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#ring out of the shire in order to protect the shire and
just-some-sad-bitch · 6 months
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I dont care if bagginshield is a ship of the past, if no one reads this or finds it I DONT CARE I NEED TO WRITE THIS DOWN BULLET POINT STYLE.
Ok so this is an AU where Erebor was never attacked by Smaug, the ring doesn’t exist and dragon sickness is related to like old age and long exposure to gold rather than a curse that haunts the line of Durin.
In this AU, as I said, Smaug didn’t get to Erebor but was taken down in Dale. This results on a disaster to both kingdoms because while dale was dependent of Erebor for trade, gold, etc. Erebor heavily depended on Dale for its food, sure the kingdom had cattle and what not but in the midst of the disaster Erebor begins to suffer.
Thranduil is still an asshole and states that he owes nothing to either men o Dwarf.
So, regent king Thrain strikes a deal with the only kingdom that responds to their call: The Shire
Of corse the shire doesn’t respond out of the goodness of their heart, they are in dire need of protection. It is well known that hobbits are a peaceful race, rarely conflictive and with no actual army, they see no need for it for they have no enemies, however, in the last few years goblins have stationed themselves on the blue mountains and when they see fit, they attack the shire and everyone in it.
So the Thain and King Thrain strike a deal
Erebor will send an army to provide protection against the goblins, possibly chasing them out of the Blue Mountains and getting to keep the new mountain
In return, the shire will build a road that leads directly to Erebor making sure to have a direct way of sending food and supplieas all year round
Both kingdoms sharing their surplus, strong armies and nurturing food
However the deal must be strengthened by more than paper and ink, and so a marriage is in order.
The shire will send the Thains grandson to become the master of agriculture of Erebor and marry the second son of the house of Durin, Frerin the golden
FINALLY with all this convoluted background I present you:
Bilbo arrives after years of building the great road that unites the two kingdoms, he is obvs accompanied by Gandalf the grey and dozens of caravans filled with grain, cattle and rich soil
Waiting for their arrival is the regent king Thrain who took the role from his father Thror after he fell ill to gold sickness. With him were his family
Lady Dis, known for her character, forwardness and cunningness as well as beauty and strength. and her two sons; Fili, heir to the crown eventually and Kili, his younger brother, the pride and joy of the kingdom
Thorin, crown prince of Erebor, strong warrior that fought valiantly against the white orc and in his victory earning the title of Thorin Oakenshield. Loyal to his people above anything else and commited to becoming a great king one day.
And of corse the groom, Frerin who had little to say in the matter of his marriage but couldn’t refuse. You see, his older brother will inherit the great kingdom, such promise cannot be waisted on diplomatic endeavors, and his sister, one of the smartest dwarves to ever walk middle earth had already gifted the line of Durin with two strong heirs. So what was he to do? Refuse the only thing that would allow him to show his valor? Of corse not, he was as much prince as his brother and sister, and if his father commanded he be married to an outsider in order to save the kingdom, he would a thousand times.
What he did not expect however, was having his brother fall head over hills for his betrothal upon first meeting. Of corse no one noticed, everyone was too focused of the arrival of the hobbit, but himself and his sister notice right away how Thorin could not stop looking at that creature as if he was the most beautiful being in all of middle earth
The hobbit, however was fat too focused on the king’s speech, the strange surroundings and his wizard companion to notice
He was mad, but similarly to Frerin, he found himself in a situation that he could not escape, his parents were taken by the awful goblins and if being married off is what he had to do in order to save the shire then he will marry whoever and whatever the Thain asked him to
And that’s it, that’s all I got, sorry if grammas is wonky it’s almost 2:00 am and English is my second language, also I was too lazy to review it over. I would love for this story to develop in a way in which Thorin is trying to woo Bilbo while also trying to not Interfere in the deal. Also Bilbo falling in love with thorin but also feeling guilty because were dwarfs marrying for diplomacy is super common, hobbits usually marry for love and I imagine him feeling guilty for loving Thorin while he is supposed fo be marrying Frerin. Also Frerin and Dis egging them on even though they KNOW they shouldn’t. I just imagine this ending with Thorin proclaiming his undying love for Bilbo and both of them being torn between running away and living together but also knowing they have a duty to their respective kingdoms. Of cors everything would work out in the end but Idk
If someone has a similar fic to this please please please share it with me I AM STARVING. Anyway thanks for reading bye!!!
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Lord of the Rings Masterlist
In an attempt to organize the blog and keep everything in order, masterlists are being made to join together into a masterlist of masterlists to make it easier for those on mobile. Thanks for being patient! 
⭐ contains smut
Legolas
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Oneshots
Prove You Wrong {Legolas Oneshot}
Imagines
Imagine volunteering to be part of the Fellowship just to annoy Legolas.
Imagine Legolas spotting you’re in trouble.
Imagine trying to sneak up on Legolas but he senses your presence.
Aragorn
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Oneshots
Taking Pain in Large Doses
Imagines
Imagine being injured in battle and Aragorn taking care of you.
Imagine singing songs with Pippin and Merry, and catching Aragorn’s attention.
Imagine Aragorn coming home to you, bringing you your favorite exotic food.
Imagine being Legolas’s ex but falling for Aragorn.
Imagine Aragorn hearing news that you are betrothed to another.
Gimli
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Imagines
Imagine Gimli coming across you in the Mines of Moria.
Boromir
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Imagines
Imagine spending your afterlife with Boromir.
Imagine finding yourself in Middle Earth, and becoming close to Faramir and Boromir.
Imagine Boromir taking you home after a battle.
Imagine telling Boromir that you’re pregnant with twins.
 Merry
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Imagines
Imagine Merry thinking you’re someone from the fairytales he heard growing up.
Imagine Merry swearing to protect your life with his.
Imagine trying to get Merry’s attention but he’s too busy eating to notice.
Imagine Merry trying to impress you by proving he’s taller than Pippin.
Pippin
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Oneshots
A Moment Sometimes
Starfall
Behind the Crimson Door
Imagines
Imagine living with Pippin in The Shire and he brings in a surprise pet one day.
Imagine being put in charge of Pippin.
Imagine Pippin receiving the news that you’ve been injured in battle.
Imagine causing mischief with Pippin.
Frodo
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Oneshots
Jenny of Oldstones
Imagines
Imagine Frodo teaching you things he had learned on his adventures.
Imagine taking care of Frodo when he has nightmares after his adventure.
Samwise Gamgee
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Oneshots
Imagines
Eomer
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Oneshots
Fallen
The Dream
Under the Rose
Imagines
Imagine Eomer seeing you swimming nude.
Imagine Eomer growing angry with the other Riders of Rohan for getting close to you.
Imagine braiding Éomer‘s hair while he sleeps.
Imagine Eomer not being happy that you took Merry under your wing.
Imagine Eomer catching you imitating his speeches.
Faramir
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Oneshots
Waiting
We
Personal
The Way Back
Gathering Light
Imagines
Imagine tending to Faramir’s wounds.
Imagine Faramir catching you talking to an ex.
Imagine finding yourself in Middle Earth, and becoming close to Faramir and Boromir.
Imagine Faramir thinking he’ll have to spend his birthday alone.
Imagine always tripping over Faramir’s armor.
Imagine Faramir tickling you.
Imagine Faramir taking care of you while you’re sick.
Haldir
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Oneshots
Tonight Tonight
Imagines
Imagine being a bard, and impressing Haldir.
Thranduil
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Oneshots
The Bad Place
The Sky is Falling
All the Love
Seeing Stars  
Imagines
Imagine enjoying a rainy day with Thranduil. 
Imagine Thranduil being entranced  by your sleeve tattoo.
Imagine meeting Thranduil to build a bridge between your elven colonies. 
Thorin Oakenshield
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Oneshots
Over
Imagines
Imagine Thorin coming across your sketchbook.
 Fili
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Imagines
Oneshots
Kili
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Oneshots
Imagines
Imagine catching Kili staring at you.
Imagine Kili helping you to button your dress before a feast.
Imagine Kili realizing you’re no longer by his side.
Imagine making Kili lose a bet.
Elrond
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Oneshots
Imagines
Imagine being an elf from a place Elrond had never heard of before.
 Bilbo
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Oneshots
Imagines
Imagine attempting to entice Bilbo on another adventure.
Imagine packing Bilbo’s bag for him before he leaves.
 Bard the Bowman
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Oneshots
Imagines
Imagine Bard the Bowman finding out that you’re one of the few witches in Middle Earth.
 Tauriel
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Oneshots
Imagines
Imagine Tauriel being unable to ease your pain.
Galadriel
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Oneshots
Imagines
Imagine seeing Galadriel under the light of the Full Moon.
Imagine being an emotional human who falls for Galadriel, a cold elf.
Fellowship in General
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Oneshots
The Wild
Imagines
Imagine being a fire mage and being part of the Fellowship.
Imagine the fellowship seeing your face for the first time.
Imagine having a skill with enchantment magic, and joining the fellowship.
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This is truly one of the best scenes in the entire trilogy. I love the big battles as much as the next person, but this scene feels a little slept on in my opinion. I've never given much thought to it until seeing it again this evening.
We have the hobbits, who are completely naive to the world outside the Shire. Said naivety on full display as they light a fire to cook, thus alerting the Wraiths to their precise location. What I love though, is the fact that in the face of these towering, cloaked creatures; Sam, Merry, and Pippin stand in front of Frodo. I'm sure the scene plays differently in the book, but talking specifically about the film, I love how this kind of foreshadows their place in the final battle.
Sam stands as the first line of defense, and is the first to make a move against the enemy to protect his friends. Just like how in Return of the King, Sam was one thing that Frodo had to remind himself of who he truly is and where he can draw strength from as the Ring saps it away. When it consumes him for that brief moment in Mount Doom; it's Sam who brings him back to himself. It's Sam who catches him.
Merry and Pippin are both thrown to the side. Separated. Just like they will be when Pippin's sent with Gandalf to Gondor and Merry stays to fight with Rohan. Both hobbits needing to be separated in order to grow in their respective paths, before coming together for the final battle. Standing side by side to help Frodo, just like in this scene where they stand on either side of he and Sam, guarding them from outside forces.
And then there's Aragorn.
This fight alone, brief as it is, tells you so much about Aragorn as a character. He's strong, capable, protective, loyal, and brave. Outnumbered by otherworldly enemies that wield a weapon capable of beginning the transformation into a Ringwraith with a single stab, he still gives this fight his all. No hesitation, except for the last second, when he uses torch to finish the fight.
This scene alone is enough to demonstrate why Aragorn is one of my favorite characters. He fights even in the face of odds that aren't in his favor. Aragorn is willing to die just to give Frodo a fighting chance in Return of the King when he charges at the Black Gate. Like he has been at every single fight in this journey. Not only that, but he doesn't care one bit if anyone else decides to follow him. If he alone ran out to face Sauron's army and died alone, he would've accomplished what he'd set out to do in buying Frodo time to see that the ring is destroyed. Even if it's only a few minutes.
And who runs out after him before even Gandalf?
Merry and Pippin.
Two of the smallest people in middle earth help lead the charge against the an army that vastly outnumbers them. Putting aside their fears for good of their friends and Middle Earth.
I love this story so much.
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gapol · 2 months
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The Lord of the Rings, in Short
Volume 1: The Fellowship of the Ring (Formation of the fellowship) -----------------------------------------
Sauron orders elves to forge the 9 rings and 7 rings. Nine given to the 9 kings of men, who later die and become Nazgul (Black Riders) as servants of Sauron.
Sauron himself creates the One ring which is the most powerful ring. Sauron conquers the Earth (Middle-earth) but is fought back by men, gets defeated by Isildur king of Gondor and Isildur gets the ring, and Isildur later dies because of the One ring. Gollum got it and passes to Bilbo. Bilbo passes to Frodo.
The Shire, Bree-lands, Rivendell:
Nazgul gets to the Shire to recover the ring. Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin run to Bree, meet Strider (who is Aragorn the prince in heir of Gondor, descendant of Isildur). They continue running away from Nazgul to Weather Top, and Rivendell.
At Rivendell, it is decided to destroy the One ring in Mount Doom, and the fellowship is formed by 9 persons: 4 hobbits are Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, 2 men are Aragorn and Boromir, 1 elf is Legolas, 1 dwarf is Gimli, and Gandalf who is actually a Maia spirit.
Eregion, Misty Mountains, and Moria:
The fellowship passes thru' Eregion, Misty Mountains but fail to cross Misty Mountains and turns back to go through Moria. Gandalf fights with a balrog, kills it and dies but as being a spirit he returns back as Gandalf the White.
Volume 2: The Two Towers (Rohan-Isengard war near Isengard tower, and Gondor-Mordor war near Morgul tower) ---------------------------------
Lothlorien, and the Great River:
After Moria, the fellowship comes to Lothlorien the land of the elves; and continue on to the Great River (River of Anduin).
The Split into 3 groups:
After Great River, Boromir dies by arrows of the orcs. Frodo doesn't want people die while protecting him and split to his own way to Mount Doom with Sam. Frodo and Sam go through Osgiliath, and the war between Gondor and Mordor.
Merry and Pippin are captured by the orcs to Isengard tower, and the 3 Hunters: Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli chase them to rescue. After, found out Merry and Pippin escaped the orcs. Merry and Pippin live with the ents and later help in Rohan-Isengard war together with the elves.
The Three Hunters go to the Paths of the Dead, and Gondor before reaching the Black Gate. The 3 Hunters and Gandalf go through Edoras, and the war between Rohan and Isengard. Saruman dies falling off the tower. And after, the Three Hunters and Gandalf ride to Minas Tirith the capital of Gondor to join the direction of Frodo and Sam.
Side note: In the game LOTRO, the spit by which player should play (not the story split) is done at Kingstead of Rohan into: Eastfold, Westfold, and Paths of the Dead.
The Black Gate and Morgul:
The Three Hunters, Gandalf, Merry, Pippin and the armies of elves, Rohan, Gondor fight at Black Gate to distract Sauron, attract all orcs to Black Gate so Frodo can move from Mordor wall in to Mount Doom. Frodo and Sam sneak through Morgul into Mordor and destroy the One ring. Sauron doesn't die after the ring is destroyed, possibly he's the immortal Devil, but has power diminished.
Volume 3: The Return of the King (Aragorn returns and become King of Gondor) Traditionally this is still part of volume 2.
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sirencove2 · 1 year
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Into the Golden Light
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He wasn't supposed to be here. Anywhere, but here.Frodo shouldn't be here, sitting in a chair carefully crafted and hand-carved by the finest of elven hands, surrounded by a strange mixture of friends and strangers while trying to decide on the fate of Middle Earth as they know it. Hobbits aren't supposed to wander too far from home, he knew that— growing up, it had been all he had heard from his neighbors, always complaining about how his Uncle disturbed the peace back in Hobbiton... back at the Shire. Oh, how he longs for it, now— to run through it's fields and forests, leaping across streams and trickling rivers would be bliss, utter and complete bliss. But instead here he sits, bearing the burden of his Uncle Bilbo's mistakes in the form of a tiny, inconspicuous ring while surrounded by man, dwarf, and elf. Frodo absentmindedly lifts a hand to his shirt to feel underneath it's comforting, soft linen, where his fingers cautiously graze across the ragged scar on his skin. He frowns at the resulting sting that rushes through his chest after touching his wound, causing him to instinctively tighten his ribcage as he sharply inhales— the poison magic within the witch-king's blade had nearly ended his life, and he had originally intended to go home after completing Gandalf's task, but... watching man, dwarf, and elf argue about the supposed prophecy and burden and who's-worthy and who's-worthless has the words flying from his pale lips before he can even truly comprehend them."I will take the ring!" Frodo cries out, his words initially falling upon deaf ears, thereby forcing him to repeat himself in a louder voice. Gandalf's face falls at the sound of Frodo's words, but hardens when he turns and acknowledges the brave, if not nervous look on his face. "I will take the ring to Mordor... though, I do not know the way.""I will bear this burden with you." Gandalf says with a wise, although tired smile. "For as long as it is your burden to bare."Strider— Aragorn, also rises to his feet, muttering a soft-spoken promise to protect the little hobbit from harm, giving him his sword. Legolas follows in Strider's footsteps, professing his bow's allegiance to the little creature before joining his side, where he is quickly joined by a hot-blooded dwarf with a nasty attitude. Lastly is Boromir, a son of Gondor. But just then, three more hobbits come bursting out of the woodworks, pledging to join the team. Nine volunteers in total— harbingers of hope, clad in leather, iron, and mithril. It's a start, but... it's not nearly enough— a fact that Lord Elrond, Lord of Rivendell, notices very swiftly. Out of all the members of the large council that had been gathered here on this day, only nine agree to take the ring?"Surely there are more brave souls that wish to accompany this... fellowship of the ring and ensure it's travel to Mount Doom?" Elrond begins in a strong, stern voice. "Nine is a start, but it will take more than that in order to break through the barriers and travel deep into the bowels of Mount Doom."No one dares speak. Frodo's shoulders drop as one of Gandalf's hands moves to rest upon them, gently rubbing and squeezing them for support as more and more uncomfortable bouts of silence pass. Elf, man, dwarf— no one dares to speak, lest they somehow end up volunteering themselves by sheer accident. Aragorn warily scans the surrounding council's faces, looking for even the slightest bit of hope and bravery, but... he finds none.—"I'll go."Every man present slowly pans their head around towards the source of the voice, speaking so softly their words were very nearly lost to the to the whistling wind.
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I'm so sorry I had to leave this on a cliffhanger because I can only do so many words of the at a time part 2 will be out soon!
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thedomtreader · 1 year
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“Tolkien is the worst writer ever.  I’m not going to waste my time reading about a fantasy hiking trip, why the hell is he even famous?”
He’s famous because he was a war veteran and professor who wrote a story about good vs. evil.  You’re just a random dumbass on the internet who’s mad at life and decided to take it out on someone who was successful, but I digress.  Since you obviously refuse to read books, the Fellowship hiked to a specific place in order to save all of Middle Earth.  Jules Verne takes the entire first chapter to explain back stories in a lot of his stories, Arthur Conan Doyle took two chapters to go into descriptive detail about a house and its rooms.  “I’m a huge Sherlock fan!” yeah, except when it comes to the books.  Exposed.
Frodo has to destroy The One Ring that his uncle Bilbo failed to do hundreds of years earlier.  He along with Sam, Merry, and Pippin meet up with Strider and eventually find themselves in Rivendell where the Fellowship is born.  Their quest is to take The One Ring to Mount Doom and destroy it.  Sauron is the original owner of The One Ring and will stop at nothing to not have his property destroyed, ever since the four hobbits left The Shire he sent his minions to collect The Ring.
Through their travels this Fellowship is split apart in all directions.  They lose a member of the group who dies a heroic death in order to protect Frodo and Sam, Gandalf sacrifices himself but returns, Merry and Pippin are captured, and the list continues.  We see how a Fellowship fights to save Middle Earth, at the same time show nothing but love and care for each other.  You also see heroes where you least expect.  Fantasy hiking trip my fucking ass.
Tolkien fans joke that he was super wordy, it’s called descriptive writing.  Edgar Rice Burroughs, the author of Tarzan, gets insanely wordy with his sci-fi novels.  I’d rather have too much than too little, give me everything I need to picture the thing.  Authors now are lazy, it’s like we’re supposed to know what they were thinking when they wrote the story.  Fuck that.
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aycock49barrett · 2 years
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My Microsoft Windows Xp Computer Won't Log Me In - What Drunk Driving Do?
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barrett71mcintosh · 2 years
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My Microsoft Windows Computer Won't Log Me In - What Do I Need To Do?
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elfstone-a · 3 years
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why does aragorn like apples still much where does he keep all of them everytime i see something you write he's always pulling an apple out of somewhere
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adgkljjj this is my first callout and it’s so accurate. but really it’s strider / longshanks that loves apples and i always write him eating them when he’s being that man because tolkien, too, loved apples, and bilbo and frodo and sam, the hobbits in particular, are always eating apples and singing about apples, sam quotes that line ‘an apple for walking and a pipe for sitting’ and they leave the shire laden down with apples that were gifts from their neighbors, literally carrying home with them that way, and aragorn as strider is in this state of always walking, always travelling, always moving, a man in isolation utterly alone, belonging nowhere, and for the hobbits the apples always seem to refer back to home, to that nostalgia for the shire and the autumn and the sense of belonging, the sweetness of the natural world, and strider is the aragorn that is protecting the shire and looking in on that, and the intense attachment he develops for the shire i always imagine comes from the fact that he has never felt that sense of home, that sense of peace and belonging and balance, and i think he looks at the shire and feels that bitter longing for what he doesn’t have, an enduring life, and i think he longs for that, and wants to preserve it, and part of his order when he becomes king that no one trespass on the shire or disrespect its boundaries comes from the respect that he has for them and the recognition of their value and stewardship and the way that they live, apples are connected to the shire and to aragorn’s aloneness as strider, his separateness, the way that he is always looking in and never being a part of something, and the way that he wants a piece of something simple and sweet and beautiful that he cannot have because of who he is forced to be due to his birth, i mean it’s symbolism but also apples are a common fruit that travel well so there’s that as well
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hello. it is i. so! i was wondering if you could do a little ditty abt nail polish with the company and/or the fellowship? basically like modern girl in middle earth type stuff, and she realizes that she has nail polish on her which is something they totally don't have in middle earth. basically headcanons abt like how they would react to painted nails and which one of these mfs would let me paint their nails. cuz like - they dont know its just a "fem" thing here so no toxic masculinity. ty <3
OMFG I'M SO HYPED FOR THIS! I just picked a few random Tolkien characters that seem to have a lot of attention, so I hope you like this!!
Nail Polish (LOTR/THE HOBBIT X READER)
Frodo~
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I feel like Frodo would be very skeptical at first
Because, come on, a girl falling into Middle Earth out of nowhere??
However, his interest is certainly peaked, seeing you twist the brush away from it's blue colored bottle as you smile down at it
"What's that, you've got there?"
"Oh, just some nail polish!"
He watches with curiosity as you perfectly decorate your nails with the periwinkle color
"How interesting..."
He may not want to have his nails painted at first, but has this deep fascination with how perfectly you can paint them without screwing up
Soon, he forgets all about the ring as you paint your nails, sitting cross-legged and starting with those huge blue eyes with interest
If he allows you to paint his nails, he would smile the whole time
I mean HIS TINY HANDS?!?!
What a bean 🥺
Tries his best not to chip the color when he leaves for Mordor with Sam
Gollum is actually really interested with his nails
"whAT IS IT prECI0us?!?1!1?"
But Frodo will swat his hands away, because "it's a gift from someone important."
The one thing that keeps him smiling along the way 😊
•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•
Legolas
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Elf prince is so interested!!
He thinks the spring green color looks so pretty in the bottle
He's obviously not used to most thing from your world
Asks politely;
"How do you use this?"
"...can I show you?"
So whenever the Fellowship stops for the night, he watches with amusement as your brows furrow and you stick your tongue out in concentration
Legolas sits very still, so it's easy for you to paint his nails
How does he keep them so clean?!
He's low-key obsessed with how satisfying it is...
wAIT...
Now HE wants to paint YOUR nails?
THE PRECISION...
He's so good at it!
Legolas is so patient and calm
He says it reminded him of making flower crowns I guess?
And he doesn't even mess up once 😳
THE MASTER NEEDS TEACHING, DAYUM-
He gets so happy with how the color matches him!
Forgets that you have to let it dry at first, so it gets a bit smudged when he draws his bow
Upset Legolas :(
But you fix it for him, and he's happy again!
CAN
NOT
STOP
LOOKING
He's amazed!!
And so proud!
Pretty Elf 🥰✨
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Pippin
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Pippin is very confused, to say the least
He though it would be something relatively close to a nail filer
But once he sees the pastel yellow color, on your own fingers, he has to have some!!
WILL
NOT
SIT
STILL
While you're trying to paint his hands and feet (by request), he's telling you great tales of the shire, a throwing his limbs around to exaggerate his story
You've to clonked him on the head and scolded him quite a few times
For some reason, he's saying it tickles??
"It does! The brush is like feather!"
Painting his toes it a lot easier, seeing he can't really feel much on his feet
The color goes perfect with his green eyes 🥴
Also, let's not forget that Pip is the definition of "disaster-on-legs"
After the polish dries, it immediately chips, since he's busy causing trouble with merry or practicing his hand with Boromir
He really wants to paint your nails, and you let him do so...
Poor hobbit has zero clue with how this shit works 🤦‍♀️
He feels so bad about getting it all over your fingers, but you assure him it'll be fine and that it will eventually wash off in a few days
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Boromir
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HE WANTS TO USE IT RIGHT AWAY-
Pink, as cliche as it sounds, suits him so well
He's just amazed!
Also, really likes the smell 🤔🤔
Is grinning like an idiot while you're painting his nails
"Such talent and patience you have!"
"Pfft, it's really nothing. Takes a bit of practice is all."
Afterward, is flashing his bright pink nails at everyone
"Look at Y/N's spectacular skill of hand!"
I think Boromir would have a habit of picking at the polish after it dries
But that's okay, he doesn't mind too much
It gives him more time to spend with you while you repaint them!!
He's afraid he'll screw up your nails if he tries to paint them, so he never offers
That's alright though, since you know he only means well 😊
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Thorin
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Oh he's so regal
You were in Rivendell, digging through your purse, and suddenly
Tada!!
A deep navy blue bottle, probably about half empty was revealed
He was curious, but tried not to let it show, since that would damage his royal ego 🙄
"What is that?"
"Oh, just some nail polish. Wanna try some?"
Thorin would insist that you show him how it works first
And so, you did
He definitely admires the color
But defied any suggestion of you painting his own nails
That would be "un-kingly" 😤
Okay so maybe he lets you paint his pinky finger when nobody is around
But he smiles (a rare sight) while watching you paint your nails
And does give a somewhat compliment at your articulate handwork
"It looks exceptional as artwork."
"Erm... Thanks?"
He definitely thinks the color matches you beautiful skin tone 😌
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Kili ~
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Prince Dumbass LOVES red
It reminds him of Tauriel 🥰
One night, you left your bag opened on the ground as you went off to get some food from Bombur, and Kili couldn't help but notice the glittering ruby bottle inside
He grabbed it, being the nosy prince he was, and examined its glow in the firelight
"What kind of jewel is this?"
"Oh hey, my nail polish!!"
Very confused
"Why does it smell so strange?"
Thankfully, being a dwarf, his fingernails are a bit bigger, so there's more room and it's easier to paint
He, like Pippin, has issues with sitting still and gets you really annoyed
"I swear to all things fluffy, if you don't sit still I will cut off all of that hair in your sleep-"
"😳"
He immediately smudges them, and then you have to paint them AGAIN
Once they FINALLY dry, he won't let anyone touch them
"Stop it, Fili! You'll damage them!"
He can't stop touching them, since it's so smooth!
The others tease him, but he doesn't mind, as long as they stay nice and clean
Turns into a whiny toddler the MINUTE they chip
"Y/nnn! I need you to repaint them!"
"I just painted them yESTERDAY-"
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Fili
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A mix of Thorin and Kili when it comes down to it
Definitely prefers gold 😌✨
Sees you painting your nails one night in the library in Erebor
"What have you got there sagh (friend)?"
"Just some nail polish. Wanna try some?"
Once again, he wants to see what it does like Thorin
And you of course happily oblige
Admires the color greatly
He says it reminds him of the gold floors in his kingdom, and it makes you chuckle
Fili loves to have his nails painted, and especially with such a regal hue 💅😌
DAMN does it bring out those baby blues 🥴
After that, you stare at his hands a lot, proceeded by his flirtatious teasing
Shows up Kili's sparkly red polish with his "more extravagant" color
He is also very protective of his nails and tries his very best to keep them from chipping
You love watching him hold his weapons and spar with his pretty nails 😳
Even with his larger hands, made for forging and wielding huge swords and axes and smelting, he had an incredibly steady and gentle hand when it comes to this subject, so he's AMAZING at painting his and your nails
Fili insists that you have matching nails all the time, and it's a regular thing for you to hang out and talk about your day while you paint each others nails 🥺
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Thranduil
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Have you MET this man?!
KING OF DIVAS 💅💅
At first, he's very weirded out
"What do you have in your hand, mellon (friend)?"
"Oh, just some nail polish."
"Interesting..."
Thranduil watches intently over your shoulder as you carefully decorate your nails with a glossy black polish, sitting directly next to his throne
"Do you want me to paint your nails?"
"Hm?"
He reluctantly agrees, placing his BEAUTIFUL hand in yours and stares down at your gentle talented work
He loves the color more than he cares to admit, and much like his son sits very still as you lead the brush over his clean nails
The elf king loves seeing your tongue stick out in concentration
You remind him that it'll need time to dry out
And as he says in his notoriously sassy voice;
"I thousand years is a mere blink in the life of an elf... I'm patient... I can wait."
Ofc, you just scoff at this and tell him it'll only take about five to ten minutes
He just nods and stares back down at them with admiration
Thranduil doesn't do much around his kingdom, except maybe get a bit drunk and direct orders to his guards, so it's no worry about him chipping or ruining his nails
I hope you liked this, just as much as I enjoyed writing it!! Have a lovely day, and don't forget that requests are open as always!! ❤❤😊
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cogentranting · 2 years
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I was rewatching Fellowship of the Ring and was thinking about that twitter thread/post on here about how Dune is really joyless. If I can find it, I’ll link it in a reply or a reblog but the gist of it was that it was joyless movie, and someone accused them of needing quippy marvel-style one-liners every ten seconds (and for the record, I love marvel movies, I don’t need everything to be like that but I don’t have any problem with marvel movies being like that) but the original person and the ensuing conversation countered that no, Dune didn’t need to be turned into that kind of movie but it needed some kind of warmth or joy in it. 
The discussion there focused on how lighter moments cut the tension, which then allows the tension to build back up more effectively. Which I agree with, but I also think there’s the added dimension of moments of peace and joy helping you care about the characters. And that’s something I think Tolkien (and Jackson’s adaptations) understand perfectly. In order to care, you have to know what the character’s are fighting for. And Lord of the Rings is a perfect example of movies that are serious, often dark, but that aren’t joyless and dour. LOTR incorporates moments of joy and rest and fellowship all the way through. Less frequently as the story goes on and things are looking less hopeful, but they’re still there in smaller ways. 
First of all you have the Shire, which is so massively important. You have to love the shire. In all the ways that is quaint or silly or small you have to love it. You have to know that it is good and worth protecting. That informs everything about who Frodo and Sam and Merry and Pippin are, and everything that they do and it informs the sacrifices they make.  But even once you leave there, Tolkien provides regular reprieves for the characters and the readers/viewers. The encounter with the elves. Tom Bombadill’s house. Strider protecting them in Bree. Rivendell. Lorien.  And even when they don’t have the opportunity for actual rest like these larger breaks you have small moments of fellowship that brings a little joy and hope in amidst the danger.  Even a moment like Aragorn and Legolas singing a lament for Boromir after his death is part of this same thing. Taking that time to mourn adds to that fellowship. 
These are the things that make up why you care about these characters. You care about Merry and Pippin more because of the stunt with the fireworks, or seeing them sing in Bree. You care about Boromir more because he plays with the hobbits and because he describes how much he loves Gondor. You care more about Gimli because he talks about the glory of Moria. Even if a character is denied the things they love and the things that bring them joy, you have to know what those things are . 
As I said, as the story goes on these moments become less frequent and have more lingering tension. Nothing in Return of the King (prior to the destruction of the Ring) is as light-hearted as their time in Rivendell. Two Towers has Merry and Pippin with the Ents and hanging out in Isengard, and the others spending a little time in Rohan. in Return of the King there are little pauses but mainly it falls back into relying more on those moments of fellowship. (But here you also that other point-- by making the reprieves less frequent, the trilogy is able to build its tension. You can watch things get darker and feel more of that urgency. But in order for it to get darker, there has to be light to start with) After Fellowship Sam and Frodo get hardly any chances to truly rest. But there’s still something. For Sam and Frodo probably the last big reprieve they get is meeting Faramir. A last friendly face, something of a kindred spirit to Frodo. And after that its more dependent on conversations between Frodo and Sam to provide that release. BUT those conversations are ABLE to do that because they have the shire and all the other rests and friendships to draw on for those conversations.  Again, it’s that transition and that difference from where they started that allows you to really feel for Sam and Frodo and the desperateness of their fight. There is so much weight to their journey through Mordor, but only because  we saw what their joy looked like back in Fellowship. 
All art-- whether its stories, or music, or drawings-- needs contrast between the lights and the darks to be effective. And Lord of the Rings displays that beautifully.
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themardlonk · 3 years
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I just finished reading the books and I've come to the conclusion that I actually really like that Sam married Rosie and Frodo left? 
Before reading the books, the ending to ROTK used to lowkey upset me, because Sam and Frodo love tf out of each other! But Frodo leaves and Sam stays behind to get married to someone we don't know and is happy in the Shire without Frodo?? It bugged me. But after reading the books, I've come to the realization that in order for them to get the happy endings they deserve, Frodo needs to leave and Sam needs to stay. And Sam's life with Rosie is essential to his happy ending and completed character arc and is entirely separate from Frodo and Sam's love for one another. The reasons behind why I think their endings are perfect for them have to do with autonomy and the difference between choices made selflessly vs. choices made in self interest.
TLDR; Frodo and Sam’s endings are perfect for them (imo) because they get to choose them for themselves. Both hobbits spend the entire trilogy sacrificing everything they are for the Good of Middle Earth. Frodo leaving is The Good Ending for him because he is suffering the traumatic effects of the Ring; Frodo isn’t happy in the Shire and chooses an adventure of his own to Valinor so that he can heal. Sam staying and getting married and becoming part of the community is The Good Ending for him because he is invested in the Shire; from the moment he returns to the Shire, he chooses to pour his time and love into its restoration and abundance. Sam is a gardener and he chooses the Shire because it brings him happiness, but Frodo can’t find happiness there and so chooses to leave because that’s what’s best for him. (And then eventually, after Sam’s lived his happy ending in the Shire, he sails to Valinor to live with Frodo, and they both get that happy ending, too.)
There’s a little mini essay on Frodo and Sam that I put under the cut because it’s just me rambling, but if I didn’t make my reasoning clear enough above, it might clear it up. (Forewarning: These notes are probably uncoordinated af, because they were jotted down in my phone while I sat on the floor of my kitchen for 3 hours in a feverish ADHD-med-fueled determination to wrap my head around the LOTR ending.)
Frodo and Sam have the same goal (destroy the Ring), but their jobs differ. Frodo is tasked with the actual job of carrying the Ring (the metaphorical weight of the world) to Mordor. On top of physical, Frodo suffers through enormous mental and spiritual anguish to complete this task. Sam, meanwhile is tasked with protecting the Ring Bearer, and every decision he makes is in Frodo's best interest before anything else. He handles the Ring very little and his suffering is mainly physical, but he spends the entire time as Frodo's second, and defers to Frodo's choices and well-being above his own the entire time.
When they return home to the Shire, of the two of them, it's Sam who takes the lead in the resistance against Saruman. Afterward, it's Sam who spreads the dirt and plants the mallorn from Galadriel. It's Sam who takes an active role in saving and restoring the Shire. Of the four hobbits, I noticed that Frodo seems to be the one most affected by the Scouring of the Shire. While they're all affected, Frodo is the only one who doesn't actively start rallying troops and planning attacks. Instead, he takes on advisory duties and then withdraws as soon as he is able.
All four hobbits come back physically changed, but the book makes it pretty plain that on top of this, Frodo is also experiencing chronic PTSD, depression, and withdrawal from the Ring. Frodo isn't completely present in his life because he's trying to cope. He tries to be there for Sam, he even lets Sam and Rosie move in with him after they marry, but on the whole, Frodo is really, really sick.
Sam explicitly states that he loves Frodo, and he tries to be there for Frodo through Frodo's sickness. But unlike the trek to Mordor, there's really only so much Sam can do for him. I think Frodo is aware of this, and it's why he encourages Sam to actively pursue happiness (Rosie, a home, a family, social standing, etc.). Frodo loves Sam and wants him to have the happy ending that Sam wants, but Frodo can only give so much of himself as he is currently. Sam is in love with the Shire, but Frodo's happy ending isn't in the Shire. He's not happy there, and Sam is. Frodo can't give Sam what he needs, and vice versa. They have a conversation about this in "The Grey Havens" chapter. Frodo asks if Sam would be willing to travel with him, and Sam says of course, but that he can't go too far from the Shire. They love each other, but their needs are different, now. Frodo needs help with trauma recovery, and he can't stay in the Shire, but he's also not going to ask Sam to leave it behind to be with him while he recovers. Frodo doesn't need Sam to go with him, and he actually kinda needs to do this himself. And it's really important to Sam's character arc that Sam says he wants to stay.
Sam's life with Rosie is essential to his happy ending and completed character arc. Sam spends the entirety of the books looking after Frodo, caring for him, risking his life for him, and making sure they both go "There and Back Again." For 15(ish) months, Sam is on constant Frodo Protection Duty, and looking at how Sam addresses him and treats him beforehand and during the journey, Sam has honestly probably deferred to Frodo his entire life. But in order for Sam to really complete his character arc, he needs to choose his future for himself. When they get back to the Shire, he begins the process of self actualization, and Frodo helps it along. On the topic of Rosie, it doesn't matter that Sam marries HER necessarily, but it does matter that he settles down and gets to live a quiet life of gardening and family and community, because that's what he WANTS. And it's important that he himself chooses it, independently of anyone else's well-being.
For Frodo, it's both very similar and the exact opposite. He spends the journey to Mount Doom inside his head, facing things he can't physically fight, and he has to lean on Sam the entire way. Frodo DOES make the choice to take the Ring to Rivendell, and then to Mordor. It could be argued that every step he takes toward Mordor is a choice, but it's never his personal choice. It's a choice between Good and Evil. From the very beginning when Bilbo leaves him the Ring to a year later when he finally returns to the Shire, Frodo's one and only choice is the big picture question: Will you choose Good or Evil? Will you give up, or will you continue to put your mind and body through intense trauma so that your entire world doesn't burn? They're both terrible options, but they're the only ones he's given, and both are detrimental to him personally.
When Frodo returns to the Shire, he could go back to living quietly there for the rest of his life, and he actually does try to do that for a little while. But he has choices available to him now, and it quickly becomes clear to him that he's not happy there. He's been changed so much by the Ring and the experiences he's been through and the wider world around him that his journey can't end in the Shire. It's impossible for him pick up where he left off, because he's not that same hobbit anymore. He's unhappy and unhealthy playing that role, and it would be antithetical to his journey and the opposite of character growth. For Frodo, his happy ending looks like trauma recovery and a kinder adventure that he gets to choose for himself, and that's why Valinor is such a good ending for him.
Before he leaves, Frodo does as much as he can to put the Shire to rights and set Sam up to live his happy ending (he INVITES Sam to live in HIS HOUSE, did I mention that? I love them), and then Frodo leaves for Valinor to heal and find his own happy ending. And he gets it. He does heal, and after he's much recovered, Sam comes to live with him after he himself has lived a full happy life in the Shire.
OTHER (other) THOUGHTS:
(((This ending also makes sense, because if Frodo can't live happily in the Shire after going on a huge journey to save it, SOMEBODY better.)))
I also think it's nice that Sam and Rosie get to be in love, and that Sam is allowed to love multiple people. And I think it's lovely that his love for Frodo is not diminished in any way by his love for Rosie. "You're allowed to love multiple people deeply in your life, and that love is not made lesser because it's being given to multiple people" is SUCH a good message.
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volvaofowls · 3 years
Text
When they realised that their feelings for you started to develop?
- Aragorn He realised his feelings for you started to grow from the simple comradeship into something deeper as he caught himself looking at you doing ordinary things - helping the hobbits, cooking, checking your weapons and making sure that everything is in order – and feeling warmth spread in his chest and a smile growing on his face without him being to control it. He was semi aware of his feelings developing, but didn’t want anything to be done about them, not yet. - Boromir It was in Moria, when an orc swung its blade at Boromir’s shoulder, it was your blade which stopped it, saving Boromir’s hand and possibly life. As he looked at you for a moment, he was you bravely pushing the orc back with your attacks, with face both terrible and beautiful, it made his heart fall squeeze tightly and then grow hot in his chest. - Legolas Legolas’ feelings for you started to grow when the Fellowship was resting in Lothlorien, he saw you being very interested in elves and their connection to nature, he would look at you, with your head raised high and month and eyes wide, trying to take in all the beauty of the golden wood. He couldn’t help but smile thinking how youthful and pure your spirit is. - Gimli You would share with him stories of your culture and traditions that you have. He was reluctant to share a lot with you, but your understanding of this and acceptance of his protectiveness broke some barrier within him and let a few things slip – the coming of age ritual where a dwarf or dwarrowdam crafts a piece of jewellery for their parents as a sign of gratitude; or the traditional recipe of mountain berries pie that his mother would make – the soft smile and interested stare of your eyes made him feel suddenly very tall and Gimli felt a desire to tell you everything, not only about his culture but to share his life with you. - Frodo When Frodo was tricked by Gollum and sent Sam away, he didn’t expect for you to suddenly start defending Sam, saying that you all should stick together, and that Frodo is wrong, and his mind is weakened by the Ring. That moment when Sam left, you picked up your bag, giving Frodo one long last stare full of disappointment and anger, before you turned your back to him and followed Sam. He felt betrayed but both of you, but it was your departure that wounded his soul, he didn’t want to think of you, yet your last gaze was the only thing occupying Frodo’s mind. He felt as if he just lost something he almost had, and it made him regret his quick trust in Gollum’s word. - Sam When three of you where wandering among the rocky mazes of Emyn Muil, there was seemingly no hope to find the way out. Upon one of the little camps as Frodo and you were eating the little food that was prepared by Sam, he voiced his despair and longing for Shire and a bit of home, holding his salt box from Westfarthing. Then suddenly he felt a weight on his head, it was a flower crown made from very delicate pale flowers, it was the same flower crown that you made in Lothlorien, the flowers still held a whisp of elven magic which prevented them from fading. The delicate floral smell enveloped Sam and for a few moments he felt at peace and he saw the light of sun coming from the blue skies onto the flower fields. You brought peace and hope to him and the was very grateful to you that day and you felt like the most sensitive and fair person to him. - Merry You were secretly practising moves with a sword behind the horse stables. Quietly thrusting the sword in front of you, trying to do leaps and maintaining balance of these complicated battle stances. It was there when he found you by accident, he felt like an intruder, stumbling onto your private dance, yet he couldn’t move or look away. Many times, during the quest he was amazed by your skill, but it was this seemingly simple and very private moment which stole Merry’s breath. To him you looked different there, and from that moment he would look differently at you all together. - Pippin When you came to Isengard with the others Merry and Pippin were reaping their spoils of field of victory and didn’t see you immediately. When he saw you standing there with a laughing smile and catching one of the swimming past apples and biting into it, and still looking joyfully at both hobbits. He sensed excitement bubbling up in his chest until he couldn’t hold it no more, so he jumped from the wall into the water, soaking his smoking pipe, just to offer you his hand and lead you to further into Isengard, sharing tales of his adventures and asking you about yours. 
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warrioreowynofrohan · 2 years
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For the fictional friendship asks:
Merry and Pippin 1,3,5 👈👉
1) When I think they became friends
This got me to start out with a bit of math, because I realized I didn’t know the age difference between them. Frodo, at the time of the Quest, is of course 50; Sam, based on the appendices, is 35; and Pippin, as he states in the “Minas Tirith” chapter of ROTK, is 28. I don’t think we’re told Merry’s age, but Frodo leaves him to handle the ‘guests’ (invited and otherwise) for a while the day after the Long-Expected Party, so I think Merry must be at least in his twenties then. Since there are 17 years between the Long-Expected Party and the Quest, there’s a good chance that Merry is older than Sam, and may be as much as 10 years older than Pippin. (EDIT: Thanks to @madrielite: we have canon on this, Appendix C shows Merry as being 36 at the time of the Quest, eight years older than Pippin.)
I think they became friends in Pippin’s teens and Merry’s twenties, probably meeting up at some party or social gathering, or, quite likely, in a pub/inn. Hobbits are very social and spend a lot of time in groups, and the Tooks and Brandybucks have very similar vibes, so I think they’d hit it off very quickly. Merry had probably already done some adventuring - had been into the Old Forest at least - and Pippin would have been fascinated and asked a million questions.
3) A random headcanon I have of them
Merry and Pippin, in their youth in the Shire, have rather different attitudes about adventures. Merry’s very interested in the wider world and wants to know more about it - after the hobbits meet up with Strider, he questions Strider about the lay of the land: what Weathertop is and the origins of the ruins, and the names and layout of rivers. In Rivendell, he reads up on Isengard enough to give a detailed description of it to Pippin later, even though the Fellowship isn’t planning to head in that direction.
Pippin does none of this, and for all his inquisitiveness doesn’t seem very good at retaining the information he’s told or connecting the dots between facts (such as that Aragorn is the heir to the throne of Gondor); I think in the Shire, he loved hearing about the outside world but was far more interested in the adventures themselves than the concrete where and when. And that he probably had the attitude that adventures should be spontaneous - it’s not an adventure if you plan it. Merry’s much more of a planner, and became somewhat more so after becoming friends with Pippin, out of the need to keep his young friend out of trouble. (Pippin looking after Merry after the Battle of Pelennor Fields is very sweet because it’s quite a role revesal.)
5) A scene I wish we had of them
I’d have liked to have more of a scene of them, after the end of the war, talking about their impressions of Faramir and Eowyn and Rohan and Gondor and everything that happened in ROTK while they were separated. (For that matter I’d like to hear Pippin and Frodo and Sam sharing theur impressions of Faramir.) We get a little bit of it, but I want more. I think the comparisons and contrasts between theur trajectories when separated - both swearing alliegiance to a foreign ruler; both ending up defying their orders to protect people they cared about; Pippin saving Faramir and Merry saving Eowyn; the deaths of Denethor and of Théoden - are very interesting, and I’d like to hear more of their own impressions and ideas. As well as their impressions of Frodo and Sam and how they’ve changed. And given Pippin seeing the Witch-king at the gates of Minas Tirith, I think once he’d had time to process it and wasn’t worrying about Merry as much, he’d be incredibly impressed that Merry had a key role in killing the Witch-king.
By the Scouring of the Shire, they’re very different people than they were even at the end The Two Towers; they’ve grown a lot (not just taller!). And I’d like it if we spent a little more time with that in the aftermath of the War of the Ring.
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The Halfling from the Mountains Cont’d
Hey all! So I wanted to write something for Fanfic Writers’ Day, and even though it’s coming in a bit late, I decided to write a small continuation of the Mulan AU. It is almost a year exactly since I posted this little drabble, and it’s by FAR the most popular drabble I have on tumblr. Also, I really needed Kili to ask Bilbo if he “would like to stay forever.”  😆 Please enjoy.
Thorin and Bilbo had barely hobbled their way to the base of the hill before they were swarmed by allies. Healers ushered them to one of the many tents being erected on the cleanest part of the battlefield. While Bilbo only had a few bumps and bruises of little concern, Thorin was all but thrown into a cot as they tended to his foot. Bilbo was able to get one more glance at the protesting king before he was shoved down on a makeshift bench with a bowl of stew in his hands.
“Eat up, laddie. I’m afraid the hard work isn’t over just yet.” Oin instructed before leaving to tend to others.
Bilbo allowed himself the moment of peace as all the adrenaline seeped out with each bite of the bland, but very welcome food. Perhaps, truly this time, the worst was behind them.
“WHAT A MESS! WHERE IS HE?! WHERE IS THE ARKENSTONE THIEF?”
Then again, perhaps not. Bilbo’s head whipped up to see a furious Dain stroll into the camp. He jumped to his feet, the stew regrettably spilling to the ground only to invite the irate dwarf’s attention. Dain immediately stalked into his direction, and for every step forward, Bilbo took one back until he bumped into someone behind him. He startled and turned to apologize only for the person to put a hand on his shoulder and gently push him behind them. Bilbo’s shoulders sagged in relief at the sight of Dwalin. Dain, on the other hand, was flummoxed.
“Stand aside.” Dain ordered. “That creature isn’t worth protecting.”
Bilbo flinched at the sheer acid in his tone. Before Dwalin could respond, his brother appeared on his other side completely blocking Bilbo from view now.
“He’s a hero.” Balin argued.
“He’s a Halfling and a thief.” Dain scoffed.
Bilbo’s jaw nearly dropped as he was suddenly surrounded by his entire company minus the Durins. Each of them with a hard glint in their eyes.
“Listen here you pompous windbag.” Bofur growled. It was the only time Bilbo ever recalled him truly angry. “I think we know our Burglar better than any here. You owe the life of your King to him.”
Dain looked about ready to spit fire as his face changed to match the color of his hair.
“HE BETRAYED MY KING AND ANY THAT DEFEND HIM ARE JUST AS BAD!”
Well that seemed to set everyone off as the Company started to yell loudly in defense of their honor, and Dain and his men continued to besmirch the hobbit’s name. Bilbo, having quite enough of such nonsense, was about ready to find some way to shut them all up when a strong voice broke through the clearing.
“SHARZA!”
Silence rang through the camp as all eyes be they man, elf, dwarf, and hobbit, turned to regard Thorin. The king’s foot was wrapped tightly yet blood still managed to seep through the bandages. Because of this, he was being supported by his two nephews, but all three managed to look regal and proud in their grimy states. Thorin’s cold eyes bore into Dain until the other dwarf dropped his head. At that point, Thorin regarded the Company and silently demanded they stand aside. Bilbo was once more exposed to the glares and curious stares of the surrounding crowd. He could kill Thorin.
“This is Bilbo Baggins.” Thorin announced in a clear voice that somehow seemed to ring for miles without being too loud.
“He was contracted by my Company of thirteen dwarves to leave his home in the Shire and burgle from a dragon. He thinks of nothing but creature comforts of good homes and good food. He was inexperienced with a blade prior to joining us, and knew nothing of how to survive in the wild and yet…”
Bilbo blinked in shock at the warm smile that split Thorin’s face.
“He has saved us all. As King, I pardon any and all crimes against his person. Master Baggins shall only ever be treated with respect on behalf of all Durin’s folk.”
If Bilbo was caught off-guard before, the sight of Thorin bowing to him nearly had him flat on his back. What made it worse was it started a domino effect as next the Company was bowing, then the rest of the dwarves, and finally the remainder of the entire Free People’s army. Even Dain, who looked like he tasted something foul, bowed in deference to his king. Bilbo wanted to scream that he wasn’t a hero! He was just a simple hobbit from the Shire, but faced with the truly humbling sight, he couldn’t find the words. Almost as if realizing his newfound conundrum, Thorin rose with a hidden twinkle in his eye before he turned to return to his tent using his sister sons as his crutch, satisfied that Bilbo would have no more difficulties. The Company patted his back or ruffled his hair. Dori even offered to stay with him if he felt unsafe, but Dain’s hasty retreat spoke volumes about any remaining troubles Bilbo would had. In a matter of seconds, he was alone once again.
“There’s seems to be an awful lot of excitement this side of the Misty Mountains.”
Almost alone. Bilbo looked up at Gandalf whose smirk somehow managed to reflect amusement and pride all at the same time.
“He didn’t have to do that.” Bilbo finally found his voice, regardless of how awe-filled it was.
“I would think Thorin has a differing opinion on the subject. You’ve done well, Bilbo. You can go home now knowing you have gone above and beyond the call of duty.”
“Hmm?” Bilbo mused, not registering Gandalf’s words.
“Why back to the Shire! You do still plan to return to Bag End, don’t you?”
“Of course!” Bilbo snapped reflexively only to flinch at the harshness of his own words. “I mean, yes, I do...I just...”
“Well,” Gandalf offered. “We have a few days. Think about it, and let me know, whatever you decide.”
***
Bilbo thought about it, but he was no closer to an answer. He had to go back to Bag End. He was a Baggins after all, but the idea of leaving his dwarves. Leaving Thorin...it left a hole in his chest that refused to be closed. He finally decided it was just the freshness of leaving his friends. A few months back in the Shire, and the pain would leave him once he was back where he belonged. Therefore, despite how much it hurt, he told Gandalf he did still intend to go home.
His dwarves did not take the news well.
Bilbo ignored the pleading eyes of the Durin princes as he finished putting away his new clothes from Dori into his pack along with trinkets from the whole Company. Well, all but Thorin. Even Dain had come by to apologize for the way he had reacted after he got the full story and left Bilbo with a rather large and impractical shield. Remarkably, Bilbo had seen neither hide nor hair of the new King Under the Mountain since his declaration to return home. 
“You could build a new home here! You don’t have to go, Mister Boggins.” Kili pleaded.
Bilbo couldn’t help smirking as he patted the dwarf on the shoulder.
“As I have said before Kili, the Shire is where I belong."
“You also belong here.” Fili added, looking oddly serious and melancholy.
Bilbo’s smile fell as he turned his back to hide how effected he was by the prince’s words.
“Me? I’m just a silly hobbit. I no more belong in a mountain than an acorn in a window garden. Now, are you going to walk me to the gate or expect me to carry all of this myself?”
Fili and Kili had many more protests for him, but in the end gathered the ornate shield and the chest bearing his company’s treasures to be loaded on Bilbo’s pony. The rest of the Company, minus their king, was gathered just as somber as Bilbo’s companions. The wizard was ready to go, and waited for Bilbo to make his goodbyes.
“Well...” He started. “T-Thank you. Thank you all for...the most amazing adventure. If you’re ever in the Shire, tea is at four...don’t bother to knock.”
That earned a weak chuckle from his friends.
“And I suppose tell Thorin that...”
His throat closed, and Bilbo had to look down at his toes to gather his courage.
“Tell Thorin...”
“Yes?”
Bilbo’s head shot up as his heart thrummed in his chest.
“Thorin!” He breathed in delight.
The king was looking much healthier if but for the dark circles under his eyes and the saddened expression.
“You’re here.” Bilbo remarked in awe.
Thorin ducked his head with a small smile. 
“I was getting your going-away gifts together.”
“Oh.”
Bilbo should have been delighted much like he was with the other Company members’ gifts. However, he had been hoping for...well, he wasn’t quite sure what. Without further ado, Thorin pulled out Bilbo’s small sword he had been rather fond of but sacrificed in desperation to rid them of the monster orc. Sting.
“I asked Prince Legolas and Captain Tauriel to try and find it. They were more than happy to assist. I hope that it reminds you of all that you’ve done for Erebor.”
He presented it to Bilbo with a small bow, and Bilbo repeated the motion happy to place the blade back in the scabbard on his hip. Even with his limited experience, it certainly made him feel better having it on his person.
“Also,” Thorin added almost eagerly. “I want you to have this.”
Letting his braid flutter lose, Thorin tugged one of the hair beads from his own raven locks and presented it to Bilbo.
“So all of Arda will know what you have done for me, a grateful and indebted king.”
Bilbo was practically trembling.
“Thorin.” He croaked. “I-I can’t...”
“Please.” The king whispered as he carefully closed Bilbo’s fingers over the bead sitting innocently on his palm. “For me.”
It was too much. Thorin looking at him like that. His too large hands still softly cradling his hand. There was only so much a respectable hobbit like Bilbo could take. Before he could stop himself, he closed his eyes and surged up onto his tiptoes as he planted a kiss on the handsome king. It was quick and chaste and breath-taking all at once. Thorin seemed equally befuddled but hopeful. Bilbo tried his hardest to ignore the cheers of the Company and the heat in his own cheeks as he gave Thorin a single nod.
“Well then...good evening.”
He turned to saddle the pony when his actions seemed to catch up to him. What exactly was he doing?! He loved Thorin. How could he leave him now? His mind struggled to process the influx of emotional information while he remained halfway on his pony, staring into the setting sun.
“Perhaps...” Gandalf finally offered, far too amused. “We got too late a start.”
Thorin picking up on the cues rushed to Bilbo’s side.
“Would you...? Would you like to stay for dinner?” He blurted much to the annoyance of their friends.
“WHAT HE MEANS IS WOULD YOU LIKE TO STAY FOREVER?!” Kili corrected.
Everyone couldn’t help but laugh including Bilbo and Thorin. The hobbit finally returned to the present turning to Thorin with a large grin.
“I think dinner would be a lovely start.”
And Bilbo enjoyed dinner in Erebor for many years to come.
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rustchild · 3 years
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God, I just--I’ll never stop being sad about how so much of high fantasy took all of the good parts out of Lord of the Rings, kept the aesthetic and the racism, and completely missed the underlying point of the story.
Like--fundamentally, Lord of the Rings is about grief. It’s about leaving your childhood and your home and discovering that the world is much bigger and more horrifying than you imagined, and that the good things that you took for granted are more at risk than you thought. It’s about experiencing loss and having that loss turn you into someone you never imagined you would be, and then having to go on anyway and learn to be that person in order to survive.
Every time I see someone say that Gandalf is boring, or the elves are boring, or that hobbits are boring, I want to scream (or at least, argue with them for a long time.) Gandalf is interesting because he’s an ageless celestial being who takes the time to make fireworks for children. The elves are interesting because they are immortal people who were never supposed to know loss, but have lost almost everything--people who weren’t built to grieve, but who are left by a fundamentally broken world with so much to mourn and an eternity to do it. The hobbits are interesting because in a world of the huge and the powerful and the destined they simply do not give a fuck! They continue to grow things, in spite of it all! So much high fantasy forgets about ordinary people or just uses their pain for angst fuel, but fuck it! Your Big Heroic Quest doesn’t mean shit if there aren’t people trying to live their lives in the world you’re trying to save!
People boil the narrative down to just good vs evil, but it isn’t! It’s about how people, generally good, attempt to cope with trauma and loss in the face of a world that feels generally broken, and damn if that doesn’t resonate in 2020. 
You have the elves, mourning for their ruined past and their sterile present, leaving the world forever--and the rest of the world mourning them as they go. You have the dwarves, mourning their lost homeland of Khazad-dum, and the beautiful things that were made there. You have Boromir, mourning the dead of Gondor, and Faramir, mourning both the greater dead and his own brother. The ents and their lost entwives. The hobbits, all of them mourning the people they’d been back in the Shire--what they’d thought the world was, when it turned out very different. And everyone living in the shadow of the kingdoms that came before them, and died, and left behind ruins and songs and the same wars to be fought all over again. 
And the thing is--there is dignity given to this grief. It’s not a grimdark war is hell narrative. It doesn’t need to tell us that war is hell; we can see that in aftermaths, the ways people try to rebuild and cope and move forward and protect themselves and each other. It’s not an allegory, like some people like to claim, but it was written by a WWI veteran who hated war and loved trees, and it shows. There is room in this story for healing, and for pain, and for the fact that even if some things never heal the sun will still rise in the morning and the plants will keep growing and the world will go on. 
And that’s what makes it so good. The battles are fun, the magic is fun, the pages and pages of intricate worldbuilding backstory are... not to everyone’s taste, but fun. But none of them are what give the story its depth, and I wish that instead of just going “hey, cool swords! what if there was sex in it, though,” more high fantasy took the time to really delve thematically into the implications of the narrative, or to create worlds with their own underlying thematic centers in the same way. 
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