Elrond is a charming flirt with a massive crush who is saving himself for a special first time. I never pictured myself writing this one, but felt perversely attracted to it when I read the prompt. The recipient gave me a softer way out, the choice to go with another less controversial pairing. But after consideration, I fell for this one.

The title, Renacimiento is Spanish. I liked the sound of it and had just watched a Spanish TV show about the Renaissance when I needed a name. (Yes, it also means Renassiance).  What is wrong with English or even Quenya? I liked all of the multiple meanings my dictionary gave me for the Spanish word: rebirth, revival, renewal, etc. My hero and POV character Maedhros gets a little of all of that from the intrepid young Elrond. Like to think the encounter enriched Elrond's life as well.

Thanks to Ignoble Bard for the Beta. He has been with me all the way through this one from the first rough lines to the last touch up. Thank you also to Lilithlessfair, Pandemonium, and Russandol, who painstakingly went over this and offered their suggestions. I am not always fun to Beta, but I do appreciate how lucky I am to have such wonderful writers and friends willing to give me a hand.

Written to the prompt to start a story with Charles Dickens' opening line from A Tale of Two Cities: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." (Perhaps, it could be read as a non-spoilery trailer for my Mereth Aderthad.)

Write a story where the characters have to decide between loyalty or betrayal. Celebrimbor makes his choice at Nargothrond. I’m pushing a little here to squeeze out a few more passport stamps for myself. For March 9, B2MeM 2011, Nargothrond.

Himring: Write a story where characters make sacrifices in order to achieve their goals; March 11 B2MeM 2011. (Thank you to my dearest IgnobleBard for Beta reading.)

Day 30: Grey Havens -- Write a story or poem, or create a piece of art on the theme of leaving or returning home. A moment of domesticity with Elros, Elrond, Maglor and Maedhros.

MEFA 2011 Third Place in Romance, Smaug's Treasure Award
Rivendell, Day 19, write a story or create a piece of artwork centered on meetings or reunions. (This one is a very soft R-rated piece.) I always wondered what Lúthien saw in that grubby unwashed Beren. Shallow person that I am, I figured he had to have been hot and had a sense of humor at very least.

SWG Back to Middle-earth Month 2011 challenges: Day 15, The Shire; the cuisine of The Shire is unsurpassed. Write a story or poem, or create a work of art, featuring food. And Day 18, Wilderland; the act of kindness or hospitability usually comes from a generous heart. Write a story where your character displays this virtue.

It is fanon that Elves can never be fat. It is my invention, but I believe a plausible one, that spices would be hard to come by in the hidden city of Gondolin. Idril plans a sumptuous dinner for guests, including Salgant, Lord of the House of the Harp (who is described in The Book of Lost Tales II as “heavy and squat”). Tuor enjoys admiring his wife and young son and tiny Eärendil dreams of sailing to faraway places. Oh, my! Almost forgot to thank Elleth and Erulisse at the Lizard Council for nitpicking this one. Thank you, again!

Prompt for B2MeM Day 5, Menegroth: Write a story that will illustrate the consequences of isolation. Galadriel stays in Doriath, while Finrod leaves without her. Thank you so much to the writers of the Lizard Council for suggestions and corrections.

B2MeM 2011, March 16: Arnor. Write a story which begins with this line: “A gentle breeze brushed the hilltop, combing the ruins. In the Fourth Age of Arda, the re-embodied Fingon and Maedhros visit the ruins of Formenos.

B2MeM 2011, 3/1, Seduction: Write a story where seduction plays a central role.  Celeborn/Elu Thingol. Celeborn accepts that he has lost Elu to Melian the Maia. This may be read as existing in the same universe as my story Will Overruled by Fate wherein Celeborn admits to Haldir that he had loved Elu Thingol in his youth.

B2MeM, March 7, 2011, Belegost, prompt: Overcoming prejudices is as hard in Middle-earth as in our primary universe. Write a story or poem or create artwork where the characters try to reach across racial or gender or any other barrier.

Summary: Maedhros gives Fingon a gift; Fingon holds a strong prejudice against certain forms of Dwarven aesthetics. A true drabble written in dialogue only.

Losgar Challenge, For March 2: Defiance is defined as the willingness to contend or fight. Write a story or poem or create artwork where the characters defy authority in some way.

Summary: Maedhros defied his father. Maglor did not.

Elrond doesn't fear the future; Maedhros doesn't fear the past. For B2Me challenge 2011, day 4, Mithrim. Prompt is: Write a story or poem or create artwork where the character conquers his or her fears.

2011 Middle-earth Fanfiction Awards - First Place, Elves General, and Smaug's Treasure award.

This is a story of tragic heroes of the First Age, while they were young elves in love in Valinor, inexperienced and foolish. Ecthelion, a half-Telerin nerdy musician who fancies himself to be rather worldly and fashionable, sets himself the task of seducing his best friend Glorfindel, a charming math prodigy. The story provides a glimpse at contrasts between Telerin, Noldorin, and Vanyarin cultures, which turns wildly AU in relation to the inclusion of the festival of the Gates of Summer. It’s but a little romp of a love story about growing up spoiled and privileged in Aman during the Years of the Trees.

This stated out as a Fannish Friday Five on Live Journal and then I decided to share, as it actually could fit the SWG 5th Birthday "Five Things" challenge.

MEFA 2011 NOMINEE
After the death of Fingolfin, Fingon says good-bye before taking Ereinion and his mother to the Havens. The lyrics of the song are important to me, because I chose Fingon as the father of Gil-galad because Orodreth was simply not big enough for me.

Shortly after the arrival of the main body of the Noldor in Middle-earth, Fingon the Valiant sets off alone to rescue his cousin and old friend Maedhros who has been captured by Melkor.

Nominated for the 2011 Middle-earth Fanfiction Awards.

SWG 5th Birthday Theme: Perfect Matches: Whether humorous or serious, this theme is for cross-overs of all sorts. Fingon tries to write fanfiction and Maedhros tries to help him. (Cross-over of The Silmarillion with Ellen Kushner's Swordspoint, Disney classics, fairy tales, and BBC's Merlin.)

Thanks to IgnobleBard for reading the first draft (the one and only actually--you put up with a lot from me!).

Written for the prompts: Curufin and Ulmo's Palace; for the Probably AU Genfic Swap at Elffetish. One of those cute 'lil elfing stories which contains dark undertones and/or is blasphemous to the Valar.

Very short, less than 500 words, in which Fingon and Maedhros discuss regrets or lack thereof on the night before they last separate to prepare their own hosts and allies for the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. 2010 Middle-earth Fanfiction Awards Nominee