#starofradiance

[feanors-daughter]

“are they dead? did you kill them?” 

hurt meme.

Black blood dripped from her sword, but was quickly wiped away with her blood-red cloak, the blade placed in its sheath at her waist. Orcs lay dead around her feet - it had not been a large party, and she had taken care of them rather quickly, even with her still crippled knee. This had been her first hunt, and it felt good. The weight of her sword in her hand, the smell of blood in the air,the ache of her muscles from the strain of the fight - like long lost memories.

Gil-galad’s voice rang in her ears and she turned to face him. Elrond had likely found her room empty and sword gone and alerted the king. She didn’t blame him, she was not supposed to be straining herself or her still-healing injuries.

“They’re all dead,” she confirmed, nudging the corpse of a fallen orc with her foot. “Hardly even a worthy fight, far too easy even for a cripple.” She limped past him, back towards the city.

@starofradiance

#very early in their relationship? #as in still getting to know each other? #lau escapes from elronds watch and gets into a little fight lol #starofradiance

[forgemaiar]

starofradiance replied to your post: .

Sounds cozy ❤️

|| it was until the kitties left ||

#starofradiance #ooc #ayyyy friend haven't seen you for a while

[daymeetsnight]

More thoughts on Harad, specifically culture bits and the Black Numenorians.

I’m referencing a lot here from Tolkien: The Illustrated Encyclopædia by David Day. Not sure how “official” it is, but it’s the best I have right now. (Thank you again @starofradiance for the book as you can see it’s gettin plenty of use. ♡)

So we know for a fact there were Numenorian colonies around Umbar, which would help explain why the southern half of the continent is so familiar with Sindarin and probably by extension the ainur as well. But other than the cultists and mentions of northern Haradrim wearing red, gold, and some kind of warpaint, we have very little on actual cultures and customs. We don’t even get a sizeable paragraph in the illustrated encyclopedia (though we do get a mention of what happened to the Druedain* of all things).

We... do get a couple maps, but by the Fourth Age they assume continents kept moving until we had modern Earth, a concept that if I recall wasn’t official in all versions? I tried to scan the Third Age map from my phone so apologies for the quality: 

Right where the glare is, is where the Straight Road leads to the Undying Lands. Kinda fitting amirite. So I was right in my earlier assumption that one could in fact sail around the bottom of Harad instead of crossing the desert to get from one coast to the other, which probably helps a lot with shipping huge things, and given that there are several major ports other than Umbar listed on the LOTRO map we can probably safely assume trade is Kind Of A Big Deal. (Especially where pirates are concerned. There’s no better target for pirates than a big juicy merchant ship filled with goodies.) We can probably also assume traders going straight through the desert as well. There’s more risk of bandits, but less of a risk from whatever seamonsters exist in Arda besides Osse and getting too close to the Dark Lands.

Back to the cultists though, other than Umbar, and lands directly bordering Gondor like Khand, we only have a mention of a potential mystery people way the hell down south for groups allied with Sauron. It is suggested that most of the south allied with Mordor, but 1. only a few are listed by name when there’s an entire continent that isn’t really touched upon, and 2. after Aragorn upgraded to King Elessar a lot of the subgroups surrendered suspiciously easily. Now you could easily argue that after Mordor kind of literally blew up and all the orcs went nuts that the southrons knew they were screwed and panicked to save their own skins, and this probably is the case for the princes and generals. But I also want to consider the cult aspect.

See in every religion there’s a spectrum of believers, from fanatic to borderline impassive on the whole issue. There’s no clear line between Us and Thems when you can have people sort of worshiping and people who are actually pretending. You saw this in Numenor when people flat out fled when Sauron started murdertime- even though beforehand a good chunk of them were in his hand still. You also saw this with Elendil and the faithful who are the reason the white tree species seen in Gondor’s heraldry survived Numenor going for a swim. So why assume an entire continent is following Sauron’s every whim when not even his own cult island did?

I like to think the Haradrim nations have their own cultures not revolving around Black Numenorians and getting back at Gondor for Sauron’s sake. I like to think there are southern wars between independent peoples that the north Just Doesn’t Know About. I like to think there are rival cults who are trying to keep Old Numenor practices alive even if they no longer remember all the reasoning behind them. But mostly I like to think about southron peoples existing as people.** Diverse. Colorful. Ingenious in their own fashions.

...I’m also still thinking about those southern hobbits.

*Quoted right from the encyclopedia: During the time of the War of the Ring, there was an ancient forest some thirty miles north-west of the White Tower of Gondor that was inhabited by a strange tribe [of people] called the Woses. This woodland was called the Druadan Forest. By the Third Age, Druadan had come to mean “wildman”, but it was a corruption of Druedain, the Elvish name for the Woses during the First Age of the Sun when they were allied with the Edain. Apparently they allied themselves again with Aragorn to fend off the rest of Sauron’s forces post-WotR so he basically decreed their woods a small nation of its own complete with respected borders. My copy of the Silm said they basically vanished after Haleth’s people fell but I guess they went into hiding hobbit style? Mystery solved guys we can all go home.

**There are so many mentions of everyone in the south being primitive savages like professor Jirt can you not.

#about harad #long post #harad #haradwaith #insomnia research strikes again

[wanderingarcherviola]

starofradiance has been spotted!

Gathering sticks for the fire wasn’t her favorite job, but it did give the young orc time to think over what to do next, picking up stray sticks she piled them in her arms, humming to herself. Crouching down she was aware of someone approaching until she’d gathered more sticks and stood back up.

Upon seeing the strange elf she dropped the sticks and stumbled back, instinctively reaching for her bow and an arrow “Didn’t no one ever teach ye it’s creepy to sneak up on folks! Specially kids alone in a forest.” She growled.

@starofradiance

#starofradiance #buttercup starter

[thegreatstrongbow]

“What about a compromise? I’ll kill them first, and if it turns out they were friendly, I’ll apologize.”

“Better safe and sorry than dead.” Beleg agreed, peering through the leaves at the approaching strangers. “If you’re going to do it, hurry up - And if they were friendly, you can have all the blame too.”

#starofradiance #answered

[elerondo]

Ereinion ⧫ Starter [CLOSED]

⌇starofradiance invaded the Council of Elrond‼

   Having separated from Elros, Elrond had little choice but to follow the now High King of the Noldor. He didn’t know who Gil-galad was, only that he was to follow him to a place called Lindon, assume some kind of responsibility because he was the last of the line of kings— Turgon and Thingol.

   It was all very exaggerated, he thinks, as he sets his belongings down on a large bed, in a nice room and with food on the table.

   He had just lost his brother to the freedom of choice. He understood what it meant, but he didn’t want to understand. He wanted to be selfish and to cast aside responsibility. And sleep. He wanted to sleep and forget. He wishes all these was just a bad dream and he would wake up once again beside Elros with Maglor’s cape as their blanket.

#starofradiance #«ＷＨＥＲＥ ＷＥ ＨＡＤ ＴＨＥ ＭＡＳＴＥＲＹ» — second age #( i don't know where you come from but please stay and let me hug you tyvm ) #( elrond is under 70 years old here so please bear with him hehe )

[earendilion]

“Hush, my king.”

Elrond chuckled as Ereinion buried his face in his hands, and Elrond moved closer to stroke his hair and gently pull his head up. His hands cupped the king’s cheeks and he smiled pitifully at his despair. “Yes, we must,” he murmured. “Oropher is a good man and a good king to his people. We need only let him speak his piece, and he shall listen to ours in return. You must remember not to interrupt him.”

Ereinion’s circlet was askew. Elrond reached up to take it off, untangling dark strands from it and he set it on the table next to their goblets, before carefully setting his hair right. He loved to touch the king’s hair. It was soft and sleek and always clean. Elrond wondered what it would feel like to bury his face in it. He quickly pushed the thought from his mind. 

“There,” he murmured at last, stroking a final strand behind the king’s pointed ear. “All better.” There was a long pause then. Without even realising it, Elrond had shifted all the closer to his king and their knees touched and he found himself leaning towards him. His eyes were drawn to his lips, oh! those lips. How would it feel to kiss them? He closed his eyes, and sat up straight. His inappropriate desire for the king was beginning to grow out of hand. This was no way for a herald to act. 

“I have papers ready for the meeting. You need not say much, if you do not wish to. I am well prepared, my lord. But I must insist you at least attend the meeting.” He gave the king a tender smile, and gently squeezed his hand.

The sound of his herald’s voice was his favorite poem. He could lose himself within the comforting, soothing tones, and for a moment Gil-galad almost did forget himself; he stared into Elrond’s eyes with his own half-lidded ones, exhaustion etched into his face by the way of wrinkles and fine lines from worry. He took his time responding, taking deep breathes and gently squeezing Elrond’s hand against his warm palm and thigh. Finally, he sighed. “You flatter me,” his voice was heavy with wine and fatigue. “I would not be half the King I am if I did not have you by my side.” When his herald let go of his hand, Gil-galad felt the cool air touch the place on his palm that was once warm with the heat between their touch. He frowned, but allowed Elrond to remove the wine from his hands, grateful that he was there to stop him from drowning in slow motion. One side of the King’s lips turned upward in a weak smile at Elrond’s banter, though he said nothing in return. Alcohol or no, Gil-galad knew rising again to face another exhausting day would be difficult no matter what he indulged in the night before. Again, their was silence in the study, and Gil-galad remained relaxed against the cushions of his couch, crown skewed, braids tangled, and robes in utter disarray. He mimicked his companion, exhausted silver eyes peaking out from between heavy lids like two bright moons eclipsed by dilated pupils. The King was content to stare upon the fair face of his herald, but his contentment was cut short by the mention of Oropher and the formalities of meetings and duty. Gil-galad groaned. “Must we, Elrond?” His voice was half-begging, and he leaned forward, pressing his face into his hands. “No, I am not prepared. I am tired and I do not wish to speak of Oropher of all people.” He huffed and made an unkingly sound into his hands. “Save me, herald of mine.”

#starofradiance

[finrxd-archive]

"My heart is black and my mind is darkness.." //father finrod, perhaps?

Finrod stilled as his son spoke, no longer able to understand what was written on the parchments spread across his desk. He looked up across the desk to his son, far too young to have such sombering words leave him."Gil-galad," He murmured in the quiet of his office. He flicked his eyes across the strong form of his son and heir, seeing no wounds but unsure of what his clothes could hide.

"What has happened ion-nin?" He asked, placing the papers in his hands back on the desk and stepping around it to crouch before his son. Gil-galad had yet to grow to what Finrod hoped would be an imposing full height, something to show just how strong his son was. Though for now dark hair was no higher than Finrod's chest. He took his son's hands between his own, expresssion concerned as he waited for an answer.

#I'm thinking Gil hasn't hit his majority yet #maybe around 11 by human standards #starofradiance

[oropherrrrr]

starofradiance replied to your post:. //*awkwardly pushes gil-galad at you*

*awkwardly pokes the gil-galad*

#shut up becky #we've never done a thing have we D: #starofradiance #your writing intimidates me though xD

[feanors-daughter]

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING SO PEOPLE KNOW HOW SHIPS WORK ON YOUR BLOG

WHAT’S YOUR OTP FOR YOUR MUSE?

All of them but I’m a real sucker for Gil-galad and Laurelin I mean it’s my original ship and it’s my main verse ship so yeah they’re my babies

HOW LARGE DOES THE AGE GAP HAVE TO BE TO MAKE IT UNCOMFORTABLE? :

Well nothing underage, that’s for sure. But other than that I mean elf ages are so fucking weird man and Lau is so fucking old like idek my dude just no kids.

ARE YOU SELECTIVE WHEN SHIPPING? :

Nope I’m down with pretty much anything lol I’m such a sucker for ships of every kind

HOW FAR DO STEAMY MOMENTS HAVE TO GO BEFORE THEY’RE CONSIDERED NS/FW? :

Once clothes are off, I start tagging it

WHO ARE OTHER MUSES YOU SHIP YOUR MUSE WITH? :

Currently

@starofradiance 

@xfelvesandmen‘s Haleth

that’s it so yeah I’m def open to more

ANY NOTPS? :

I can’t do Gil-galad/Elrond. Nope, sorry.

DOES ONE HAVE TO ASK TO SHIP WITH YOU?

I’d like to say talk to me first but really you could just send a shippy ask meme and we can just see where it goes cuz I’m always open to ships

HOW OFTEN DO YOU LIKE TO SHIP? :

I’m a hopeless romantic so I love ships but it’s definitely not my main priority? I’m not here solely to write ships, I just ship when it happens to work out

ARE YOU MULTISHIP? :

Yes!

ARE YOU SHIP-OBSESSED OR SHIP MORE-OR-LESS?

I love ships but there are plenty of other things to write than just shippy stuff

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SHIP IN YOUR CURRENT FANDOM? :

Imma just say Gil/Lau so I don’t start any beef lol

FINALLY, HOW DOES ONE SHIP WITH YOU? :

However you want. Let’s do it. Chances are, I’m down with a ship so just IM me or send a meme

TAGGED BY:

TAGGING: just do it my dude

#shipping #mun #psa #ooc

[finarfiniel]

☠ //sorry not sorry

"No."

Galadriel was at her great-nephew’s side in an instant, cradling his dark head in her lap as blood seeped from between her fingers where she tried to block it’s flow, and she brushed a few loose strands of hair from his face tenderly as she fought tears.

She would not live to see the last of her brother’s legacy die- she wouldn’t.

"You will be fine, Erenion. I promise.”

#WHY WOULD YOU #starofradiance

[whosamawhatsit]

starofradiance replied to your post: I should be drawing that thing I owe t...

//omg so darn cute!!!

Thank you!

#starofradiance #i freaked out for a second before i remembered #you follow my art blog don't you #...i should draw you something

[lomelindii-blog]

starofradiance

"How very true, yet so isolating." Gil-galad struggled to find words of comfort, and there was long silence. Finally, he took an uncertain step forward and offered him a sympathetic look. "Are you alright? Speak truthfully."

" I -"

Maeglin paused for a moment, looking away. Folding his arms across his chest, fingers pulling at the fabric of his sleeves, he turned back to meet the other's gaze

"I do not know. There are days where I tell myself that I am, then others where I know that I am not well by any means"

#starofradiance

[the-heart-vigor]

Gil-galad and Huor// Forging alliance (closed rp)

starofradiance

They finally saw the shores of Middle Earth, and Veantur smiled. Huor was standing behind the captain, gazing at the shores with curious and eager eyes. Ennor seemed so different from the shores of Numenor. And there were some strange tales about those who lived there. The rumours would either be confirmed or denied. But the first journey of the Numenoreans to Middle Earth seemed to be quite promising.

"Do you know the name of the country lying before our eyes?" asked Huor.

"I think we are watching the land of Eriador. But I am not quite sure" replied Veantur. "Our maps are not the best, I have to admit."

So, Huor fell silent, still staring at the shores, somewhat impatient to reach them faster. He wondered if elves still lived on those lands. The Numenoreans did not seem to know much about those who lived in Middle Earth. Thus, this journey was their chance to find out more about the peoples of Ennor. Then, Huor looked at Veantur, the Captain of the King's Ships during the reign of Tar-Elendil. The mariner lived on the south side of the Firth of Romenna on Numenor's east coast. His house had a quay for docking boats and he travelled by water whenever possible.

In 600 of the Second Age, Veantur achieved the first voyage from Numenor to Middle-earth. His ship was the Entulesse, which finally reached the shores of Midlle Earth. Huor jumped off the ship, feet hitting against the solid ground of the haven. He looked around, admiring a land which was lush and green, with thick forests, lining the foothills of the mountains in the far distance. The havens were found along a gulf, where the land became rocky yet lush along the coast. 

"I do not think that anyone is awaiting us. We arrived too suddenly it seems" Huor muttered, as he looked around, with the secret hope to see elves or men coming close.

#starofradiance

[ndl--archive]

hey, you should post a list of all the keychains you're going to or can make of the elves! i'd probably be interested in at least one or two :)

//I haven't officially figured out who all I want to do, but for sure I'm doing Elrond, Thranduil, Arwen, Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir(as one keychain), Galadriel, Celborn, and Sauron(a cuter design like Melkor's).

Did you have someone specific you wanted to see as a keychain?

#starofradiance #out of discord #munart #keychains

[earendilion]

*uncertainly hands Elrond a nice note written in red ink on aged parchment* I'm a diplomat, not a poet, but all the same I hope you'll accept this letter of appreciation for all your years of friendship, guidance, and love. Happy Valentines day. *awkwardly shuffles feet around, unsure* //if there was such a day in ME, you better believe gil would write something nice for elrond!!

*writes a letter back about something like spending the night taking a long walk under the stars that ends in the king's chambers alone and with a bottle of wine*

#ask #and a huge vat of oil #starofradiance