risk we face. “I would ask that we keep a double watch tonight, and for many nights to come. Y/n, Legolas?”

Legolas—the only one of us who seems to have an endless supply of energy—jogs to a tall rock a couple hundred meters from camp, and begins to climb. I’m a bit slower to follow.

In the past three weeks, Aragorn has put me on watch eight times, the most only after himself and Legolas, and definitely more than our other companions. Sam shoots me an apologetic look and quietly promises to bring us dinner as soon as it’s ready.

I grab my cloak and follow Legolas’ path, trying to keep my annoyance to a minimum. After all, it’s not the worst thing in the world…staying up most of the night with Legolas, just the two of us.

He hears me coming and turns around with a welcoming smile, lowering a hand to help pull me onto the boulder. His hand is so warm in mine, so solid, and I find myself wishing he wouldn’t let go.

But of course he does, taking his hand from mine the moment I’m settled next to him. I tuck my hands into my cloak, trying not to lament the loss. Regardless of my quickly-growing feelings towards my elven friend, he has never given me an indication that he sees me as anything more than that, a friend, and I need to respect that.

He fixes me with a raised eyebrow, somehow both looking at me and the landscape over my shoulder. “Are you alright with staying awake tonight? It has been a while since you slept fully.”

I freeze, caught in a sudden burst of happiness. He noticed that? Has he been paying attention to me?

Legolas continues, and the fledgling hope that perhaps my affections for him aren’t as one-sided as I thought comes crashing down. “I could speak to Aragorn. It is no issue for me to stand watch alone.”

I briefly close my eyes, berating myself for my stupidity. He’s not commenting on your well-being, he just doesn’t want to have to be alone with you for the next five hours. He must somehow know of your feelings and wants to discourage them — because really, why would an elf want to be with a human?

I purse my lips, desperately not wanting him to know I’m upset. “No, it’s okay, thank you though. I’ll do my part.” My words come out a bit more cooly than I intended, but that’s just as well. Best to seem unattached.

He nods, giving me a funny look, then turns to look back out on the vast expanse of trees.

Nearly an hour passes in silence, then Sam visits, bringing dinner with him. Aragorn had managed to find two rabbits, so we eat well tonight. I savor it, knowing we might not be so lucky tomorrow, or the day after next. As usual, Legolas chooses to eat standing, not willing to sacrifice his careful watch over our surroundings. Knowing he’s got it covered, I sit down on the rock with Sam, having a make-shift picnic. Still, I keep my daggers close and periodically take note of the sounds of the forest, just in case. Sam entertains us with stories from his childhood and of life in The Shire. At a tale of how he and Frodo found themselves running from a furious farmer in the middle of the night, even Legolas cracks a smile.

But eventually, the food is gone and Sam is stifling yawns, so he bids us goodnight, leaving me alone with Legolas once again.

I stand, brushing the dust off my leggings, and take my place next to him.

His eyes never leave the horizon, but I hear his voice, soft, quiet, and almost hesitant-sounding. “Is it true that you haven’t a home to return to?”

I’m a bit caught off guard. During that conversation earlier in the day, Legolas was all the way at the front the group, leading with Aragorn. I didn’t know he’d heard that. “Uh, yeah.” I nod, trying to project a confidence I don’t really feel. “It is.”

He goes silent, and stays silent for such a long time that I think that’s all the conversation we’ll have. But then, he speaks again, his voice steady and deliberate. “My home, Taur-e-Ndaedelos, is not safe right now.”

“Oh.” I blink. Is he opening up to me? I try to respond delicately, not wanting to accidentally discourage him from sharing his feelings in the future. “I am sorry. That must be very difficult.”

He waves off my apology, meeting my eyes for the quickest of moments and then turning once more to the landscape before us. “My people get by. I only meant that, perhaps…well, if we succeed, and the Great Evil is defeated, Taur-e-Ndaedelos will be safe, and might even be called Eryn Galen once more.” He shifts from one foot to the other, something I’ve never seen him do. “You would be welcome there.”

A smile—the widest one I’ve managed in a while—spreads over my face, and try as I might, I am unable to reel it in. Because even after all this is over, when the time would come naturally for us to part ways, he wants me still in his life. I’ve always figured that it would hurt me to be parted from him, but I never dreamed that he would feel the same way.

Legolas seems to grow agitated by my silence, and turns to look at me with a measure of stress in his brow. But once he sees my reaction to his words, the lines in his face soften into a grin of his own. “Gimli is similarly without a permanent dwelling. I have extended an invitation to him as well.”

Oh.

Of course.

I fight the urge to roll my eyes at myself, feeling incredibly stupid. Of course I would read into his words. He didn’t mean anything significant by them, he was just offering me a place to stay, like he obviously would to any of his friends. Because he is a kind, good, and noble ellon.

Of course he doesn’t feel the same way as I do.

I was silly to hope.

I try to keep the smile plastered to my face and not let him see my crushing disappointment. That would be horribly embarrassing, and I’m not sure I could take the pity that would surely be on his compassionate face if he had to verbally express his disinterest.

“That—” my voice sounds annoyingly weak, and I clear my throat to correct it. “That’s really kind of you, Legolas. Thank you.”

There’s a question in his eyes, but he doesn’t ask it, only nods once and returns to his watch of the forest.

For my part, I try to turn all of my focus to the task at hand, reminding myself that, even if he never loves me back, I am truly lucky to have such a wonderful friend.

A/n See you all tomorrow with part two! Likes, comments, and reblogs make my day! Also, let me know if you would like a tag.

Masterlist

Next part

[certifiedskywalker]

Under the Stars - Legolas

While traversing Middle Earth, on a quest to deliver the One Ring to Mount Doom, you and the Fellowship try to move stealthily. Some are better at sneaking around than others. For instance, you seem to struggle in masking your feelings for a certain Elf. The rest of the Fellowship can so easily see the affection you hold for Legolas while you believe you’re being quite slick. Turns out, you’re the only one that was fooled.

AN: This is purely a selfish writing endeavor. I’ve been stressed and watching the LOTR and Hobbit movies to relax...I forgot how much I love Elves….Human!Reader X Legolas...

“I’m sick of smelling of grass and grime!” Merry announced. As he spoke, he dropped his cloak on a patch of nearby dirt beside the fire Boromir had begun to build. Silently, you hoped for Aragorn and Legolas to return with supper soon. Once the Hobbits’ stomachs were full, they would quiet.

Legolas had described them as ‘children’ to you one evening: once fed, quick to bed. It had been one of those first nights, back when you were too nervous, too giddy, to sleep. You would stay up with Legolas as he took watch. Despite what Gimli had told you about Elves, you found Legolas to be good company during those restless nights, a great comfort even. He would tell you stories from the centuries he had lived through and you would listen, hang off every word. When you finally did fall asleep, rare as it was those first days, it was because you felt safe with Legolas by your side.

If you dwelled too long on the memory, your face would warm with longing. How simple it had been before your heart began to complicate matters. Luckily, the Hobbits, hungry and noisy as ever, pulled you from your thoughts.  

“We’re all sick,” Sam sighed as he took a seat next to haggard Frodo. “But we’ll be back at the Shire soon. Drinking and eating Rosie’s lovely supper roast.”

Boromir scoffed and shook his head at the Hobbit’s squabbling. “We have many more weeks of travel yet. Do not kid yourselves.”

Pippin frowned and plopped down beside a freshly disappointed Merry. This was the first time any of them had been away from the Shire, from their home; especially for so long. Due to that new homesickness, Boromir’s true words hit hard for the Hobbits. You gave them a sad smile before looking to Boromir. You bumped your shoulder against his to get his attention. 

“Take it easy on them,” you said softly. “They’re not like us, not ready to leave home to save it at a moments notice.” 

“They’re not fighters, you mean,” he countered as he struck the flint and steel. Sparks shot out from the metal and stone. After another strike, small flames began to burn. With a sigh, Boromir set his tools aside and sat back.

“You could change that, you know.” Boromir stole a glance at you, an eyebrow raised at your words. “You could teach them to fight, to defend. It would make things easier.”

“Easier?” 

There was an edge to the man’s voice that caught you off guard. It was the same tone his father had used with you and Faramir when the pair of you tried to get Boromir to ditch his ‘steward prince’ duties as children. You cringed that familiar cruelty. Boromir was annoyed and you, already tired from the days travels, were not equipped to handle his irritability. You started to stand, brushing the dirt off of your trousers. 

“Easier?!”

“It was just a suggestion, Boromir,” you explained, already starting to turn your back to the man. As you started to take steps into the forest, to find Aragorn and Legolas, Boromir let out a hearty laugh. 

“It would be easier if you did not fawn over our dear Elf companion as well, but you seem to be falling just the same.”

You stopped dead in your tracks and felt your skin, every inch of it, warm with embarrassment. Slowly, you turned to meet Boromir’s bright eyes and knowing smirk. His expression resembled his younger self, the boy that affectionately tease you as you trained with Faramir. Growing up in Gondor with Boromir had toughened your hide to his ribbing; but this struck a chord. This was not the good-natured jokes you were used to. 

Despite the truth in his teasing, Boromir’s tone was changed, twisted into something kissed by darkness.

“I know nothing of which you speak,” you replied through slightly gritted teeth. You had gone so long without anyone seemingly noting your admiration of Legolas that you were clambering for a defense.

“Oh deary me,” Gimli, groaned. You looked over at the Dwarf and saw his saddened eyes. Behind him, the Hobbits watched, wide-eyed, as you seemed to seethe. 

“Everyone here sees it,” Boromir continued, “except for possibly the Elf and yourself. Blind to your own feelings and you talk of making things easier.”

Your heart leapt in your chest. For a moment, your thoughts are clouded by Legolas. 

His blonde hair, flicking with the wind as you walked towards destiny, towards Mount Doom. Those first nights spent chatting about adventure. His eyes, soft as he explained to you the significance of his braids and recounted the sternness of his kingly father. For the past few days, when he wasn’t scouting ahead, he was walking by your side, letting his hand brush ever-so slightly. In those moments, you tried your hardest to keep calm, stay steady while Legolas seemed wholly unfazed by the incidental touches. 

If anything it was the Elven prince who was blind, oblivious to how his mere presence was driving you mad with want. No, Boromir was wrong. You were not blind to your feelings, you were just ignoring them. Or, at least, trying to ignore them. After all, how could an Elf like Legolas, beautiful and immortal, want you?

“You are mistaken, Boromir,” you snap coldly. “I have no...inclination towards the Elf. Perhaps it is you, who is blind.”

Boromir shook his head and sighed. “You are grasping at thin air, Y/N. Even from the low spots at which they stand, the Hobbits can see your fonding eyes towards the archer.”

“Hey!” Merry stood in a flash, “we see lots of things.”

“So you agree with him?” You asked, turning to the four halflings perched beside the fire. Frodo was stunned in silence, as was Sam who had even stopped nibbling at his lembas. You imagined such human drama rarely reared its head in the Shire. Merry and Pippin, however, used to causing chaos, nodded. 

“I mean, it’s the truth. Is it not?” Pippin asked, a hopeful half-smile on his lips. Despite his kind expression, you felt a bolt of hot anger in your heart. 

“Not!”

“Aye, the man is right,” Gimli stood before you. Stout and strong, he looked up at you with true Dwarven candor. “Everybody sees how you look at ‘im. I don’t begin to understand it, the pointy ears and all, but-”

“Neither do I.”

The words left your lips edged with a saddening truth you were not expecting. You didn’t understand how you could fall for someone so hard, so swiftly. Let alone someone who was an Elf, an entire world away from yours. The thought brought stinging tears to your eyes. To hide them, you turned your back to the camp and started to walk into the surrounding forest. 

As you left, you heard Frodo finally speak up. 

“It feels that we have just begun and we are already crumbling.”

For a moment, you’re tempted to stay. Whatever feelings you had for Legolas, they were not worth tarnishing the Fellowship. But the thought of facing Boromir, the others, after they so plainly set your heart’s affection on display made you feel ill. So, you kept walking.

You walked until you found a clearing lined with grand, old trees. They towered but their branches did not dare to obscure the stars that shone down. Moonlight gleamed along the green blades of grass in the center of the clearing. The glow was soft, inviting, and you felt drawn to it.

When you moved to stand in the light, you found yourself looking up. Away from the fire light and pyres of Minas Tirith, the stars shone with abandon. Never before had you seen anything as breathtaking. Though, that wasn’t quite true.  

You had seen Legolas in the heat of battle: graceful and deadly, slinging arrows with startling accuracy. From the first moment you saw him at the Council of Elrond, you knew there was a fire beneath his skin and you felt honored to see it burn in battle. You had seen his gentleness too as he studied particular flowers along the trail. As you walked with the Fellowship, you would steal sneaky glances at the Elf when he wasn’t at your side.

Apparently, your awe and stolen looks had not gone unnoticed. You winced as you thought back to the camp, to Boromir’s borderline cruelty. He had seemed different ever since you left Rivendell, ever since he learned of the Ring. Could a little band of gold, a promise of power, change a man so quickly?

You pushed the thought from your mind and tried to focus solely on the stars. In the silence, there was a brief peace. Worries slipped away, melted under the light of the Moon. The next day would come and bring fear with it. For this moment, you closed your eyes to better savor the quiet and its strange joy.

“Stars never seem to shine as brightly outside Mirkwood.”

Your eyes opened wide at the sound of Legolas’ voice. When you craned your neck and saw the Elf standing at the edge of the tree line, your breath caught. In the starlight, he looked all the more fair and handsome. His eyes, darker in the limited light, met yours and he dipped his head.

“I did not mean to frighten you,” he raised his open palms and approached you. 

“No, you didn’t, I...I wasn’t expecting you.” You tore your attention away from him and looked back to the sky. It took all you had to keep your breathing steady as Legolas moved to stand at your side. From the corner of your eyes, you could see his strong shoulders, his chest, so close. Why must he stand so near?

“You were expecting someone else then?”

“I-I,” you looked back to him and saw that he was looking at the stars. Though your floundering reaction to his question did not go unnoticed. The slightest of smiles played on his pale lips. “No. No one.”

You moved your eyes back to the stars in the hopes of recovering some of your dignity. A sudden fear flooded your senses. Had he returned to camp with Aragorn? What had the others told him? You thought back to Boromir’s attitude and tensed. Before you could ask after anything, Legolas spoke up.

“Tonight, they remind me of home.”

You swallow hard before you dared to look his way. “What do you mean?”

“The stars,” he whispered, turning his gaze to yours. There was a gentleness in his features that made your chest warm. “And the company.”

Your breath caught in your throat at his words. “I fear I don’t understand.”

“You remind me home,” Legolas replied smoothly. You let out a forced laughed and frowned at him. Elves, by nature, were poetic but did Legolas did not see how his words could have a double meaning? He must see the pain on your face, the desperate hope his words gave you. Everyone else did, apparently.

“How could a human remind an Elf of his woodland home?”

“You are beautiful.” Legolas didn’t miss a beat with his reply.

“Legolas.” When his name fell from your lips, it was heavy and full of warning. Yet, the Elf seemed to care less as he turned his eyes back towards the sky. Silently, you cursed yourself for thinking he meant anything by the compliment. 

“When I was younger, my father would bring me to the canopy to study the constellations. He would tell me the stories that accompanied them.”

Frown still firmly planted in your expression, you commented, “that doesn’t sound like the grim man you described to me.”

“He could be bitter, but beneath the asperity there was always love.”

His words stirred up for you an image of Boromir. While you heart still stung from his teasing, you could not forget the childhood you shared with him. The boy you once played with, trained with, alongside his younger brother, was still there. Buried beneath the hardened, stubborn man, but he was there all the same. There was hope for him yet.

“Love endures,” you added softly. The chilled night air gave your breath the form of a small cloud. Instinctively, you pulled at your cloak and fastened it a bit tighter around your shoulders.

“It endures all of Time and wild weather,” Legolas agreed. His eyes found yours once more and, with a look of concern, he leaned close to you. “Are you cold?”

“No, I’m not, I…”

You trailed off, unable to think clearly with Legolas so near and looking at you like that. His eyes were kind, framed by the long, fine strands of his blond hair. With his dark brows furrowed together with worry, he looked older despite the Elven gift of eternal youth. How tempted you were to reach out and pull his lips to yours. Your fingers twitched and itched to do so, but you forced your hands to stay still. Bitterly, you imagined that those in the Fellowship would smirk at you if they could see how you were acting.

“Y/N, you sh-”

“Did they tell you?”

Legolas cocked his head to the side like a confused hound. “Tell me what?”

“The Fellowship did they...I am tired of being played for a fool,” you pressed. “I have been parading about as if I have masked my every feeling yet I could be read as plainly as any tome. I refuse to believe you, with your Elven sight, could not see what mere men and Hobbits have.”

At you plea, Legolas’ straightened his posture. While he leaned towards you no longer, his eyes remained soft and as watchful as they ever were. You took in his furrowed brows and slight frown before pressing a hand to your forehead with shame. In an attempt to calm yourself, you hung your heavy head and took a deep breath.

“I, I am sorry, Legolas. I think it’s time I had some rest.”

With your hand hiding a portion of your downturned face, you did not see him move closer to you until you saw the toes of his boots before your own. Still embarrassed because of your outburst, you did not dare to move. Only when you felt slender, warm fingers wrap around your wrist did you allow your hand to fall away. When you lifted your head, you were met with Legolas’ eyes focused solely on you.

“Do not apologize, you are right. They did not tell me; they do not need to. I have seen the feelings of which you speak and I am sorry that I have been so quiet.”

A breath was hard for you to find, but when you did you used it to ask the question balanced on the tip of your tongue. “What do you mean?”

“I mean to say there are many differences between your world and mine. I should have made my feelings more clear.”

Legolas’ grip on your wrist loosened slightly and you thought he was going to let go. Your stomach dropped with the dread of an affection gone unrequited. Then, just as you felt true doom, Legolas joined his hand with yours. Your gaze fell to watch how his fingers entangled with yours. Nervous, you looked back to Legolas and found there was a tender smile playing on his lips. 

“At night I do not sleep but with these long evenings, with you slumbering so near, I have wished to. I have lived through many centuries and never once wanted to sleep. Never once did I see a beauty and longed to hold it dear until I met you.”

“Legolas,” you whispered, breathlessly, “I now truly feel like a fool.”

He lifted his free hand, the one not holding yours, to your face. Light as feathers, Legolas’ fingertips traced along your cheek. The touch sent a shiver down your spine that you did not even try to hide. There was no point now. Everything was clear for everyone to see. You did not want to hide from Legolas any longer.

“Perhaps we are both fools,” he said softly. This close to Legolas, even in the dim light of the stars, you could see the depth of blue in his eyes. The itch in your fingers returned as the smell of him flooded your senses: beech bark and pine. Before you could even think of holding back, your hand reached up and pulled his lips to yours.

Legolas was quick to respond. Both his hands moved to cup the sides of your face and he moved his lips eagerly along yours. Your hands gripped his armor, holding him close. Every feeling you had held in poured out into the kiss. Each stolen glance and longing stare finally coming to a head. Still clinging to him desperately, you pulled away from Legolas to catch your breath.

Slightly winded, you rested your forehead against his, sharing the air between you. Relieved of your worries, you felt a surge of bravery overtake you. Laughing lightly, you pulled away to meet Legolas’ gaze. 

“I wonder if the Fellowship saw that coming.”

Legolas smiled at your joking, the widest smile you had seen from the Elf since meeting him. With his hands still holding your face, he brought you in for another kiss; less needy than the last but all the more passionate. Warmth surrounded you both but you hungered for more. Just as you were about to pull on Legolas’ armor, you heard someone clear their throat.

Immediately, you and Legolas pulled away from each other. You both looked over to see Aragorn, smiling smugly at the two of you as he walked out from the shadows created by the looming trees. A new sort of embarrassment rushed through you as the Ranger took in the sight of you and the Elf. You could only imagine what you both looked like with lips kiss swollen, chests heaving, and all wild eyed. 

“I can not speak for the rest, but I saw this coming.” 

You snuck a glance at Legolas and saw his pale cheeks had pinkened. Never before had you seem him flustered and you felt overwhelmed with pride that you had played a part in it. The starlight made the Elf’s features all the more pleasing. You wanted to kiss him again but, before you could reach for Legolas, Aragorn spoke up again.

“Come now, you’ve worried the party with your extended absence. And the Hobbit’s have supper ready.” As he turned to walk back, he added, “there will be time for that when our journey comes to an end.”

You and Legolas start after the promised king. Not before sharing a look that told the other that neither of you would be willing to wait that long. For so long you had both waited, danced in silence around the other. Now, there was no holding back.

[solacryptid]

Unexpected Fate

Inheritance Cycle (Eragon) and LOTR Crossover. Vilansia and her dragon, Svellevarina, have spent many years training young dragon riders alongside Eragon and Saphira. But, their time of adventure has come. The people of Middle Earth have called for aid and Alagaesia will answer.

Chapter 7: Now far ahead the road has gone...

The sun had long set when we reached the outside of a dense forest. I could feel the ancient energy that surrounded the woods, the trees were tall and thick with a heavy canopy of leaves. Somehow, even with the growing darkness around us, the forest appeared even darker. Certainly not as inviting as the entrances to Du Weldenvarden.

Aragorn led us inside the forest, his pace now a bit slower.

"Be careful young Hobbits," Gimli whispered. "they say a great sorceress lives in these woods: an elf witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell,"

I couldn't help but smile. If only the dwarf had met my own queen, Arya. I imagined he would say something similar, though, there was a hint of bias towards my fondness of the queen. I had always considered her strong, wise, and calculating. I could only hope to be the fraction of the elf that she is.

Svellevarina had a difficult time walking through the trees as they grew tightly together. She was often forced to walk around many of them, sometimes losing sight of the group for a moment before coming into sight again.

"Well," Gimli continued. "here's one dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox,"

Elves surrounded us, halting us in our tracks as their sharp arrowheads pointed directly at each of us.

"Oh," he said.

I tensed, ready to withdraw my weapon if they made a move to attack. Legolas had loaded his bow, aiming at the Elves in front of him.

"The dwarf breaths so loud we could have shot him in the dark," a male elf stated as he stepped forward, regarding the dwarf with raised eyebrows.

The male elf then spoke with Aragorn in an unfamiliar language. As he addressed Legolas briefly I assumed it was a shared Elvish language. The dialect was quite different from my own, meaning there was little chance of me understanding even bits and pieces of what was said. Instead, I relied on the body language of those speaking and the energy that they gave off.

"So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves! Speak words we can all understand," Gimli spat.

"We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days," the elf replied gravely.

"And you know what this dwarf says to that?" Gimli continued in a harsher dialect, his voice thick with anger.

"That was not so courteous," Aragorn said to him.

With a glance at Frodo, the male elf said: "You bring great evil with you. You can go no further,"

Aragorn kept stride with the elf as he stepped away, speaking urgently to him. They continued their conversation away from the group, leaving the rest of us to wait there as the armed group of Elves watched us carefully.

Svellevarina found a break in the trees to lay down, resting her head on the soft ground. The rest of us tried to find comfortable seats as well for we were unsure just how long the wait would be.

"Gandalf's death was not in vain, nor would he want you to give up hope," Boromir said as he looked to Frodo. "You carry a heavy burden, Frodo. Do not carry the weight of the dead,"

The Hobbit did not reply, but his wide blue eyes met Boromir's in acknowledgment. I made my way over to my dragon, kneeling beside where she laid her head.

"Your mind is still troubled," She stated to me. Svellevarina was not wrong. The thoughts I held previously were having a difficult time letting my mind find the peace it needed to.

"I am going to attempt to scry Murtagh and Thorn if you wish to join me," I said to her.

"Of course," she shifted her position so that she curled around me, her body shielding me from the direct view of the group to provide at least a bit of privacy.

I withdrew a pool of water before us with the ancient language, making sure to seal it there so that it would not soak back into the soil.

"Draumr kopa," I whispered.

The water rippled as an image began to form on the surface. Murtagh's face came into view then, his eyes snapping up to meet mine. I could see that he was in his chambers based on the wooden decor behind him.

"Vilansia? Is that you?" He asked.

"Indeed, my breoal," I replied.

His shoulders dropped with a sigh. "So you are still alive,"

I glanced at Svell behind me. "Yes, Murtagh, of course, we are,"

"What's wrong?" He peered at me, his eyebrows furrowed with concern.

I leaned back against Svellevarina's side, my words failing me.

"We have suffered a great loss," my dragon said. "one we did not anticipate,"

There was a pause as Murtagh looked from Svell to me. "Are you all right?"

"We are fine, shur'tugal. We made it out unscathed,"

"Well, what took place? I have not seen you so solemn, Vilansia," Murtagh said gently. The sound of sliding scales behind Murtagh reached my ears as the vibrant red of Thorn came into view. Svell hummed slightly at the sight of his presence.

"Svellevarina and I are part of a group. Eleven companions we started with when we left for our journey," I began as I recounted the events that took place within Rivendell and our journey to the Mines of Moria. Svellevarina took over to describe the tentacled beast she saved the Hobbit from. I continued the tale, describing the great fight within the Dwarf city and the Balrog that ultimately brought down the grey wizard.

Murtagh ran his fingers through his dark hair as he leaned back. Thorn's ruby eye came into view.

"Keep faith in your company, shur'tugal," Thorn said. "The journey has just begun,"

"That is my very concern," I replied as I narrowed my eyes. "It has only been a month of travel thus far and we have already lost a vitally important member of the Fellowship," I sighed. "What hope is there, truly?"

Murtagh offered a lopsided smile. "They have you and Svell, do they not?"

"Yes, breoal, they do. But are we enough?"

His smile faltered. "Now, it does no good to doubt your own abilities let alone your dragons'. What would Arya say to you?"

I looked down towards my feet. "She certainly would not have any of it,"

"She certainly would not, you're right," he sighed. "Vilansia, do not blame yourself. You did all that you could, as did Svell. All you can do is focus on the road ahead of you,"

"There is not much good that can come from focusing on the past," Thorn added.

"Elrun ono. I, I did not realize how much I needed to hear those words," I replied quietly.

"I understand. This is a difficult task, I can't imagine that it will get any easier. Rely on each other, the two of you are capable of so much when you are together," Murtagh said before he shrugged, "Perhaps Eragon can provide better direction but just know that I understand your emotion,"

I chuckled dryly. "Both he and Arya Drotting would remind me how dangerous emotions can be,"

"Well, that is their teaching. Even if what they say is hard to hear, don't forget that they only ever want the best for you,"

"They have always looked out for you both," Thorn said.

"We know," I replied.

"Come, Vilansia, we best be ready for when we depart," Svellevarina said.

"Elrun ono, Murtagh, Thorn. I appreciate you speaking with us,"

"It was I who asked it of you, remember, breoal?" he replied. "Keep in contact when you are able. I will pass on the knowledge of your well-being to Arya and Eragon but I suggest scrying them as well,"

"Of course. Elrun ono,"

"Esterní to you both," Murtagh replied.

I released the water back into the ground, effectively ending the spell.

"Lady Vilansia?" I heard someone call. I stood, stepping around Svellevarina to find Legolas standing before me. "We have been granted entrance to Lothlorien, we must go,"

"Thank you, Legolas," I replied gently.

The Fellowship was led further into the forest. Faint blue lights were strung along the branches of the tall trees illuminating the growing darkness of the night.  It gave our surroundings an ethereal glow, and I could feel the ancient magic surrounding this place.

"Caras Galadhon, the heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light," our guide informed us before we continued on.

Our pathway of stone turned into a wooden, winding staircase around a thick trunk of the tree before us. It was the largest of the trees that surrounded us, the same blue lights in the canopy of the forest built within it's' bark above the stairway that led up into the higher branches of the trees. It was as if they had taken the stars and brought them to the earth. My breath was taken from me as I looked on. It was glorious. We were taken to a city within the trees, levels of wooden platforms, and walkways all around us. We were brought to a platform that held wide steps directly in front of us. The silver light was too bright to see anything beyond the steps. Two figures appeared in the shining light, walking towards us, hand in hand. The two of them emitted an ancient power, their eyes were piercing and calculating. They came to a stop on just before the steps as they regarded each of us. The two of them did not have the reaction towards Svellevarina that I might think they would. In fact, there was no observable reaction from either of them. I felt Svell's slight confusion at this.

Lord Celeborn was the first to speak. "The Enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone," he paused. "Ten there are here, yet eleven there were, set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him. I can no longer see him from afar,"

Lady Galadriel's piercing eyes rested on Aragorn. "Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into shadow,"

"He was taken by both shadow and flame: a Balrog of Morgoth, for we went needlessly into the net of Moria," Legolas informed them.

"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life," the Lady said. "we do not yet know his full purpose," she looked to Gimli with a sympathetic smile. "Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dum fill your heart, Gimli, son of Gloin, for the world has grown full of peril and in all lands, love is now mingled with grief,"

Boromir began to weep beside us, his shoulders shaking as he dropped his head to avoid her gaze. I could feel the movement of energy around them, as if magic was part of their very being, like the dragons of Alagaesia.

"What now becomes of the Fellowship? Without Gandalf hope is lost," Celeborn said.

My chest tightened. To hear this Elf Lord say aloud my very fear did nothing to ease my mind.

"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife," Lady Galadriel said. "Stray but a little and it will fall to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the company is true," the Lady smiled, her face warm with kindness. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace,"

The same Elf that led us into the city of Lorien to lead us to where the group would rest for the night.

A sharp pressure pushed against my mental barriers, causing me to wince and halt in my tracks. Svellevarina growled low in her throat at the perceived attack. With furrowed brows, I looked up towards Lady Galadriel to find she was already looking at me.

"You are considerably powerful, Lady Vilansia of Alagaesia," she said to me. "Both you and your dragon will indeed change the fate of the Fellowship," she regarded Svellevarina. "There has not been a creature so beautiful within Middle Earth for some time. It is an honor,"

Svellevarina shifted, her head tilted to the side. "There is an ancient power about you, Lady of Light. The honor is mine,"

With my dragon's cue of the dip of her shimmering head, I bowed to the both of them before we turned to join the rest of the fellowship.

Gentle music echoed around us as we settled down for the night. The blue and silver lights dimmed slightly to give the illusion of late night within the city. The company was taken to a wide opening in a large tree, the soft ground providing comforting support. The hobbits had laid out their blankets upon the ground next to each other against the inside of the tree. Gimli's snores loudly informed us that the dwarf was asleep next to the Hobbits. Aragorn had taken to sharpening his blade next to Boromir. Legolas stood outside of the roots of the tree, his faraway gaze looking out towards the Elvish city that surrounded us. I removed the saddle upon Svell's back, allowing her to stretch and clean the scales upon her shoulders and upper back with her barbed tongue. She laid just outside where the Hobbits sat, resting her head upon the mossy ground.

"A lament for Gandalf," Legolas said as the music continued.

"What do they say about him?" Merry asked.

"I have not the heart to tell you, for the grief is still too near," he replied.

Samwise stood, and with a deep breath said: "The finest rockets ever seen, they burst in stars of blue and green. Or after thunder, silver showers, came falling like a...rain of flowers," his shoulders fell as he sat back onto his bedding. "Oh, that doesn't do him justice in the long road,"

Svellevarina hummed. "It came from the heart, little one. That is all that matters,"

The hobbits smiled tightly and I could tell that he was not completely convinced. The four of them eventually settled, using their packs as pillows as they drifted off to sleep. Boromir spoke with Aragorn for a short while before he, too, got some rest. As Svell relaxed, wisps of smoke rose from her nostrils, rising up to meet the tall branches of the trees that surrounded us. I walked out a little farther from the group, my back to them, to better take in Lothlorien. The way in which the city was built among the trunks of the trees, a considerable distance from solid ground, reminded me of my home city, Ellesmera. Though, there was an entirely different atmosphere and look between the two of them. The cool tones of Lothlorien felt elegant and ethereal. Not to say the Ellesmera did not possess those qualities, however. Instead of the glowing hue of blue and silver, my home city was made of earthy green and yellow tones. I sighed, closing my eyes. I relaxed my mind, letting it wander throughout the ancient trees, connecting with each of them as I meditated.  Even the trees held a level of consciousness not normally found in others, the magic of the Elves no doubt having an effect on them over time.

Something moved behind me, and I snapped my eyes open to face it. Frodo had edged his way from the group of sleeping Hobbits, his bright blue eyes focused on in front of him. He continued to walk away from the group, making his way down the staircase that led to another wooden platform. I rebuilt my mental barriers, bringing myself back to full focus. With silent steps I began to follow him, peering down the steps.

A hand on my shoulder stopped me. "Let him be, Lady Vilansia. He is in no danger here," Legolas said behind me.

I turned to him, then glanced back down the stairs. Frodo was no longer in my sight. I reached out in search of him with my mind. He was indeed safe, for now. I kept aware of him for fear that something may happen. "Very well," I replied, following him back to the rest of the group.

The soft snores of the Hobbits intermitted with Gimli's loud ones filled the air.

"May I ask a question of you, Lady Vilansia?" Legolas asked quietly.

"Of course," I said to him, "And please, call me Vilansia,"

He nodded once. "I wonder, what is your home city like?"

"I admit, Du Weldenvarden is nothing like the Elvish cities I have visited here so far," I replied. "Our capital city, Ellesmera, was where I was born. To me, it is the grandest in comparison to all others within the Elven province. Our buildings are part of the trees, our lives are woven together with the existing forest through ancient magic,"

"Are there many dragon riders there?"

"In Ellesmera? No. My queen resides there with her dragon as do Svellevarina and I. But we are the only dragon riders that live in the capitol,"

He thought for a moment. "Then you two are the only Elvish riders?"

"There are many other Elvish riders, some graduated and others still in training,"

He bowed his head. "Thank you for indulging my curiosity,"

A small smile lifted the corners of my lips. "You are welcome, Legolas,"

He leaned against the root of the tree, looking out into the city once again. I checked on Frodo's well-being through the mental connection I had established moments ago. He was all right. Perhaps  I did not have anything to worry about here in Lothlorien. Svellevarina looked my way with her bright eyes.

"Come, shur'tugal. Get some rest while you are able,"

I undid the belt that held my weapon within its sheath, setting it on the ground next to me as I sat, leaning my back against Svell's right foreleg.

"Arya Drotting would love it here," I said to her.

"Aye, she would. Firnen too,"

I sighed lightly, my eyes lifting up to the tops of the trees. Svellevarina pushed a comforting calm to wash over me before she drifted off to a deep slumber, the tension of our previous battle leaving her as she dreamed of home. I let her dreams fill my mind, closing my eyes to better view the images before me. Saphira's blue scaled flashed before my eyelids and Firnen's deep hum echoed in my mind. Their respective riders came into view. They stood next to each other, hand in hand, as their dragons took to the air behind them. Arya brought her free hand to touch her chest just above her heart with her fingertips before lifting it up in front of her. I smiled. It was a fond gesture the two of us shared for as long as I could remember, even before I was made a dragon rider. Though I knew that Svellevarina had no control of her dreams, I was grateful that I could share in this image with her.

_______

Translations from the Ancient Language:

Draumr kópa - Dream stare

Breoal - Family

Shur'tugal - Dragon rider

Elrun ono - Thank you

Dröttning - Queen

Esterní - Good fortune

______

next chapter

[amalthea9]

LOTR FA: Frodo Marries Cornflower in Rivendell

My collab with @cinefantastiquemitho  of Ian Holm's Frodo with my hobbit, Cornflower Baggins. I edited a few things, but the core is writing, so please praise them above me! The song featured is from the amazing Loreena McKennit, which I will link. It really projects how Cornflower feels towards Frodo leaving for Mordor later. 

https://youtu.be/f5CPjlqZNfE

FRODO MARRIES CORNFLOWER IN RIVENDELL.

AN ORIGINAL IDEA BY: AMALTHEA9

WRITING BY: CINEFANTASTIQUEMITHO

The sun awoke.

And with him, the people of Rivendell.

Cornflower opened the curtains of her window, and saw a procession of elves, with Gandalf at their front, walking to sit on benches in front of a myrtle tree.

-Oh sweet stars, how many people!

Exclaimed Cornflower, surprised at the vision of the procession.

-Are you nervous, my dear?

Asked Arwen, sweetly behind her.

-Cornflower, nervous?! Ha! More nervous must be the groom!

Exclaimed Tulip coming to Cornflower’s side.

-I feel that I am just as nervous as him, Tulip.

Answered Cornflower shyly to her witty friend.

-There are almost more people here to watch our wedding than Uncle Bilbo’s 111 birthday party, back at the Shire. Seventeen years ago, our Uncle was the center of attention. Now, the center of attention will be Frodo and me. It’s difficult for us to get accustomed to it.

Arwen took Cornflower gently by the shoulders and slowly turned the sweet hobbit lady’s face to look at her warm blue eyes.

-From the moment you put on your dress and the niphredil crown, there will be no one watching you. There will be only Frodo, waiting to hold your hand and kneel at your feet under the myrtle tree.

Hearing these words of encouragement from the elven lady, Cornflower sighed with relief and gave her a joyful smile.

At this moment, Tulip took Cornflower’s hand, exclaiming:

-So let’s go to the baths and get ready! Because we cannot let poor Frodo wait! And Gandalf is impatient! 

And holding hands, the two hobbit ladies ran swiftly from Arwen’s chambers, laughing in excitement and joy.

While the ladies were getting prepared for the ceremony in the baths, at Bilbo’s chambers, Glorfindel gave the final adjustments to a golden vest that clothed Frodo Baggins, who was looking anxious in front of a large mirror.

-And now we are... finished!

Exclaimed a proud Glorfindel.

-Earendil and Gil-Galad pale under my nephew’s handsomeness.

Said Bilbo proudly.

-Oh please, stop Bilbo, you are making me more nervous!

Replied Frodo, starting to tremble.

-Will you feel more calm if I say you actually look like an ugly troll?

Commented Boromir playfully.

-What he actually needs is a good cup of chamomile and fennel tea.

Commented Aragorn, offering a steaming cup to Frodo, who readily accepted it.

-But not the whole cup, Aragorn, or he will fall asleep for the rest of the day!

Now it was a concerned Legolas’s turn to remark.

-I think the groom would feel more calm if we give him some time alone. Come now, gentleman, let’s join the good wizard at the myrtle tree.

Suggested Gimli, gesturing like he was pushing all the man out of the chambers.

Aragorn was the last to leave,and he closed the door behind him.

Frodo looked around, realizing he was alone.

So he looked at his face in the mirror, and, with a handkerchief, cleaned a few drops of sweat from his forehead.

-What if she doesn’t want to marry me anymore? What will Ido?

Frodo asked his reflection.

Then he took a deep breath, and exclaimed, this time with a more confident voice:

-No, Frodo Baggins! She already made a dangerous journey away from the Shire to an unknown place, to be with you! She will not give up. Neither nor ever! She loves me and I love her!

As soon as he finished that proclamation, Frodo heard a knock at the door.

-Mister Frodo, are you ready?

It was the voice of Samwise.

-Yes Sam, come in!

Sam opened the door and entered.

-Sweet heavens! Cornflower will be the proudest bride when he sees you in that golden vests!

-Most proud will be dear lady Rosie Cotton, when you marry her.

Answered Frodo with a teasing grin.

Sam blushed at the remark.

-It is too soon to talk of dreams, Mister Frodo. Now, we must concentrate our attention on what is real. And what is real is that we are going to find Cornflower under the myrtle tree.

And quickly with a giggle and bright smile, Sam pushed Frodo out of Bilbo’s chambers. Frodo giggling along with Sam.

Finally, Frodo was under the myrtle tree, with Sam, Merry, and Pippin at his side. They were his three men of honor, who wore matching clothes of a fiery orange color.

Gandalf also was standing at their side. He still kept the grey clothing, but it appeared less ragged and more formal. Though his hat and staff were unchanged, because Cornflower insisted he wear the hat she loved so much.

In the front seats, there were sitting Aragorn, Arwen, Glorfindel, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli and his father Glóin.

Those men were also wearing fiery orange vests, while Arwen wore a beautiful blue dress.

Sam, Merry, and Pippin were watching Boromir’s lips, and ha the impression that he was saying something along the lines of “You still have time to run away, Frodo”. With a playful grin.

The three cheerful hobbits became anxious that Frodo would be seeing this and consider running away. But when they looked at the once blushing groom, they sighed with relief: His eyes weren’t looking in the direction of the benches, but instead to the free space between them, that was now being covered by a carpet of colorful flower petals released by Tulip, who came down the aisle wearing a pretty blue dress.

An female elf, adorned in white, began to play a golden harp and sing:

-The road now leads onward As far as can be Winding lanes And hedgerows in threes By purple mountains Round every bend All roads lead to you There is no journey's end

Here is my heart and I give it to you Take me with you across this land These are my dreams, so simple and few Dreams we hold in the palm of our hands

 Right behind Tulip, came Cornflower, escorted by Uncle Bilbo, who was supported by his cane.

Bilbo was also matching his companions with fiery orange vests, along with a single niphredil pinned to his vest.

Cornflower wore a beautiful dress of a pale gold color, and her brown curls were adorned by a crown of niphredil flowers. The dress shimmered in the light of the sun, and to Frodo, she looked like an elven princess.

-Deep in the winter Amidst falling snow High in the air Where the bells they all toll And now all around me I feel you still here Such is the journey No mystery to fear

Here is my heart and I give it to you Take me with you across this land These are my dreams, so simple so few Dreams we hold in the palm of our hands

When Bilbo arrived with Cornflower to where Frodo stood, he kissed his beloved niece’s hand, and put it over Frodo’s hand. Then, the old adventurer walked away to sit at his old friend Glóin’s side.

-The road now leads onward I know not where I feel in my heart That you will be there Whenever a storm comes Whatever our fears The journey goes on As your love ever nears

Then, Frodo and Cornflower slowly dropped to their knees while holding hands.

-Here is my heart and I give it to you Take me with you across this land These are my dreams, so simple and few Dreams we hold in the palm of our hands

Lord Elrond came forward, and started to speak:

-It was the great Eru of the Iluvatar, God of Arda, that first gave birth to all of creation. He pledged to watch over us as his children. It is from his love of us that we first learned to love one another. It is from this love that we learn that a life lived alone is no life at all. We gather here today, under Eru's loving gaze, to bear witness to the union of two souls in eternal companionship. May they journey forth together in this life, and the next. Iin prosperity and poverty, in joy and hardship. 

Frodo, son of Drogo. Do you agree to be bound together with Cornflower, daughter of Cotman, in love, now and forever?

-I do. Now and forever.

Frodo confirmed, beaming at Cornflower as tears ran down his blushing cheeks.

-And you Cornflower, daughter of Cotman: Do you agree to be bound together with Frodo, son of Drogo, in love, now and forever?

-I do. Now and forever.

Cornflower replied, her own eyes filled with joyful tears, beaming at her Frodo.

-If any of those who are here has any protests against this union, speak now...

Elrond didn’t even have time to finish the speech before Boromir was raising his hand. This worried the man and maid of honor.  Fortunately, Cornflower and Frodo only had eyes for each other. So they did not seeing Boromir’s gesture.

-Please, my Lord, skip this part, the knees of those poor hobbits cannot stand the floor any longer!

Gimli could not resist nudging Boromir in the arm.

-Behave yourself, Boromir! This is a solemn ceremony!

-The wedding rings. Where are they?

Asked Elrond.

-Oh, give me just a moment.

Said Gandalf, taking off his hat and placing one hand inside it.

He searched inside it, making Cornflower giggle in delight, and from there made a clenched fist.

-There!

Opening his hand, Gandalf showed two silver rings.

-Fortunately I did not lose them!

Said the old wizard, handing the rings to the couple.

First, Frodo kissed the ring in his hand, and then placed it on Cornflower’s ring finger.

It was Cornflower’s turn to kiss the ring that she held, and placed it on Frodo’s ring finger.

-I proclaim you husband and wife. Bound together in love, now and forever. You may kiss.

With this declaration of Elrond, Frodo and Cornflower exchanged their first kiss as husband and wife.

The crowd of friends cheered with a chorus of “Long live Frodo, son of Drogo!” ;“Long live Cornflower, daughter of Cotman!”; “Long live the groom!”; “Long live the bride!”

And in that moment, the myrtle tree blessed the newly wed couple with it’s flowers.

[kumeko]

Title: the act of living

A/N: For lynndyre, for a lotr exchange! I’m not happy about the first two pieces in this fic, but I think the rest came out decently enough. :/ I really liked the prompt of post-canon, of what comes after, and making it bitter but also hopeful.

…

…

…

…

i. Gondor

 Despite all the damage to it, Gondor stood strong. It had always done so; years of facing enemy after enemy had weathered it into a resilient place, capable of shaking off injury and keeping a united front. Its people were even more so, their faces as sturdy as the stone that made the city.

 This was a comforting thought when directed at their enemies. Less so when it was directed at himself. There were many ways Aragorn thought the people of Gondor would treat him but even the cool indifference of a stranger would have been preferred to the harsh front to an intruder. It was even more apparent when Aragorn rode through the streets, surveying the damage with Faramir and Pippin. As their horses trotted slowly down the winding streets, as they catalogued the various repairs they had to make, Aragorn could feel his people’s eyes on him. For the most part, their gaze was hard, their lips thin, jaw set. The occasional citizen would give him a tentative smile and wave, but the overwhelming feeling was this:

 Who are you to rule us?

A fair question, perhaps. It wasn’t like he’d grown up here, it wasn’t like they were expecting the king to return. It wasn’t fair to just push him forward as a king in the middle of a war and expect everything to be fine after. Not that Aragorn was sure what he was expecting; he had never wanted this position in the first place.

“It’s not that bad,” Pippin chirped. Seated in front of Aragorn, he glanced up at him. For a moment, Aragorn thought the hobbit had read his mind. “It’ll take a little muscle and spit, but we’ll clean it all up.”

 Ah, that made more sense. His friend had thought his dark mood was over the destruction. However clumsy it was, Aragorn was grateful for Pippin’s kindness and he smiled. “Certainly.”

 “The people of Gondor are not one to back away from a challenge,” Faramir said from his right. He sat straight on his horse and while there was still something ghostly about him, he looked proud. “We have weathered attacks before. This will be no different.”

 “Really?” Pippin furrowed his brows, disbelief on his face. “You guys have fought orcs and wraiths and all of that?”

 “Well, perhaps nothing that bad,” Faramir admitted with a chuckle.

 “Thought so.” Pippin snorted derisively. “No way anyone can just rebuild after all that.” He gestured at a pile of rubble nearby, soldiers and local citizens creating a chain as they shifted giant rocks to a wooden cart. “Not without a lot of help.”

 “Fortunately the elves are assisting,” Faramir answered, glancing at Aragorn with a wry smile. “They said to consider it a wedding present of sorts.”

 Aragorn’s eyes widened slightly. “Arwen.” He glanced at the clean up crew once more. Now that he was paying attention, he could see the odd elf in the group, examining the debris and finding the right rock to move next.  The folk regarded the elves warily but begrudging accepted the assistance. “How long have they been here?”

 “Over a week.” Faramir smiled wryly. “It was a little odd at first but the people have come around to it now.”

 “Have they?” Aragorn glanced at Pippin and thought of Boromir. Of Legolas and Gimli. The oddest of companions that were now the closest of friends. There were things that you could only learn by working next to someone, to watching them toil away with you. He tightened his grip on his reins, pulling his horse to a stop.

 “Huh?” Pippin thudded against his chest at the sudden stop. Bemused, he stared up. “See something?”

 “More of a realization.” Aragorn slipped off his mount. “I’ll go help out.”

 He was never the sort to watch from a distance anyways. Aragorn had gotten this far through hard work. This kingship would be no different.

    ii. Rohan

 “Wow.” Merry stared at the garlands strung up around the Meduseld, his eyes wide with wonder.

 “Unexpected, isn’t it?” Eowyn chuckled, amused by her companion’s amazement. To be perfectly honest, she had looked the same earlier. It had been too long since flowers lined the halls of her forefathers, since the cold grey had been washed over with warmth of a blaze and good company. The trifecta of loss, a poisonous influence, and war had left her home less than it ought to have been.

 Now, finally, it was returned to its former glory.  

 “Yeah, I didn’t think you guys even had flowers,” Merry chirped, examining a wreath on the wall. There was a long silence and then his ears burned a bright red as he realized what he’d said. Turning around, fidgeted nervously. “Not that that’s a bad thing—it looked very noble before—we just have a lot of flowers—”

 Eowyn laughed, cutting him off as he cycled through excuses. “No, no, it is understandable. We haven’t had flowers in here for a long time.”

 “Oh.” Feeling relieved, Merry smoothened down his shirt with a pleased smile. “It looks good.”

 “We’re celebrating our harvest and the end of the war, so I thought we could brighten the place.” Eowyn gestured at the torches that lit up every few metres, ensuring that no darkness pervaded her home. It felt a lot more like it did when she was younger, when her brother used to chase her through these halls and her uncle…

 She paused at the thought. He would have liked how it looked, praised her with his gentle smile and kind words.

 Eowyn wished she could have seen it. That he could have seen this. Loss, she found, sprung up in the most unexpected of places and every time it took her breath away.

 Unaware of her shifting emotions, Merry replied, “So this isn’t everyday? We have flowers everywhere at home, so it’s strange to find places without it.”

 He was smiling up at her, bright and unassuming, and Eowyn shook herself out of her thoughts. Her uncle wouldn’t want her to linger, the way he had lingered over her cousin’s death. The best way to honour him was to keep moving forward. Looking down, Eowyn asked “Is that so? I have never seen that many flowers.”

 “Well, not everywhere everywhere—definitely not on the toilets cause that’s weird but everywhere else.” Merry stroked his chin thoughtfully. “And maybe not on the paths. The proper ones, that is—the ones that we aren’t supposed to take are chock full of weeds.”

 “The ones that get you in trouble?” Eowyn teased, having heard plenty of stories about angry farmers and vegetables.

 “It’s only trouble if you get caught!” Merry retorted, crossing his arms. “And I almost never get caught.”

 “Hmm, I wonder about that.” Eowyn chuckled. Every description Merry gave of his homeland gave a warm impression. It sounded like place that would produce such wonderful hobbits, such wonderful heroes. “Perhaps I should see for myself?”

 Even Farmer Maggot sounded fun to meet. Especially since she wouldn’t be robbing him.

    iii. Mirkwood

“I did not expect you to come all the way here,” Thrandruil drawled, each word carefully articulated as though each one was a jab from one of his guard’s spears. Walking through a well-maintained path in Mirkwood, his gaze was ever upward, giving one the impression he was barely paying attention to his companion.

 Celeborn knew better than to fall for that. Thrandruil was always alert to his surroundings, however he might act, and it would take one wrong word, one false step to be barred from returning to the forest elves’ realm. “I heard the forest had cleared and thought it was a good time to visit.”

 That wasn’t a lie—the forest was brighter than it had been in centuries. The spiders were finished, their webs burned through, and starlight once more graced the elves as they frolicked in the night. Mirkwood was beautiful again.

 “It has,” Thranduil admitted with a regal nod of his head. His brow furrowed and scornfully he added, “Though it is the age of man, so who knows how long this shall last.”

 “So many elves have departed these days,” Celeborn sighed. “Lothlórien feels emptier these days, as does Rivendell.”

 “As expected. They were never tied to the land like we are,” Thrandruil spit out, contemptuous. “I am only surprised they didn’t leave earlier.”

 He should have expected that remark. Despite the time that had passed, Thrandruil’s pride was infamous and it seemed nothing could change that. “You aren’t going to answer the call?”

 “One day, maybe.” Thrandriul shrugged dismissively. “Perhaps when my son is tired of playing with dwarves and the sea. Until then, this is my kingdom and I will not abandon it while it still stands.”

 “As expected.” Celeborn chuckled. “Galadriel is also considering leaving.”

 “And you?” Thrandruil looked at him now, his brow raised curiously. “What will you do?”

 “I will join her.” Celeborn clasped his hands behind him, looking up at the starlight through the trees. It glinted off nearby goblets and here still the sound laughter and life existed. “But not for some time. Lothlórien has lost its shine and diminished. Rivendell is a tomb.” He glanced at Thrandruil. “Is there room for another here?”

 Thrandruil smiled.

    iv. Rivendell

“You look worn, old friend.” Elrond didn’t look up as Gandalf stood next to him. Despite the physical changes underwent, his voice remained ever the same, as did the comfort in his presence. “What troubles you?”

 “Things that are beyond my control.” Elrond sighed. Standing on a terrace, he watched from a distance as his daughter read a book on a bench. How much longer would he be able to witness that sight? How much longer could he just simply open his mouth and call her?

 “Ah.” Gandalf studied her for a long moment before shaking his head. “You made your choice long ago. And though you do not want to admit it, so had she.”

 “I should have realized it the moment they met.” Elrond frowned, closing his eyes. “I had hoped otherwise. Her path will be a painful one, a long one, and there will be no one to comfort her in the end.”

 “You are not staying then?” Gandalf asked, his brow raised.

 “No, I do not think I can bear to see her hair grow white. And I do not want my sons to change their mind because of their love for the Dúnedain. Besides, already the world is changing.” Elrond smiled wistfully. “There is no room for our kind anymore. It is better to accept it and leave now.” Before their images of the world was tarnished, before he could see the old places wrought with ruin. He had seen what man made, what man could do, and while there were great creations, there were more often than not ruinous. Only the dwarves could match them for greed.

 “Then fret not.” Gandalf squeezed his shoulder. “There are others here to comfort her. Thrandruil—” Elrond snorted. “—I know you do not like him, but he and Celeborn will still be here when her time comes. She will not go alone, forgotten and unloved.”

 Elrond glanced at Gandalf. “And you?”

 “Perhaps.” Gandalf only smiled mysteriously. “I cannot say where I will be or not in the years to come.”

 “Father!” Before Elrond could question him further, Arwen waved to him, a smile on her face.

 There would be plenty of time to interrogate a dodgy wizard in the future. For now, he wanted to soak in every moment with Arwen he could. There would be so few of them and his years too long after.

    v. Shire

It was strange how empty the Baggins’ home was. Samwise had taken care of it for years and had helped his father for it even longer. It had been customary to find white-haired Bilbo in the gardens, writing the next page of his manuscript. Or Frodo puttering about, laughing about the latest prank Merry and Pippin had pulled.

 Now the gardens ran wild, left unattended during their mission. That was something Sam could fix. Something he would fix.

 Something he couldn’t do anything about was how silent the rooms inside were. No fire crackled in the hearth, inviting one to rest their feet and stay a spell. There was no welcoming greeting when the door opened, no soft swear from trying to open a too tight jar of walnuts. Just complete and utter silence.

 Sam stood at the foyer, not sure if he should go further in or not. It had been one thing when Frodo had left him the key to the place, another thing entirely to use it. He could just sell it but Frodo’s history, his own history was too deeply tied to it.

 What to do?

 What to do?

 Sam took a deep breath. The air smelled musty from disuse. Frodo wasn’t here anymore. He was across the sea with the elves. A place Sam could go, if he wanted to. Another decision he wasn’t ready to make. Pulling out the key, he quickly slipped out of the hole and locked it behind him.

 Tomorrow. Tomorrow he’d figure out what he wanted to do with this place. To do with himself.

 Today Rosie was at the pub and Merry and Pippin would be back from their travels and he could just soak in the act of living.

[i-writing-is-hard-i]

The Explorer

Haldir (The Explorer)

You are a member of the Fellowship, an explorer, who Gandalf knew.  

3917 words

[Warnings]  fighting

Like in the books, (which I haven’t read yet) he doesn’t die.  In this writings, I write about flowers, which I based on real-life flowers. some of them aren't mentioned in this story, but I plan on adding them later in future writings  Here is the meaning of them all

Caren Reth Loth - Red Climber Flower/Blossom (Based on Scarlet Monkey Flowers)

Sirith Reth Loth - Flowing Climber Flower/Blossom (Based on Seeping Monkey Flowers)

Lothlorien Rhaw Meril - Lothlorien Wild Rose (Based on the California Wild Rose)

Naur Loth - Fire Flower/Blossom (Based on Parrots Beak, which is a native flower to the Canary Islands, though they ware believed to be going extinct if they aren’t already)

-

As you walked with the fellowship, through the towering trees of the forest, your mind was elsewhere, namely, on Gandalf, he had fallen at the claws of Balrog, falling deep into the abyss of Moria, the old wizard had taught you so much, growing up, he was like a father figure for you, where yours was absent.  It was Gandalf himself that fueled your desire to travel to find forgotten histories, and now he was dead.  Everyone was suffering from his death, it was written on their faces, in their eyes, even the way they moved, it was clearly a big blow to them.  You tried to keep focus, the forest was vast, and dangerous, with the wrong step, and surely there would be hostiles hiding in the shadow’s but you just couldn’t keep your mind in the right place.  Behind you Gimli spoke of the Witch of the Forest, it was nothing more than children’s stories, you knew of the ‘Witch’ was, Lady Galadriel, a friend of Gandalf, though you had never actually met her you heard only good things.   With your mind else were, you hadn’t heard the Elves approach you until an arrow was pointed at your face.  Without hesitation you lifted your hands, you had no intention in fighting them.

“The dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark” one spoke, as he came into view,  you took your eyes off the arrow, glancing over to him.  Your mind went blank, Elves were known for their beauty, Legolas was a perfect example of it, but this one had you flustered.   His eyes quickly met yours, lingering for a moment, before turning his attention Aragorn.  

With a quick discussion, the elf lead you all to platforms, up in the trees, if you remembered correctly they were called, Frets? Or something along the lines.    The elf stopped, turning to face you all again.  With a polite tone, he introduced himself,  Haldir, a march warden.  He seemed to know who Legolas and Aragorn were, greeting them in his native tongue.  His eyes flicked to you, but Gimli had mumbled something about talking in language everyone could understand,

“We have not had dealings with Dwarfs since the dark days”  Haldir spoke, there was a hint of malice in his tone, it had put you on edge, Gimli continued, insulting Haldir, in his own tongue, it caused a sigh to leave your lips.

Haldir ignored him, turning his attention to the hobbits, who all looked a little concerned.  He must have sensed the ring, he was not happy.  

“You can go no further,” he said, it was so sudden you stood there dumbfounded for a while.  You went to ask why, but Aragorn pulled him away, trying his best to persuade the elf.  You listened in on their conversation,  understanding a fair bit of it.  At one point it felt like their conversation was going nowhere, but eventually, Haldir turned back to you all.

“You will follow me” he demanded, without hesitation, you did just that, walking deeper into the forest.  Your mind was no longer solely on the death of Gandalf, giving you a chance to take in your surroundings, the distraction caused you to lose your footing on occasions, you were lucky that you hadn’t fallen completely.  Haldir watched you from the corner of his eye, with a rather interested’ look on his face.  When the elven city came into view, you couldn’t help but stop walking, admiring the beauty,

“Wow” you whispered, as Haldir spoke about it, he sounded so proud of it.    

When you saw the stairs, however, you almost changed your mind.  Groaning internally, you followed them up.  Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn greeted you all politely.  Then, Celeborn asked were Gandalf was.  Everyone’s faces dropped, and by reading everyone's minds, Lady Galadriel was able to explain what had happened and after further discussions, you were all lead away, to a place you could camp.

You had just set yourself up, when an Elleth came to you leading you to the baths, you were so grateful for it.  It had been a long time since you had been able to bathe properly.  The Elleth left you a change of clothing then left you to it.  The water was lovely, after getting cleaned up, you made your way back to the campsite, but with your curious mind, you managed to get distracted by the view.  Your eyes traveled up, it looks so magical, even more so than Rivendell,

“We never got properly introduced” a voice called to you,  you spun around so quickly, it made you dizzy.  Haldir stood there was a stoic expression.  

“Oh, we didn’t, did we?.  I am Y/N” you bowed slight,

“Haldir” he re-introduced himself.  

“Thank you, for bringing us here, we have not had a safe place to rest in a long time” you explained smiling sweetly at him.

“Thank Aragorn” Haldir replied, stepping closer.  You watched him, wanting to ask him a few questions about the city and forest, but you felt it would be rude to bombard him.  ‘Maybe one or two won't hurt?’ you thought

“Haldir, would you mind if I were to ask you a few questions?” you asked.  Haldir looked unsure.

“And if you do not wish to answer you simply don’t” you continued, He thought a moment before agreeing, waiting for you to ask.  You beamed at him.

You asked him multiple questions, ranging from History of the forest, some of which you knew, but to hear it from someone who lived here, and even lived through it, was so much better.  You asked him about the city itself, and even about him.  Haldir was very courteous, with you sharing what he could, with you, there was, of course, some secrets, which you didn’t mind, respecting it.

“You have a rather curious mind for a human, what have you interested in this?” he asked after you must have asked him at least 30 questions.

“Well, I think it’s important to remember the past, so much has been forgotten because no one talks about it anymore, and it is important we understand each other, after all, we share the same sky”

Haldir was awestruck, he had met plenty of humans in his time, but none quite like you.  He was at a loss for words.

“You are right” Haldir agreed,

“Oh, goodness it’s late, I should let you go and get some rest myself” you had been so fascinated with the conversation, that had gone late into the night.

“Thank you Haldir, I really appreciate you taking the time” you bowed, before rushing off to your camp.

Most of the fellowship had already settled down, sleeping soundly in the beds, when you had gotten back.  Without making a noise you settled down.  It didn’t take long before you had fallen asleep, you were just so exhausted.

The next morning, you decided to explore the surrounding area.  On your way into the city, you noticed a few flowers, by a stream.  Lothlorien Rhaw Meril, it was only native to Lothlorien, so you wanted to make sure you could grab one of two, to add it to your collection, of dried pressed flowers.  That you like to keep in a small jar in your bag.  You had quite the collection already, from your travels, but you just couldn’t help yourself.  So after breakfast, you headed out, taking your time as you made your way back to the path you had already traveled down.

It took longer than you had remembered before finding the stream, but it was worth it, the flower bloomed in abundance around the clear water.  Settling yourself down, you pulled out your book, it was rather heavy, and sometimes you regretted carrying it, but you would no doubt miss it if you didn’t have it.  You already had some flowers drying inside a scrap piece of cloth, which was now ready to be placed in your jar.

“Y/N?” Someone spoke.  Haldir had noticed you wandering off, curious he followed.

“Oh, good morning Haldir” you smiled to him, before turning back to what you were doing.  Haldir walked over to you, more curious than ever now.  

“I collect flowers from my travels” you explained when you saw his shadow hovering over you.  “I noticed these when we came in, you don’t see them anywhere else”

“Yes, they are native to the forest, quite common around these parts” Haldir informed you.  He knelt down, by your side examining the jar

“You have quite the collection already, I have traveled a bit myself but I don’t recognise some of these” he questioned.  He then noticed your book, curious about that too.

“Oh, they are from all over, some are simply different, rare colours of local flowers” you explained, you began pointing out some, explaining their origins, if you could, even sharing what they could be used for, in the likes of medicines and dyes.  You didn’t expect Haldir to take an interest in this, no one else you had met did.  Haldir would never admit it, but had it been anyone else explaining all this to him, he probably wouldn’t have been that interested in it.  But you spoke, so passionately about it, he found himself wanting to know more.

“And this journal?” Haldir pointed to the brown leather-bound book, it was pretty tatty at his point, having traveled with you for so long and it was almost full, you would be needing a new one very soon, but they are so had to come by.

“I like to keep notes, drawings of where I have been” you decided to share it with him, letting him flick through the pages, again, the details in the descriptions and drawings, he could see the passion.  In his eyes you really were a curious ‘creature’  when he was done, he handed the book back to you.  You placed the piece of cloth inside, pressing down gently then set it down beside you.

“I couldn’t help notice you have no Naur Loth in there” Haldir noted,  you quickly looked up to him

“Naur Loth?” you asked, making sure you heard him right, these particular planets were very rare,

“I have yet to come across them”

“Then come with me” Haldir stood up straight, waiting for you to pack up and follow.

The place he was taking you was a little ways off, but sure enough, there growing under a tree was Naur Loth, which literally translated to Fire Flower, they really did live up to their name, with their bright red, orange and yellow petals.

“I thought they preferred sunlight?” you turned to Haldir,

“It would seem these particular ones don’t need it” Haldir replied, he couldn’t help but compare you to them, both of you went against the norm of your species, at least in his mind, though he dare not share that with you.

Beaming, you quickly got to work, picking two for your collection, opening your book and unfolding the cloth, you placed them beside the Lothlorien Rhaw Meril, smiling to yourself.  Haldir too wore a smile,

“Thank you, I  would never have known of these, had it not been for you” you jumped up smiling sweetly at him.  Haldir nodded, looking away quickly hiding his flushed cheeks.   It was nearing lunch time, so the two of you decided to head back to the city.  

As the two of you walked back, you managed to come up with more questions to ask him, in truth you liked the sound of his voice, the passion in his tone when he talking about something he found liked.  You tactfully asked him questions just to hear it.  Back at the city,  you said your goodbyes with a bow and joined the others, wishing you could have spent more time with Haldir.  

The others bombarded you with questions, concerning your whereabouts,  which you replied truthfully, not seeing any problem with that, but there seemed to be something twinkling in the brother's eyes, you looked at them confused but decided to just ignore it.  That night, you all went to bed early, with the intention of getting an early start the next morning.  You would have loved to spend more time there, but duty calls.  Perhaps you could return after this quest?.  

Sure enough, everyone had packed up by sunlight, ready to leave.  Your gracious hosts gave you cloaks, they had never handed them out to anyone outside of their people, you felt truly honored.  Haldir was the one to fasten, the small detailed leaf, clasping the ends of the cloak together, there was a hint of a blush on your cheeks, no doubt about it.  Afterward, Lady Galadriel, walked up to you all one by one, handing out gifts for your journey.  You hadn’t expected to receive more than what they had already kindly given you.  When Lady Galadriel pulled up to you, she handed you a book, it was a leatherbound one, like your old, but much thicker and the detailing on it was breathtakingly beautiful, though it was much thicker than your current one, it was so much lighter, you put it down to it being Elven made.  You thanked her profusely, bowing in the process.  After all, it was exactly what you needed,  but how did she know?, you assumed she simply read your mind, when Haldir popped into your head, Lady Galadriel, gave you a knowing look as if to say you were right.  You felt your cheeks flush again, you glanced over to where Haldir stood, looking as expressionless as usual.  You sent him a smile, thanking him too, in turn, he quickly nodded then looked away, out of embarrassment.

You had wanted to say goodbye to him properly, thank him in person, but before you knew it, you were already on the boat sailing away.  You couldn’t help wonder if you would ever see him again.  The thought saddened you, but you couldn’t place the reason.

~ Time Skip ~

You knew coming to Helms Deep was a bad idea, you were now trapped, there was nowhere to run, and an army of Orcs was making their way to you, King Theoden had armed all that could carry weapons, some were far to you, others were far too old.  For someone so positive normally, you were feeling pretty negative about the situation.  You didn’t voice your concerns though, everyone was already in a panic,  fear filled their eyes.  You were on your way up to the ramparts when a guardsman called out to open the gate.  You quickly changed course running to the gate only to see Elves marching in, at least a hundred of them.  Leading them was Haldir, you were really happy to see him, not only because it was more against the orcs, but you had wanted to see Haldir again since you had left Lothlorien.  ‘But why?’  Haldir was happy to see you too.  

After talking to King Theoden and greeting everyone else, Haldir ordered his men to their positions, but before he took his own position, Haldir approached you, he took a quick glance around, making sure no one was watching, before handing you flower.  It was another rare plant, native to Lothlorien.  

“I thought you might like to add this to your collection” he whispered.  

“Thank you” you beamed up to him, taking it and placing it into a piece of cloth in your pocket.  Your bag was inside with the woman, but you would be sure to place it there when you were finished with this battle.  

Haldir had seen the flower, while he was on his journey to Helms Deep, in truth he didn’t know what made him pick it up, why he had thought of you at all, but before he knew it he was placing it safely into his pocket.  As he was traveling, he was becoming almost excited to see you again, it was only then he had realised that he had come to care for you, even though he barely knew you, maybe it was more than that?, he hadn’t stopped thinking about you since you had left Lothlorien.  He knew he shouldn’t be having any of this feelings, you were human after all, but being here looking at you smiling like that, only made it harder.  There was nothing he could do to stop it, once elves had these feelings,  they would never go away.  He realised he was staring at you now, regaining himself, he bowed then took up his own position, while you took yours, beside Legolas.  The Orc army was vast, you could practically feel the fear radiating off the people around you, and of course, it had to rain, hard, just to make matters worse, as if the darkness wasn’t bad enough in the first place.  

You could feel your heart going, you were no soldier, you were an explorer, you rarely got into conflict but here you were standing against a horde of orcs.  Without even thinking about it your eyes darted over to Haldir, it was hard to see through the rain, and the angle was awkward, but you did see the flicker of red from his cloak as it blew gently in the wind.  Even in this dire situation, the conversation between Legolas and Gimli brought a smile to your face.  

It didn’t take long before you were engaged in combat.  You kept your attention on knocking down the ladders, but they were heavy.  With your twin blades, you knocked down one Orc at a time, but more just kept coming, many of those beside you fell victim to the Orcs, but you didn’t stop.  You heard Aragorn yelling something but it was hard to hear over the clashing of metals and the sound of cries, suddenly though, there was a loud bang, whatever it was knocked you into the air, landing with a hard thump.  Your shoulder took the brunt of it, and you felt dazed.  But you didn’t have to even think before you were back up on your feet, thanks to Haldir, who looked at you with concern, you barely got a chance to thank him, before getting back to the fight.  After that Haldir tried to stay close to you, he wanted to keep you safe, especially now that you were hurt, but the orcs had created a wedge between you two.

When you were finally able to look up to him, you saw an Uriki, lift his large sword high about his head, ready to swing it down into Haldir’s back.  In a state of panic, you threw your dagger, at the beast hitting in the neck.  In the end, saving Haldir’s life, but leaving yourself open.

“Retreat!” you heard someone call, repeatedly.  You took a glance around, the situation was dire.  How where you to win this?.   You made your way through the orcs, aiming to get to Haldir’s side.

Haldir pulled out your dagger handing it back to you, before you both made your way to difficulty back to the halls.  As you helped barricade the door, pushing benches and anything else you could find against it, in the hopes of slowing them down.  Your eyes went over to Haldir again, who was helping some of his wounded. The pain in your shoulder blazed now, but you pushed through it.  Even in the commotion, you could hear Aragorn talking to King Theoden, he was planning on riding out one more time, and you had to agree.  If you were going to die, you would much rather die fighting, not stuck in here and that was how you ended up on horseback, ready to ride out one more time.  The whole time you could feel eyes on you.  But you were distracted, by Gimli as he pointed out the sun was rising.  Gandalf said he would return by then, with back up.  You hoped.  With King Theoden and Aragorn leading the the way, you all raced out to meet the orc army and sure enough, right on queue, Gandalf arrived bring with him the riders of Rohan.  Thanks to them, the orcs were much easier to defeat, the rest fled into the trees.

You could finally take a breather, stretch out your shoulder that throbbed badly now.

“Are you okay?” Haldir asked he had raced over to you as soon as the fighting was over.  When he had witnessed you hitting the stone on the ramparts, he had discovered his worst fear.  Losing you.

“Shoulder hurts a bit, but a good night’s rest should fix that, and what of you?” you returned,  Haldir studied you, he didn’t quite believe that a good nights sleep would ‘fix it’ but it never mentioned it.

“I owe you thanks” he finally said, “Had it not been for you, I would not be here”

“That thought of you not being here, well, it scared me” you spoke truthfully, but regretted it almost instantly, you didn’t expect Haldir to smile at you though.  He wanted to continue conversing with you, but you were interrupted by Gandalf.  

It was long and difficult, but with everyone pulling together, you managed to gather those who had lost their lives, bringing them back to the city, where they were buried, along with the elves that had fallen.  That night, Theoden arranged a celebration of sorts.  Which was loud and boisterous, but well deserved.  As the people around you became drunk, the noise level rose.  To the point, you decided to head outside for some air.  As you rounded the corner, you spotted Haldir, standing at the edge staring out in the distance.  He and the remainder of the elves were to head back at first light.

“I hope I am not interrupting” you whispered, stopping beside him

“Not at all” Haldir returned, he looked sad.

“Are you okay?” you asked worried, you could see Haldir thinking like he was debating whether or not to share his concerns, but eventually he did turn to you.

“I must return tomorrow” he paused thinking again.  “Yet I do not wish to be apart from you” he continued.  Why was he admitting this? perhaps it was the human mead?.  You found yourself staring at him, what he had said made you so happy, you did not know what to do, your mind had gone blank.  

“I don’t, um, I don’t know what to say to that, I do not wish to be apart from you either” it had taken you a while to finally speak.

Haldir moved, lifting his hand up to your cheek, brushing his thumb against your skin.

“Then perhaps when this is over, we will meet again” he spoke

“I might just pass through Lothlorien again, on my journeys” you joked, but then reality hit you, you were after all human, this shouldn’t be, right?.  You decided to point this out as if he hadn’t noticed.

“I do not care, we can cross that bridge when we get to it” Haldir soother.  You should have said no still but instead, you were kissing him, taking Haldir by complete surprise, but he soon gave in, returning the kiss happily.  Maybe it was okay to indulge in this, maybe you could be together for as long as you lived, and thanks to you being a descendant of Dunedain, it would be a good few years to come.

[kinthepast]

Sound of Drums

Gimli is growing older. Legolas can’t find any red in his hair any longer, and they’re both unsure of what will happen.

“Gimli,” Legolas said. His hands were in my hair, and they were trembling. “Gimli, meleth…”

While I couldn’t be sure what exactly my daft Elf was worried about this time, the tone to his voice was familiar. “Aye?”

He drew a sharp breath behind me. It shuddered and rose, escalated – shattered, at the top, broke in a cascade of a muffled sob. “Your hair,” he whispered, and the fingers curled around my hair tightened, tightened, tugging. “The – it’s – ”

And I understood. I raised a hand, putting it atop Legolas’. “The last strand,” I said, toning my voice down to be as gentle as I could. I knew Legolas had kept count. From the very first white strand, all the way down to this. The last red had turned white.

I needed no proof, but still it confirmed my thoughts when Legolas buckled forward, pressing his face into my hair. “Legolas,” I said, clutching at his hand, “Legolas, love, look at me.” He took a step back, letting me turn around on the stool, grasping his hands in mine. “What does this change?”

There were thick tears running down his cheeks – thick, yet silent, as they always were with him. “Nothing,” he whispered. “Gimli…”

“I know, Legolas,” I whispered back, leaning across the space between us to kiss him gently. “We will sail, and I will perish, and you will live. It hurts. I know, Legolas, oh, I know.”

“Your journey,” Legolas said, cupping my face in one slender hand, “it will continue – ”

I laughed. It was a dry laugh – not in a sarcastic way, rather in the way of a crumbling tree, or withering chalk. “Whatever my soul is made of,” I said, grinning up at him, “it does not belong here. I shan’t pass into any Hall, be it Mahal’s or otherwise.”

“Where will you go?” Legolas whispered.

“No idea,” I said truthfully. “On to live once again, I suppose.”

Legolas’ fingers tightened around a wisp of my beard. “Here?” His voice cracked.

“I dare not hope,” I admitted quietly. “I have been here rarely before – at least once, aye, but – ”

His eyes were dark with sorrow. “This is not your home world,” he finished for me.

I did not answer, only hooked my fingers around his neck, bringing him close enough to press our foreheads together. “It is yours,” I whispered. “I will leave, Legolas. You might…”

He clutched me, pulling me closer, closer, so close I could feel his heart beat against mine. “You do not know that!” he said harshly. “I might pass on, like you, after – ”

“We might not go to the same place,” I said, soothingly, softly, as gently as I could. “Oh, Legolas, we might find each other anew, but what is the guarantee that we Remember?” I wanted to say more, to ease his worries, but I found that I could not – that all the losses, all the pain of not having him there, they lined up before my eyes. Instead I surged forward, wrapping my arms around his neck, pressing my nose against his neck, breathing, breathing, breathing. “Legolas,” I whispered, “Legolas, Legolas, Legolas – ”

He held me back, shedding quiet tears. “Gimli,” he responded, and then, quietly, softly, his mouth close to my ear, he uttered my Name. “And so, if I die, then what?”

I stiffened. “Don’t say that,” I whispered, clutching him closer, holding him tighter – wishing we could merge, that maybe if I just pushed hard enough – that he could be like me, a wanderer, so I could just…

“If I die,” he repeated, “then what?”

“I don’t know,” I said, truthfully, my fingers digging into his shoulder blades. “Legolas, no. No.”

“Life without you is not life,” Legolas claimed, and though he sounded brave, he also sounded terrified.

I pulled back, reaching up to push his hair out of his face, curling my fingers around his ears. “And if your soul is sundered? If your soul rests in your breath, in your heart, in your blood?” He was trembling under my touch. “Legolas, Legolas, please, do not say such things – if we do not find each other, if you are born to more suffering – ” I cut off with a soft curse, bringing him closer again, breathing harshly through my nose as I rested my forehead against his. “Do not speak lightly of death, Legolas, my Legolas, my light, not even yours – ”

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, and then he kissed me, light and soft. “I’m sorry, meleth, so sorry,” – and he kissed me again, and again, peppering kisses on my face, my cheeks, my nose, hands fluttering across my shoulders, my arms, my back. “It just – I wish for nothing more than spend – eternity with you – ”

“There are other stars on the sky,” I whispered, despite slowly growing light-headed at the pace my dear elf was moving.

“Aye,” Legolas agreed, at last pulling properly back and meeting my gaze. There was such a deep sorrow in his eyes that my heart trembled. “Yet you are forever the brightest.”

“Love,” I whispered, choked-off, desperate. “Promise me, please,” and I slipped into Sindarin, like I so rarely did, “meleth, tirn ned gûr nin, promise me not to leave this world before your time –” I breathed, breathed, breathed. “Your departure will come in due time, but dear, I beg of you, do not hasten it. I will wait. I will find you.”

Legolas choked. “Promise?” he whispered. “Promise you will? Whenever you may?”

I grasped his fingers, clutched at them, pulled them against my beard, through it – against my chest where my heart was beating, calling Legolas, Legolas, Legolas. “I promise,” I said, as fiercely as I could, “that I will find you. Whenever I may.”

“I will never stop looking,” Legolas returned, vowing as I. “Never. No matter where I am.”

“Legolas,” I said, and I fell forward, kissing him again.

“Gimli,” he whispered against my lips, an answer to my cry, and his mouth moved with mine.

[garden-ghoul]

fellowship of the bloggening, part 7

“I actually checked this time and it’s totally part 7″

THE BRIDGE OF KHAZAD-DUM

Gandalf finds a bloodstained book by Balin’s tomb, and Tolkien makes it his mission to recreate as accurately as possible the experience of reading a partial text that needs Deciphering. Because he’s a nerd. The book is basically a family diary that recounts how things went for Balin & co since they came to Moria 30 years ago.

'I fear their end was cruel. Listen! We cannot get out. We cannot get out. They have taken the Bridge and second hall. Frár and Lóni and Náli fell there. Then there are four lines smeared so that I can only read went 5 days ago. The last lines run The pool is up to the wall at Westgate. The Watcher in the Water took Óin. We cannot get out. The end comes, and then drums, drums in the deep. The last thing written is in a trailing scrawl of elf-letters: they are coming. There is nothing more.'

I’m endeared, because this is exactly the kind of thing I wrote in my journals when I was 12 because I thought it sounded impressive--that semi-poetic repetition of we cannot get out and the “trailing scrawl” at the end where you can see someone was trying to run away while writing. I really want dwarven record-keeping to be a specific poetic form, I want every kind of writing to have a specific poetic form, up to and including sales receipts.

As the company is leaving the records chamber they hear the doom, doom of enormous drums (have always loved that as an onomatopoeia). Legolas and Gimli, the nerds, immediately quote from the ominous text they just read, to express their fear, and at the same time the hypothesis that whatever killed Balin’s guys is coming for them. Very elegant use of echolalia! But it does make them sound, like nerds.

They are attacked by orcs, bla bla, the hobbits are surprisingly courageous and good at fighting! Well, Frodo and Sam are. We hear nothing of valiant deeds performed by Merry and Pippin. They flee out the other door of the records chamber; Gandalf stays behind to do something--I thought he was sealing the door with magic, but he says he was nearly defeated by something up there? It did a magic battle with Gandalf over the lock of the door, which is terribly exciting but left our wizard exhausted. When the door exploded, something “dark as a cloud” was obscuring the room. One point for my firesmoke balrogs. Anyway, we reach another hall, one level below the west gate (I love how Gandalf is carefully narrating exactly where they are). This hall has familiar pillars carved into the shapes of enormous trees. I assume it’s one of Tolkien’s imagery obsessions, but still I’m adding it to the Menegroth-Angband-Mandos trifecta of places to face one’s doom. Doom, doom, say the drums in the deep. The company moves on to the narrow bridge over a Hella Pit, designed to be difficult and unsafe for enemies to cross.

Also there’s this really neat balrog description:

What it was could not be seen: it was like a great shadow, in the middle of which was a dark form, of man-shape maybe, yet greater. It came to the edge of the fire and the light faded as if a cloud had bent over it. Then with a rush it leaped across the fissure. The flames roared up to greet it, and wreathed about it; and a black smoke swirled in the air. Its streaming mane kindled, and blazed behind it.

So basically balrogs look like a cloud of black smoke concealing an enormous humanoid form, but their dash attack is rocket powered. Also later it says that it has wings that span the entire hall. Very cool, but not as cool as walking tripod jellyfish things that whip out tendrils of fire to sting people.

Gandalf faces the balrog on the bridge, cuts its flaming sword to pieces (hell yeah). And he makes a stopping-spell so powerful that his staff shatters as the spell takes effect, cutting the bridge in two. But as we know he gets dragged into the pit. The company flees into daylight, scattering terrified orcs before them, and then once they’re out of bowshot of the walls they all stand there weeping.

Will our heroes make it to

LOTHLORIEN?

Tune in right now to find out! Or, in a little while. Aragorn says, enough crying we have lots to do. Gimli takes a brief detour to see Dimrill Dale’s biggest tourist spot, the location where Durin first looked into the Mirrormere and saw a prophetic vision of himself becoming an eternal king. You can actually see the jewels in his crown down there “till he wakes.” Um. What? What are those? Ah also Gimli really really wants Frodo, specifically, to see this with him. He knows Frodo is a history nerd. I love him.

Anyway they hike until they get to Lorien; it being winter, the leaves on the trees are gold. Thanks Galadriel for acknowledging that seasons exist, kinda. Legolas notes that a “secret power” protects the wood, although apparently nobody knows what it is (Nenya). Boromir is less happy to be here, because in Gondor the rumor is that nobody who walks into the Golden Wood ever walks out. Probably because y’all aren’t exactly elf-friends.

'Perilous indeed,' said Aragorn, 'fair and perilous; but only evil need fear it, or those who bring some evil with them.’

Stares at Aragorn. Stares at the Ring, the most evil artifact left in the world. Stares at Aragorn again. Anyway they walk until they find the river Nimrodel, which Legolas says brings healing to the weary. So he paddles in it for a bit. When they make camp he sings about Nimrodel and her beau, but breaks off, saying that he forgot the rest. When did elves become able to forget things? This new?

Then there’s a long passage that I forgot to blog because it was really engagingly written, but basically our heroes meet some Lorien elves and hang out in treehouses for a while, Legolas and Gimli argue about why the Lorien elves distrust dwarves so much, and the party takes a stroll. Everyone gets un-blindfolded and Frodo and Sam talk a bunch about how dreamlike and unchanging Lorien is. Sounds like a terrifying place. There’s also an element of “echoes of the past” here; Frodo hears the sea and calls of extinct seabirds from on top of Amroth’s Hill. The implication is that Lorien has been unchanged for thousands of years, and Frodo feels it will remain that way forever.

THE MIRROR OF GALADRIEL

We enter the one and only city in Lothlorien, Caras Galadhon. This city is unique not only in that all the buildings are trees, but also in the fact that our heroes can’t see anyone there. They hear people moving around, talking, and singing, but they don’t see anyone. This implies some kind of very interesting culture, I’m sure. Well, when they get to the throne room or whatever, Celeborn greets each of the travellers by name, as if to impress upon them that he already knows everrrrythingggg. Galadriel is silent and scary until it’s time to correct her husband on the reason Gandalf isn’t here. The tale of Gandalf’s fall is told; Celeborn is so ready to blame dwarves for this, because he is as racist as ever, but Galadriel chides him for it like she always does. She speaks of Khazad-dum and environs in dwarvish, possibly for the purpose of flirting with Gimli, and they smile at each other.

He rose clumsily and bowed in dwarf-fashion, saying: 'Yet more fair is the living land of Lórien, and the Lady Galadriel is above all the jewels that lie beneath the earth!’ 

Did you have to put in ‘clumsily.’ We get it, he’s not an elf. Whatever. Gimli and Galadriel are cute, she’s trying very hard to show everyone that she’s less racist than her husband. I also want to appreciate how people keep using “before the fall of Gondolin and Nargothrond” as a very specific time measure. I’m guessing that that’s what people say when they mean “in the First Age” but don’t want to, uh, ruin immersion by being specific.

Our heroes get some much-needed rest. They sleep a lot and go for constitutionals among the trees. Legolas goes out to a lot of elf-ragers or something, and gradually starts bringing Gimli with him. Oh, you finally noticed he’s a real stand-up guy, huh? Well, it’s nice that they’re both making friends.

Later Galadriel fetches Frodo and Sam to look into her magic mirror. They see various things. Frodo last sees the Eye of Sauron, and Galadriel does a little speech about how she uses Nenya to defend Lothlorian from his eye and his mind.

‘Do you not see now wherefore your coming is to us as the footstep of Doom? For if you fail, then we are laid bare to the Enemy. Yet if you succeed, then our power is diminished, and Lothlórien will fade, and the tides of Time will sweep it away.’

Oho! So the Three do draw a good portion of their power from the One, even though Celebrimbor tried his best to make them independent. That must have taken some doing, forging a magic that would subjugate all free rings. I like to think that he had to put a constraint of rings only on it, in order for it to be strong enough to stand against Celebrimbor’s work. Also:

‘We must depart into the West, or dwindle to a rustic folk of dell and cave, slowly to forget and to be forgotten.'

Mmm perfect memory as maybe a First Age thing specifically; perfect memory that depends on the state of the world and maybe even the blessing of the Valar and their presence on the same planet. I friggin dig it. Frodo also offers Galadriel the Ring--one passing that I have to assume the Ring is actually encouraging, rather than its normal unwillingness to leave any one owner. Galadriel does her speech about what will happen if she gets the Ring. I read it as kind of a warning/intimidation tactic honestly. In the movie they portrayed it as a power trip and her being tempted, but I think she already finished tempting herself long ago and decided not to take it. The test she speaks of here isn’t a test of wisdom, it’s a test of willpower in sticking to the decision she already made.

[berjhawn]

Lost Lothlorien Princess - Part 10 - Lothlorien

Warnings: None bad, just  some arguing and confrontations 

Pairings: LOTR X Reader

Parts; 

Part 1 - High School

Part 2 - Rivendell

Part 3 - Concerning Hobbits

Part 4 - Merry and Pippin

Part 5 - Bree

Part 6 - Aragorn

Part 7 - The Council

Part 8 - The Road Ahead

Part 9 - Moria

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lothlorien… I had wanted to come here since the moment I learned Galadriel was my mother. I suddenly feel my body start to shake with nervousness as we glance forward to see in the distance the shimmer of the large forest of Lothlorien. As we near the forest I pull away from Boromir and giving him a forced smile say, “Thank you,” He gives me a slight nod before moving in front of me leaving me to bring up the rear of our fellowship.

I had known he was going to fall and I even knew that he was still alive but that didn’t stop the hurt. Especially as I look at all the saddened faces around me. I wish I could tell them but I knew against it, they would all learn in due time. As we run across a forest floor strewn with yellow flowers, above is a roof of golden leaves, held up by silver pillars; the trunks of huge, grey trees. I find myself staring in awe. 

“Stay close, young hobbits. They say a Sorceress lives in these woods. An elf-witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell, and are never seen again!” Gimli says and I narrow my eyes as I say, “Watch it Gimli, that’s my mother you’re talking about.” 

All save for Aragorn and Legolas stop and stare at me wide eyed. “Well, here's one dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!” Gimli continues suddenly stopping as an elf appears an arrow aimed right at his face.

The Fellowship looks around as we are suddenly surrounded by armed Elves, deadly arrows aimed at their heads. An elf with long blond hair steps forward and he looks at Gimli with disdain. “The dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark.” I narrow my eyes about to say something hateful when Aragorn chimes in with, “Haldir of Lorien, we come here for your help. We need your protection.”

“Aragorn! These woods are perilous. We should go back.” Gimli says obviously uncomfortable to be surrounded by elves.

“You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Wood. You cannot go back.” Haldir says his eyes locking onto Frodo. “Come, she is waiting.” He continues not even looking at me. I try again to say something when Legolas touches my arm and shakes his head. I tilt my head in confusion but remain quiet. Why didn’t he want me to say anything?

Haldir leads us onto a Hill Top. When we arrive I stare in wonderment at the vista spread before us. Several miles towards the South, a Large Hill rises out of the woods. Upon the hill rise many mighty Mallorn Trees, taller than any others. Nestled high in the crown of the Mallorns is a Beautiful City. It gleams in the low rays of the late afternoon sun; green, gold, and silver. 

To the east of Caras Galadhon, the Woods of Lorien run down the pale gleam of Anduin, the great river. Beyond the River, the land appears flat and empty, formless and vague, until far away, it rises again like a dark and dreary wall. The Sun that lies on Lothlorien has not power to enlighten the shadows that lie beyond.

We continue walking until we are brought to a large chamber. We step onto a wide fleet filled with a soft light. The walls are green and silver, the roof gold and in its midst is the trunk of the mighty Mallorn tree, now tapering toward its crown. A tall elf steps forward to greet his guests. His hair is long and silver, his face grave and beautiful, with no sign of age upon it. Next to him stands a female elf. She has hair of deep gold and timeless, unsurpassed beauty. “Nine there are, yet ten there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him.” The male elf says but I can’t pull my eyes away from the female elf.

“The Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all...Yet hope remains while the company is true.” The female elf says and my heart jumps in my throat as I realize that said elf is my own mother Galadriel. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace.” She finishes and I watch as everyone starts to walk away leaving me standing there staring like an idiot at the beautiful woman who was my mother.

She seems not to notice me until she happens to glance back at me her eyes widening as she says, “Henig,” She slowly starts to walk toward me making tears slowly fill my eyes as I say, “Nana,” Before I am able to react she throws her arms around me and says, “Goheno nin,” (I’m sorry.) I stand there for a moment before I finally let my arms wrap around her pulling her into me tightly. 

“It’s okay, I forgive you.” She pulls away and smiling gently runs her hands through my hair as tears fill her eyes. “I should never have sent you away.” My body tenses as I say, “Then why did you? Didn’t you want me?” She reaches down and taking my hands in hers says, “Of course I wanted you, things were complicated and the only way to protect you was to send you away.”

“Why?” I ask starting to feel my anger get the better of me. Her face fills with sorrow and regret at she says, “Because I had no other choice, you my child are special.”

“How, how am I special?!” I yell out a little louder than I meant too as I rip my hands from hers. 

“I cannot tell you.” 

I scoff in anger as I lose my temper, “You can’t tell me, seriously? This is bullshit! Do you have any idea what I’ve been through?” 

She stands straight her full height towering over me, “Do not speak to me like that, I am your mother!” 

“Mother? Seriously you feel you have the right to call yourself my mother? No I had a mother and you are not her!”

My anger reaching its boiling point I turn a rush off into the direction my companions had gone. Gimli, Legolas, Merry, Pippin, Frodo and Sam are in a pavilion set among the trees near the fountain. They lie on soft couches as Elves leave food and wine for them. 

When I reach them Aragorn turns toward me about to say something and I glare at him as I say, “Don’t even say it.” He raises his hands and I walk past him throwing myself down onto one of the lavish couches they had given the rest of my companions. I let out a scream into one of the pillows before rolling over onto my back and staring up at the ceiling. Mournful singing drifts down from the trees above.

“A lament for Gandalf,” I hear Legolas say sadly and I gulp down a breath of air as I slowly look over at my companions. “What do they say about him?” Merry asks and I bite my lips as I start deciphering their words myself. 

“I have not the heart to tell you. For me, the grief is still too near.” Legolas says as he sits down on a couch near to mine. I sigh as I force myself to sit up and turning to him say, “Can I speak to you alone?” His blue eyes find mine before he nods and says, “You can.”

He stands up and gently holds his hand out to me. Taking it he lifts me to my feet and then turns heading down a long corridor with me following closely behind. When we are alone he turns to me and says, “What did you wish to speak to me about?” I sigh as I say, “I think it was a mistake to come here.”

 “What do you mean?” 

“I shouldn’t have come here I should have stayed in Rivendell, hell I should have stayed back home; even if the people who raised me were starting to regret it.” I feel his hands gently touch my upper arms as he says, “No one could regret knowing you.”

I sigh as I say, “I met my mother.”

“Oh,” He says curiosity in his voice.

“I blew it, I let my anger get the better of me. I wanted to know why she sent me away and when she said she couldn’t tell me I lost it. I said some things I shouldn’t have and I regret it.” 

“Have you thought about telling her this?” I shake my head as I let out a heavy sigh. His hands tighten on my arms and I look up into his eyes. I felt like they were hiding some unknown feeling behind them.

I suddenly forget what I was saying as I find myself drowning in their deep blue pools. I stare at him as his eyes suddenly dart from mine to my lips making bite my lip. He reaches his hand up and gently touching my cheek smiles at me and says, “Êl síla erin lû e-govaned vîn.”  (A star shines on the hour of our meeting.)

I smile as I say, “Hîr vuin Legolas,” (My Lord Legolas.) He smiles back at me as he tilts my chin up and gently places his lips against mine. As his lips touch mine my body erupts in a wave of passion making my arms fly up and wrap around his neck deepening our kiss. I suddenly realize that he smells like fresh pine needles and oak trees. I smile into his lips as I feel his hands wrap around my waist, everywhere his hands touched were starting to heat up.

I suddenly feel eyes on us and I pull away looking away from him instantly meeting the eyes of my mother. “Nana,” I say my eyes wide. She smiles as she says, “Legolas may I have a moment with my daughter?” I glance over to see his face tinted pink as he nods and says, “Of course my lady.” Before I am able to say anything he walks off leaving me there alone. ‘Dammit!’ I cry out in my head as I try to calm my heart.

“______, I want to apologize for everything I have done. When I had you, Middle Earth was not a safe place. We had just learned that Sauron had betrayed us and in result of the prelude to the war it was not safe for you. I used a little of your own magic to send you away from here. I did not know that you would have grown up in hardship.” I sigh as I walk over to her and say, “I didn’t have a hard life but it wasn’t easy.” She nods and I reach for her hands as I say, “I’m sorry I got so upset. It’s just I have dreamt of meeting you since I found out you were my mother; everything I wanted to ask you and I guess I let my temper get the better of me.”

“I forgive you, now I feel I should tell you what you wish to tear.” I raise an eyebrow as I say, “Didn’t you already tell me why you sent me away?” She nods as she says, “I have; but you also wish to know who your father is do you not?” My eyes widen as I say, “I do actually,” She takes a deep breath as she says, “You father’s name is Mithrandir,” My eyes widen as I realize who it is, “Gandalf? Gandalf is my father?” She nods as she says a faint smile on her beautiful face, “I was young and he was my first love.” I let out a sigh of relief as I say, “You don’t know how happy that makes me; I thought Sauron was my father.”

Her eyes narrow at me as she says, “What gave you that idea?” I quickly explain to her how I was somehow connected to the ring and she shakes her head. “That is strange to me, I do not understand.” I watch as her beautiful face tries to put together invisible pieces of my story. “Could it be that somehow Sauron got a hold of me before I left?” She shakes her head as she says, “Tis not possible you were-” she pauses a sudden recognition filling her face. “There was a brief moment after you were born when you were unsupervised. It is possible that somehow he may have sent a spy to do something to you.”

My eyes widen as I say, “Then that explains why he wants me. I am half elf, half Istari; there is no limit to my abilities. He wants me to change sides and help him.” I gulp down a breath of air before I say, “No matter what happens I will never join him. I know how this all plays out and he’s not the one who wins. Good shall triumph over evil.” She reaches over a smile covering her lips as she pulls my head toward her gently placing a kiss upon my brow. “I told you that you were special.” I smile as I throw my arms around her and say, “Thank you for telling me everything.”

“I wish you would stay here in Lorien with me, but I know you will not.” I smile as I say, “I will return to you.” 

“I must go I am going to have a conversation with the ring bearer, but you already knew that.” I smile as I say, “I did.” 

“One more thing before I take my leave, I see you and Legolas are getting to know each other.” My face flushes as I say, “I have decided that I will try to get to know him before I decide on whether or not I marry him.” She smiles as she starts to walk away leaving with a knowing look. 

When she is gone I let out a heavy sigh. Knowing everything about myself didn’t seem to make me feel any better. I was still confused as to who I was and what I really wanted. I shake the thoughts from my head as I walk back to where my companions were. When I arrive my companions are asleep on their beds. Gimli is snoring loudly. I smile brightly as I walk over and grabbing a piece of bread walk back over to the couch I had been sitting on before and plopping down on it start nibbling on the bread. Before I know it I join them in sleep but my dreams were all but pleasant.

I glance around to see once again the familiar sight of Sauron’s great eye peering down upon me. “My child I see you have made it to Lothlorien, soon we shall be together again.” I hear his distorted voice say and my blood starts to curdle. “I am not you child!” I cry out trying my hardest to be brave. Suddenly he appears before me and I find myself staring at the very image of the mysterious man in my sketchbook. His face was surprisingly very handsome with his chestnut hair and glowing orange eyes, contrasting very well with his ivory skin.

“This isn’t possible,” I say as I stare wide eyed my body frozen in shock. “Is it not?” He says as he walks over to me raising his hand and gently touching my face. “You’ve grown even more beautiful than I could have even imagined, just like your mother.” 

Finding my voice I pull away from him and say, “Do not touch me.” His eyes narrow their fire growing wilder. “Do you not know who brought you here? You are mine to control, to command.” 

“I take orders from no one! You misogynistic prick!” I say as I find my anger and courage.

“You are my blood you will have no choice but to join me.” He says as sly smile covering his face. 

“Jesus Christ how many times do I have to say it you are not my father!” His smile grows as he says, “I may not have been their when you were conceived but I was after your birth.” 

“What the hell does that mean?” 

“I placed a piece of myself inside you, my blood is coursing through those veins of yours.” I all the sudden turn from him and hold up a hand as I say, “I think I’m gonna be sick.” 

“You think yourself humorous?” He says once again reaching out and grabbing your arm this time his touch burns against your skin.

All the sudden I feel my anger grow as an unseen force fills my body. Jerking my arm out of his grasp I feel my voice turn distorted as I say, “I will not tell you again servant of Morgoth! Do not touch me!” 

All the sudden a bright flash of light emanates from my body flowing out like a wave throwing Sauron back away from me him landing hard on the ground a few feet away. “I will not take too kindly to being manhandled!” I say my voice growing louder. 

His eyes turn back to me, anger and rage filling them as he says, “This is not over, I shall have what I need. You will join my side it is inevitable.” Then without warning he turns back into the great eye of Sauron and as he rushes toward me I awaken breathing heavily a cold sweat pouring down my face.

I glance around at my companions still fast asleep and sigh. I still didn’t understand. My head starts to swim as the thoughts bombard my mind. Why did he call himself my father when he himself said he’s not? I groan out in annoyance as I run a hand through my hair. I look over to see that Frodo was now back and sleeping a few feet away from me. 

All the memories of the books fill my mind making me smile. He was going through hell and it was only going to get worse but he would prevail. Such a lucky little Hobbit. Letting out a sigh I reach down and pulling my sketchbook out open it up to the picture of the mystery man and sighing write Sauron next to it.

I stare at the photo for a while before I once again glance up to see the sleeping faces of my friends. Smiling I flip to a blank page and taking a quick look at them start drawing their innocent sleeping forms. It was a few hours later before anyone woke up. By the time I finished my last drawing Boromir was rousing the Hobbits from their slumber. I watch as Boromir stares lovingly at Merry and Pippin as they fight against waking up.

I knew I couldn’t let him die, he was overall a peaceful soul. Here in this moment I make a vow to keep all my companions alive no matter the costs. I see Legolas rise out of the corner of my eye and my face flushes pink. All the sudden I feel his breath by my ear and I turn to see him smiling at my drawing.

 “Tis a fair likeness.” He says and I turn back to see that the page he was looking at was of him sleeping and I instantly close the book my face now as red as an apple. “Um I uh,” I stumble with my words as he smiles and giving me a polite nod heads over to where Aragorn was packing.

I groan out in frustration as I stand and placing my sketchbook back in my bag say, “See if I kiss you again.” 

“Kiss whom?” I hear a familiar male voice say and my eyes widen as I turn to see Boromir smirking at me. 

“Um nothing,” I say as I force a laugh. “I’m just gonna- yeah okay.” I turn and quickly make my way to a wash tub and wash my face hoping that it would make my blush go away.

A few moments later we are called in small elven boats. We row away from the Lothlorien Shore into the Silverlode River. Elves quietly watch us depart. I think back to right before we left and smile as I remember the gifts my mother had given everyone. I watch as handing Legolas a bow says, “My gift to you Legolas is a Bow of the Galadhrim; worthy of the skill of our woodland kin.” Smiling she moves to Merry and Pippin to whom she gives two daggers saying, “These are the daggers of Anoduili, they have already seen service in war. Do not fear young  Peregrin Took, you will find your courage.”

“And for you young Samwise Gamgee, elven rope known as Hithline.” Sam nods before glancing at Merry and Pippin and saying, “Do you not have anymore of those nice shiny daggers?” causing Galadriel to smile brightly. When she arrives at Gimli she asks, “And what gift would a dwarf ask of us elves?”

“Nothing, except to look upon the lady Galadriel on last time; For she is more fair than all the jewels beneath the Earth.” He replies making my mother laugh fondly. He starts to walk away before he stops and turning back says something none of us are able to hear.

When she arrives at Aragorn she says, “I have nothing greater to give, than the gift you already bare.” The next few sentences I avoid listening to, to give them some privacy. She then moves to Frodo as she gives Frodo a small Crystal Phial. “Farewell, Frodo Baggins. I give you the light of Earendil, our most beloved star.” She says with a smile before she gently places a kiss on his forehead. “May it be light for you in dark places when all other lights go out.” She then moves to Boromir to whom she gives a solid gold belt crafted in Lórien, shaped like linked golden leaves.

When she reaches me she smiles and kisses my brow. “There is nothing I can give you save for my undying love and promise that if you ever need me I shall be there.” I smile as I wrap my arms around her and say, “Gi melin Nana,” Her arms tighten around me as she says so only I can hear, “Be safe my child.” 

Then with a quick nod my companions and I climb into the boats and start rowing down the river. As our boats drift past, Galadriel stands alone, watching from the banks of the river giving us a single wave. The boats pass into the great river Anduin. The Three Elven boats carry the Fellowship steadily southward. Green trees slowly give way to a brown and withered land.

“I have taken the last swoon of this parting, for I looked my last upon that which was fairest. Henceforth I will recall nothing fairer than her gift to me.” Gimli says causing me to smile. “What was it?” Legolas asks as he slowly places his row into the water. “I asked her for one hair from her golden head, she gave me three.” I smile as I gently place my hand into the water letting it trail along creating ripples that trailed behind us.

Will Continue in - Boromir

Tags: 

@renner-hawkeyeloves

[bonjour-rainycity]

Late in the Night | Part Four

Previous part

Prompt: Friends have a bet how long it will take the ship to get together (Content Challenge Day 7)

Pairing: Legolas x Female Reader

Rating: PG-13

Word count: 1602

Warnings: None

Challenge participants: @game-ofthe-company @grunid @themerriweathermage @errruvande @the-reformed-ringwraith @awkwardkindatries

^^ Hey! If I haven't commented on your post(s) yet, it just means I haven't gotten the chance to read them. School has been ramping up, but as I have free moments, I'll be going back and looking at all your challenge posts <3

A/n: You guys...IT'S THE LAST PROMPT OF THE CONTENT CHALLENGE! What?! Thank you so much to everyone who participated and interacted with our posts. I had such a blast creating this past week and getting to know each and every one of you. I think it would be fun to do something like this again in the future, so let me know if you would like to be involved in planning/get updates! 

As always, I encourage you to check out the accounts tagged above and our masterlists! You can find the challenge masterlist here and my personal masterlist here. Okay, enjoy :)

Aragorn waits, keeping an eye on the trees.

The minute his friends from the eastern inn arrive, they will leave town.

He had a pleasant night — private room, hot bath, well-prepared meals — but is ready to get back on their journey. For all he knows, the brief rest he allowed them could have already cost them vital time.

That thought causes him to pace.

“Calm yourself, dear friend, they will be along shortly,” Gandalf councils.

Aragorn tries to heed the wise wizard’s advice. Sure enough, he soon hears the light sounds of feet crushing grass and twigs, and knows they are close.

The four of them break into sight at roughly the same time, and Aragorn notices two things:

One, Legolas and Y/n refuse to look at each other.

Two, Gimli wears a grin bright enough to rival the sun.

Aragorn knows he must speak with the dwarf as soon as possible.

Something has happened.

Merry, who doesn’t get enough credit for his observation skills, notices the oddities too, and elbows Pippin in the side. Their eyes grow wide, and it takes everything in them not to shout guesses as to what this means.

It is a good while before Aragorn, Pippin, Merry, and Gimli have a chance to convene and discuss the new development. All four of them, though of course dedicated to the task at hand, desperately want a resolution to their ongoing bet.

It had started innocently enough.

Merry made an off-hand comment about how well Legolas and Y/n seem to get along. Gimli noticed the lass was a clumsier fighter when Legolas was watching. Aragorn realized his friend seemed nervous around the human woman. Pippin saw how each of them smiled brighter when the other was near.

Somehow or other, the four of them had put together their observations, and the rest is history.

The bet was born.

Each of them had put down fifteen coins and a deadline, losing the coins if Legolas and Y/n did not become a couple by the deadline, and winning coins if they did. Knowing his friend’s shy nature well, Aragorn had given the two the lengthiest allowance — six months. Pippin and Merry recognized the bold nature of humans, and guessed it would only take four months for Y/n to speak her mind and Legolas to reciprocate. Gimli, on the other hand, thought the two were already head-over-heels for each other and wouldn’t be able to keep quiet about it, and had given them only a month and a half.

Each participant, knowing his deadline was drawing nearer, had taken steps to push the two in the right direction.

The hobbit friends moved Legolas’ and Y/n’s bedrolls closer when they weren’t looking.

Aragorn put them on watch together. A lot. To the point where he actually felt bad about the bags under Y/n’s eyes.

But Gimli, perhaps, had been the boldest of them all, and proudly tells his friends so the moment they are alone much later that evening.

“Quickly, they are suspicious why it took four of us to gather firewood and herbs,” Aragorn mutters, darting a quick glance in the direction of camp.

“Yes, just get on with it,” Pippin squeaks, then throws a hand over his mouth, knowing he might alert Legolas with his volume.

“Alright, listen up lads.” Gimli grins and proudly tells his tale. “Boromir and I got to the inn first, as planned, and the innkeeper asked how many were in our party. I said two, and the innkeeper made a comment how it was good we didn’t have more folk waiting outside, as his inn was almost full. Well, that got me thinkin’, so I inquired how many more rooms were available. The innkeeper said two, not including the ones Boromir and I purchased. So I whipped out my velvet pouch and paid for another room, fibbin’ a bit and saying I might have a lady friend visiting and wasn’t sure if she would want to sleep in my room or not after our activities.” He wiggles his eyebrows in response to the stunned looks of his friend.

Aragorn shakes his head slowly, a bemused smile setting in his lips. “So you paid for an extra room just to force Legolas and Y/n into sharing?”

“Right you are,” Gimli grins, placing his fists on his hips. “It wasna even that expensive — I’ll make it back three times over, now that I’ve won this thing.”

“Ah, ah, ah, hold on,” Merry holds up a hand, halting Gimli’s gloat. “You can’t prove they did or said anything to start a courtship, so you haven’t won!”

“They won’t even look at each other and the elf’s as red as a strawberry, of course something happened,” Gimli practically shouts.

Aragorn, reliably a voice of reason, intervenes. “We shall have to inquire then, but be smart about it. We do not want to jeopardize their potential courtship with our game.”

The companions agree, then quickly turn to the forest, gathering firewood and herbs to supplement Sam’s soup and their cover story.

{***}

Back at camp, Legolas sits on a low tree branch, keeping watch over all his friends.

But mostly Y/n.

He cannot pull his eyes from her face. She sits on a rock, staring into the fire, absently cleaning the mud from her boots. Without permission, his mind goes back to the way he held her this morning, tucked against his chest, her leg wrapped around his. It was wildly improper, and he should be ashamed of himself.

But he doesn’t feel ashamed. Because the way they woke up this morning didn’t feel improper, it felt natural. With all his heart, Legolas wants to wake up like that every morning — his favorite person kept safely against his side. He wants to guard her and give her a wonderful life and bring her home and have his people adore her, too.

Legolas’ resolve hardens, because he knows he can no longer keep this to himself. Y/n has a right to know how he feels, because it affects her too.

He pushes himself from the branch, landing on the ground in silence. With four long strides, he stops beside her, reaching down a hand. “Will you talk with me?”

She looks up at him, nerves like she’s never felt before erupting within her. But she gathers her courage, forces what she hopes is a smile, and takes Legolas’ hand.

She wonders what he’ll say.

All day, she had been lost in embarrassment. Somehow in the night, she’d thrown her leg over his and practically attached herself to his chest — who does that?! And he’d said nothing when they woke up, only got up and went about his routine like normal.

So obviously, he doesn’t feel anything for her.

And that’s what this conversation has to be about.

Briefly, though, she allows herself to remember what it felt like to be in his embrace, and knows that she will cherish that feeling forever.

The warmth of his hand in hers helps her hold on to that memory and, to her surprise, when they reach a secluded spot, he does not let go. No, he takes her other hand in his, clutching both tightly.

Legolas nearly shakes with nerves, and he wonders if she can tell? Does she know how he feels like he might be sick? Oh, he has never felt anxiety like this before, and desperately wishes for it to be gone.

So he wastes no time in putting himself out of his misery.

“I want to be with you.”

Y/n blinks. Surely she can’t have heard him correctly? “What?”

Legolas sighs — her reaction gives him no indication how she feels either way. He bolsters his courage, and tries again. “I feel affection for each member of this Fellowship. But whereas I love the others as if they were my kin, I am unable to deny that how I love you is different. Elves live long lives and thus take matters of the heart very seriously. And, well,” he shrugs, all eloquence leaving him the moment he sees the shy, hopeful smile spread across her lips. “My heart is with you.”

Y/n can hardly believe her ears. She thought that he didn’t…that there was no chance of…but rather than dwell on all her miscalculations, or the myriad of dangers that haunt their future, she decides to just enjoy the moment. She throws her arms around Legolas’ neck, and he grips her tightly against him.

She turns her cheek to rest on his shoulder, unable to contain her grin. “You hold mine as well. I love you, Legolas.”

He pulls back only to rest his forehead against hers, head swimming from the joy of her acceptance and at being this close to her. “And I love you.” She lets out a giddy laugh and he closes his eyes, soaking in the sound. But then he focuses again, for there is something important he still must ask. “Will you accept my offer of courtship?”

Y/n can’t help herself from bumping her nose against his affectionately, and it feels so wonderful, so free to be with him this way. She has no desire for her future to continue without him, and so, her answer is found easily. “Of course.”

Relief settles in Legolas’ bones, the nerves finally leaving him and being replaced with happiness.

Just as their lips meet, the four friends break through the tree-line, back from collecting supplies.

Gimli’s triumphant shout can be heard for miles.

“Pay up, lads!”

A/n The end! This is the last chapter of this mini-series! Thanks for sticking with me as I had some fun with this one. I keep tag-lists, so at any time, just let me know if you would like to be tagged in anything. I’m in the planning stages of a Haldir x OC fic, and while I usually stay away from OC’s, I just cannot fathom typing “Y/n” for the length that I’m planning on making that story. So be on the lookout for that! Hope you all are taking care of yourselves and please know that my inbox is always open. Lots of love!

LITN tag list: @angelic-kisses13 @lainphotography @anangelwhodidntfall @sheriffgerard @themerriweathermage @k-llama-llama @hirokosoul @wellfuckmyexistence @ipsychosocial @anjhope1 @my-lotr-obsession-is-unhealthy

[berjhawn]

Lost Lothlorien Princess - Part 8 - The Road Ahead

Warnings: None Really

Pairings: LOTR X Reader

Parts:

Part 1 - High School

Part 2 - Rivendell

Part 3 - Concerning Hobbits

Part 4 - Merry and Pippin

Part 5 - Bree

Part 6 - Aragorn

Part 7 - The Council

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That next morning while I was getting ready for my new adventure I turn at the sound of someone knocking on my door. “Yes?” I say and turn to see Elrond walk through the door a smile on his face. “What can I do for you?” I say as I grab my knapsack and start shoving things into it. “I came to return this to you,” He says as he hands me my backpack from when I lived in my old world. 

“Where did you get this?” I ask as I take it my eyes wide in wonder. “It was found the same day you were, Gandalf thought it best if you were to have it now that you must take this journey.” I pull it to my chest and fighting back tears say, “Thank you so much!”

He smiles and I instantly pull it away and opening it start to empty the contents out onto my bed. I smile as I move the schoolbooks around until my eyes fall upon my binder with pictures of my other parents taped to it. Tears threaten my eyes as I slowly reach down and picking the binder up gently touch the pictures. “Are these the people you spoke of?” He asks and I nod as I say, “Yes,” 

“You look like a happy family,” He says gently touching my shoulder. I suddenly feel anger fill my body and tossing the binder back onto the bed say, “Yeah, well looks can be deceiving.”

I can sense he wishes to know more but he doesn’t ask. I spot a familiar shiny object and my eyes light up as I instantly reach for it. “I can’t believe this still has power?” I say as I turn on my IPod smiling as I see that the battery is completely charged. “What is this?” Elrond asks his eyes full of wonder. I smile as I hand him a earpiece and say, “Put this in your ear,” Raising an eyebrow the elder elf slowly places the earpiece into his ear and I smile as I say, “Now let’s find something less hardcore,” 

Swiping through my music I find “The Parting Glass” sung by Peter Hollens and smile as I press the play button. As the song begins his eyes widen and he stares at me confused.

“Where I am from we have thousands of singers and millions of songs. So the smart people of my world invented this little device to record it all on. That way when you need a song to make you feel better you have one at the touch of a button.” I say as I turn the IPod back off and take the headphones from him. “It is a interesting invention I must say.” He says as he turns back to the contents of my bag. I gently place the IPod into my pocket for safekeeping and then return to my backpack.

Picking up my sketchbook I smile as I flip through the pages. “Who is this?” Elrond asks once I land on a drawing that even I didn’t remember who it was. “I don’t know, I’ve seen him in my dreams but I’ve never actually met him.” Elrond nods as he reaches down and picks up a algebra book. Closing the sketchbook I quickly place it into my knapsack and glancing over at him smile. “I don’t think you’d like that book, and then again you might.”

I smile as I pick up all my school books and handing them to him say, “You might like all of these, it’s the history of my country, great literature, and science. Well maybe the science will be a little out of your league; but hey have at it. I’m not going to need them anymore.” He nods as he gently lays the books back on my bed as he says, “I wish that you would change your mind, but knowing you like I do I know better.” I smile as I turn and wrapping my arms around him say, “Na lû e-govaned vîn.” (Until next we meet) I feel his arms tighten around me and tears threaten to fill my eyes.

Pulling away I grab my knapsack and giving him a quick smile head off to where the fellowship was supposed to meet. When I arrive I am greeted by the smiles of Merry and Pippin who instantly wave to me. I quickly walk over to them and letting out a grateful sigh say, “Finally I get to wear pants.” Pippin chuckles and I glance over to see Merry blush as he says, “I thought you looked very beautiful in your dress.” I smile brightly as I lean down and gently placing a kiss on the Hobbit’s cheek say, “Thank you Merry Brandybuck.”

I turn away from him as his face turns even redder with embarrassment. I giggle as I walk over to Frodo who is trying to hide his amusement. “Was that really necessary?” I hear Gandalf ask and I giggle as I say, “What I was only having a bit of fun?” 

“I thought it was mildly amusing; however I doubt your fiancé feels the same.” Gandalf says as he motions with his eyes toward Legolas who was staring at me along with Aragorn and Boromir. “I am not engaged to anyone and I will not be getting married anytime soon. Besides I’m only eighteen I have hundreds of years left until I finally decide to settle down.”

“My dear you may be only eighteen where you are from but here you are centuries old.” Gandalf says and my eyes widen as I say a little loudly, “WHAT?!” Everyone in the courtyard suddenly starts to stare at me as I stare at the wizard eyes wide with confusion. “Okay let me ask you one thing, was I born before or after Sauron’s demise?” 

Gandalf clears his throat as he says, “Before,” My heart drops as I suddenly feel faint. Was Sauron my father? It would explain why even when I didn’t hold the ring I could hear it and feel everything Frodo did. I open my mouth to ask Gandalf but instantly close it shaking my head.

“Are you all ready?” I hear Aragorn say and without looking at Gandalf I nod. I knew that along our Journey I would end up meeting my mother so I made it a mission to ask her and see if it was true. Waving goodbye to Arwen and Elrond I start off after everyone as they start off leaving the city of Rivendell. The Fellowship climbs the long steep path out of the cloven vale of Rivendell. I remain quiet as we travel south of Rivendell. I didn’t want to learn the answer as to who my father was but I couldn’t help but wonder. We trek through a land of deep valleys and turbulent waters and I smile as the misty mountains rise sharply to our left.

“We must hold to his course west of the Misty Mountains for forty days. If our luck holds, the Gap of Rohan will still be open to us. From there, our road turns east, to Mordor.” I marvel at the mountains as we finally make our way to the Eregion Hills. I look out over the hills as the sun starts to set my mind full of unanswered questions. I sigh as I look down to see the rest of my company laughing and enjoying themselves and I smile. I knew the outcome for each of my companions, all would live save for one. My heart tenses as I see how close he was getting to Merry and Pippin.

I knew I should tell Boromir but I also knew that I couldn’t. Biting my lip I pull out my IPod and placing the earphones into my ear I grab my sketchbook. I quickly turn on my Lord of the Rings playlist and smile as the “I See Fire” cover by Peter Hollens fills my ears. Pulling out a pencil from my bag start drawing the scene of my companions smiling faces before me. I subconsciously start singing along with the chorus as I start to get deep into my drawing, completely oblivious that they were now watching me.

                                     “oh should my people fall then

                                           surely I'll do the same

                                       confined in mountain halls we

                                          got too close to the flame

                                             calling out father, oh,

                                             hold fast and we will

                     watch the flames burn auburn on the mountainside

                                  desolation comes upon the sky

                                                  now I see fire

                                           inside the mountain

                                                     I see fire

                                             burning the trees

                                              and i see fi-i-ire

                                              hollowing souls

                                              and I see fi-i-i-ire

                                           blood in the breeze

                               and i hope that you remember me

                     and if the night is burning I will cover my eyes

                     for if the dark returns then my brothers will die

       and as the sky is falling down it crashed into this lonely town

 and with that shadow 'pon the ground I hear my people screaming out

                                                 and I see fire

                                            inside the mountain

                                                     I see fire

                                               burning the trees

                                                and i see fi-i-ire

                                                hollowing souls

                                               and I see fi-i-i-ire

                                            blood in the breeze

                                                 and I see fire

                                 (oh you know I saw a city burning)

                                       (feel the heat upon my skin)

                                                       (oooooh)

                      and I see fire burning auburn on the mountainside.”

As the song ends I glance back toward them for another reference and I see them all staring at me and my eyes widen when I realize I was singing out loud. Pulling the headphones from my ears I say, “Um I don’t suppose you heard any of that did you?” I see the looks of recognition in their eyes and I am about to say something when Gimli says, “T’was beautiful my lady, my father would have loved to have heard your song.” I smile as I remember that his father was one of the fourteen that were originally from Erebor.

“Thank you Gimli, that’s very kind of you.” 

“How about another song, Princess?” I hear Gandalf say and my eyes widen as I say, “Oh I couldn’t, and I wasn’t even meaning to sing the first time I was just so into drawing that I forgot where I was.” 

“What may I ask were you drawing in your book?” Gandalf asks and I grin lovingly as I say, “Our fellowship. One day when they tell stories of Frodo and his Fellowship of the Ring, I want there to be pictures of you all.”

I laugh as Merry and Pippin instantly run over to me and say in unison, “Can we see them?” I smile as I say, “Well it’s not finished yet but if you want I can show you a few from when I was back in my world.” Merry instantly plops down beside me causing a giggle to escape my lips. I am instantly surrounded by all of them as I slowly flip through the book making sure that I don’t show them something too modern for them.

As I flip through the picture I stop on one and instantly hear Legolas say, “Is that my father?” I glance down at the drawing and my eyes widen as I realize that it is in fact a drawing of the elven king. “It is,” I say disbelievingly. “But I don’t see how that’s possible, I’ve never met him.” You instantly flip the page and see the picture from before of the mysterious man from my dreams and I instantly hear Frodo ask, “Who is he?” I narrow my eyes as I say, “I don’t know, he appears in my dreams sometimes so I figure he’s just my own creation.”

I flip the page again and my eyes widen as I realize I am staring at the drawing I did of Kili and Tauriel staring lovingly into each other’s eyes. Clearing my throat I instantly close the book and say, “That’s enough for tonight, excuse me I’ll be right back.” I say as I put the book under my arm and quickly walk away into the woods. Once I am alone I let out a sigh of relief. “I completely forgot about that one being in here.” I say to myself as I open it back up to see more drawings of middle earth and sigh as I realize that my visions of each one of my companions were all spot on. After a few minutes I head back to the camp to find everyone calming down and starting to sleep.

I sigh as I walk back over to my pack and placing my sketchbook back inside I lie down beside it and holding it tightly to my chest instantly fall asleep. The next morning I am awaken by the clanking of metal. Sitting up I look over to see Sam at the campfire, while Aragorn and Boromir are giving Pippin and Merry Sword tuition. I smile as I run a hand through my hair smoothing it. This was always one of my favorite parts of the books. “Get away from the blade, Pippin...on your toes...good, very good...I want you to react, not think.”

“Should not be too hard.” I hear Sam say and I chuckle. “Move your feet.” Boromir says as he waves his sword at Pippin who roughly blocks his attack. “Quite good, Pippin.” Merry says causing his cousin to smile as he says, “Thanks.” I glance to my left to see that Gimli has Gandalf cornered, “If anyone were to ask for my opinion, which I note they have not, I would say we are taking the long way round. Gandalf, we can pass through the Mines of Moria. My cousin, Balin, would give us a royal welcome.” 

I instantly stand and interject saying what Gandalf is thinking, “No, Gimli. We should not take the road through Moria unless we have no other choice.” I visually see Gandalf relax and I sigh as I turn just in time to see Boromir thrust his sword, catching Pippin on the hand. Pippin throws down his sword, kicks and lunges at Boromir, tackling him to the ground causing everyone to burst into laughter.

I instantly look to my right to see that Legolas' eyes are fixed on a distant Dark Patch which darts about the sky, like flying smoke in the wind. Walking up beside him I follow his gaze a knot filling my stomach. “What is that?” Sam asks making everyone else turn toward us their gaze following ours. “Nothing...it's just a wisp of a cloud.” Gimli says and I groan inwardly.

“It's moving fast...against the wind.” Boromir says as he sheathes his sword. “Crebain from Dunland!” Legolas cries out making Aragorn cry out, “Hide!” We all scramble under what little cover there is. I hide under a rock lying next to someone who I was too panicked to even check whom.  I watch as a regiment of large crows fly low overhead at great speed, wheeling and circling above. As their dark shadow passes over us, a single harsh croak is heard; and the crows suddenly wheel away, back towards the south. Gandalf staggers to his feet.

“Spies of Saruman.  The passage South is being watched.” Gandalf says giving a heavy sigh. I suddenly realize I am lying next to someone and looking up see the familiar blue eyes of Legolas and my heart starts to race. My eyes stare into his as I suddenly become aware of how close we actually are to each other. His eyes dart from mine to my lips, making butterflies fill my stomach. 

Then right as I think he is about to kiss me I hear Gandalf say, “We must take the pass of Caradhras!” I watch as Legolas blinks and clearing his throat climbs out from under the rock leaving me there to try and calm my body.

‘What the hell was that?’ I say to myself as I force myself out from under the rock and taking a deep breath avoid eye contact with him as I grab my bag and follow in sink behind the rest of the fellowship as we head toward the Misty Mountains.

Will Continue in - Moria

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