#i'm in halbrand heaven

[demonscantgothere]

I've got a fic idea to go along with that, but it's rated NC-17, yo.

Halbrand, I see your smile, baby, you get what I'm saying, right?

[yourgirlsarchived]

[anipologist]

Wait Halbrand was Sauron? I would have never guessed...man was the least suspicious character in the entire show. Nothing at all about him screamed "I am a violent dark lord who likes metalsmithing."

Like...I'm flabbergasted. The person who was very obviously Sauron from the beginning of the show was....gasp Sauron. And the person who was very obviously Gandalf from the beginning of the show was....gasp Gandalf!

Such convincing plot twists…

I mean once the weird sisters turned up and told me Gandalf was Sauron all thoughts fled my mind and I found myself agreeing. Of course the stranger hanging out in grey rags with hobbits was Sauron. Obviously the show runners had given up hope that my puny mind could comprehend the depths of their convoluted and circumlocutory genius and felt I needed to be ordered to believe that Gandalf was Sauron.

But they tricks us precious! Who could have seen it coming? After telling us that the stranger is Sauron he is not….he is Good? What a twist! I couldn’t have seen that coming if I had a telescope.

And who could have foreseen all the years of working together and cultivating trust and working with Celebrimbor in ring making could all be summed up by a suggestion to use alloys. Who could have thought of such a blatantly obviously solution. Definitely not the grandson of the greatest elven smith to ever live…WHAT A GIFT.

(Currently ignoring the rest of the mithril storyline for my remaining sanity's sake).

Completely unrelated thought…mentioning something about alloys definitely deserves a whole epessë,…maybe we should call this generous character the Lord of Gifts…

Ok, yes I am being sarcastic and snarky but I am just so disgusted. I have had a lot of problems with this show. I didn’t trust Amazon once the first couple episodes started coming out. Apparently I still held onto an entirely undeserved sliver of hope. But for heavens sake this is a caricature of a parody of Tolkien. An entire season of a show literally titled THE RINGS OF POWER and the rings of power turn up for a tiny portion of the final episode.

Another thing....having actors not know who they are actually playing once they start filming is one of the stupidest things the movie/tv industry is currently obsessed with. It makes zero sense from a directorial and acting standpoint and has no payoff except for idiotic headlines like "Sauron actor didn't know he was Sauron". That's so grossly insulting to the actor and the audience.

[rubychan228]

Post-S1 interview with Charlie Vickers

Sauron Actor Breaks Down the Big Reveal in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Finale

A few key excepts, with a little bit of emphasis by me.

But I would be lying if I said I didn't already have a big inkling that I was going to be Sauron by that point. My last two audition speeches were a Richard III speech, and then a poem from Paradise Lost where I was literally reading it as Satan. So I had an inkling that there was some darkness within the character already.

The research that I was able to do — The Silmarillion, I read the really relevant parts to Sauron. Rather than making my way through it as a whole, I reread the parts that are really relevant to him. Tolkien talks a lot about his intention behind the character in his Letters. He also talks about him a lot in Morgoth's Ring. So I did all my reading and basically let that inform my performances on the day, because I still have to fully embody Hal, because I think Sauron is fully embodying Halbrand in order to convince people like Galadriel that he's just a regular dude from the Southlands.

During their confrontation, Halbrand makes a pitch to Galadriel that he will make her his queen. What was he trying to do here? Vickers: I think he's trying to get her to join him. I think he's dropped his act as Halbrand, and Sauron has this intention to heal Middle-earth, and to rehabilitate and reorganize Middle-earth certainly during this period of his return to power. And I think he's making that pitch to her. He's saying, "This world, I can turn it into an independent paradise, somewhere that's even nicer than Valinor, nicer than heaven — as long as everyone listens to me." And in her, I think he sees a way into the Elves and a way into the trust of these people. He doesn't really like the Elves, between you and me. He hates them. But I think he sees a way into them with her, and if she joins him he could probably effect his designs faster. But then when she says no, I think it's not that much of a big deal to him. With or without her, he's going to try his utmost to achieve his objective by this point.

And of course, a lot of viewers have been shipping Halbrand and Galadriel. How would you describe their relationship from the start of the season to now? Vickers: Yes, I remember very well. I like to think of it as a cosmic connection, in that he has spent a lot of time by himself — a long, long time. And I think when he meets her, he's finally meeting someone that's on his level closer to him, who has been around for a very long time. They've had this real connection, and he sees in her an opportunity. While I don't think it's romantic, I think it's really interesting and cool that a lot of people read into it like that, and that's the beauty of making things like this — there's no right answer. But I think it's more on the level of, we're two very experienced people who know a lot more than most other people we meet. And also, I think when it comes down to it at the very end of the season, he thinks he can use her to get what he wants, as sad as that is. It's like a bit of a toxic relationship.

And I also think that there is something within him of, he now has a foe, which for him is really exciting. Or maybe he also thinks that she can join him further down the line, that if he has another crack at it he will be successful at it this time.

And I think it's interesting when Halbrand says, "Do you remember me?" There's a huge part of him that wants Adar to feel some recognition. And I think perhaps he does, when Adar says, "Who are you?" as Halbrand exits the barn. It's just like, come on man, even though I don't look the same, surely you must feel something.

I feel very privileged to be able to play Sauron during this era because we have seen him on screen and in a lot of adaptations without physical form. And we all know in the lore, and this is something I'm really excited for for next season, is you see him manipulating, you see him doing things in this form of a beautiful man.

So, he's in this form, but he's still a shapeshifter and will be manipulating others in a beautiful form next season. And, in Charlie's opinion at least, he does not have feelings for Galadriel, but does think she could be useful to his plans. And offering to make her his queen is a way to get her on board with said plans. (Charlie also did extensive homework on the character, so he hopefully does have a good sense of who he's meant to be playing, since it seems that we will see at least a bit more of Sauron, in his Halbrand form but openly Sauron, next season.)

[myfavouritelunatic]

For when you wake up!

❤️🎨🦈🥳🧪💡

Sweet dreams, friend!

Aww thank you my dear! I did dream actually, but they were weird realistic dreams. Where are my Halbrand/Sauron dreams, brain?!

❤️: Favourite line... holy cow what a question! *does waaaay too much re-reading of her work to choose* There is no way I'm going to be able to pick just one. And I'm keeping it to my TROP fics because otherwise it will take me ALL DAY to go back through everything I've written over the years haha.

From I Felt It Too: 'Galadriel's expression was filled with something Halbrand could not name. He felt that even with all his knowledge of smithing and craftsmanship, he would not be able to capture the way she looked at him now. For no one had ever looked at him like this.'

From Part Two of Two Rings: 'And Sauron lived because of her.'

From The Blacksmith: 'He too wore a crown, six long spikes sat atop his head, like claws grasping at the heavens.' Honestly that whole dream sequence in chapter nine is one of the things I'm most proud of writing.

🎨: Oooo another tough choice! There are a lot of scenes in The Blacksmith that jump out at me. The image of our murder couple standing atop Barad-dûr, again from chapter nine, sticks out. Anything from any of the dream sequences really. Or them stood atop a hill facing into Mordor as Halbrand feels the pull to the darkness. Or Halbrand/Sauron's seductive face with your blood on his lips. I'm so indecisive I'm sorry.

🦈: Hardest character to write... I would say Bronwyn, only because I don't believe I have captured her as good as I could have.

🥳: Why did I start writing fanfic... as a way of inserting myself in the worlds I adore so much. I mostly write x reader stories, and have been since I was like 13 or 14. It's one of my favourite forms of escapism.

🧪: I am a big fan of research for fanfic! I want the reader to feel as immersed as possible, and keep it authentic to the world they have watched on screen.

💡: Too many! 😂 Seven TROP fics (oneshots and multi-chapters), and then a couple others that aren't fanfic, just beginnings of stories I would love to publish one day.

Thank you so very much for these!! ❤️😘

[justafandomgvrl]

The lyrics to the songs that made me choose them - and who's perspective they're from

Jenny of Oldstones - about Halbrand and lover

they danced through the day and into the night

Queen of Peace - lover corrupted

like stars chase the sun over the glowing hill i will conquer

Heavy In Your Arms - third person perspective

who is the betrayer? who is the killer in the crowd?

Drumming Song - lover

but as the water fills my lungs it couldn't wash the echoes out. i swallow the sound and it swallows me whole till there's nothing left inside my soul

Long Way Home - Halbrand

til the sun comes up we can own this town, something like make believe

Monster Among Men - Halbrand

i won't break your heart again, i don't wanna be a monster among men

Older - Halbrand

you kiss away the pain, every time you twist my lips, my dear devoted delicate

Dancing with the Devil - lover

i've been good, don't i deserve it? /// almost made it to heaven, it was closer than you know

All For Us - Halbrand

just for your love i'd give you the world

Born to be Your Queen - corrupted lover

oh watch me rise i'm never coming down, in time they'll love and honour me

Tell Me If You Wanna Go Home - lover

and i just can't bear if you're not there

Ophelia - Halbrand

heaven help the fool who falls in love /// you can't feel nothing small

Soldier, Poet, King - about Halbrand

there will come a poet who's weapon is his word, he will slay you with his tongue

Standing At The Wall - Halbrand, then lover

i remember long before the sun refused to shine /// my dreams are all for naught but lost at sea

Self Crucify - lover

what's the point of pretending were alright? its important to not self crucify

Waiting on a Miracle - lover

someone please just let me know, where do i go? i am waiting on a miracle

Whatever It Takes - Halbrand

i love the adrenaline in my veins /// i love how it feels when i break the chains

Feed The Flames - Halbrand about lover

i watch your light shine within, glowing like a beacon

Weapon - Halbrand

the devil on my shoulder wants to pull me under

Various Storms and Saints - lover

you took your toll on me so i gave myself willingly

Safe & Sound - lover & Halbrand

"don't leave me here alone" /// darling everything's on fire

Everybody Knows - third person perspective

everybody knows that it's coming apart

Jerome - lover

he was a quiet man with bloodstains on his hand /// why you treat me so cold? /// the only love i've ever known

Dancing in the Grey - Halbrand

i won't let you fall lower than me // marked by the overcast, dancing in the grey

Into The West - third person perspective, just the whole song

Uncomfortably Numb - Halbrand

baby all i'm gonna do is bring you down under the water. how long can you hold your bated breath before you drown?

Not Afraid Anymore - Halbrand about lover

devil underneath your grin, sweet thing

Angels Like You - Halbrand about lover

gonna wish we never met on the day i leave. i brought you down to your knees cos the day that misery loves company

Savior Complex - lover

you want blood and i promised, i'm a bad liar with a savior complex

Queen of Disaster - lover

you're the king and baby i'm the queen of disaster

Vulnerable - Halbrand

i would tell you all my secrets, wrap your arms around my weakness if the only other option is letting go

(I Just) Died In Your Arms - lover

loving by proxy, no give and no take // i should've walked away

Salvation - lover

are you far? will you come to my rescue? am i left to die? but i can't give up on you

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Halbrand

for this gift i feel blessed

Somewhere Over The Rainbow - lover

someday i'll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far behind me

Favorite Crime - lover

know that i loved you so bad, i let you treat me like that - i was your willing accomplice, honey

Tears of Gold - lover

you can make me cry a thousand times, i come on back

Green Green Dress - lover, Halbrand

tell me what to do, i'll do anything you say /// can i tie you up, love?

Baby Blue - lover

in for a moment or stay for a lifetime /// i wanna stay here forever

War of Hearts - Halbrand

stay with me a little longer, i will wait for you. shadows creep and want grows stronger, thoughts of you consume

Meet Me On The Battlefield - lover

i will be your sword and shield, your camouflage, and you will be mine

Sinners - both

the world may disapprove but my world is only you

Tripping Over Air - Halbrand

is there something on your mind, cause you're the only thing on mine, love

Saturn - Halbrand about lover

with shortness of breath you explain the infinite - how rare and beautiful it is to even exist

Landmines - lover about Halbrand

holding on to you is like guarding a grenade, slow dancing on landmines

Soft to be Strong - lover

i choose to love you without fear, no shame in being sincere

What The Water Gave Me - corrupted lover

she's a cruel mistress and a bargain must be made

All The Kings Horses - lover

free to go back on my own but is it still a home when you're all alone?

Fire and Ice - lover

i'm still as a statue but he brings me to life - don't care if it's right

Shadow Preachers - lover

you make me wanna love, hate, cry, take every part of you

Man or a Monster - Halbrand

do you hold the light or is darkness underneath?

When The Darkness Comes - lover

i'll be here waiting, hoping, praying that this light will guide you home

Empire - corrupted lover

just one word, i'll let the world burn. i'm gonna build me an empire and it's lonely at the top

Hard to Kill - Halbrand

the world owes me a debt, and now i've come to collect so don't get in my way

Villains pt1 - Halbrand

i become possessed and obsessed with the idea of revenge

Please Take Me - lover

what do i do if you're no good for me but i might be good for you? why do i crave your love so desperately when i don't even want to?

Where The Shadows Lie - third perspective and the whole song

Battlefield - lover

everything could stay the same or we could change it all

Anti-Hero - Halbrand

did you hear my covert narcissism i disguise as altruism?

Bigger Than The Whole Sky - Halbrand

every single thing i touch becomes sick with sadness

[arandomphrase]

Rings of Power continues to be incredibly mediocre (Part 2)

I can't mentally determine what is/isn't a spoiler to the show (which is kind of telling about the quality of the show, no?) but from this point forward if you don't want to know what's going on, don't read ahead.

Too many characters

The show has an absolute glut of characters, and none of them are particularly memorable. Just off the top of my head here are all the characters in the show (so far! More seem to be introduced each episode):

Galadriel

Elrond

The two proto-Hobbits (I honestly cannot remember their names. Dori and Nori? No, those were the Dwarves from The Hobbit)

The Stranger Gandalf

Sauron

Celebrimbor

"The Dwarves" - this includes Durin, his wife, King Durin, and the rest

"The Elves" - All of them. Including the King

"The Southlanders" - including the Elf whose name I can't remember, the mom that died between seasons, and her son

Adar and the Orcs (a great band name)

"The Numenoreans" (goodness what is the pluralization of that) - this includes the now-blind Queen, her captain friend, the guy who usurped her power and was blessed by an Eagle, and the guy/girl working with the new king

....and I think that's it? There's also the desert Hobbits, evil sorcerer and golden mask man, and the three evil people that were hunting The Stranger Gandalf in the first season.

I cannot keep track of all these people, and (as stated earlier) none of them are memorable in any way. Things just kind of happen to each of them, and there doesn't seem to be a driving force or intent behind any of their actions.

Let me break this down.

What makes a good story?

The critical element of any good tale is a memorable main character (a protagonist): Luke Skywalker, Frogo Baggins, Marge Gunderson, Elle Woods. All of these people have unique, identifying qualities and the quest they go on is one of personal growth. They're different at the end of the story from the beginning. This is called a character arc.

Meanwhile, there's gotta be some kind of inciting incident that causes a change in the protagonist's life and draws them into the action. This is usually caused by the bad guy (antagonist). From here on the story becomes: how will the protagonist succeed in their quest over the antagonist? The drama and action come about because we want to see the protagonist succeed in their quest.

Anyway this is just a long way of saying Rings of Power is lacking in most of that.

Not every story has to have these specific elements, but if you're going to tell a tale as epic in scope as that (which is what Rings of Power is trying to do), there needs to be time to learn about these people to determine:

What does this person want?

What are their traits/flaws?

What do other people think about them?

Using Game of Thrones as an example: Ned Stark (protagonist) is family man just running his castle when the King comes to town and asks him to be his right hand man (inciting incident). He eventually takes up the offer, but starts to regret it when he realizes that there is an effort by many others to usurp the King and seize power (antagonist). This is an interesting story!

So, what's the story of Rings of Power?

Galadriel decides to not go to Elf-heaven so she can keep hunting Sauron (an evil force). She runs into Halbrand (who we now know is Sauron), end up in Numenor, and determines that Sauron still lives and plans to invade the Southlands. She convinces the Queen to go to there and fight. After a long-fought battle they think they have won until Mount Doom explodes covering the land in ash. Galadriel eventually figures out that Halbrand is Sauron, but then she doesn't tell anyone because he helped make the Rings that were going to save Elven magic.

This is a story, but it's not an interesting one and it falls flat because the actions taken by Galadriel don't make sense. Why does she want to destroy Sauron so badly? What threat does he have over Middle Earth? I don't understand why I'm supposed to care that she wants to destroy Sauron. Not only that, there are 15 other stories also being told at the same time. And so the end result is a giant mess: our supposed main character is on a quest that we're not sure why they're on, to defeat an evil that's not actually doing anything evil, among a host of other characters that are also on murky quests and it all just reads like the appendix of a book that describes the background to a story instead of telling an actual story.

[demonscantgothere]

I dont know if you are still doing this but for the question game

3, 4 Litost, 6 Litost, 17, 24 Litost, 26, 34, 41, 47 Litost, 49, and 50.

In case it wasn't obvious, I love Litost. Thank you so much for the absolute gift from the heavens that is that fic.

Oh wow, you have really made my day with that! Thank you so much!!! I don't think anyone's ever called Litost a gift from the heavens yet, so oh my God, I think this one is gonna stick with me for a minute!!! 😭❤️

3. What are some tropes or details that you think are very characteristic of your fics?

. . . Alternate Universe, preferably canon divergence. Sharing a bed. Lots of hand touching. Face touching with hands. Hand porn is a thing. Angst. Lots of angst. Kidnapping tropes. Hate to love or Love/Hate being two sides of the same coin. The opposite of love is apathy, Galadriel, and you are not good at it.

4. What detail in [Litost] are you really proud of?

“I would comfort you,” he whispered, such sorrow in his own voice. “But it would only repulse you.”

6. What’s one fact about the universe of [Litost] that you didn’t get a chance to mention in the fic itself?

So, Theo and Valandil have rings of power, but . . . there are others who have had them much, much longer. 😈

24. Are there any easter eggs in [Litost], and if so, what are they?

I don't think so unless callbacks to canon count. Galadriel's circlet that Halbrand makes her is the one from The Hobbit movies. The description of Theo's ring is based on one of the Dwarven rings from the original trilogy. In a future chapter there will be canonical name drops and inclusions of characters from Tolkien's works that haven't shown up yet. Also more callbacks to the original trilogy.

26. Would you rather write a fic that had no dialogue or one that was only dialogue?

No dialogue. If I read something with only dialogue, I'd lose my mind, haha. I'd rather read action with silence.

34. What aspects of your writing are inspired by/taken from your real life?

Occasional experiences here or there.

41. Link a fic that made you think, “Wow, I want to write like that.”

With every update to The Lesser of Two Evils, I often feel this way about Thrill of Hope's fic, though she is going to think I am pulling her chain by saying that. Her writing is exquisite to me.

47. If [Litost] was a pair of shoes, what kind would it be? Describe the shoes.

Lol, I have no idea!

49. What are you currently working on? Share a few lines if you’re up for it!

A sequel to The Greatest Slavery.

The golden leaves on the edge of Lothlórien faded away to a world of green as the carriage bumbled along the path. Celebrían cast her gaze upward to the top of the canopy of mingling shades, her own eyes a reflection of them—green but golden amber in the center. Her eyes drew forth much attention in Lothlórien, for Elves were known to have grey eyes or blue, but never green or amber. Often, it caused her to cast her gaze downward to avoid the stares. Too many of them, so many eyes, and all of them blue or grey.

50. Answer any question of your choice, or talk about anything you want to talk about!

Trying to pick what to write tonight! I have multiple projects and no idea where I want to start! I've got the next chapter of Litost, of course, continuations of The Greatest Slavery and Eyes Closed, unnamed one shots sitting on the backburner, the next chapter of Beasts (which I think I'm waiting for Litost to be finished first, anyway), and then the finale installment for Dark, Dark My Light.

. . . I have no idea where to start.