Rating: K
Summary: What? You thought all that stuff at the Council of Elrond just happened by itself?
Reason for rec: Now you mention it, that Council did go rather smoothly for a committee meeting...
Sample:
To: Elrond Halfelven Lord of Rivendell
CC: Glorfindel
27 Firith 3018 TA
COUNCIL OF ELROND: HANDLING BRIEF
1. Following yesterday's meeting to discuss the various options for action in respect of the One Ring, I have prepared a handling brief for tomorrow's Council.
Rating: K+
Summary: Found in the ruins of what was once Angband. The original Dark Lord had quite the knack for badfic writing and apparently a little “thing” for Fëanor. This is his notebook of ideas. Read at your own risk.
Reason for rec: Hilarious! Especially when the subjects of Morgoth's creative urges begin to get litigious in the later chapters...
Sample:
So many ideas – so little time to write stories - between the torture and this stupid siege and admiring my Simarils. So I decided to write them down. This is my first idea and it is a good one.
The Quest of the Simaril by Morgoth Bauglir
Fëanor returns from Mandos to claim the Simarils he still foolishly believes to be his. He fights his way across the countryside to Argbund, a magnificent fortress where the genius and powerful Margath – a misunderstood lord – is currently living. Margath is not his real name, however, but an affectionate nickname given to him by Fëanor. His real name is Malkor. There is no other dark lord quite as powerful and good looking, and his power and good looks are only rivaled by Fëanor, the spirit of fire. (A/N: Ooh..I just got chills). Anyway, when Fëanor arrives at Argbund, he is captured and brought before Margath, who spares his life. Fëanor demands the Simarils but Margath doesn't give him the Simarils, but Fëanor spends the night, and much to Margoth's dismay, nothing happens, even though they drink lots of the famed brew of Argbund. The next day they wake up and my Simarils are gone. Margoth blames Fëanor, but Fëanor points out, wisely, that if he had taken the Simarils, he would be long gone too.
Two new fabulous stories out by two of my favorite authors. These are two you simply MUST read.
First off, Thundera Tiger has posted a new dwarven tale, and this one is just jaw dropping powerful. Few people write such a vivid portrayal of the dwarves and their culture and interactions. Thundera manages it in a manner that feels like Tolkien himself has expounded on canon and sucked us right into the Lonely Mountain to watch a scene unfold. So without further ado, I point you to Mazarbul.
Summary:When Gimli returns to the Lonely Mountain after the War, Thorin Stonehelm welcomes him as a hero and the celebrations begin. But Thorin soon learns that in addition to tidings of victory, Gimli also brings tidings of a much more grievous nature.
After spending some time with the dwarves in Erebor, you then must slip over to Eryn Lasgalen and spend some time with the Elvenking in Jael's new short fic just for Halloween (and Ignoblebard's birthday) Under the Forest Eaves. No one writes Thranduil like Jael does, and this one sent shivers down my spine.
Summary: On the Day of the Dead, King Thranduil has two visitors. Horror/drama. Rated T for disturbing content.
A Rose Among Briars by Mercury Gray
Summary: Pressured by his father into a marriage of convenience, Boromir of Gondor is forced to reconsider his views on married life and women in general while his intended tries to come to terms with her own dilemmas. AU Boro/OC
Comes highly recommended. Rated T.
The World Below the Mists by Thundera Tiger
Rating: K+
Summary: Early one winter's morning, an eagle came to Imladris bearing dark tidings from Lothlórien, for news of Gandalf's death affected more than just the grieving Fellowship.
Reason for Rec: Besides being a birthday gift from my favorite author *G* this story is incredible and has some of the best characterization of my favorite characters, Glorfindel and Erestor, as well as exploring a gap that Tolkien did not consider, but perhaps should have. Brilliant!
Title- Not in this World
Author- isilelensar
Rating- I think it's M but it's not on fanfiction so their ratings are different
Summary- In Valinor one of Middle Earth's greatest pairs have divorced leaving one half unhappy and hurt, a girl from Modern day America is looking for some place to call home.
Story link- http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?stid=6005
Reason for recommending- This is probably the only Celeborn/Oc fic I've seen pulled off. It's au and Galadriel isn't very nice or classy but I think it's a good read.
Story excerpt-
He wandered into the small grotto, making certain no one followed him. Most especially not his wife. Former wife. Since coming to this place, where the bonds of marriage are as breakable as glass, she'd seen fit to become the minx only he knew about before. He lost count of how many affairs she had. Some lasting longer than others, but nothing ever permanent. And she was having fun, she said. He snorted inelegantly, and then quickly made sure no one heard him. As far as he knew, this place was hardly used by anyone, and would offer privacy. Or so he'd been told. He wasn't sure just how much he could trust the word of a Noldor, no matter what changes had occurred.
Here's another one
Title- Elanor's Revenge
Author- Juliediane
Rating- M
Summary- Determined to punish Haldir for toying with her sister’s affections, Elanor undertakes to teach him a lesson. Will she succeed? Or will Haldir turn the tables on her?
Story link- http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1704116/1/Elanors_Revenge
Reason for recommending- Wonderful read, again kind of au but very interesting. Note the rating! I think it's a great read, very long though.
Story excerpt-
Chapter One
“He is coming here at last! The March Warden of Lothlórien! My true love!”
Tossing her golden hair over her shoulder, Lana waltzed around the room, her blue skirt swishing as she moved. “Can you believe it? Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn have accepted this year’s invitation to Arwen’s birthday celebration, and you know they always bring Haldir along for protection.” The beautiful elven maiden clasped her hands in front of her, almost rubbing them together in glee. “By this time next week, I shall be reunited with the one who adores me!”
Smothering a sigh, Elanor glared at the embroidery panel she was attempting to form into a pillow cover, but the mangled threads seemed to mock her every effort. Setting it aside with secret relief, she transferred her gaze to her younger sister, quietly assessing her as she continued to enthuse about her so-called suitor. Lana had many admirers, but Elanor was not so sure that Haldir of Lórien was one of them.
The one with Celeborn looks interesting. The other... well, definitely NOT my cuppa tea. :P
I'll have to look up Jedi.
To NiRi- yep Elanor's revenge is a whole different type of thing funny though. It's an acquired taste.
It's an acquired taste.
Actually, I took a look at it. The writing quality is not up to my standards, but then I'm an old fogey and don't appreciate the same things you younguns do. ;P
I've got another one! Again it' s an acquired taste type of thing. But it's a good Glorfindel/Oc
Title- Mando's Embrace
Author- SpiritChild
Rating- M
Summary- Azalea, former ambassador to Moria, barely escaped the wrath of a Balrog, only to be thrown into the path, and perhaps affections, of one Balrog Slayer.
Reason recommending- Very au. The Glorfindel/OC is a girl but there is some slight Erestor/Oc slash. There's a few things that may be off, like how the girl elf's name is Azalea but it was still good in my opinion.
Title: Are You Going to Greenwood Fair?
Author: Emerald-Leaves
Rating: K
Summary: A short poem about King Oropher in the Last Alliance and Thranduil's rise to kingship. Inspired by the song "Scarborough Fair"
Reason for recommending: I don't usually read poetry but this is BEAUTIFUL! I actually had tears in my eyes.
Excerpt:
Are you going to Greenwood fair? Oak, beech, maple, willow, and pine Remember the King with the Silver hair Mighty he stood, that King of mine
O Misfortune! by Hallbera
Summary: A captain of Lord Celeborn's army has a really, really bad day.
Rating: PG
Excerpt:
I grimaced and tried to make myself invisible, a task rendered impossible by the fact that I was wearing nothing more than a sock on my left foot, a quickly-fashioned loincloth, a considerable amount of honey and what felt like half of the Golden Wood. I was sticky and filthy, bleeding from numerous small cuts, and the unbearable itching was beginning anew. Only the centuries of strict military training I had received prevented me from bolting the scene and making a run for Mirkwood, where, I was given to understand, presenting oneself in similar fashion would not raise eyebrows.
Reason for recommending: *points up* Need I say more?? This is a hilarious tale. And while not about Haldir, it is still worthy of a read by all elf fans everywhere. Don't eat or drink while reading.
You guys have got to read this one,
Spoils of War by Aearwen22
In Mirkwood, at the end of the War of the Ring, a stranger in a strange land struggles to find a new place among beings thought to be fearsome and cruel.
It's wonderful and has a fantastic plot and it's only 5 chapters in.
Oh yes, everything by Aearwen is excellent and well worth the read!
Ok, these two tales by Elvenson are, I feel, severely lacking in deserved attention. Excellent characterisation of both canon characters and OCs, fantastically original (especially The Journey), and overall fantastic, gripping stories. Highly recommended!
The House of Uial and the Tale of the Last Son
The story of an unsung elf of Doriath, who's story was not forgotten by the sands of time- Features Celeborn, Galadriel, Elrond, Celebrian, Cirdan, And almost every one else...
Rated T
Sequel to Tale of the Last Son- An elf, Celebrin, journeys into the East in a self-imposed exile to escape bitter memories and losses suffered after the war with Sauron.
Rated M
I've got a sweet one! It's k and Humor oneshot. It's good for the author's first story. I think it's AU and ooc but nicely done.
No Rest for the Wicked by LullabyAria
Erestor is thoroughly sick of Glorfindel's lazy ways, so when an opportunity for revenge arises, the temptation proves too much for him...
Questing by Thundera Tiger (the author alone should have you running to read this!)
Summary: In the spring of 2941, against all reason, thirteen dwarves decide to leave the safety of the Blue Mountains and take up a quest to slay a terrible dragon. Gimli would like to see that number increase by one.
I had the honor of betaing this little story (it's a three chapter piece) and let me tell you it is WELL worth the read if you like dwarves! THundera ROCKS in her imagery and portrayal of dwarven culture. This is based right before The Hobbit and is simply NOT to be missed!!!!
I have two recommendations:
Title: Lalaith ElerrinaWard of Rivendell
Author: LalaithElerrina
Rating: K+
Summary: Lalaith, an orphaned elf who has been raised in Rivendell, joins the fellowship to help Frodo get the One Ring to Mordor.
Reasons for Recommending: I have fallen in love with this story and the author portrays Tolkien's characters (and her own characters) very very well. She's made me interested in Pippin and love Legolas more. I also feel sorry for Boramir now that I've read this story (check her profile out - there is a website where you can read the rest of the story that is not on fanfiction.net).
Excerpt:
The woman looked back and gasped in surprise, then looked forward again, and saw him. Fear gripped her features for a moment, and she stumbled to a halt, frightened and unsure. He remembered then, that her vision was not as keen as his own, and in the shadows of night, she took him for a foe rather than a friend.
"I am an elf of Mirkwood, an ally." He called gently to her in the common tongue, hoping to sooth her.
Relief flooded the woman's features, and she stumbled forward. "Please, I beg of you, help us. I have not the strength-," She pleaded as her legs buckled beneath her, and she stumbled to her knees.
Without further words, he darted past her, and strung another arrow. He loosed it at the oncoming group of four, and the lead wolf shrieked, then tumbled into the grass, once again rolling and crushing its master beneath it. His movements as fluid as water, he rapidly strung and released three more arrows, cleanly bringing down the mounts of the other orcs, but the dark shadows of his foes, having seen their fellow orcs crushed, threw themselves clear of their downed mounts, and drew their wicked black blades as they rolled to their feet. In response, he drew his own knives, white, glistening in the light of the moon, and darted at them, his senses strung.
The first orc snarled as he brought his fearsome black blade down, as if attempting to slice him down the middle, but the elf twisted deftly out of the way, spinning his knives and plunging them into the orc's abdomen. Without a pause, he yanked them free, and turned to face the last two foul, shrieking creatures. They both came at him as one, howling madly, their blades whirling in their fists. He ducked the blow of the first orc, then using the creature's bent back as a spring board, vaulted over the head of the second orc, to land cat-like on his feet behind his foes. The bewildered orcs, no longer seeing the elf in front of them did not have the chance to turn before his white knifes cut them both down from behind. They fell silently into the grass at his feet.
The flurry was past, the night once again silent, and unchanged but for the dark foul masses littering the grass around him, and for the form of the woman struggling for breath. She had fallen to her side, the bundle snuggled against her.
Darting quickly to her side, he once again noted the cruel arrows protruding from her back. That she was still alive at all, was a miracle. He replaced his bow and knives and knelt over her, his face softened with compassion as he rested a hand on her cold, trembling brow. She was older than he would have guessed. Her hair, in a tangled disarray, was gray with age.
"What of my brave Rorin?" She whispered, turning her head to look up at him.
He shook his head sorrowfully. "I am sorry-," He had seen the arrow strike her steed, and knew the shaft had pierced its heart.
The woman sighed brokenly, her eyes closed in grief for a brief moment, before she opened them and pushed the small white bundle into his hands.
"Take her." She murmured. A shiver drove through her frail body, and he instinctively knew she had but moments of life left.
His eyes widened in amazement as he lifted the bundle gently, and felt the warm soft movement of an infant within the cloth.
"Do not worry, brave lady." He murmured, brushing the woman's cheek. "No harm will come to your child."
"Not mine." The woman whispered, shaking her head. She put out a trembling hand, and brushed the cloth from the infant's face. "Elf-child."
In the clear, silver light of the full moon, Legolas saw now, the smooth elfish features, and the peaked ears that marked the infant's race. The baby who stirred now, and opened sleepy eyes was so tiny, so vulnerable, he marked to himself, yet so beautiful. Her hair was thick and golden, and her eyes as they blinked up at him, were blindingly blue.
The baby studied him with quiet intensity, before she opened her tiny red mouth, and cooed softly, as if trying to speak to him. At the sound, the woman smiled, and tears shone in her eyes.
"Her father, mother, dead. Rivendell, kin." She murmured, her voice fading fast.
"Elrond." the woman drew in a trembling sigh, murmuring as her breath escaped her,
"Lalaith."
My other recommendation is:
Title: Daughter of Time Rating: T.
Summary: Very AU & Alt Reality. Legolas never left Middle-Earth, but stayed behind to look after Aragorn's children--most specifically the first-born daughter of each generation. This generation's daughter was never prepared to believe in Elves, much less Legolas.
Reasons for Recommending: I think that this story is one of the best stories (as is the one above) that I have ever read (fanfiction and not fanfiction). I love the character of Ivy and the relationship between Ivy (the OFC) and Legolas is very well written and it is very realistic.
Excerpt:
"Perhaps you should open it while I get myself into a room that's more private. Reuben is trying to watch CNN, after all. Read me the note inside."
Sliding a finger beneath the flap, Ivy ripped open the envelope and retrieved the card. Cradling the phone against her chin, she read aloud.
"Greenwood Limited, Winter Solstice Meeting of the Board of Directors. Tuesday December 21. The meeting will begin at ten o'clock and continue until the conclusion of the board's agenda. Greenwood Estate, Lairg County, Loch Shin, Scotland. Mother, what is this?" She waved the envelope about regardless her mother couldn't see it.
"Keep reading, please?"
"It says...um...the meeting is closed and private. Matters to be considered are the approval of the agenda, minutes from the meeting last June, the chairman's report, president's...yeah, this is exciting stuff. You're supposed to confirm attendance with Halden Greenwood, acting Chairman of the Board, Treasurer and Secretary of the Corporation. Wait a minute. Halden Greenwood?" Ivy squeaked, "as in one of the richest men in the world? That Halden Greenwood?"
"Yes."
"Why is he in our front hallway?"
There was a long pause. "Actually, his name is Haldir."
Where do I know that name from? Ivy reflected. Haldir...she can't mean...
"Haldir of Lothlórien?" Ivy said, incredulous.
"Yes."
"So he's not that Halden Greenwood?" Ivy said slowly, trying to work things out. "He's just some nutty Scot pretending to be a rich Elf? Or some nutty rich Scot pretending to be a fictional Elf?"
"Ivy! Of course he isn't any of those things. Out in the world, he's Halden Greenwood. Inside his castle and to those living in the village of Lairg, he's Haldir."
"Haldir of Lothlórien has a castle in Scotland?"
"It's not his castle, it's Legolas' castle." Marian drew a deep breath. "Greenwood Enterprises is Legolas' company as well, but he's been on sabbatical for a number of years. I've never actually met him, but your grandmother Isabel and he had a falling out after they became lovers. Oh, it's a terribly sad story."
"My grandmother and Haldir were lovers?"
"Oh, Ivy, how could you think such a thing? Isabel and Haldir were never lovers. They were never even really friends. Isabel and Legolas were lovers. But the affair turned out badly, so very badly."
Ivy tried hard to absorb what her mother was throwing at her. "My grandmother had an affair with the Elven prince of Mirkwood, one of the Nine Walkers in The Lord of the Rings. That Legolas?"
"Yes."
"And you're blaming the turning-out-badly part on Legolas?"
"Yes. You must remember that Elves are dangerous. You can trust Haldir - he's a darling - but I've been told more than once that Legolas is terribly dangerous, and he can be violent. You must avoid him if he comes back, for I doubt there's any love lost on his part for our branch of the family."
Legolas is dangerous and is going come gunning for our family for revenge or something? She's lost her mind, thought Ivy.
Fantastic reads and I really enjoy both of them:)
Title: Alliance
Author: SpaceWeavil
Rating: M
Summary: During the Second Age, Elrond served as a commander of Gil-Galad's army in both the War of the Elves and Sauron and in the Last Alliance. This story is set during the latter, as Elrond feels the pressure upon him as both a healer and warrior and attempts to balance the two. At the same time his thoughts are with Celebrian, whom he secretly loves, and who may be the steadying influence he needs once the conflict is over.
Story Link: http://www.openscrolls.net/fanfic/story.php?no=1181
Reason for Recommending: An exceptionally well-written story, with great characterizations and set in a much overlooked period of Tolkien's legendarium. The writing is depictive, well-formulated, captivating and mature. The plot deals with relevant and mature subjects such as love, duty, the insecurities of being a child of powerful and important parents, and dealing with the trauma of war in a way that is almost frightingly realistic. On top of this the author has researched Tolkien's world thoroughly, and the story gives a very believable portrayal of the events before, around and after the Last Alliance.
Story Excerpt:
Elrond continued to trail along behind as they followed the forest paths, only half listening to Thranduil's monologue on how fascinating it would be if they found an Ent willing to talk to them. Focussed on nothing in particular and only vaguely appreciative of the mysterious shapes around him, Elrond drifted beneath knitted branches, with hollow logs piled on either side of him, amongst the massive roots and clumps of contorted weeds. Translucent green lichens dangled overhead and stretched across the path, draped on the limbs of the trees. Only a few slivers of daylight fought through the canopy to light the forest floor, leaving impenetrable shadows between the trees, where every so often, Elrond caught a glimmer of a pair of eyes for the briefest of seconds.
No matter how hard he tried to suppress them, thoughts and plans continued to circle around his mind. He mentally planned out the coming months, deciding whom he would have to speak to, how they could organise their world, what they would do now that Gil-galad no longer offered his guidance and protection. Remembering his last conversation with the king in Imladris, he realised dully that Gil-galad had tried to prepare for this time, only Elrond had not gathered his meaning back then. The 'burden' Gil-galad spoke of now weighed heavy in Elrond's heart, though he was not afraid to face the responsibility. He had kept a watchful eye over the Eldar of Imladris for centuries, but the thought of guiding the people of the world without the king was a daunting one.
And with that ring still whole and unblemished, he would guide them into a world plagued by darkness.
Elrond watched a flying insect with long, iridescent wings dart across his path. It lingered for a moment on the air beside him, as if it craved a closer look at this strange new visitor, then buzzed quickly into the shadows, leaving only a faint whirr on the air to say it had been there at all. There were so few of the Eldar left in Arda and so many died in the war. Surely it could only be a matter of years until nothing remained of them but a distant sigh on the air? It had all gone wrong.
With a deep breath, Elrond leaned against the mossy trunk of an ancient tree and looked around. Only then did he realise that he could no longer hear Thranduil's voice, and that his fellow sightseers were absent.
"Thranduil?" he called out, giving the forest a sweeping, suspicious glower. Surely, he thought, he could not have wandered far in so short a time. He listened hard, but heard only the low, weary creaking of the trees and the calls of strange insects and beasts within the undergrowth.
"Thranduil!" he shouted again. "Círdan! Erestor!"
Metal chinked somewhere behind him. Turning quickly, Elrond scanned the darkness, ears pricked in case the sound came again. Any dullness he might have felt earlier now dissipated, his senses keenly trained.
"Erestor?"
Elrond's ears twitched, reacting to the almost inaudible sound of breathing nearby, a hoarse, steady rhythm coming from the deep shadows. Frowning, he let his hand fall to the hilt of his dagger on his belt.
"Círdan? Erestor?"
Burden to Bear by Ellfine
Summary: After a devastating battle, Haldir assumes a burden he never expected to bear.
Reason for recommending: An excellent read. The characterizations are well done and the culture rich and believable.
I've not seen this author before that I remember, but it was a treat to find something readable here at the Pit of Voles. And Legolas and Gimli centric at that! Hey, we don't get near enough of that anymore, now do we? Both of these are WIPs with just one chapter posted. But I really enjoyed them so I thought I'd share with those of you who enjoy angsty action with Legolas and Gimli.
The author is Meridian Vase.
The Deathless - A sleeping evil from a time long past is awakened and wreaks havoc upon the inhabitants of Ithilien. Legolas and Gimli will risk everything to lay it back to rest.
Without Fear - Evil has taken another form and threatens to cast the free world into ruin. Legolas and Gimli, with the aid of the other remaining members of the fellowship, will stop at nothing to save their world from falling into darkness again.
I'm going to do something I very very rarely do. I'm going to recommend a Legolas/OFC Faramir/OFC story told in 1st person POV. By all rights this story had EVERYTHING going against it for me as a reader. I was determined to NOT like it, and yet... could not stop reading it! It left me in tears. A beautiful story.
Scattered Leaves by Eldalie
Summary: When Míriel came to Mirkwood, Legolas found love. But when she goes visiting her native land of Ithilien and meets the Captain of Gondor, things may happen that even the wisdom of the Elves cannot prevent...
Reason for recommending: The summary alone had me skipping it for months. And yet once I started reading, I could not stop. Just read it.
Two lovely vignettes from theromancandle:
Centaur: Gríma Wormtongue: An alliterative, "prose-poetry" one-shot.
Lakka: Goldberry/Tom Bombadil one-shot.
One of MerryKK's wonderful oneshots.
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3321822/1/Never_Underestimate_Your_Mother
Summary: Battles she has dealt with, but Eowyn learns that it takes a different kind of courage to get five children ready for their portrait.
Always makes me grin.
I wasn't sure where to put this, since there doesn't seem to be a "Thread of Lost Tales", but there's a story I know I saw on this site once upon a time, and now I can't seem to find it anywhere (largely, of course, because I don't know the title or the author's name). In many respects, it was a standard "modern-day character meets the Fellowship" story, only, instead of just one character, there were four or five, all of them Tolkien fans, all with distinct personalities, and several who could actually speak Elvish. (That was one of the nice things about it; you felt that the protagonists actually deserved the unique privilege they were getting, instead of just being your average Jackson-obsessed Mary Sue.)
There was one detail I particularly remember: When they crossed over, they had just come from a Lord-of-the-Rings-themed costume party (which of course made the transition somewhat easier, since they actually looked like they belonged in Middle-Earth when they showed up there). One of the girls among them - I think her name was Malina, or Melita, or something like that - had gone the whole nine yards, doing herself up in full Elf makeup; because of this, it took them several chapters to realize that, when they had arrived in Middle-Earth, she had actually become an Elf. (And then, of course, a couple of the others started panicking about whether they were going to start turning into Hobbits or Dwarves, and the leader of the group had to point out that, no, to all appearances this had happened when they had first arrived, and if you hadn't changed then, you weren't going to.)
Anyway, if anyone reading this knows the story I'm describing, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know the title and/or author. Thanks.
Actually we do have a lost fic thread. It's titled Lost the Precious!!! Fanfic Finder. Not read this story or anything resembling it as I can't stand people falling into M-e stories, but I'll copy this over there in case someone has seen it. :)
