Túrin is taken to Angband, and Beleg makes a choice.

It's not the one he thinks he's making.

-

For @dorcuartholweek

No, it is not.” Eöl clearly did not agree. Beleg had never seen him looking so miserable,

The comet-ore was so precious; Thingol knew it, that was why he had named it as his prize.

“It is not ready yet, Cúthalion. Return in a moon’s turn, and I will have it for you.”

-

Beleg, Mablung and Eöl - and Anglachel.

For @sindarweek 2023 - Day 1: Heroes & Villains

Andvír comes out of Dor-Lómin and finds his father.

For the first time in Elvish memory, battle raged.

The clashing of swords and the swift rush of arrows, the cries of the wounded, the silence of the dead - the clamour rose, and above it only Thingol’s booming voice could be heard.

-

The First Battle of Beleriand.

For @sindarweek day 3: legendary deeds

He remembered how they had once desired glory. How they had once wanted to take part in great deeds. And how that battle had ended in nothing but betrayal and bloodshed. No, Mablung did not wish to be a warrior any longer – he longed for his books and journals, for the comfort of song and the company of friends.

Beleg exhaled deeply. “We will not be soldiers again; not captains, not lords, only Beleg and Mablung.”

-

Beleg and Mablung survived the First Age. In search of a better future, they set off on an exploration of Eriador, but peace is not always easy to find.

Inspired by wonderful art from @lycheesodas

They would all suffer for this. But at least the elf was gone.

If only that had been true.

 

(Beleg and Andróg deal with feelings. Badly.)

Reborn in Valinor, Glorfindel prepares for a momentous decision with the support of an old friend.

(For hennethgalad.)

Before there was anything, there was Nothing.

...

He remembered this. The memory of Nothing had faded, lost, but the impression of starlight through his eyelids and the dazzling shine when he opened his eyes was unforgettable. It was Him, now, though he would not choose a name for many years. He knew who he was, but he did not have the words for it yet.

“Now, my lord, you must keep still.”

Melkor was not entirely certain how he had gotten himself into this situation. No, that was not true. He knew what he had said; he had complained to Mairon of some inconsequential matter, and the Lieutenant had responded sharply that he needed to learn some patience. And of course, he had not been able to hold his tongue, and he had demanded that Mairon teach him.

(Tolkien Secret Santa Advent (NSFW) Calendar Day 19: Wax Play)

"You look admirable indeed like this, Zigûr."

Mairon goes to great lengths to get on the King's good side.

(Tolkien Secret Santa Advent (NSFW) Calendar Day 22: Ice Cubes)

Annatar sets up a meeting with Telperinquar and it goes much better than he expected.

For Sally_the_Sunflower.

This was why he hated riding; most of the time it was dull and soggy and messy. Though he did have a nice view of Glorfindel’s hair, the waves of Valinorean gold tumbling down his back. Glorfindel almost never wore it up - at most, Erestor had seen the front sections adorned and braided for special occasions. Erestor didn’t know how he coped; his own hair constantly got in his way.

Erestor’s mind drifted. Glorfindel’s hair was like silk over his skin, brushing against him when he leaned over Erestor, smooth and soft and…

For platinum_firebird for My Slashy Valentine 2022

There was nothing better after a hunt than a soak in the springs. Hidden deep in the caves of Oromë’s forests, the hollow was thick with steam, and so warm that sweat beaded on Tyelko’s brow in moments.

He wasted no time, his tunic and trousers dumped in a heap, boots thrown haphazardly on top. Ammë always said he was less house trained than Huan.

(Tolkien Secret Santa NSFW Advent Calendar Day 6: Hotsprings & Onsens)

Winter snows blanketed the forests. The trees bent under its weight, the leaves sparse, the shrubs bare. Shimmering crystals of ice formed out of the dew, glittering in the white starlight.  In these deep dark hours, the mist gave the woodland a dreamlike haze, curling around the bare feet of the two elves, but its chill did not disturb them.

~

Beleg, Mablung, and winter in Nan Elmoth.

(For Tolkien Secret Santa 2022, for tumblr user lycheesodas)

It's a beautiful evening in Eregion, and Celebrimbor has an even lovelier sight before him.

-

For Day 3 of Silvergifting Week 2023 (and a blatant misuse of the prompt...)

Andróg takes his son out for an archery lesson, and reflects on fatherhood.

Elwë and Lenwë share a joyful moment by the shores of the Great River.

Prompt from @melestasflight: Idril and "shadows of things that were yet to be"

As they prepare for a grand celebration, memories of the past return to haunt Gondolin’s royal family.

-

@gondolinweek Day 1: Feast - Idril, Eärendil, Turgon

Nolofinwë did not want to be here.

If he could have been anywhere else in the world, he would have fled there at this moment.

~

Fingolfin and Feanor's complicated relationship in four scenes.