i mentioned in some distant headcanon that laera isn’t the type to be domestic -- and it’s not because she doesn’t enjoy the idea of committing to someone -- she absolutely does, but being settled makes her restless.
the only verse where this isn’t the case is a verse @has-opinions and i have been working on ( even tho it’s mostly chelsea’s, i just sort of hopped on in! ). it’s a loose historic verse based in 1300-1800s scotland where laera’s story hits most of the key points of her dnd backstory:
she’s a lowlander, born and raised in glasgow, that was assimilated into english culture ( as most of lowland scotland was ) but through their religious institution. she stayed there for twenty years, and her point of entry in reconnecting with her identity and learning about herself is through eilodh and alasdair macdonald. she also rebels against societal gender roles, and as a woman, knows how to use a sword, and use it well.
regardless of if laera is from their original timeline from the first war of scottish independence, or much later on post-culloden, they will always serve as the focal point of her navigating a world she didn’t have the chance to grow up in.
needless to say, her relationship with alasdair developed naturally -- as easily and as close as she and eilodh -- yet with an unmistakable undercurrent of something romantic growing between them. his kindness, selflessness, worldliness, and strength captured laera in a fairy tale-like infatuation, and she fell in love with him.
her desire for stability and connectedness -- that extends to her culture, and inward, toward herself -- and likewise, her safety, to no longer feel the need to look over her shoulder... she’s at peace with alasdair. he makes her believe in, and want a life that’s beautiful, and she only wants with him. she is fully committed to the idea of being wed, and living out their lives together in the quiet peace of the highlands. unfortunately, though, it doesn’t come quite as easy as that, due to the macdonalds’ brush with ancient magics that gave them immortality, but part of the journey is overcoming obstacles, and for laera, to accept that they can still have a life together, albeit somewhat different.
@has-opinions asked: From Fíli! “In this family we break noses and accept consequences.”
( SHADOW HUNTERS | ACCEPTING )
⧼ ☾✦ ⸻ Her father gave her warning not to even think about speaking or even allowing one single dwarf to look at her. The grudge he held was different from their long term affair of hatred, she knew why and felt pity that he would feel such a way on her own behalf, for she truly didn’t blame the dwarves for any ill fate that had fallen upon her. Hedona couldn’t help it, she always had to stick her nose in places where she shouldn’t. She listened to the rambling of the elf with a smile, her head titled to the side as she heard those lines. ❝ NOW THAT’S QUITE A PUNISHMENT ! is that why your nose is so big, because it has been broken so many times ? ❞ She gave a light hearted jest as her head titled to the side. ❝ I do very much enjoy prying into your family life and listening to your travels you’ve been on so far, do you care share anymore or have you grown tired of my company yet ? ❞ ⧽
His response was genuine--- that much she knew. But it did not stop her from turning sharply, tightly wound curls framing a gaze as deadly as a knife. A striking woman, she was, both in beauty and in temperament. "If he expects me to wallow, then he shall go through life dreadfully disappointed." The words slipped from the greatest heiress of the season in a matter-of-fact coolness that could easily conceal layers of resentment from the unknowing eye. "And I shall not be pitied by you either, Charles." A gloved hand cradled the sparkling glass with care as she took a sip. Only as she withdrew the glass from her lips did Mabel return her gaze to him. "Though it seems my words mean little." She had known his looks just about as well as he did hers. "What plan are you concocting?"
“pity is not the word i would use,” charles comments; he’s known mabel for years, he knows how to deal with her. and pitying her would be a grave offense. no, he still feels horrid about it. leave it to tony to get cold feet the moment another pretty face comes into his life. he and mabel were suited for each other. he leans into his chair a bit, looking at his glass, gazing to the rest of the people roaming the party. london is a different behemoth than the countryside, there are always things to do, people to see. even if and when he gets his title, he will most likely spend his time here. “i am sorry for it, though. it is a pity dear old tony must be so undecided. perhaps the war has made him. . .” he trails off, tasting his whiskey, eyes wandering back to his drinking companion. “rebellious. i’ll have a good chat with him. see where his head’s gone. and remind him of the good things he has.”
Laera lingers just out of the light of the day, shrouded under an arch of stone, watching, rehearsing, and anticipating the worst. Her dark eyes stare into the open space, just out of sight, consciously counting the swing of Eilodh’s sword as it seamlessly arcs through the mid-noon air.
She’s had the honour of crossing blades with her -- as fine a swordswoman as she ever knew -- and equally as devoted to their homeland. She’s brave, she’s resilient, and she also a temper unlike Laera has ever seen. The thought alone makes her jaw tighten, and in the back of her head, she can hear the other woman shouting, swearing... Laera is unsure if she’s prepared to face that.
In preparation, she breathes deep: ❝ Eilodh, ❞ Laera starts, timing her emergence from under the shadow of the archway with the swing of her blade, and she doesn’t get nearly as close as she wishes. Her nerves keep her away, but the rigidity of her expression softens, just a bit, ❝ You never stop, do you? ❞ And she nods, gazing at the sword. They have that in common: Stubborn persistence. To them, stopping meant defeat. ❝ I thought by now you’d be gone... Villages that are more than a few people tend to 'ave you scattering. What is it that’s keeping you longer a few months? ❞
A change of tactic, she decides, at the last second. Eventually, she will get to what she needs to say.
@has-opinions asked: From Tauriel! “Whatever you do, don’t lose hope.”
( SHADOW HUNTERS | ACCEPTING )
⧼ ☾✦ ⸻ ❝ Oh, does my face seem so distress that it suggests I’ve lost all hope ?! ❞ The brunette smiled, as she answered the elven woman that was in her company in a light hearted jest. Mirkwood, was probably not the best place to go for this elf. However, the dark haired she - elf never really let danger stop her in many things. After all, her father did say to stick to the elven realms and the elven realms she stuck ... Of course, giant spiders weren’t on her favourable menu. ❝ Do not worry about my wellbeing and hope !!! I may speak out of line, but I believe those concerns should be for your King, he rules his Kingdom as if it’s a prison, quite a bore really ! However, I can see it in your eyes ⸻ you yearn for something more, care to share what that might be ? I PROMISE YOU I’M A VERY GOOD SECRET KEEPER. ❞ Tauriel’s own hoping and desires were not known to Hedona, her own needs of knowledge and mostly her nosiness spiked her interest for this commanders needs. ⧽
The water hit her skin, feeling the cold sensation wash upon her muscles, tense at first before she felt the aching of her tired self begin to relax. Auburn curls were down past her shoulders, also becoming wet from the cool waters of the lake which she had dipped into.
Clothes lay by the Riverside, bright blue eyes upon the crowned Prince of Erebor. It had been a hard day of training, and the cool water replenished her thoughts. "Come on Fili, it'll help relax you" She commented a bright smile across her face, the youthfulness glistening within her bright blue eyes. She leaned across the river bank, chin resting upon her arms. "If you're worried about me looking, I'll look away" There was a slight smirk that formed, a mischievous twinkle in those hues.
She should care that right now, that she was stripped in a cold river in front of Fili, though Eilonwy found herself not caring at all. Why would she? A small laugh passed her lips, kicking off the edge dipping her shoulders in further making at least half of her curls wet from the water. "Wash your troubles away, have some fun. Come on, we deserve it." after all, they did didn't they? Hours after hours of brutal training... The two deserved some form of relaxation.
Festivities they weren’t exactly Eilonwy’s cup of tea, but tonight was a night of celebration, Erebor had been claimed back by Thorin Oakenshield, named King under the mountain and Fili son of Durin, his heir. Tonight was a celebration of them, far and wide did other’s come to rejoice that the dragon was gone, that peace swept across the Lonely Mountain. Eilonwy looked around the corner, hearing the laughter and simple fun of the evening.
She took a deep breath, walking down the steps toward the party. No longer did she wear her armour or casual clothing, tonight she wore an elegant dress, one fit for a Princess. Her curls were out of her face in an up-do, bound together by a singular golden accessory. Her dress hugged her figure, it was an emerald green, complimenting the fiery tones of her hair and bright blue hues, lace detailing upon the dress that swept flowing down past her feet.
Kili was talking to Fili along with Bofur and Dwalin, he nudged his older brother in the side giving a nod in her direction. Her eyes found Fili and a smile formed upon her features almost immediately. “..Fili..” Eilonwy spoke softly, Kili gave a bright grin. “You look..beautiful, doesn’t she brother?”
