#also a balrog now I guess

[tanoraqui]

actually the best part of an AU where Annatar simply does not revert to evil, but does eventually admit to having been evil, is if he stays on good terms with Khazad-Dum forever and one day in the mid-Third Age the dwarves palantir-call him like, “Hey, Annatar, we think we found one of your old guys? Could you come get them out of our mineshaft?”

Celebrimbor, leaning over Annatar’s shoulder: ‘One of his old guys’ as in a Maia, or as in an evil monster?

Dwarves: Yes. That is, it killed Durin, and the survivors of his party say it was a nightmare of fire and darkness.

Annatar: We’ll be right there.

Annatar a couple days later, peering down a deep, deep mineshaft both physically and spiritually: Holy shit, it’s Dave. [to Celebrimbor] Star-gem, stand back. Everyone else, too. [leans further down the shaft] HEY, DAVE, KNOCK IT OFF! I’M TRYING TO RUN A FAIR AND STABLE GLOBAL ECONOMY UP HERE!

#lotr #second age shenaniganry #annatar #sauron #celebrimbor #listen I’m sorry but the only logical conjunction of ‘sauron maia of math’ and ‘still seeks world domination but is being polite about it’ #is 100% ‘sauron creates/encourages globalized economy controlled by him’ #though in that au that I haven’t finished writing I’m not actually sure they build a new ost-in-edhil or anything #traveling magicians inventors advisors to kings…and sometimes that thing baru did on that one island with shares in the local crop… #also a balrog now I guess

[iconuk01]

From: "The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale" at the Waterside Theatre, Bagnor, near Newbury.

Video is not mine, but this show was AMAZING

When you arrive at the theatre, you don't go into the theatre at first, you all gather in a large garden area behind the theatre, which is set up with wooden benchs and tables, and a large, raised, circular stage.

This is the setting for the opening ten minutes, as the cast arrive, in character, and help set up for Bilbo's birthday, playing ringtoss games on the stage, or just wandering the tables, saying hello to the audience.

Then we start the folk music, and the cast join in on their instruments (Nearly every one of them plays at least two instruments as the show progresses, so they're providing their own music as they go along, with cast not involved in a scene usually providing background music from just off stage) as they have the birthday party, Bilbo gives his speech, disappears, and then the audience enters the theatre for the rest of the show (Well, almost, but that would be telling)

The choreographer, Anjali Mehra, combines English folk dancing, Morris dancing, as well as many elements from various Indian dancing that I don't know the names of, but recognise as being from there, and some just fun random stuff. (See video above)

Sam and Frodo

Legolas arriving at Lothlorien

The Lady Galadriel

I need to sleep now, or I'd try to describe how they did the Nazghul on a budget as well as a stunninly effective, if abstract, Balrog, and an utterly TERRIFYING Shelob, all in a tiny theatre (it only seats 220)!

But I will say their Sam (Nuwan Hugh Perera) is utterly endearing, and at the other end of the scale, their take on Gollum (Matthew Bugg) is astonishing, an utterly physical performance with the actor crawling around the stage, the galleries, the balcony itself, all whilst screeching or wheedling. He even gets a sort of duet with himself... and the later scene where, listening to Sam and Frodo sing "Now and for Always", a song of quiet Hobbit heroism, Gollum starts to relax and smile to himself and somehow visibly starts to come round to his Smeagol side again, before the encounter with the angry, distrustful Sam which drives him away, is heartbreaking.

Sam is singing lead here, with Frodo (Louis Maskell) sitting in front, Bilbo (John O'Mahony) and Rosie (Charlotte Grayson) in the background, with Pippin (Amelia Gabriel) on lute, Merry (Geraint Downing) on cello, Arwen (Aoife O'Dea) on harp and Elliott Mackenzie (ensemble) next to them.

Just beautiful!

Is it perfect? Well, it crams a lot into it's three hours, but cuts quite a lost of bits out, especially character development and quite a few major characters. As one critic noted, intros and motivation are basically reduced to "I am Xxxxx, I'm a zzzzzz and I'm friends with him but I don't like him and here's why"

So Rohan doesn't feature at all, Theoden and Denethor are sort of combined into one "Steward" and and Faramir isn't there at all... I guess if you're on a budget, the cavalry are the first to go. I also suspect if you don't know the story already, it's a bit of a skip over a LOT of things you need to know.

But that being said, the cast are sincere, the music is great and the staging is STUPENDOUS, so all in all, a great evening.

#The Lord of the Rings: a musical tale #The Lord of the Rings #theatre #Youtube

[thegreatandpowerfulversy]

My overactive writerbrain is doing its thing again, taking the two most recent things I've been into and smashing them together into a bizarre crossover that still, somehow, inexplicably works.

This time, it's Worm and the Silmarillion. Specifically, I'm thinking about how there are three Silmarils, and three main Endbringers, and both of these groups of three things are themed around land, sea, and sky. So, naturally... what if they're directly related?

Imagine the distant future of Arda, maybe not quite to the third act of the Music of the Ainur, but getting close to it. It is the age of Men and Aftercomers, the younger Children of Ilúvatar who have never so much as seen an elf, who live and die and pass not into the Halls of Mandos but into some other, hidden place beyond Eä to await what is to come. The Valar keep to themselves in the west, Melkor was cast out and Sauron defeated, and none in Middle Earth Bet even remember the legends of the Two Trees and their Light, or the terrible Oath sworn to reclaim its last glimmers from any who would dare to keep them.

But even in this time, the Silmarils still exist, somewhere. Maybe someone delves and/or swims too greedily and too deep, or maybe Men advance their technology and look outward to the stars. But someone, somewhere, encounters something they shouldn't, and the time of kinslayings begins again.

Maedhros and his Silmaril were lost into a fiery chasm, deep within the earth. Even without their masters, the balrogs and dragons and the rest of Melkor's designs still lurk and work their evils. It is not just the greed born of Fëanor's oath that corrupts him, but external powers too, until nothing elflike remains and Maedhros becomes a hulking Behemoth tunneling through the bowels of the world, always chasing a spark that the currents of magma will never let him reach.

Maglor cast his Silmaril into the sea. But the sea is Ulmo's domain, and Maglor swore an oath to pursue the jewels even should the hands that hold them be a vala's. Whether he regrets his action or not, the Oath compels him to swim after the Silmaril, and it drives him to swim ever faster and harder and better, streamlining away everything he used to be until all that remains is a powerhouse of water itself, a Leviathan who carries the ocean in his wake as he circles the world and assails the coastlines where his prize might briefly have been.

Eärendil took a Silmaril into the sky, never to touch down again, never to let himself be seen except as a passing star to those below. He swore no Oath, and can keep the Silmaril rather than chase it endlessly, but in so keeping he finds within the knowledge and cunning of the Noldor, and a perspective from high above so foreign to the mortals who walk the earth. With the Light upon his brow, borne forever on the wings of Varda, he becomes the legendary firebird, the Simurgh, ever watching the lives below with a sense of duty to intervene and to keep the world's development along the path he knows is right. ...And also she transes her gender at some point, I guess.

But someone, somewhere, encounters something they shouldn't: perhaps Melkor returned to Eä, or another Ainu who neglected to join the creation after the visions from Ilúvatar but who enters now, late, like Ungoliant or Bombadil before them. Some catalyst alights upon the world and brings forth power and light, kindling conflict first for conflict's sake alone.

And sometimes, a volcano will send forth a brilliant spark to see the surface world once again, and for a while it travels from hand to bloodier hand, until the Behemoth emerges in an attempt at its recapture, and the Light sinks again in its wake. Sometimes, another jewel will wash up on the shores, ever followed by the Leviathan who lays waste to coastal cities, even sending floods upriver where the Silmaril has been traded inland. And through it all, the Simurgh sings what she can recall of Elwing's song, distorted with every new century passed until it brings only madness to all who hear. The Simurgh, too, is mad from it, but cannot cease, and her once well-meaning interventions in mortal affairs are turned quickly to the new power's ends.

...I don't have a plot or anything, this is just a vague concept based on a random connection my brain made and wouldn't leave me alone until I wrote it down. Anyone is welcome to take the setting and run with it if you want, flesh it out a bit more, while I have plenty of other wips already that I should be writing.

#worm parahumans #worm web serial #silmarillion #wormblr #the silm fandom

[runawaymun]

7, 9 & 25 with Glorfindel for the character ask please! Ily!

7. What's something the fandom does when it comes to this character that you like?

General consensus on Himbo Glorfindel is my favorite thing ever. I love me a Glorfindel who just has pure golden retriever energy!!! He is so good!!! He is so full of laughter and sunlight!!!! Also I love ever-so-slightly (or not-so-slightly) vain Glorfindel. :D I mean the man wouldn't put up his hair even to fight a Balrog and he got himself killed about it.

9. Could you be roommates with this character?

NO

He is MESSY and he is LOUD

I mean maybe if we had a very big house and I had a lot of space to myself? But god help him if he touches the kitchen.

25. What was your first impression of this character? How about now?

I just remember thinking how lovely and friendly and silly he seemed in the book! I guess that image has stuck in my brain and hasn't really changed. Like obvs he is well rounded and he is a balrog slayer and super powerful. But he's like Celebrian for me. The first impression really stuck.

Character Ask Meme

#glorfindel #character ask meme

[ceescedasticity]

'Unforsaken' cutting room floor

From where they're first talking about the possible warden. I guess I decided this got more detailed than it needed to be? I kind of like it…

------

Anyone know where Radagast is these days?

Celeborn says he was present when they were disassembling Dol Guldur and trying to restore things, but left even before the Ringbearers sailed.

Elrohir says Estel was mostly sure Radagast was helping with ecological restoration in Mordor for a while, but never actually caught sight of him and hasn't heard anything for a while. Maybe he went farther into Sauron's old territory?

So, no one knows where Radagast is in any useful way.

They might actually have some idea where one of the Blue Wizards is, or at least was: the Magus Caerulus who is or was very influential on the Men living in the lands just west of Pelndoru. Khitwê and Risyind don't know much more than that, but they assume the Men who live there would.

So they could, if they choose, go most of the way to Pelndoru and see if they can pick up the trail of a wizard.

A wizard who's apparently involved in human politics, Celeborn points out. That's not an obvious good sign.

(Okay look, it is not easy coordinating resistance to Sauron when you have no Eldar or Edain in your arsenal — Avari and other humans have the heart and the will to fight the Shadow, but they mostly don't have lingering bits of Valar-favor. If the Magi Caeruli didn't stay personally involved the people of the East and South just wouldn't have any tools to protect themselves. It's gotten a lot better! Almost no one thinks they're gods now and they're definitely not kings!)

(In a different incarnation of this fic, with additional digressions about the Blue Wizards and even more outrageous OCs— Well, never mind.)

Still: Going most of the way to Pelndoru and talking their way into meeting the Magus Caerulus is an option.

…Assuming they're still there.

Getting a wizard would be a long-term and chancy endeavor, and no one is very enthusiastic about it.

"Besides," Celegorm says, "it's not like you need to be a maia to fight a maia."

"Strictly speaking no, but…"

(Celegorm is thinking: Finrod actually didn't do too badly against Sauron until he lost his nerve, and Maglor is a much better bard than Finrod, and the Warden is — he assumes — weaker than Sauron, so this should be workable if Maglor gets in the right frame of mind.)

(Maglor and Turgon are thinking: True, but all balrog-killers died doing it and this thing may be stronger, so let's not get cocky.)

(Glorfindel, Celeborn, Elladan, and Elrohir are thinking: How much of Glorfindel's Second Age pre-return-to-Middle-earth power-up is still lingering? Is this hypothetical Warden bigger or smaller than a balrog, figuratively speaking? Also there's the Saruman comparison, Mithrandir did a lot to break his power but he was definitely vulnerable to other attacks, what kind of shape is this thing in—)

(Khitwê and Risyind are thinking: Wait, what's a maia again? Is it the same as a wizard or not?)

(Whiterot is thinking: About something else entirely because she doesn't want to think about maiar.)

(Sharlinnu is thinking: Is it too late to start taking notes?)

It's still not like anyone is planning to let this stop them either, so Elrohir asks if there's any procedure of arming for umaiar.

"Fire-resistant armor and the best weapons you have," says Turgon.

"That's balrogs specifically," Celeborn says. "More generally, you need to be aware of the mental and spiritual influence — like the Black Breath of the Ringwraiths, but possibly much worse — and be prepared to resist it."

"Just about anything dies if you cut its head off," Celegorm offers.

Maglor gives Celegorm a 'I know you are not actually this book-dumb, will you stop embarrassing me' look, which Celegorm ignores. "There are seventeen known repeating types of umaiar, and any individual might be unique. What Lord Celeborn said is the only consistent rule."

"Mithrandir left Glamdring here, though," Elladan says, half-joking. "He killed a balrog with Glamdring, so it could be considered a weapon for use on umaiar?"

"Hmmmm."

"I forgot to mention that," Glorfindel says to Turgon. "Glamdring is here — we don't know how it got to Eriador, but after it surfaced Mithrandir wielded it until he sailed — do you want it back?"

"…No thank you," says Turgon. "I don't think it would like being wielded by an orc."

Is there anything in the armory that would? They'll have to check.

Anyway, what about Maglor's anti-maia capacity? Clearly he's been keeping in practice driving orcs into the Sea…

Maglor wants to avoid admitting to weakness in front of Turgon, Celeborn, and the children more than he wants to yell at Celegorm for having unreasonable expectations. He says he can play a harp if necessary, but it's been a while since he did anything big.

Turgon says he thought they were already counting on Maglor to break the Crucible open. Asking him to fight the Warden at the same time seems a bit much.

Sharlinnu asks how the Dark Lord was defeated, anyway.

…They don't know?

Well, they know it happened fast and unexpectedly and Mount Doom erupted—

The One Ring was destroyed in Mount Doom, that's how.

…Wait, do they know what the One Ring is?

Yes, they know what the One Ring is.

…Actually Whiterot and Sharlinnu are a little vague on that.

Okay, if anyone wants details, there's a book. Suffice to say: No one actually fought Sauron.

All right, so there's no one — other than Glorfindel and Maglor, hopefully — particularly equipped to fight the hypothetical warden. Are there other people they could call on for more strength in general?

Well, there's Thranduil. He's pretty busy right now, though.

And while he's been easy-going about old Sindarin grudges in general asking him to work directly with Maglor Fëanorion might be a bit much to ask for.

Not to mention the orcs. Thranduil still struggles with dwarves.

Whiterot asks if knowing he has a… personal stake… would make it easier for him to handle it.

Nimloth? Maybe…

No, Oropher.

…

(Turgon, Celegorm, and Sharlinnu actually do all recognize the name — highest-priority Greenwood target in the Second Age. —Also Reckless and Sly really wanted to kill him. None of them had any idea he's an orc, though.)

(Celeborn is horrified, but not as shocked as he would be if Celebrían hadn't identified Ningloreth of Lórinand, who died in the same battle as Oropher and had less of a reputation for obstinacy.)

(Maglor never heard the King of Greenwood's name while he was king of the Greenwood, but recognizes the name from old intelligence on Iathrin nobility. He does not mention this.)

(Khitwê remembers the name from various history lessons in Imladris and has to remind Risyind.)

Personal stakes notwithstanding, Thranduil is still very busy and not guaranteed to keep his temper even when he's trying very hard. Celeborn would rather not involve him in this and would really rather not tell him about Oropher.

Círdan? Probably not.

…Although they should probably keep him in the loop.

Maglor sighs dramatically and asks if anyone knows where Daeron is.

Sailed under a false name, Celeborn says. So much for that idea.

What about dwarves? Or Men?

Dwarves might be able to help if not with a warden specifically, but… this isn't really their problem, is it? It's an elven problem. (It could be the dwarves' problem if it turns out there's a warden and it can trigger orcs multiplying, but that's never happened that they know of.)

It's an old, terrible, horrific, even shameful elven problem. Elves should take care of it.

#orc bank unforsaken #orc bank

[cornerful]

March 1st

'There is no malice near us; but there is watchfulness, and anger.'

'Well, it has no cause to be angry with me,' said Gimli. 'I have done it no harm.'

'That is just as well,' said Legolas. 'But nonetheless it has suffered harm.'

Love some real underlying awareness of how emotions work with my lord of the rings 🍻 lasting pain is inevitably shared with the people around you who had nothing to do with it, and sensitivity without culpability is important to practice.

'A treacherous weapon is ever a danger to the hand.'

Gandalf says this of Saruman but I should really start saying it about blunt kitchen knives 😒

'Dangerous!' cried Gandalf. 'And so am I, very dangerous: more dangerous than anything you will ever meet, unless you are brought alive before the seat of the Dark Lord.'

Go flex, girl 💗💯💥💫

The others looked at him. A gleam of sun through fleeting clouds fell on his hands, which lay now upturned on his lap: they seemed to be filled with light as a cup is with water. At last he looked up and gazed straight at the sun.

*_* I'm so beguiled by this. Hm. Hm. *shuffles it away for later* Thoughts, anyone, about this part?

'It is a long way for a man to walk, young or old,' said Aragorn. 'I fear the battle will be over long ere I come there.'

'We shall see, we shall see,' said Gandalf. 'Will you come now with me?'

Just like earlier when Gandalf did not reveal his identity for a hot minute, here again is the theme of characters taking leaps of faith. Gandalf could have told them that the return of their horses was likely, but he didn't. It's important that they agree to go even without knowing.

Far, far below the deepest delvings of the Dwarves, the world is gnawed by nameless things. Even Sauron knows them not. They are older than he. Now I have walked there, but I will bring no report to darken the light of day. In that despair my enemy was my only hope, and I pursued him, clutching at his heel.

If there's some epic fanfic out there about the nameless things and/or Gandalf's harrowing time among them I'd love to read it.

Also, --I know this is probably very un-tolkienian-- I wonder if Gandalf was stuck down there how he would get out of it. Could he...to put it delicately, abandon his body by his own hand? What would then happen to him? The story would be different I guess, I mean it would never have been written that way. The idea of Gandalf having video game respawn skills through suicide is I think not a concept jirt would have entertained and I agree that's way too lazy for a story like this--nevermind the way it would undermine the Sacredness of Life and Importance of Noble Choices stuff going on all the time...I just wonder though, within the rules of lotr, what would have happened if Gandalf missed his chance of escape from the deep places. And say he did expire alone in the dark and desperate, what would then be? Anyway. Just a rambling thought...

'"A burden you have been," he answered, "but not so now. Light as a swan's feather in my claw you are. The Sun shines through you. Indeed I do not think you need me any more: were I to let you fall, you would float upon the wind."

I love this i love it i love it. And it reminds me of what Gandalf thought about Frodo that morning in Rivendell after the danger of the morgul shard had passed.

Which is double interesting, thinking of Gandalf's story from the Balrog to Lothlórien, and the end of the tale. Hm.

'What then?' said Legolas. 'Would you have her speak openly to you of your death?'

'Yes, if she had naught else to say.'

Sgdjhfkhfk 💚

It was dreary and wearisome. Cold clammy winter still held sway in this forsaken country. The only green was the scum of livid weed on the dark greasy surfaces of the sullen waters. Dead grasses and rotting reeds loomed up in the mists like ragged shadows of long-forgotten summers.

Going in the imagery tag, the way with words extends to unpleasantness, too 😔

Often the grass was so high that it reached above the knees of the riders, and their steeds seemed to be swimming in a grey-green sea.

This too!

#suicide mention #sharpen your knives if you want me to cook with them oh my godddd 😭 #food for thought #lotrn301 #lotr newsletter #imagery

[vintagerpg]

Here’s the 10th anniversary edition of Tom Meier’s Ral the Balrog (1985). In addition to being an evil wizard, I guess Mr. Partha is also a copyright infringing demon as well.

This is one of my all-time favorite miniatures. I practically knocked over the vendor’s table to grab the box when I saw it at Geek Flea. IN THE BOX. Look at that box! It is so good! The miniature inside is sort of deeply weird in terms of its proportions and its too-wide mouth, but it all comes together in a way that works, I think.

This was painted by the amazing @MisterFist. You can practically feel the searing heat emanating off of him. I appreciated the hell out of this paint job before I started painting miniatures, but now that I’ve done some of my own, I can’t quite get over some of the detailing in the flames and the armor. So good.

#RPG #TTRPG #Tabletop RPG #Roleplaying Game #D&D #dungeons & dragons #Miniature #Ral the Balrog #Ral Partha #Tom Meier

[miredinmiddleearth]

Rings of Power, Ep. 7 Review - RIP

I’ve made it this far...Buckle up, mellon. Time for my thoughts on episode seven:

1. Dang. Everyone survived. Whelp, except that guy whose name I neither remember nor care to remember.

2. Wait, they SURVIVED?! Heat alone would do the trick, but pretending they survive the heat, that’s not snow they’re walking through! The ash would finish off anyone left! Look, LotR doesn’t have the best history with believability when it comes to volcanoes, but Rings of Power keeps professing it is meant to feel grittier and more realistic. So much for that, I guess.

3. The scene where Durin begs his father to help Elrond is actually poignant...and it makes me angry. Here’s why -

Lore/book reason the dwarves awake a Balrog: they were too greedy and dug too deep.

RoP reason the dwarves awake a Balrog: Durin is desperate to help his friend.

Writers, do you not see how thematically misaligned and stupid you are being?!

4. So now we know how the mithril cures the darkness. Apparently you just sit beside it. Wait, that begs the question, why do you even need to mine for mithril? Couldn’t the elves just book a mithril session and hang out int he caves for a bit? Totally cured.

5. Miss Pro-Genocide Galadriel gives a lecture on goodness and letting go of revenge. HA. That’s rich! Have we seen literally any evidence of a mind-change or reason she grew between the last episode and this one? Psh, no. Why would we need such a thing? 

6. I actually found the scene where Miriel realizes she’s been blinded quite decent, as well! Amazing! In an ACTUAL display of strength (not whatever fake nonsense we’ve seen the women display prior), Miriel must maintain composure and pretend she can see so she can be strong for her people. They actually did something good? 

Don’t make me laugh. The next time we see her, she’s wearing a blindfold, not hiding her blindness in ANY way. Apparently she only needed to fake being strong for a short horse ride.

7. When the heck did they have time to set up camp? At least the show is consistent. They’ll always fail to include what’s actually relevant. 

8. Apparently we need to waste time worrying that Isildur, the incredibly vital character from later tales, is dead. Great use of time. Proof upon proof upon proof of the ineptitude of the writers.

9. Galadriel finally said her brother’s name! Her primary motivation, and it only took 7 episodes for his name to get dropped.

10. Celeborn DEAD?! They had me going for a second. But no. Clearly gotta come back (Galadriel says he went away to war and never returned). Still, super stupid. Brother motivates her but apparently couldn’t care less about her hubby. Also, she met Celeborn because he came upon her dancing? Seriously? You couldn’t give them their own meet cure? You had to steal Luthien and Beren’s?

11. Durin is going to mine all the mithril by himself? Great plan, dude.

12. So are we supposed to dislike the dwarf king? Because I don’t dislike him. Mining mithril is not safe. Period.

13. Cool burning of harfoot carts, but unclear how many perished. Unfortunately, I think they all survived. Alas.

14. SIgh. Bronwyn survived, too. Also, watching her fling her arms around her son’s neck reminds me that she was shot through the shoulder the day before. Healed up nice and dandy, apparently. Also, she’s awfully clean for someone that went through a volcanic blast.

15. I laughed the hardest I’ve ever laughed in this show when Nori’s dad gives his brethren a pep talk. He says the harfoots, better than anyone else, “stay true to each other.” I CACKLED. Harfoots stick together? The same harfoots who wanted to leave you behind. Who wanted to take off your wheels and leave you to die. Who didn’t offer a single ounce of assistance when you were injured. THOSE harfoots?! (The laughter continued when harfoot who proposed murder is declared “always right.”)

16. Halbrand survives to show his pretty face another day. HIs wound is infected and he must be gotten to the elves!

Oh wait, he’s fine. Walking around like the wound is nothing. No? He still needs immediate aid that will require a very long horseride? Okay...

17. I know they’re shooting for Disa sounding inspirational and supportive of her husband, but to me she just sounds straight up evil in that speech at the end? SHE sounds greedy and possessive and manipulative. Definitely don’t think that’s what they were going for...

18. Ah. She we’re not just changing greedy dwarvish motivations to helping a friend, we’re adding that a leaf woke the Balrog. What is this, Kung Fu Panda?

19. The introduction of Mordor’s name made me roll my eyes.

Just one episode left. Just one. The end is in sight. (Yes, I know they’ve started filming season 2).

#lord of the rings #lotr #amazon #rings of power #anti rings of power #rop #tolkien #jrr tolkien #the ring speaks #the one ring #rings of power review #rant

[ambarto]

Every day since finding out about Makar and Measse I mourn that they aren’t present in the published Silm

If you don’t know them, Makar and Measse were two Valar present in the earlier versions of the Legendarium. They were brother and sister and a sort of warrior gods who I guess ended up being too violent for Tolkien’s tastes in the end and were discarded. But I’m fascinated by them because in the Silm we have the Valar, who are good and pure and if they ever do something wrong it was a mistake on their part, and then Melkor, who is evil and bad and can do nothing good ever.

Makar and Measse on the other hand are such grey characters. They are Valar and work with them, but they were also some of the Ainur who sung with Melkor, and they overall love the conflict that Melkor brings to the world. They love fighting and disasters and they spend their time hunting beasts. They were against the Elves coming to Valinor, too. Measse especially would have been such a good addition, because Tolkien’s female characters tend to be very good and pure on average, so a violent, bloody warrior goddess would have made for an incredible presence.

So imagine the Silmarillion but with Makar and Measse. Two Valar who, differently from the others, not only don’t try to stop Feanor, but they encourage him even. They push the Noldor to escape rather than convincing them to stay, delighted by the conflict that is at last forming, not condemning the first kingslaying because the blood spilling and violence is just what they think the world needs to go on.

And beyond that, Makar and Measse spurring the other kinslayings too. Appearing in Maedhros’s dreams as he hesitates before attacking Doriath or Sirion, telling him he made an oath, and now he will have to keep it, go do what you swore you would do Feanorion. The Valar in Valinor hearing what is happening and being horrified by what happens in Beleriand, debating what to do and whether to join in the fighting, while Makar and Measse openly enjoy it. They come to Beleriand in disguise, looking over the battlefields, satisfied with the world going how it should.

And then at the end of the First Age, the War of Wrath comes, and Makar and Measse come and decimate Melkor’s forces, taking on the Balrogs and dragons, spilling blood and laughing as they do, more violent and terrible than any of the Orcs and Melkor’s forces, and nonetheless on the side of the Valar.

What if Makar and Measse were present, but they were forgotten. The Elves of Valinor avoid them. The Exiles no longer speak of them, former Feanorians trying to forget their influence and the others never having liked them to begin with. The Men, the Sindar, the Dwarves, all collectively trying to ignore what they saw in the War of Wrath, because it’s easier to pretend those two never existed rather than trying to process the fact that some of the Valar are not quite good, some are scary and horrifying and how can they be a protective force?

Makar and Measse turning into something only whispered about by the scholars of Numenor, references to them tucked away in a corner of Rivendell’s library no one ever frequents, twisted tales of beasts from beyond the ocean still told with fear by the Orcs to their children to teach them never to trust in the gods of Men or Elves. And in Valinor, Makar and Measse sitting in their iron palace, fighting and training for Ages, patiently waiting for the day the Dagor Dagorath will come.

#my meta #silm meta #makar #measse

[abnerkrill]

for trop (because what else??): galadriel, elrond, adar, kemen, arondir, bronwyn, isildur okay i am stopping now i'm SORRY

hello ily this is gonna be so long but im very happy with it hehe. answers below the cut!!

Galadriel

Why I like them: i think it's very sexy that she spends practically the whole season seething with rage. it's rare for female characters and it's also hot af.

Why I don’t: question canceled, i like everything about her

Favorite episode (scene if movie): 1x08 alloyed!!!!! i've said it before and i'll say it again, it's very special that a season finale pulls back on the action and actually focuses in so much on the characters! also the visions/temptation scene for galadriel... chefs kiss. (disclaimer, not a haladriel shipper, in fact i'm in favor of galadriel stabbing him, but it's a great scene!)

Favorite season/movie: i do prefer her in ROP over LOTR, she just has way more to do and she's much more compelling as a a vengeance-filled warrior than an ethereal queen 2 me.

Favorite line: many standouts, but i recall "what cannot be known hollows the mind; fill it not with guesswork" from her convo with Theo.

Favorite outfit: blue númenor dress :')

OTP: galadriel/celeborn!!! gimme my malewife celeborn, rop writers, pleeeeease

Brotp: elrond and galadriel are fantastic, and the moments we had between elendil and galadriel were also really great!! (don't ship them romantically tho obviously.)

Head Canon: hmmMMmmmm can't say I have many bc I'm very happy with her canon portrayal. i guess i don't think she's already had Celebrian at this point, if that counts, and there may be a future timeskip where she does, but I could be wrong!

Unpopular opinion: i kinda agree with the haters that the horse-riding facial expression was a little weird jkdfskjdfjkdlsfkdsj. i'm glad morfydd is having fun but it was a weird shot!!

A wish: more fight scenes, i ADORED the troll fight in episode 1!

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen: actual haladriel romance (or even any hints of it.) please leave her alone <3

5 words to best describe them: she's my beautiful angry wife <3

My nickname for them: i feel like i don't have one?? i've heard people call her Gal for short but that's just weird 2 me.

Elrond

Why I like them: he's my babyboy!!!! also my actual boyfriend and husband :)

Why I don’t: shuT UP HE'S PERFECT. detractors will be shoved into the deepest chasm of khazad-dum, to meet their end via balrog.

Favorite episode (scene if movie): uhh quickly searches which episode the cave scene is in 1x07 the eye <3 WHAT ELSE than the cave scene!!!!! flushed cheeks mussed hair breathy voice--durin i stg you have to kiss that boy RIGHT NOW

Favorite season/movie: def prefer ROP elrond to LOTR/hobbit elrond. he's got more to do and rob is very pretty :)

Favorite line: the exchange "i always thought you were a mite dwarvish for an elf" / "and you are a rather elvish dwarf, durin, son of durin, grandson of..."

Favorite outfit: honestly i adore all his outfits but whatever the look is when he's all sweaty and disheveled in the cave? yeah <3

OTP: durin x disa x elrond!!! i also do ship my elrond/adar but that's a whole other canon lol.

Brotp: galadriel and elrond is wonderful!!

Head Canon: LOTS of headcanons about his past: his relationship with Elros especially and how it was to lose him :( let's be real, they're all sad lol.

Unpopular opinion: long hair wouldn't really look good on rob's face shape, i like his short hair :)

A wish: i REALLY want some good screentime devoted to the elrond/celebrian developing relationship plssssssss

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen: well i like some good angst but let's just say i'm NOT ready for the aftermath of the last alliance or celebrian's departure (if they show it in rop), my poor baby :(

5 words to best describe them: KIND AS FUCKING SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! & babyboy :)

My nickname for them: none, he's just elrond 2 me.

Adar

Why I like them: the whole dark elf vibe is extremely sexy and compelling. also when we were first watching ROP my mom took one look at him and said "he looks like loki from avengers" which is a devastating summation of my Type!!!!

Why I don’t: ...let's just say I don't love the fandom interpretation where he's overly soft/nice/good. like, let the guy be a little evil and fucked up. that's why we like him, i thought??

Favorite episode (scene if movie): MERCY KILLING THE URUK. AND THE FIRST CONVERSATION WITH ARONDIR. chills. chills. the actingggg!

Favorite season/movie: n/a

Favorite line: "you have been told many lies......... some run so deep, even the rocks and roots now believe them." mawle's voice is just :o and it's SUCH a banger intro to the character.

Favorite outfit: he only has one??? but it's a great outfit!!!

OTP: i love a certain interpretation of adar/arondir and adar/elrond but like....... again......... i'd never want to see it on the actual show, let him be a little fucked up and entirely unfit for romantic relationships and also doomed to die lol

Brotp: n/a but i think it'd be funny if he was forced to work with the good guys against sauron and he's just this grimy, angry, fucked-up guy in the corner they have to deal with dsjkljdksflfksdjl

Head Canon: one of the first, if not the first, to be stolen by morgoth. i kinda like the lack of clarity there too--he doesn't know if he was the first, but there's a good chance he was. anyone who would know is dead now.

Unpopular opinion: I have many. uhm...... i think most of the adar fic and especially the adar x reader stories are kinda gross and weird.... read what u want ofc, but the daddy dom stuff reeks of objectification and internalized sexism 2 me... besides it's giving lack of interest in actual character exploration, and just using him as The Latest Tortured Whiteboy to project onto. i actually want deep, cutting, incisive, dramatic, tragic character studies is that too much to ask klfdsjklfdsjklsd

A wish: i have LONGED FOR adar to actually lead his uruks against Sauron in the last alliance and get ruthlessly, brutally massacred, therefore leading to the state of the Orcs in LOTR (entirely enslaved by sauron with no hope of rebellion.) like, talk about TRAGEDY.

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen: dead in his first s2 scene lmoaoooo please don't kill him so fast, like, i know he's doomed, but PLEASE give him some juicy scenes!!!

5 words to best describe them: my emo bf. loml. doomed <3

My nickname for them: don't love the implications of everyone calling him "dad" esp if i'm writing a romantic relationship, so my quenya name for him is aladil, lover of day :)

Kemen

Why I like them: i'm so sorry, i do not!!!!!

Why I don’t: college republic vibes (read: privileged, annoying, bad haircut)

Favorite episode (scene if movie): none <3 isildur is better than me bc i would've gone okay boy then perish <3

Favorite season/movie: n/a

Favorite line: okay i'll admit the flirting w/ earien was funny (paraphrasing but "i'm not in the habit of going off with strange men" / "that's wise, if i see any i'll be sure to tell you")

Favorite outfit: does he have more than 1??? i'm so sorry i did not care to recall them. i do like the númenórean looks overall but his haircut is so bad it really makes it hard to pay attention to other things kjldfjkfdskjldfs

OTP: none!

Brotp: drowning in the ocean? (jk but....)

Head Canon: too wimpy to be a ringwraith so i'm gonna guess he dies...?

Unpopular opinion: i'm not too interested in his storyline tbh. like, he'll probably either go full king's man or rebel against his father and either way i'm very meh.

A wish: better haircut!!!!!

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen: i really don't want earien to marry him flsdjkjkfldjfdskjlddjklfsjkljdks pleeeease girl have some self-respect

5 words to best describe them: "whitest white boy in númenor"

My nickname for them: none! just kemen.

Arondir

Why I like them: i don't think there's anyone else alive who could've done this much justice to a tolkien elf, literally none, ICC is IT.

Why I don’t: none. can't believe it this question fjkldskjlfdkjlfdskldf

Favorite episode (scene if movie): the failed escape in 1x03 adar is INCREDIBLE, i love how the stunt team/fights are getting recognized, and ICC's hard work showssssss <3 also special shoutout to the fight scene with the giant orc in 1x08 udun!!!!!!!!! literally fire.

Favorite season/movie: n/a

Favorite line: I HAVE SAID IT ALREADY A HUNDRED TIMES OVER IN EVERY WAY BUT WORDS!!!!!!!!!!

Favorite outfit: love a dirtied-up man elf so gotta be in 1x04 the great wave when he's absolutely filthy and escaping the orc camp!

OTP: BRONWYN X ARONDIR IS THE ONLY ANSWER. okay, soapbox time: i think it's very telling of typical sexist behaviors in fandom/that slash fans esp have when bronwyn is erased/marginalized in arondir/adar fic, and i want writers to actually pay attention to what an arondir/adar fic would mean, you know? like yeah alternate universe where bronwyn isn't in the picture whatever, the point is you're erasing an Iranian woman in what is a groundbreaking relationship between two leads of color and i don't likey :) if you're gonna write those ships (and i say this as someone who has written arondir/adar) like. you gotta be Aware.

Brotp: really miss médhor, they were great :(

Head Canon: médhor befriended arondir, who was kinda a Lone Wolf type until he made friends :)

Unpopular opinion: i don't really want arondir/bronwyn to have a canonical happy ending, and i don't think it's in their cards tbh. they're doomed! it's great! it's a powerful star-crossed love story that's sure to end badly. i hope it's done well in the show, but i don't want it to be all picture-perfect lol.

A wish: lots more screentime and fight scenes!!!!!!!!!!

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen: wouldn't :) it :) be :) tragic :) if :) they :) were :) always :) like :) arondir :) will :) outlive :) bronwyn :) but :) then :) she :) outlives :) him :)

5 words to best describe them: the show's male lead (bitch)

My nickname for them: none, just arondir :) i do enjoy calling ICC ICC though, it's fun!

Bronwyn

Why I like them: she's such an incredible female fantasy character; subverts the mother-archetype by not dying in s1 and also by both fighting and being defeated; lots of depth and nuance to her character and also. asian women onscreen, central, important, loved? we love to see it <3

Why I don’t: shut up she's perfect

Favorite episode (scene if movie): LOVE the siege of tirharad in 1x06 udun; bronwyn's POV in the lighting of the fires is incredibly tense and so well done.

Favorite season/movie: n/a

Favorite line: i ADORE "new life, in defiance of death?" and also love that she gets to have this sick parallel with adar!!!!!! oh wait hang on this is giving me thoughts (what if adar/arondir/bronwyn lmaooo let me get back to you about this in approximately 10-15 business weeks)

Favorite outfit: i really like the red cloak outfit in 1x07 the eye!

OTP: arondir x bronwyn of course :)

Brotp: I think Bronwyn should get to be friends with basically everyone. I'd love to explore the Bronwyn and Miriel or Bronwyn and Galadriel friendships more, mostly because Women, but also because they're all female leaders with varied and interesting backstories and takes on leadership.

Head Canon: I wrote this into a fic but I think Bronwyn fell in love with Arondir over many years and it felt like it took a long, long time to her; meanwhile Arondir is over here like I'VE ONLY KNOWN HER FOR 5 YEARS AND WE'RE TALKING ABOUT LOVE OH GOD WE'RE MOVING SO FAST. Because Elves.

Unpopular opinion: you said unpopular, unpopular i will be. i don't love that she quoted sam's LOTR "light and high power in the sky" line? kinda wish they had written her own pep talk for her? i get what they're referencing and why, and it's really a gorgeous line, but i want her to have her own words & wisdom, unique to the southlanders. also....... don't rly care who Theo's father was. Sometimes single moms exist??? so wild.

A wish: don't kill her off to further Theo's journey lmao. like, I think she'll probably die, but I want it to be done via her own narrative/story's importance, not just a side death for Theo's Emotions/darkside turn.

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen: evil!bronwyn is silly to me kdfsklfdkfjdkljfds

5 words to best describe them: Middle-Earth's Best Mom Friend (tm)

My nickname for them: none, just Bronwyn!

Isildur

Why I like them: disaster baby.

Why I don’t: can he pls stop fucking up??? (i'm sorry to isildur stans. he is such a disaster.)

Favorite episode (scene if movie): I do love his intro in 1x04 the great wave!!

Favorite season/movie: n/a

Favorite line: you get one free hit. (three.) two??? (gets punched real hard twice.) that felt like three!!!

Favorite outfit: sea guard cadet tunic!!!

OTP: i mean, isildur x isildur's wife, SOMEDAY, but also isildur/valandil thanks to @aadmelioraa thanks a lot for the brainworms

Brotp: poor dead ontamo :( also when is anarion gonna show up??

Head Canon: honestly....... s1 is way funnier if you see it as isildur and valandil having been childhood sweethearts who grew up and, like, pushed that aside, but are still really into each other.

Unpopular opinion: valandil was totally in the right to be furious at him and not want to stake his reputation on him, and isildur probably should not have gone on the expedition. quite literally a nepo baby.

A wish: i really want to see his future wife and i want isil to be SMITTEn and it's so funny until everything gets sad lmao

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen: NAMES HIS SON AFTER VALANDIL BC HE LOVED HIM SO MUCH AND THEN LOST HIM??? brb, crying.

5 words to best describe them: disaster baby becomes disaster king. (oops, sorry.)

My nickname for them: Isil <3

if you made it this far, congrats, here's an Elrond and Durin in the cave.

send me some character asks!

#is this my longest ever post on tumblr dot com? perhaps! but it was a great way to take my mind off (gestures) everything #trop #ask games #moonatoms

[mirkwoodshewolf]

I am the Celestial of Death Chap. 2; Bilbo Baggins’ 111th birthday

*Author’s note*

Okay so these author notes may be cut short cause I want you all to enjoy the binge reading I’ve got for you all for this sequel. Again this is the opening to FOTR with Bilbo’s 111th birthday so nothing to really give warning about, next couple of chapters there may be some warning beyond the canon violence that’s in here (nothing too graphic just maybe some horror/PTSD elements but I’m getting ahead of myself).

For now enjoy the best birthday chapter in the world!

NEXT CHAPTER

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things

@waddles03

@ixchel-9275

@psychosupernatural

@queensdivas

@queen-paladin

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels​

@byersboys​

___________________________________________________________

Fireworks exploded in the night sky, music played nice and loud, and everywhere Hobbits of every age were dancing or sitting down having a bit of cake and a mug of ale, or sitting in groups smoking their pipes.

I was maneuvering my way through the crowd by dancing alongside them when I noticed Frodo push Sam into the dancing circle, right into the arms of the hobbit lass by the name of Rosie Cotton.  Dear Sam had always had a fancy for Rosie ever since he was but a young Hobbit lad.  I came over by Frodo and said to him.

“Guess he tried to chicken out again?”

“You know Sam. But Rosie eagerly accepted his dance and doesn’t seem to let him go as a dance partner.”

“One of these days he’ll work up the courage. But he’s lucky to have a matchmaker like you.” I said nudging his shoulder.  He laughed softly as I went to reach for my bracelet only to remember I didn’t have it anymore.  Even after all these years I sometimes forget that I gave it back to Haldir, gods the look of heartbreak and rage in his eyes at the time.

“Hela? Are you alright?” I turned to see Frodo looking at me concerningly, his blue eyes emphasizing his worry for me.

“I’m fine Frodo. Tis nothing you need worry about. Come on, care to dance with a Celestial?”

“It would be my pleasure.” He said with a pop off his seat and graciously bowed before me.  I stood up and curtsied and took Frodo’s hands and we skipped together into the dancing circle.  

After a little while, Frodo and I parted ways so that he could find Bilbo and I could go find the little Hobbits who I knew were going to want to hear my stories of adventures and thrills after Bilbo’s story time.  He always did like telling the story of our encounter with the trolls (even I’ll admit out of that entire quest, it is probably the most entertaining because those trolls truly were idiotic and slow in the head).

A few of the children came over to me demanding to hear some of my stories.

“Hela tell us a story!”

“Tell us about your people and your powers!”

“No, no tell us about how you slayed down dragons and goblins!” I smiled at them before turning to the light of the moon and smiled.

“How about this, ever hear the tale of the Celestial that sees through the moon?” I asked them.  The children all shook their heads no.  “Then sit down my little Hobbits and Lady Hela will tell you the story.”

I sat down on the grass alongside them as they all gathered around me.  A couple of young hobbits sitting on either side of me as they all waited patiently for me to tell the story.

“Long, long, long ago. There was a Celestial of Starlight. He was brave, strong, loyal and a fearsome warrior. But he also had a kind heart and a friendly smile. Those that did wrong in the world faced his mighty Starlight wrath, but to the innocent, he always had a gentle hand.” I poked a young boy hobbit’s nose and he giggled.  While I grew a yellow flower, picked it up from the ground and turned to the little hobbit girl who sat in front of me. “And gave out flowers.” She took the flower and smelled it.  “But he held a great sorrow in his heart. For his family had been taken away from him, taken by a monster of Shadow and Flame.”

I then used Sprite’s illusions to create a constellation of a Balrog.  It’s great wings opened up and it let out a roar.  The children all coward in fear at the beast as I made it disappear.

“The Starlight Celestial vowed to slaughter the great beast that took his family away from him. He had to go through many trials and dangers to find the great beast.” I then made an illusion of Cain (although I didn’t use his full face. I made him appear the way I first met him but in the traditional Starlight Celestial uniform).

I made armies of orcs and goblins, dragons and great beasts appear as Cain battled them all.

“Until finally he came face to face with his greatest foe.” I made the Balrog appear before Cain, with the whip in its clawed grip.  “With a mighty flash from its whip, the Celestial fought against this great beast when suddenly—” as I made the Balrog whip Cain’s face, a sharp and loud screech was heard and I saw a great big firework shoot up into the sky and it morphed itself into a dragon.

The kids all hopped up and were in awe of the mighty dragon that shot up into the night sky, it’s wings starting to open up and fly back. Soon the excitement and awe in the crowd turned to horror as the dragon got a little too close to everyone.  I gathered the children and told them to stay together and not be afraid.

I told them to get down and they did just that while I shielded as many as I could with not only my body but Thena’s shields as well.  The dragon firework flew over the lake before briefly disappearing and then going off with the biggest boom I had seen a firework make.

“Are all of you okay?” I asked the children dropping my shields.  They all nodded and choired out.

“Yes Miss Hela.” I stroked as many little hobbit heads as I could before standing up to investigate just what—or I should say who caused that dragon firework to go off.  And it seemed I wasn’t the only one wanting to know.

“You too huh?” I asked.

“Mmm. And I’ve got an idea of just who the mischief makers are.” He said to me.

“I believe you and I are thinking the same thing Gandalf. But just where are they is the question?”  Gandalf tapped my shoulder and we saw smoke just a few yards away from us as well as a missing tent.  I looked to him and he decided to make the first move while I followed behind him.

“That was good.” Said one of the two mischievous hobbits behind the mayhem.

“Let’s get another one.” Said his younger counterpart. Gandalf snuck up behind them and gripped both their ears tightly which made them groan in pain as they looked up.

“Meriadoc Brandybuck. And Peregrin Took. We might’ve known.” I crouched in front of them and I said.

“What say you Gandalf? What punishment befits these wee devils? For nearly scaring the little ones I say turn them into mice and I can morph into a cat. See how they like it?”

“Oh please Hela don’t do that! We didn’t mean it!” Peregrin aka Pippin pleaded to me.

“Yes, yes it was all just a bit of fun! I told someone to stick it in the ground outside of the tent, but someone lit the fuse too early.” Meriadoc aka Merry said to me.  His eyes gesturing over to Pippin as he kept saying ‘someone’.

“It was in the ground and it was your idea!”

“Enough bickering!” I snapped at them lightly which got them to be quiet.

“No need Hela. I’ve got something else in mind.” Gandalf said.

Washing dishes.  A fairly decent punishment, at least it’ll keep them out of trouble.

“Once you both are finished, you both are to go to the Hobbit families of the children I was entertaining and apologize to them for nearly scaring them with your antics.” I told them as I took a bite of my cake.

“Yes Hela.” They both said in a trance-like response.  It was then the crowd went in an uproar praising Bilbo to make his birthday speech.  Bilbo at first just drank away at his ale before finally giving into the crowd’s demand.  He walked over and climbed up on top of a barrel, the cheering grew louder as Bilbo began to greet every Hobbit family.

“My dear Bagginses and Boffins, Tooks and Brandybucks.” With each family name he proclaimed, a proud cheer came from those families. “Grubbs, Chubbs, Hornblowers, Bolgers, Bracegirdles, and Proudfoots.”

“Proudfeet!” exclaimed an elderly, chubby hobbit in a snappy tone correcting Bilbo’s name proclamation which made everyone laugh.

“Today is my 111th birthday!” I clapped along with the hobbits and raised my cup to him giving him an affectionate wink.  “But alas, eleventy-one years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable Hobbits.” Some of the crowd clapped while others aww’d at Bilbo’s compliment.  “I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.”

Wow, whether that was a compliment or an insult even I couldn’t tell and neither could any of the Hobbits.  But it still made me slightly grin at the corner of my lips.

“I uhh….” Bilbo trailed off as he pushed the right side of his jacket aside, his fingers going down into his waistcoat pocket like it always does.  “I ha-have things to do.” I noticed a gleam of something gold go into his palm as his hand went behind his back.  I turned to Gandalf to see that he too, was suspicious about Bilbo’s strange behavior. “I’ve put this off for far too long.” I saw his lips say as he whispered it.  “I regret to announce this is the end.” He spoke louder. “I’m going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell. Goodbye.”

And just like that he disappeared and the crowd went in an uproar of shock and bewilderment.

Oh my gods it-it couldn’t be…..I turned to Gandalf worriedly and saw his eyes had grown wide but held a sharpness to them.  He turned to me gesturing with his head for me to come with him and I used Makkari’s speed to get us back to Bilbo’s home before he could.

We stood by Bilbo’s fireplace waiting for him to arrive. I turned to Gandalf and signed to him.

‘You don’t think….’

“I do not know yet Hela. But we mustn’t jump to any conclusions. Not yet at the very least.” He said as he signed back to me.  Bilbo soon came walking by with his walking stick and a couple of candles in hand as Gandalf said to him. “I suppose you think that was terribly clever.” Bilbo slightly jumped before he told us.

“Come on Gandalf. Did you see their faces?” I dropped Makkari’s power and spoke.

“There are many magic rings in this world Bilbo Baggins, and none of them should be used lightly.”

“It was just a bit of fun Hela.” He told me as he began packing. One raise of my brow at him and he dropped the act and said, “Oh, you’re probably right. As usual.” He walked over to his fireplace to grab his pipe. “You both will keep an eye on Frodo, won’t you?”

“Four eyes.” Gandalf answered for the both of us. “As often as we can spare them.”

“I’m leaving everything to him.” Bilbo continued as he gathered up all his belongings for his trip to Rivendell.  

“What about this ring of yours?” Gandalf asked. “Is that staying too?”

“Yes, yes. It’s in an envelope over there on the mantelpiece.” Bilbo told him.  But as Gandalf went to search for it, Bilbo paused and said in a distant tone. “No….wait, it’s…..here in my pocket.” He reached into his pocket and pulled it out.

Already I could sense something dark radiating in the room, and it was all coming from that little golden ring.  A familiar dark power.

“Isn’t that….isn’t that odd now?” Bilbo started off as he kept his eye on the little ring, fiddling with it between his fingers staring down at it in a weirdly, possessive way.  Like a starving man to some fresh meat.  “Yes, after all, why not? Why shouldn’t I keep it?”

“I think you should leave the ring behind, Bilbo.” Gandalf suggested.  “Is that so hard?”  Bilbo snapped out of his lustful trance turning to us.

“Well, no….and yes.” His tone at first sounding innocent before going harsh and possessive.  “Now it comes to it, I don’t feel like parting with it. It’s mine I found it! It came to me!”

“Now there’s no need to get angry.” I reassured him.

“Well if I’m angry, it’s your fault!” he snapped at me. My eyes twitched and my heart skipped a beat in fear.  Never before has Bilbo acted this way before, even when he would lose his temper it was never like this.

And then he said a phrase that has not been uttered but by only one creature.

“It’s mine. My own……my precious.”

“Precious?” Gandalf and I both questioned.

“It’s been called that before, but not by you.” Gandalf said. Bilbo then turned to us with a sharp turn of his head and snapped at us animalistically like a rapid animal.

“What business is it of yours what I do with my own things?!”

“Bilbo I think you’ve had that ring for long enough.” I told him in a firm tone.

“You want it for yourselves. Both of you!”

“BILBO BAGGINS!!” Gandalf and I both proclaimed.  My hands glowed with my Celestial power, my hair standing on end like sails in the wind as I slightly levitated over the ground, my eyes glowing pure white.

While in Gandalf’s case he grew larger and the room grew dark just like it once did in the company of Thorin Oakenshield when he tried to convince the dwarves to allow Bilbo to join in the Quest to reclaim Erebor.

“DO NOT TAKE US FOR SOME CONJURER OF CHEAP TRICKS!!!” Gandalf’s voice going into the deep, intimidating voice while mine echoed like a thousand voices. “We are not trying to rob you.” We eased out magic and I lowered myself back down to the ground as I told him in a softer, more assuring tone.

“We’re trying to help you.” Bilbo’s fear immediately turned to sorrow as he came up to me.  I lowered myself down to his height and embraced him as he softly wept into my chest. I stroked his curly, grey hair.

“All these long years that we’ve been friends. My dear little Hobbit. Trust Gandalf and I as you once did.” I cupped the side of his face wiped the tearstains from his face, as well as the tears that were in the corner of his eye.

“She’s right Bilbo. Let it go.” Gandalf said as he joined us.

“You’re right. Hela and Gandalf. The ring must go to Frodo.” With a sniffle he walked away and placed his backpack on his back. “It’s late. The road is long. Yes, it is time.” He walked towards his door and opened it.  However before he stepped out I told him as I stood up.

“Bilbo….” He stopped. “The ring is still in your pocket.” He turned to me nervously like a child who had been caught stealing cookies from the cookie jar.  A slight nervous smile and he said as he dug into his pocket holding the ring in his hand.

“Yes.” He muttered.  He stared down at the ring, his hand slightly tremoring almost like he was still trying to keep it with him.  Gandalf stood at my side as we watched Bilbo carefully until finally he let it drop to the floor with a clank.  

Immediately after that he walked out of his home and we followed him out.  He paused for a moment before telling us out of the blue.

“I thought up an ending for my book.” He turned to us and he continued, “‘And he lived happily ever after, till the end of his days’.”

“And we’re sure you will, our dear friend.” Gandalf said as he knelt down before Bilbo.

“Goodbye Gandalf.” He said as he held out his hand.  Gandalf took his hand in both of his and bid him goodbye.

“Goodbye, dear Bilbo.” He gave him a wink before Bilbo turned to me.  I knelt down before him and he said to me.

“Goodbye Hela.” I smiled and cupped the side of his face.

“Goodbye my dear little friend. May the Light of the Moon guide you on your path safely.” I then gave him a Celestial kiss on his forehead.

A kiss to protect and guide him safely till he would reach Rivendell where I knew he would spend the rest of his years in quiet and comfort.

I also embraced my favorite Hobbit and he hugged me back before he began his travels singing the same song Gandalf was singing on our way here. I stood up close to Gandalf as we both whispered together,

“Until our next meeting.”

Gandalf opened the door slowly and there right at our feet was Bilbo’s ring.  The golden band bouncing off light from the fireplace yet there was an air of evil and darkness surrounding it.  I slowly walked around it while Gandalf took a couple steps around it, the two of us slowly leaning down towards it.

“You feel it too don’t you?” he asked me in more of a statement than a question.

“I’ve only felt this evil once before. And it was inside me. Gandalf…..please tell me this isn’t what I fear it is.” He didn’t respond to me only just slowly reached his hand over it.  As his fingers nearly grabbed it, I was caught with a flashback of the Great Eye as I let out a gasp and Gandalf’s hand retreated from the ring.

“Hela—”

“I must seek council with him. I’m sorry Gandalf. Tell Frodo I’m sorry for my sudden departure.”

“I know my dear Celestial. Do what you must.” He said comfortingly as he placed a hand on my shoulder.  I smiled before shifting into Makkari’s uniform and quickly speeding out of the Shire.

I ran past all the rolling fields, the forests, past Farmer Maggot’s fields and finally came out of Hobbiton altogether.  The light of the moon gazed it’s white light upon the land and I got into meditation position.

Taking a few deep breaths in and out I used Druig’s magic to reach out to Cain.

‘Cain. Brother Cain do you hear me?’ I waited for a response. All the whole Bilbo’s familiar phrase.

“It’s mine, My own. My precious.” Kept haunting over my thoughts, lingering like a dark presence.

‘Brother, please! I must speak with you!’ I reached out urgently.  The light of the moon seemed to grow brighter as it’s rays shined down upon me and soon Cain’s warm comforting voice spoke back to me.

‘I’m here little sister. I’m here.’ A flash of light and I found myself deep within my mind just like before and there stood Cain.  His shining eyes staring in my general direction. “Whatever is the matter little sister? Surely after attending a birthday party of your dear Hobbit friend Bilbo Baggins you would not call me in this distress manner.”

“Brother Cain…...” I told him.  “We, Gandalf and I….we believe to have found it.” His head tilted slightly.  “The One Ring.” At this his face grew grim and he turned away.  “I could be wrong but—there was an evil about it. An evil I’ve felt but only once before.”

“When Sauron’s spirit tried to possess your body. Yes I remember. Gods never did I wish to have my full power again to save you. Balrogs and Deviants are one thing but to have the Dark Lord’s very spirit inside your head…..” he came up to me cupping my face in his hands.

“I know Cain. I know you would’ve done all you could to send his spirit out of me. That’s why I came to you after the Battle of the Five Armies.” He nodded.  “But now 60 years after it all happened, surely Bilbo couldn’t have found it then.”

“But you must also remember Hela, the creature Gollum took it deep into the Misty Mountains. And for 500 years in his cave the Ring consumed and poisoned his mind before abandoning him.”

“You saw him pick it up then?”

“I cannot sense evil like you can. Part of being the Celestial of Death is that objects of pure evil can be sensed by only you and no other Celestial. It’s power was dormant even when in Bilbo’s possession.”

“Until now. Sauron’s ready to return to full strength.”

“It’s heard it’s Master’s call. And He will summon all of his forces to find it.”

“But-but the Ring it’s……Frodo. Oh gods Frodo I must go back and tell them.”

“I’m afraid you cannot Hela.” He told me.  I backed away from him and demanded.

“Why not!? We’ve confirmed it that Ring is in fact Sauron’s Ring.”

“Mithrandir is doing his own investigation and he will tell Frodo if it is indeed the Ring of Power. You however must not go near that Ring until such time has passed.”

“What are you saying Cain?” he sighed heavily.

“I nearly lost you once to Sauron’s very life force, I cannot allow you to fall again. Especially now with your newly grown power. Remember why I gave you that ring.”

“Yes brother I remember.” I said fiddling with it.

“If he forces you to take that ring off, he will have access to the unlimited power of the Celestials. And that is something Ajax never wanted. Not of Morgoth and certainly not of Sauron.”

“Then what must I do?” I asked him after being silent for a moment or two.

“You must hide. But not in a building or behind a human face. Remember your spiritual training with the Goddess Yavanna?”

“You suggest I roam Middle Earth—as an animal?”

“Animal forms don’t seep out Celestial energy like a person’s body does. It’s the only way to keep you safe until such time has passed.”

“But Cain. The longer I stay as an animal, the more I could lose myself. You must know of what happened to Sister Nymeria. She shifted into a wolf for an entire month on a foolish dare and she couldn’t shift back. Within six months she lost herself and fully became the wolf and we never saw her again.”

“I know. But there is one that I can bless who will keep you sane until it is safe.”

“And who would that be?” I asked.

“I’m sure you remember a certain Ranger that you’ve grown quite close to these past few decades.” I smiled softly.

“Aragorn.” He nodded with a soft smile.

“So long as you stay by his side, you will not fall into a mindless beast. Plus, he’s going to need your protection just as much as you’ll need his. Being Isildur’s heir, Sauron has been hunting him for decades.”

“I know. But how will he know it’s me? He’ll think me no more as a common beast. What if he tries to attack or worse kill me?”

“Leave it all to me dear little sister.”

“I swear you and Gandalf must’ve met before because you both always give me vague answers.” He softly chuckled as he gave me a kiss. “How do we do this? Should I come to you or—”

“No. You must not come to the South. Sauron’s forces are heavily arming themselves for war. If you so much as speed by here, they’ll alert you to Sauron without hesitation. We’ll do it from where you stand.”

“Can a spell even work that far a distance?” I asked him.

“There’s always a first time for everything.”

“Not comforting brother.” I grumbled.

“Alright, alright. Just relax. Send your spirit back to your body but keep the connection between our minds strong.” I nodded and allowed my spirit to return back to my body as I let out a soft gasp.

‘Steady sister, steady. Deep breaths now.’ Cain’s voice said in my head as I saw the moon glow brighter with his response.  ‘Now close your eyes. Remember every detail of the creature you wish to become.’ I thought long and hard and soon the image of Icarus came to mind.  ‘Why doesn’t that surprise me?’ teased Cain.  ‘But if I might suggest, a hawk would better be suited for you.’

‘I accept.’

‘Now as I said. Imagine every detail of a hawk. Every pattern detail, the shape of the beak, the talon’s. Every small detail you can think of.’ Taking a few deep breaths I did exactly as Cain said.

I have seen the great kings of old use messenger hawks, even the old kings of Rohan would send me messenger hawks if they ever needed my help. I pictured every detail until I felt myself being lifted up high into the sky.

In my head I could hear Cain chanting an ancient Elvish spell and I could start to feel my very bones shift and crack.  I tried to hold in my screams as I could feel my body slowly shrinking and my arms shift into wings.  Unlike shifting using Celestial magic, I was forced to endure every inch of my body morphing into the hawk I was going to be.

My face scrunched inward as I felt my nose sharpen before extending out like a beak.  Feathers soon began to grown from my body and my toe nails extended before hardening into talons.  I let out one final human cry of pain before it was replaced with a hawk’s shriek.  My transformation finally complete after what felt like hours of torture and pure agony.

‘Easy Hela, easy. Give your body time to adjust.’ Cain said as I was now being lowered back down to the ground.  I surrendered to the tiredness and the last thing I heard him say was this; ‘Your Ranger is near Mirkwood. Find him before the end of the month. Protect him and he shall protect you.’

My vision soon went black as I surrendered to my exhaustion.

#lotr #lotr fanfic #lotr fanfiction #lotr imagine #lotr imagines #lord of the rings #lord of the rings fanfiction #lord of the rings fanfic #lord of the rings imagines #lord of the rings fandom #lord of the rings imagine #aragorn x oc #aragorn x reader #aragorn imagine #aragorn imagines #aragorn fanfic #aragorn fanfiction #legolas greenleaf #haldir of lorien #haldir x oc #haldir imagine #haldir imagines #haldir x reader #haldir fanfic #haldir fanfiction #frodo baggins #merry brandybuck #pippin took #samwise gamgee #gimli son of gloin

[antvnger]

Really? Ohhhhhh now that’s very interesting! I wondered about some of those rings. That would explain why Gandalf wasn’t afraid to go up against the Balrog.

Interesting how the Ring of Fire is also known as the Ring of Hope. I guess because hope ignites a lot of things like passion and drive and the strength to keep going even in despair.

@ultimategamernerd

🎵I fell into a burning ring of fire. I went down, down, down and the flames went higher. And it burns, burns, burns. The ring of fire, the ring of fire🎵

#ask scott lang #scott lang #ant-man #ultimategamernerd #gandalf #lord of the rings #lotr #ring of fire #Ring of Hope #johnny cash #song lyrics #ant man #antman

[rivalsforlife]

new lotrop trailer thoughts/reactions

etc etc going to be spoilers for stuff that happens in the canon and possibly leaks and shit here. some mixed feelings in this one

bear with me though apparently the prologue was shown at sdcc, so I'm definitely going to have Thoughts on that one because it's all going to be first age. so expect another post from me on this whenever this is all leaked.

I don't think this is because it's supposed to be bodies but this reminds me of that massive hill of bodies after the nirnaeth. what's it called. haudh-en-nirnaeth! decent portrayal of how bad all of that was. though this can't be the nirnaeth since galadriel didn't get involved in that. like even if they're putting her in bragollach she'd have no reason to be in nirnaeth since she would be with nargothrond/doriath in hating the sons of feanor right now. so probably post-war of wrath or maybe post bragollach, but galadriel girl why are you walking around in that white dress

definitely finrod right :( a bit sad he has short hair. but I guess that's par for the course at this point. also this seems like a bit more elaborate of a tomb than I imagined for what beren and luthien would have been able to do? idk though I really am overdue for a reread.

the wounds do look werewolf-y which is good I was worried they might change his death somehow.

Galadriel is wearing the same looking clothes as the previous thing so maybe this is a... visit to finrod's tomb and mourning stuff in the bragollach/nirnaeth? idk.

reminds me of a morgul blade. I've seen some theories this kid would end up being a nazgul at some point and I guess this does somewhat lend to it since the blade is like. going out.

#FeanorWasHere

apparently this is sauron. I'm so pissed this is sauron. he looks very evil and he's NOT SUPPOSED TO. he's supposed to be ethereally beautiful here that's like the whole point.

or I guess they're doing sauron like this throughout the first season and then he vanishes and returns all pretty as annatar? but he still should look decently pretty I think. I think he's got to be pretty while he can.

like I had this problem back when I was into hp too with grindelwald like he's supposed to look pretty. I'm so sick of evil having this real specific look to signify specific appearances of "evil" let evil people be pretty too. or let pretty people be evil. it's more fun that way.

come on lotrop don't you want people to be writing their celebrimbor/sauron fanfiction this sauron and this celebrimbor have like none of the potential tumblr fangirls would go for. know your audience.

EDIT: Apparently this is a different character likely a sauron/morgoth follower, played by a woman. So probably not Sauron. False alarm! We can go back to our laundry list of people that could possibly be him.

That is pretty interesting though and it'll be neat to see how these people eventually tie in with the Morgoth Followers in Numenor presumably in later seasons.

Looks like they're keeping the same portrayal of balrogs as the jackson films which is interesting! and probably a good move you'd have movie-only fans whining about how they're destroying the lore despite balrog portrayal being very up in the air.

anyways that's the trailer I'm just hanging around waiting for someone to leak the prologue. I heard there's supposed to be feanor. and if that happens I am going to scream and cry and throw up.

#lotrop

[batarina-catarina]

We finished Fellowship tonight. I've been showing him clips of the movie to help him visualize it. "Mom. These orcs are like the least level of scary to me. I can watch all of it." Well ok then, son. Guess we'll start that next.

Also the Balrog made him think of pizza. We're not sure why. But now he wants to see more of "that pizza monster".

Honestly, this has been a highlight of my parenting journey so far.

#lotr #the fellowship of the ring #my son reads lotr #lord of the rings

[starwarsloverpizza]

Nightmares -- The Deer

“After all these years of walking this neighborhood, this is the first time I don’t feel welcome…” I trailed quietly, the sound of footsteps echoing through the seemingly deserted streets.

“Oh, calm down Lya! It’s Halloween, get used to it being creepy. And we’re also 15, why are you scared?” My friend Pine replied, bounding around me as she lightly teased.

“Your willingness to jeopardize this perfect night unsettles me,” I mocked with a smirk painted onto my face. Pine rolled her eyes playfully as she checked over her BEN drowned cosplay she was wearing for the night. 

“Oh you're one to talk! You’re scared and ironically you’re the one who has red eyes!” She shot back. I guess she was right, I begged with my mom for what seemed like forever to be able to wear red scapula colored contacts. I came out on the winning side of the haggle, quite surprised honestly. I was in a Dark Link cosplay, pretty much a black version of Pines costume without the blood.

“Alright, I’ll calm down. I just don’t like how dark it is,” I conceded. The only light that was aiding us was the bright moon, and several flickering street lamps. Not a single house had its lights on, yet all were highly decorated for the holiday.

The only reason we were in this part of town was so we could go from our neighborhood to the one giving out king sized bars.

Hey, girls gotta get their candy, right?

“Understandable, but we don’t have much farther to go. We just have to cut through the forest a bit-”

“CUT THROUGH THE FOREST?!” I cut off Pine with a scream. 

“Oh, my, god! Lya, stop being such a wimp!” Pine said exasperated as she turned to me, her speech stilted.

“No! Number one rule in my life, never go into a creepy forest at night. Especially if it’s Halloween and as cliche as it sounds, not on a full moon!” I explained. My arms repeatedly made X’s in front of my chest as I made my point.

“I thought your number one rule in life was to not get into a van with no windows if someone offers you candy,” Pine joked as she took my hand and drug me towards the forest. I scoffed in response.

I could deal with the forest, right? Besides, it’s just paranoia. Right? I could muster up the courage, right?

As we drew closer a shiver ran up my spine and spasmed throughout my body. It was like the feeling you get when your roller coaster is released for your first upside-down ride. This is exactly what it was like. I didn’t want to do it at all, but I was already too far in to back out, and adrenaline kept me in place.

Like it was doing now.

We kept walking through the dark woods. Every slight gust of wind caused me to jump out of my skin, but Pine was with me the entire time.

I was safe.

I finally let out the breath I was holding and let my body relax as we continued on. 

A twig broke to our right, and our heads snapped in that direction.

The hollow, almost swirling black eyes of a deer was staring back at us. It was a doe, due to the lack of antlers. But something was wrong, especially with the eyes. Imagine how the milky way looks, but shut off the lights and make it black. That is what was staring at us, and the eyes weren’t confined to a normal placement of eyes. They seemed to be flat, and placed on top of the eye sockets. They weren’t - tangible for lack of a better turn.

I tried to focus closer to the face of the deer, and gnarled long teeth were visible around its mouth.

Now it was when the rollercoaster started going down.

My stomach dropped, and my heartbeat amplified. Each rapid beat was as loud as a stereo turned to max volume. Our chests began rising faster and faster as we watched the deer's head extend towards us. The sound of bones breaking over and over again filled the still, frozen air as the head kept creeping told us.

I wanted to vomit.

The sheer feeling of being in the middle of the greatest peril, of being in front of a Balrog was the only thing I could feel. 

The head was now only inches from us, but the rest of the body was still about five feet from us off of the trail.

The body began to step onto the trail and into the light of the moon.

There were only two legs. Hind legs. From neck to hind legs and a tail. 

Whatever “deity” existed I wanted it to put that thing anywhere else on Earth rather than some random town in California.

The body of the creature began walking towards its body. Its gait was slow and lumbering. The sounds of bones rearranging themselves now came to our ears.

I felt like my uterus was falling out of my nose.

The creature was around six feet tall, its legs went from the normal deer build and pelt then came to a black, shiny, perhaps liquid substance that formed the rest of the leg, and it ended in a fine point.

“Lya…” Pine said in a barely audible fear laced voice.

“How much longer until we’re out of the forest?” I asked, using the same quiet and breathless voice.

“Ten feet or so.”

“Wearing heels?”

“No!”

“Run!”

We bolted those last few feet. The deer ran after us. Its speed transcended that of human comprehension five times over.

I turned my head back for only a second, and for a second drawn out to thousands, we looked at each other. We…understood each other. Its gaping maw turned to the side and the creature ran back into the forest as Pine and I tumbled out of it. Other trick or treaters halted at our sudden appearance, and it took us several seconds to reorient ourselves.

We both stared at the forest for minutes. Others gathered behind us too, but at a farther distance.

They stared in curiosity.

Pine stared in fear.

I stared in longing.

My regular eyes dissipated and were replaced with the eyes of the deer. We were one in the same now. I saw what it saw, felt like it felt, and needed to do what it needed to do. 

I turned to the crowd behind we with a murderous smile before I, no… we, let all hell break loose.

#NEW SERIES #!!! #I'm excited #as you can tell #I'm writing down nightmares I have #Pretty fun #this one scared the shit outta me #uhm #ok legit tags now #deer #creepy deer #creepy #dreams #nightmares #horror #horror deer #halloween #story #halloween story #wondering if anyone will read this? #aight #drink some water please

[chirpovs]

to summarise ROP episode 5: I thought I’d made my peace with the creative liberties but now I’m just ?????

The Good

- Arondir + orc plot is definitely the best plot going on here. It seems to be the only one where they have made a new story and it’s not dumb as fuck

- The Harefoot plot has been lacking to me recently, but I really enjoyed Poppy’s song

- Elrond and Durin friendship my beloved

- Numenor still looks great and seems to be the only location that’s even vaguely fleshed out

The Bad

- Halbrand’s transition was really funky cause it’s literally only explained in passing that he bargained for his freedom

- Isildur’s sister being pro-Pharazon seemed so out of nowhere? maybe I missed something but that came up and I was just wait what?

- I keep flip flopping on whether I like Galadriel? Some scenes she’s cool and shit and in others she’s just cringe. I dunno, I really want to like her but I’m Struggling

- Gil-Galad: Anything you want to tell me about your time with the dwarves Elrond?

Elrond: I promised I wouldn’t

Like my dude, be more subtle

- uhhh Earendil wasn’t human? I guess it makes it simpler but also they’ve already introduced that Elrond is a half elf so it’s not like it’s a new concept

The Ugly

- the whole ass silmaril bit had me just ??????? absolutely none of that makes sense? There was a silmaril in the tree? And when Glorfindel fought the Balrog lightening struck the tree and created mithril?????

- following on from that, the light of the eldar is fading and bathing in the light of mithril is going to fix that?????? I don’t even know where to start with that. that has never been how elves work and why would mithril light fix that. if they wanted to make the elves desire mithril there are so many other motivations they could have gone with that wouldn’t have been so fucking stupid. Literally the only way to make this plot point not dumb af is for Sauron to be in his manipulation phase and whispering into Gil-Galad and Celebrimbor’s ears

- characters are still flat af, nothing new here

Other thoughts:

- I personally think that it would be funny if the Stranger was Saruman

- I’m not sure if this is good or bad but I feel like Isildur would definitely keep the ring, but I also feel like he would not be able to get it off Sauron

- Adar seems to not be Sauron which personally makes more sense to me

#rings of power #trop #every time it seems like it’s going to get better it doesn’t