It's a dangerous business...going out your door

[thelien-art]

A Look over the Grey Havens

Two Ladies on the Balcony by Hamman Edouard Jean Conrad

The Grey Havens are inspired by Santorini and Budapest´s mosaic roof

Prints | Commissions | Support me on Ko-Fi; early access drawings + WIP + commission discounts

[an-ruraiocht]

which of these classical texts have you read?

the iliad, the odyssey, and the aeneid

the iliad and the odyssey, not the aeneid

the iliad only

the odyssey only

the aeneid only

the aeneid and the iliad, not the odyssey

the aeneid and the odyssey, not the iliad

I have read none of these

Remaining time: 12 hours 51 minutes

"what if I've read part of it" if it's a large enough part that you would consider yourself to Have Read It in general contexts, then it counts. if it's not, then it doesn't. only you can be the judge of that, but I'm not giving you a nuance button.

any translations count, but abridged retellings don't

obviously, there are lots of other classical texts out there. you might have read none of these and be an expert on greek tragedy. I'm not judging your classical knowledge so you don't need to tell me all that. I'm just curious about combos of these specific texts and their popularity, bc a post i just saw got me thinking about it

[ma-aurelius]

Sunday Snippet

“Don’t leave!” Maedhros gripped Fingon’s ankle. You’re being childish, Mae, Maglor chidded, he’ll come back. “We’re courting now. I must go with you. How can I prove that I can protect you if you don’t let me out?”

“I’m sorry, Coppertop! I have to go to work.” 

“What is work? Take me too. I can be at work.” Fingon pried his hand off and kissed his knuckles. “I’ll be back.” 

“That's what I said to my mother before the Angband," Maedhros bit out. "Let me go with you. Please.” 

“I’ll be back soon.” Maedhros’ tail churned up the water. It surged against the sides of his tank as white foam. Fingon still planned to leave. He thought the relationship meant Fingon would stay, or at least bring him. His stomach dropped. What if Fingon died? Maedhros held up his hand. “Wait.” He dove off to his alcove, searching through the jewellery. He grabbed the pearl necklace. “Wear this. It will protect you.” He stared up into Fingon’s warm eyes. “I wore them." It felt like ages ago. "I may have been captured, but I didn’t die. And I came to you.” He held them out. “Take them, please. It’s my most precious of treasures.” 

Fingon protested, but Maedhros remained insistent. “If you will not bring me, at least do me the honour of wearing them.” 

Fingon sighed heavily, like it was a great imposition. “Better start liking pearls,” Maedhros warned, annoyed. “When I go home, I shall give you thousands upon thousands.” 

Fingon kissed him on the forehead, then on the mouth. “I’ll be back. You’ll be okay.” Maedhros’ tail swished through the water.  He forced himself to take deep breaths. “Oh, Coppertop. It’s okay. I’ll be back. Open.” Maedhros opened his mouth to accept the lime wedge Fingon placed between his teeth. He bit down and sucked hard. 

He watched Fingon go and then sank under the water, laying his head in the sand. “Please be safe, please be safe, please be safe.”

[lyragoth]

Concept study for Elvish Fashion featuring the Original™ FinBrothers and their Mini Me

Fëanor & Curufin: Splendor. They are wearing Noldor informal daywear inspired by Baroque/Rococo European Aristocracy (17th–18th century), especially the Sun King and the extravagant courts of Versailles. Opulent, luxurious robes with theatrical flair and shimmering footwear. Fëanor is wearing the dramatic gemstones that once belonged to Míriel. Fingolfin & Turgon: Discipline. They are dressed in Vanyarin court fashion inspired by late Ming Dynasty China (17th century). I tried to portray the restrained elegance of high-ranking Ming officials and princes. Layered hanfu, structured silhouette, and minimal jewelry. Refined nobility rather than ostentatious wealth. Finarfin & Finrod: Harmony. They are the most timeless here in my opinion. They are wearing Telerin outdoor fashion inspired by Ancient Mediterranean clothing (particularly Minoan and Classical Greece) mixed with Art Nouveau. Lots of drape and movement, sandals (because the Teleri love walking by the sea), gold jewelry, olive greens, laurel-style headpieces, wrapped waists. I tried to go 'less' historical noble and 'more' idealized gods.

Close-ups of my favorite details I'm forcing upon y'all

[ma-aurelius]

The new chapter!!! Omg! Maedhros is getting himself all pretty and bejeweled! Anairë is supporting him and helping with the flowers, so cute!

I loved the little scene with Azaghol and a peek into Maedhros' life before

So sweet to see Fingon making it clear he loves WHOLE Maedhros!

Aww thank you!

Maedhros getting ready was a joy to write. And his little adventure for the flowers did his self-confidence a lot of good. Anairë is so onboard with her son dating a fish. No question.

I love showing scenes of his past life, because in "real time" he has such a distorted view of his family, so I like hinting he's not as a reliable narrator as he thinks.

Fingon's response was my FAVOURITE scene to write. He may have taken a long time to get with the programmer, but once there he is fairly competent in romance.

I'm so glad you liked it!

[ma-aurelius]

For the another writing asks: 17, 29 and 36 please!

Thank you so much for the ask! Some of these really made me think. Taken from this ask game.

17: Past or Present Tense. Why?

Both, at the same time. XD Poor editing aside, I tend to write in past tense. It's more commonly used, so it happens more naturally when I write. I would like try to write a story in the present tense--I think present tense heightens drama and emotion and would work great for a shorter story.

29: What's the hardest part of writing?

This answer itself was hard to write. But I think it would be the tyranny of the blank page. I can see the scene, but transposing movement and emotion from my head to the page can be difficult. I do a lot of acting in real life, which I think works against me, because scene notes and descriptions are "telling" instead of "showing." So, I have to be careful not to "block" scenes in my writing but be descriptive with my words to the reader can "watch" it in their head.

36: How do you come up with fic titles? What's the one you're most proud of.

I tend to fall into the cliche of taking them from song lyrics or lines from books. I only have two, so I don't have one I'm most proud of, but I would love to one day do a pun title one day.

[ma-aurelius]

Sunday Snippet

Thank you @silmarienthequeen for the tag! It comes from a WIP that came about when I was doing research for a scene in 500 Miles. In earlier drafts, Gelmir was a herald or squire of Fingon. I think that would still work beautifully with cannon events and decided to write as such. It's a coming of age, comedy story.

Tagging @thelien-art, @thescrapwitch, and @lyragoth, if you want to share snippets of your writing, or even an art/craft snippet if that's more up your alley.

“Your Highness!” Fingon’s steward bowed and handed Fingon a letter. Before he could even see the seal, he smelled Finrod’s cologne, sweet scents of lavender, beaugement and rose. The letter was thick and heavy.

Greetings, my beloved, adventurous Cousin, Fingon read as he made his way from his study to his bedchamber. I pray all remains well in Hithlum. Nargothrond continues to prosper since our last correspondence. How delightful it is to govern a kingdom of one's own. You would make a fine regent. I encourage you to ask Uncle for land of your own to govern. How is it that Maedhros can play warlord in Himring, yet the Crown Prince-- 

Fingon laughed lightly and skimmed to the middle of the letter, knowing he would find the point there. 

I write to recommend a young elf to your service, Gilmir Guilinion. A S He is the son of one of my esteemed Lords. Do you remember Guilin Oiastarion? He was that quiet, darkly dressed little elf that used to follow Orodreth like a grey, oversized duckling. He crossed the Ice, though he stayed mostly by Orodreth’s side. Apparently, he met his Valinor-born wife only when he arrived in Bele--

With a roll of his eyes, Fingon jumped several paragraphs. Gelmir is Guilin’s second son. His firstborn, Gwindor--

“Varda have mercy,” Fingon muttered. "Not another character." He breathed through his nose a few times, changed into his dressing gown and slipped beneath the covers. Comfortable, he resumed the novel his cousin wrote, this time skipping two pages ahead. Gelmir Guilinion is well matched to be your squire. You will find him bright, agreeable, and possessing many of the qualities you so steadfastly admire. He shall arrive with his father within a fortnight.

“Oh, how sweet!” 

“Thank you."

Fingon jumped at the sound of Maedhros’ voice. Maedros loomed in the shadows of his doorway, hair catching the glow of the fire. Fingon took a moment to admire him, ignoring Maedhros’ darkening face. It was their compromise: Fingon could look upon him with adoration, so long as no praise past his lips. “Good evening, Russo. I didn’t see you there."

Maedhros glowered. “You need to train more. Be more alert. Suppose I were an orc--” 

“An orc who somehow slipped through the gates, up the steps, past my guards, and fearsome cousin all without raising an alarm?" He grinned. “Well, if that be so, I would proudly bear my throat, for an orc with such skill deserves to slay Fingon the Valiant.

Maedhros’ expression did not change, but his nostrils flared once, then twice, then a third time, a clear indication he was holding back laughter.

“I brought you a warm drink and ginger cake.” He approached. “I thought you were talking to me.”

Fingon wound a thick tress of red hair around his finger. “Mmmm, my favourite bedtime treats. Spiced wine and ginger.” He yanked the curl. “I’ll have the ginger first. You’re sweet too.”

“Hmm,” Maedhros hummed as his eyes flashed. He dodged Fingon’s attempt to kiss him. “What was sweet before me?”

Fingon handed him a page. “Only read the last five paragraphs. Those before and after are filler.”

Maedhros rolled his eyes. “A letter from Finrod then.”

Fingon sipped the warm, watered-down wine, watching a crease form between  Maedhros’ brows.

“What?”

“Finrod says you are well matched with this Guilion lad, but does not say why.”

“Yes, he does. Findo says he’s bright, agreeable and possessing qualities I admire.”

“Yes,” Maedhros drawled, “but he doesn’t list them. Why does he suggest you? Findo doesn’t have a squire.  Why not take young Guilinion for himself?”

Fingon pressed his lips and snatched his letter back. “Maybe he plans to use the elder brother.” 

A copper eyebrow arched, and Fingon wanted to push it down. "Guilin won't send off his heir. The boy will learn from his father.” His eyes glowed. “No, Findrod doesn’t want this…Gelmir. I want to know why.”

“Findo doesn’t have a conniving bone in his body, o’ cynical one. Not all of us are sons of Feanor. No, Findo is just being a sweet, younger cousin who wishes for me to have a dutiful squire."

Maedhros rolled his eyes. 

“If you keep doing that,” Fingon said acidly, “your eyes will get stuck in the back of your head, you know.” 

Maedhros ignored him and started dressing for bed. Fingon pointedly looked away, with his most haughty sniff. “Qualities you admire…he’s hiding something. Guilin…” Maehdors mused. “I recall him somewhat. He was an overly timid, quiet little thing in Valinor.” 

“Well, I’m not employing him…only his son. And if this familial line has taught me anything, it is that sons are often nothing like their fathers--”

Maedhros head snapped up, eyes alert and gleaming like a hound who caught the scent. “That’s it! Guilin’s son is nothing like him. Quite the opposite, I’ll wager my right hand.”

Fingon pinched the bridge of his nose, eyes closed. He could feel Maedhros' eyes on him, waiting. Fingon held his composure, and he said, “I like bold elflings.” 

Maedhros started laughing. “Gelmir is too bold for Findo.” 

“Oh stop it.” 

Maedhros laughed harder, deep and scratchy like rocks crashing down a mountain. Fingon's shivered, a deep sense of foreboding creeping into his pleasant evening.

Maedhros grinned with all his teeth. “Gelmir Guilinion is too much for the Finrod Felagund! And he has sent the youth to you.” 

“Oh shit.”

[awizardcommandingsleep]

Yet another writing ask

Which of your fics would you keep the basic plot of but rewrite completely?

Anything that you'd like to write but feel like you're unable to?

How would you describe your writing style?

Do you have any OCs? Do you have a story for them?

What's a tag you never want to use for your works even when it applies?

What's your ratio for rating your works?

Your favourite ao3 tag.

How slow is a slow burn?

Thoughts on cliffhangers.

Top three favourite fic tropes.

Three tropes that are fine but overrated.

If you write in more than one language, what's the difference?

Rate your worldbuilding skills from 1 to 10.

Write and share the first sentence of a new fic. Just that.

What's your favourite plotless fic you have written?

Are one-shots really underrated?

Past or present tense? Why?

First, second, or third person?

Share a snippet from a wip without giving any context for it.

Do you work on a single project or many at the same time? How does that work for you?

Can you accurately predict how long your fics are going to be? If you can, what's your secret?

What is it about watching the same two idiots falling in love over and over again?

Dialogue or description? Why is the other one so hard?

Thoughts on flashbacks/flashforwards.

Is writing the whole thing beforehand better or worse than writing it as you go?

What would you describe as OOC?

Do you agree that one shouldn't start a story with a piece of dialogue?

Any writing advice that works for you and you feel like sharing?

What's the hardest thing about writing?

Describe a fic that almost happened, but then it didn't.

What was the most difficult fic for you to write (but in the end you made it)?

Do you have a word/expression that you always use in your writing?

Give your writing a compliment.

Do you write to improve? Or is that not a concern for you?

Thoughts on writing challenges/contests.

How do you come up with fic titles? What's the one you're most proud of?

Do you research before writing or while you write? Is it fun or boring for you?

"This never happened" fix-it fics or "this happened but" fix-it fics?

Wildest AU scenario you have written?

Write a 9-word fic.

[thelien-art]

The Sun

My friend had this great idea of giving her sunset hair, and I am so happy with how it turned out!

Prints | Commissions | Support me on Ko-Fi; early access drawings + WIP + commission discounts

[princesssarisa]

Where did your first name come from?

I was named after one of my parents

I was named after a dead relative or family friend

I was named after a living relative or family friend

I was named after a religious figure

I was named after a historical figure

I was named after a fictional character

I was named after a place

My parents just chose a name they liked

Other

Voting ended onJul 13

Having been named after a character in The Great Gatsby by my English-major dad, I thought I would ask about this.

[light-of-the-two-trees]

So we agree that 'jail-crow of Mandos' is an iconic Feanor quote, especially considering he said it to Melkor (of all beings!) while telling him to get off his lawn.

What we haven't spoken much about is this:

Feanor 🤝 Insulting Melkor 🤝 Fingolfin

Also now I want Finarfin to take a turn at yelling at Melkor. I think he deserves it too.

[disorganisedautodidact]

when you're Fëanor and Fingolfin, everything is a competitive sport

[ma-aurelius]

I’m not big on self-inserts personally, but I do like it give characters little traits of myself. Thus MerMae loves strawberries, Fingon’s favourite colour is green (even though Finrod refused to accept it), things like that. Finrod likes bowling for dates. I try to keep some cannon aspects of personality, but you always have a character you feel you’re most like. I sure did. So I’m writing along thinking “ah yes, he and I, we’re so similar.” And then, chat, at work today, I realised something when I had to step away to take some calming breaths because work spun me up. I am not my favourite character. 😆 If I had to pick…I’m the problematic overly reactive one.

[thelien-art]

Celebrían, child of Celeborn and Galadriel

I updated her second age dress. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Prints | Commissions | Support me on Ko-Fi; early access drawings + WIP + commission discounts

[ma-aurelius]

Thanks @thelien-art

Last song: River of Dreams by Billy Joel

Last movie/show: Sarah Plain and Tall. This was to prepare for an audition.

Last thing I ate: Ginger snaps

Last place I went: My parents’ house to swim

Last game: Cards Against Humanity

I’m rubbish at tagging, as I worry people will get annoyed! So, only if you want to, @irnina, @darksynkka and @ainulindel

[spin-the-wheel-polls]

Poof! You’re a mermaid now. Spin to get a type of mermaid! How we feeling about this?

You have been turned into this type of mermaid!!

What do you think?

I love it!!

it's alright

Ew

EW

oh cool I didn't know this type existed!!

Result/other

Voting ended onJul 12

(I do not know much about mermaids, forgive me if I made any mistakes. Do not drown me.)

[tar-thelien]

@ma-aurelius

[ma-aurelius]

Sunday Snippet

“Hey Fishstick.” Fingon let out a long breath. “We need to talk.”  The merman was by Fingon’s side in the blink of an eye. He smiled, teeth sharp, and kissed him. Fingon let him. Coppertop huffed and pulled away. He raised an eyebrow. They’re browner than his hair, Fingon thought. But still with that copper tinge. I want to smooth one---Focus!

Fingon ran a finger along Coppertop’s arm. The wet, rubbery skin felt cool underneath Fingon’s fingertip. He took a deep breath. “Coppertop, we can’t,” he gestured between them, “You and me, no more.” 

Coppertop’s pupils moved side to side. Fingon watched him think. The merman cocked his head and chirped. 

“Good question! I really like you. You’re handsome, smart, funny, brave, kind.” You’re breaking up with him, not proposing. Stop. “The thing is, Coppertop, I don’t think it’s right…uh, good,” he amended at Coppertop’s confused look. He tried to think through the words he knew the merman knew. “You are not bad. I am not bad. But us,” his voice shook, “we’re bad together.” 

Copertop shook his head, hair flying. 

“We are.” Fingon’s eyes burned. “I am in charge of everything for you. Your water. Your food. Your toys. Where you go. You can’t do anything without me.’ 

Coppertop trilled angrily. The shrill screech hurt Fingon’s ears. Coppertop gestured with his hand and arm. “I don’t know what you’re saying, but I know you’re disagreeing. And that’s another thing. I can only understand the big picture. Not what you actually are saying.” He played with one of his braids. “I don’t even know your name.” 

Coppertop screeched the same sound over and over again, fingers tangled with Fingon’s. “I can’t say it, Coppertop. I’m sorry!” He let go of his hand. “We can stay friends, but only that.” 

Coppertop shook his head again. 

“I’m sorry!” Fingon promised in a thick voice. “But it’s not good. Not with you stuck here.” Coppertop snorted in derision, chin jutting haughty. “I know you don’t care, but…I do. It’s for the best. You, me, no more.” He wiped at his eyes. Coppertop wasn’t convinced. His face darkened when Fingon scooted away. 

He chirped, scowling, and dove into the water. With a flip of his tail, he doused Fingon and disappeared into his alcove. 

Dripping, Fingon bowed his head and shuffled upstairs to change into new work clothes. 

[thelien-art]

Lady of the Seas

I tried to get her to look calm and foam like - she has been finished for over a month, I just forgot to post her🫣

Prints | Commissions | Support me on Ko-Fi; early access drawings + WIP + commission discounts