warning(s): light TROP spoilers, gn!reader used throughout
author's note: most of these will be turned into actual fics :)
-.-.-
Elrond + friends to lovers
GIF by @fukutomichi
As kind as summer, as gentle as the soft rays of sun upon your faces whilst you sit in each other's company and he is weaving, unbeknownst to you, tales of your wit and beauty in his mind; poems he would never dare show you. It was love long before either of you knew what to call it.
Gil-galad + opposites attract
GIF by @fukutomichi
Born and raised the son of kings, Gil-galad has known nothing but duty during his lifetime. A King neither ventures, nor tries his hand at passing affections, and yet the curse of a still beating heart inevitably finds him when his lieutenant and trusted friend Círdan is apprenticed by a lovely lowly elf.
Celebrimbor + soulmates
GIF by @dailyflicks
It is instant, absolute. As if the two of you were born a mystical creature, bearing two faces, four arms and four legs, until the Valar separated you and forced you to spend eternity searching for your other half. In the worst of times and the most unlikely of places, the search has come to cease. Alas, so has the time of peace.
Arondir + forbidden love
GIF by @lousolversons
The Silvan elf comes to respect the race of men for what they are during his time in the Southlands and whilst he dare not admit it, it does pertain with knowing you. It is hard to care for the hateful gazes of villagers when your own gaze is so tender under the moonlight, your hands cold and decisive when you touch him here where no one can hear or see. Though he has not tasted mortality, it must taste like you and the urgency you kiss him with, as if in fear the sun might never rise again.
Elendil + forbidden love, age gap
GIF by @frodo-sam
This man was born to be your dutiful protector, loyal like no other and sworn to serve you as his ruler with everything he has. Loyalty and love tend to melt into each other, merge so that it is impossible to tell them apart. It is a tormenting, silent agreement that neither of you may speak on these feelings and yet, it... overwhelms.
Valandil + childhood sweethearts
GIF by @fukutomichi
To know and love Valandil comes as easy as breathing air. You have been doing both for just as long, you think. Childish adoration blossoms in time until your souls are tethered and he will commit his life to earning rank and making it official, from the streets of Númenor to the edge of the world, where he hopes to travel with you.
Isildur + love triangle, second chance
GIF by @vidalharkness
Isildur has always held a deep admiration for you, a childish infatuation even, but your bond with Valandil always comes before all and he happily accepts things as they are for a long time. Friendship is of equal, if not grander, worth and he considers both of you his dear friends above all. Until Valandil is killed, that is. The love each of you have for him and each other perseveres until grief threatens to swallow you whole. On the precipice of desperation, a teary kiss is meant to bring comfort. Yes, of course. That is what this must be.
-.-.-
bonus:
Adar + enemies to lovers
GIF by @anthemias
Sauron saw in you every weakness, every earthly, pathetic desire to be appreciated and loved when everyone and everything has been cruelly ripped from you. To be part of something larger than the pain eating away at your chest until your days in Middle Earth are over and you can find refuge in the arms of those who unlike you, gave their lives for a greater cause. He saw and took full advantage. Adar sees it now too when he looks at you; the agony of knowing you have played into the hands of evil itself just as he has. There is always a sliver of affection in understanding another, is there not?
a/n: i had this little idea that I wanted to share w you all 🥰💛 i included the characters that i like best, so sorry if your fav isnt there. also I am a halbrand girlie so I wrote for that "version" of him. be so kind to comment/reblog your thoughts! ♡
Elrond ♡ quality time and physical touch and words of affirmation everything
Is he not just perfect? His kind heart cannot choose just one way to shower you with love, so it varies by the day. Elrond’s words are always carefully chosen to lift you up or comfort you, and the feeling of his lips or skin on yours is like a dream after a long day. Initially he was a bit more closed off, but you created a safe space together for both of you to be vulnerable and loving. Sadly, he can be quite occupied with various duties, so he cherishes any second he gets to spend in your presence. You have reached the point where you can communicate almost only through eye contact in public; his eyes are so shiny and expressive, and even the way he gazes at you tells you everything you need to know.
Galadriel ♡ acts of service and physical touch
There is nothing in this, or any other, world that she wouldn’t do for you! The downside of that is she can feel quite guilty if she feels as though she failed at something, but that is alright - you are there, always, to break the fall! She also very much receives love in this way so make sure you do lovely things for her as often as possible - our girl needs some soft wholesome love. Physical touch is something that keeps her grounded and reassures her you are really there and with her, it is not just an illusion or a dream. In private, Galadriel will cling to you like you’d just saved her from drowning. Reassurance is something she needs more than she will let on.
Halbrand ♡ words of manipulation affirmation and physical touch
He has a strange way of somehow knowing exactly what to say, almost at all times; the way he sweet talks you is unmatched, and he is no stranger to strings of compliments. Occasional banter is involved as well, of course, as he very much enjoys verbally “sparring” with you - it gets him going and gives a spark to his eyes. This leads to more physical expressions of desire, and you are basically the only person he enjoys being more tactile with. The way he shifts between being rough and passionate, and then gentle and adoring, keeps you on your toes constantly. However, two can play that game - has he at last met a worthy match?
Celebrimbor ♡ quality time and gift giving
This is one very busy elven lord and smith, but he will still try his best to never neglect you and your needs. Even if he is working, he loves to have you around, if you are free; and you enjoy watching him doing his thing. He calls you “his greatest inspiration” and swears you bring out the best of him, both professionally and personally. Although, he might occasionally get distracted when he feels your keen eyes on him. Naturally, since you inspire him to create, he loves to gift you items made personally for you, with utmost precision, skill and love. He also claims that no piece of jewelry, decor or weapon could ever match your beauty, but that is another challenge that motivates him even more. Sometimes, though, you have to drag him away from his work and just make him take it easy.
Isildur ♡ physical touch and being silly
This chaotic boy needs to have a hand(s) on you at all times, or the other way round. If you move away from him, there is a high chance he will look at you like a lost puppy. He might not yet be the greatest when it comes to verbalizing what you mean to him, but that’s not to say he can’t express it in a variety of ways - pulling you close in a crowded space, hugging you as if you might evaporate if he doesn’t hold onto you, kissing you breathless every chance he gets. However, playful banter with you makes him so happy as well, and it is his way of showing not only that you understand each other, but also that you can be perfectly comfortable in each other’s presence and laugh until tears stream down your face. Oftentimes those unguarded moments of silliness can become deep conversations which allow you to get to know each other even more intimately.
Arondir ♡ acts of service and words of affirmation
I mean, have you seen what this elf does for people he deeply cares for? Expect even more than that when he is in love with you! No task is too daunting when his beloved needs something, and you don’t even need to ask - he is superb at anticipating your needs. Sometimes you need to all but force him gently to relax and prioritize himself a bit more. Arondir is just a romantic soul like that. Also, in standard elvish fashion, he knows many poems and songs, and he is no stranger to coming up with his own just to express how he feels about you and how he sees you as the most precious, wonderful person. Initially he was a bit shy about that particularly, but experiencing your joy and enthusiasm, and the way you simply melt at his words, he knew he had to make it a regular occurrence to express his adoration. Please treasure him, he deserves the world.
🍁🍁🍁🍁
Tagging some trop besties @queenmeriadoc @lady-of-imladris @starladyy @fenharel-enaste @thesolarangel
Pairings: Sauron/Halbrand x Reader, Isldur x reader.
Word count: 3k
Summary: The tension breaks.
Tags: fluff, pining, isldur being cute, reader says fuck, reader gets fucked, uhh smut, fingering, cream pie (please pull out for the love of god), sauron is a gentle Dom, dirty talk, minor like really super minor choking, confessions of love, a lot happens okay
Notes: IM NOT GOOD AT SMUT AND DONT READ MY OWN IF I CAN HELP IT, so it's not that proof read.
It had been 3 days since you saw Halbrand, now with Galadriel in prison for sedition as well. The eyes of the Numenorians were never more distrusting of you. Had it not been for your new friendship with Isildur, you would have truly despaired. Unbeknownst to you, Elendil had been defending you and your freedom to the queen. You were beyond grateful for what their family had offered you, from clothing to companionship to protection. They had treated you with a kindness you had rarely seen and it was with no ill will or hidden intentions.
“I wish to take a year off, as my father did, but his expectations of me will not allow it,” Isildur spoke to you as you walked through the city as you had done every evening.
“It seems he only wants what is best for you, though. He cares for you, and it is obvious.” Your eyes were not looking at him as you spoke. Instead, they were focused on a group of people who were dancing. You’d never seen anything like it.
“Yes, I know. I suppose I just wish he would listen,” his gaze followed yours, and he smiled, “We could join them, you know. If you’d like.”
You shook your head, “I have never danced before.”
“I can teach you. It's not that hard. My sister made me learn with her years ago.”
“I’m afraid I’d step on your feet.”
“How many times have you run into me, too distracted by some statue or art to pay attention? I assure you, my feet will be fine.” He teasingly bumped your shoulder with his.
You looked at him apprehensively. “I suppose…”
“Come then,” he grins as he pulls you to the group. One hand on your shoulder and the other on your back. He guides you to the music, and as suspected, you did step on his feet.
“Here, watch what my feet do and match yours to my movements.”
You watched his feet, but it almost made it worse. You couldn’t help but laugh and rest your head against his shoulder. “I am no good at this.”
“No, you’re right. You are quite shit at this,” He laughs with you. It's a deep and comforting laugh. It fills you with light.
“Isildur,” You look up at him, “I am a lady. How dare you speak in such a way in front of me.” You try to keep your face serious, but your smile is pulling at the corners of your lips.
“You are a foreigner whose companions have committed sedition and violence. Yet the word shit is too much for you. What about damn? Ass? Thank the valar I didn’t say fuck.” He teased you back.
“Isildur,” you scolded him, but it was not serious, your eyes twinkling with a smile.
“Have you never spoken in such a way?” He askes with a shake of his head, “Of course you haven’t,” he answered for you, “If you say fuck right here and now, I will buy you a new dress, and the hair accessories you seem to admire so.”
You gave him a look with narrowed eyes, “You jest.”
“I am completely serious. If you say fuck, first thing tomorrow morning I will take you to a shop.”
You looked at him, brows furrowed before muttering something inaudible.
“Louder, I have to be able to hear it.”
“Fuck,” you muttered softly.
“C’mon,” Isildur egged you on with a smirk, “A little louder.”
As soon as you spoke the word, an older woman approached the two of you. “How dare you! This is a respectable establishment for respectable people. Leave. Now.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Isildur was trying his hardest not to laugh. You could tell it. He led you through the crowd, and once you stood outside, he started to laugh.
Your cheeks were as red as a tomato, lips parted in surprise, “I got us kicked out.”
“You got us kicked out,” he said in between laughs. It didn’t take long until you were laughing alongside him.
He grabs your shoulders, “Please, I beg you, do not tell my father,” his hands move to your face, squeezing it gently. “He would hang me from his ship's mast if he knew.”
“Perhaps you deserve it.”
He scoffed, taking his hands away from your face. “You wound me.”
“You forced me to say fuck,” you said in a whisper.
“I didn’t force you to say it that time.”
You glared at him, “Shut up.”
“I think you would likely miss the sound of my voice.”
You were about to speak again when an all too familiar deep voice stopped you. Isildurs' expression changed, too. You figured that Halbrand hadn’t seen you. He was talking with the forge master and showing the new crest he bore. You were confused about the matter.
How did he get released from prison and then earn a guild crest?
“I need this job, please, just one sword and I will convince you.” You heard his voice for the first time in days.
“To start anew, I remember.”
“Yes, and to prove to a woman, I am serious in my intentions.”
The forgemaster smirked, “A woman?”
“A woman.”
You stood watching the interaction, almost forgetting that Isildur was there. You had told him of what had happened in the cells between him and Galadriel and then your reaction to it. He knew this had to be hard for you.
“You know,” he spoke softly, “I know you think he is in love with the elf. Or that he is torn between the two of you. But, if he was trying to win the elves' affections, he would be asking for armor to go to war and not for a job.”
“You did not see the way he looked at her, the way he talked to her.”
“But I have heard how he talks to you, how he looks at you. He looks at you as if you were one of the valar. It is rather obvious to anyone who sees.”
You wet your lips, “I do not wish to give my heart to someone who will only break it.”
“If he breaks your heart, I will destroy him,” he teases softly. “But, honestly, if he is what you want, all you have to do is take him. It is in your hands.”
You stood in silence for a moment or two. “I would like to go to my room, to think over what you have said. I did enjoy today.”
“I know, I did, too.” He smiles and squeezes your shoulder before you walk off.
Valandil grasped Isildurs shoulder, both watching you walk away. “You're a stronger man than I. I couldn't do it.”
“She is simply a friend.”
“I am almost certain that you have the names of all your children picked out. You dream of her in a wedding dress."
Isildur rolled his eyes, pushing his friend away, “Shut up. It is an honor to be her friend.” But the sadness as he watched you turn the corner told another story.
“Come, let us get drinks. I'll buy yours.”
~
“When did you get back?”
The door had not opened all the way before you spoke. You had spent the evening and some of the night thinking over the words that Isiludr said. What did you want? It wasn’t hard to come to the answer, but it was figuring out what Halbrand wanted that vexed you. Would you end up hurt and heartbroken?
You did not want that.
But you would never know if you didn’t try. If you sat and did nothing, he would surely move on. Isildur was correct, as well, that if it was Galadriel's affections that he sought, then he would have been asking for armor. A job sounded like he wanted to stay, to make a permanent place for himself here. For himself, and,perhaps, you. It was with that thought that you found yourself outside his door.
You regretted not waiting until the morning when you saw him, loose shirt and hair dripping from a bath. Your breath caught in your throat at the sight of him.
“Early this morning, before sunrise.” He spoke, his eyes taking you in. You saw it now, what Isildur had mentioned. He did look at you as if you were one of the valar. As if you hung the stars themselves and taught the sun how to shine.
You stood there, in silence, looking at him and not knowing what to say or do. The revelation made your breath catch in your chest. Also, you had missed him, and you had felt heartbroken. Now, looking at how he looked at you, you thought perhaps he had been heartbroken by you too.
“Sweet one, I am sorry for what happened before. I ..-”
You shook your head, holding up a hand. It took a moment for the words to come, and when they did, they were but a whisper.
“Do you love me?”
He looked at you in shock. You felt like your heart stopped beating in your chest as you waited for an answer. He simply stood there. You could see in his eyes that he was thinking a million things at once. When he didn’t speak, you asked again.
“Halbrand, do you love me?”
He wet his lips and nodded. “I do,” his voice sounded broken, almost defeated. Like loving you was losing some game. His eyes lifted from where they stared at the floor and looked at you.
Any sense of self control, of decency, it all crumbled with those simple words. It was as if a magnet drew you to him. Suddenly, his face was in your hands and your lips on his. He did not attempt to hesitate. A groan that soon turned into a growl rumbled in his chest as he kissed you back. He tasted wine and smoke. It was intoxicating. Your fingers found their way into his hair as he held your face in his hands.
He broke the kiss, holding your chin in his grasp as he kept your face away from him. “Sweet one,” his voice was deep and rough. You could feel his breath on your skin.“Tell me this is what you want.”
“I want this,” you didn’t hesitate a moment, “I want you.”
“Fuck,” Halbrand groaned, pulling you into his room and shutting the door. His lips were on yours in an instant, pushing you against the door. One of his knees found its way in between your legs as his tongue tasted the inside of your mouth. Your mind was quickly becoming fuzzy, a warmness spreading through your body, an aching between your legs. His hands were frantically moving along your body, as if he wanted to feel all of you at once. His hands were calloused and rough but you enjoyed it. Just as you enjoyed the rough scratches of his beard on your face.
This time, it was you who pulled away for breath. The air between you was hot and thick. He rested his forehead against yours with one of his hands gently holding your neck. “Tell me to stop, sweet one, and I will,” his thumb caressed your skin lightly.
You looked up at him, “I am yours.”
“Do not say words when you do not know the weight of them, sweet one.”
“I am yours,” you repeated, in a moment of uncharacteristic boldness, you guided his hands under your dress and to the sticky, wet heat between your thighs. You couldn't help but smile at the way his breath hitched in his throat and the way his eyes flutter.
His fingers moved, rubbing soft small circles against your clit and watched your face intently. “Has anyone touched you like this?”
You shook your head, and the hand still on your throat squeezed gently, “Use your words, sweet one.”
“No, only you.” You gasped, his finger slid inside you.
“Fuck, do you hear that?” His finger moved faster, the wet sound of your arousal filling the room. “My sweet one,” he cooed, “fucking soaked at the thought of my cock, huh?”
You whimpered, bucking your hips against his finger. He added another one, his eyes never leaving your face, and you cried out his name. Your lips parted slightly and he took it as an invitation to kiss you once more. It was wet and rough and sloppy. He was getting just as lost in the moment, you could tell by the almost primal grunts and groans that left his lips.
His fingers never stopped, even when his lips found your neck. His lips sucked, teeth, teeth nipped, and tongue soothed all well. You gasped and whimpered at his touch. There would be hickeys there in the morning, but that was the furthest thing from your mind. His hand on your neck moved to the valley between your chest before cupping your breast, his thumb brushing your clothed nipple.
That was enough, your cunt clenched around his fingers and your body arched into him. It was a pleasure you had never experienced before, your mind went blank.
“That's it, that's my girl,” Halbrand mumbled softly, his fingers never ceasing. “C'mon sweet girl. Fuck, look at you. Look at that pretty fucking face.”
You breathed heavily. You could feel how you had coated his hands. Your senses came back to you. Your head fell back against the door, “that was incredible.”
He chuckled, his thumb coaxing you to look at him. “Pretty girl, look at me.” You did as he told you, his hands cupping your face. Your own essence smearing against your cheeks.
“That's my girl,” he squeezed your cheeks in his hand. “My pretty fucking girl. I need you to look at me, okay, and I need you to be honest. There is nothing more I want right now than your cunt squeezing around my cock but I need to know you want that too.”
You breathed heavily, that feeling in between your thighs returning, though you weren't sure it had ever left. “Yes, Halbrand, please.”
That's all it took for him to hoist you against the wall, bunching the material of your dress at your hips. He was too desperate to wait to take your clothes off. He made quick work of lowering his pants just enough to free his cock.
“Sweet one, look at me, in my eyes. If this hurts, tell me, and I'll stop.” You nodded and pressed a kiss to the corner of your mouth. One hand held your hips in place while the other gripped your face, ensuring you looked at him and only him.
The moment his cock stretched you, your mouth parted in a gasp. It didn't hurt much at all, perhaps due to the slick arousal that was there already.
“Fuck,” his breath hitched, “Fuck. Does my cock feel good, sweet one?” You nodded, “No, no, no. Use your words. Let me hear it.”
“Your cock feels good,” you breathed out.
“Such foul words from such a pretty mouth.” His thumb traced your bottom lip. “I'm going to move now.”
You nodded before catching yourself, “please.”
The first stroke made your eyes roll back. He felt incredible. You could hear the slick sound of him fucking you and it only aided in your arousal.
“You're taking my cock so well, sweet one.” He kept moving, pressing a kiss to your shoulder, soon your hips were moving to match his thrusts and your fingernails dug into the skin of his shoulders.
Something about that flipped a switch in him. His thrusts were harder and faster, and his fingers gripped you tighter. But you did not mind at all.
“You're mine,” he whispered. “This my fucking cunt, isn't it?” When you nodded his eyes all but rolled into the back of his head. You were his and his alone. You were gone, your thoughts only consisted of him. How he was making you feel. There was nothing else in this world other than his cock.
“My cunt is yours,” you repeated, your eyes started to close but he grabbed your face.
“Eyes on me, sweet one. Focus on the feeling. I want to see how good I make my pretty girl feel. Look at those pretty eyes. Those. Gorgeous. Fucking. Eyes.” He gasped, his grip on your face tight. Every word he spoke, he thruster harder into you. You whimpered and arched into him, your fingers now tugging at his hair desperately.
“You feel that cock, huh? It's yours, only yours. This is your cock, sweet one. I am yours. No one else will have me like this."
Your breathing quickened, his name falling from your lips over and over. Desperate and begging.
“Tell me you love me,” he whispered, “tell me you love me and I will come undone.”
Through whines and whimpers, you spoke. “I love you.” it was you who came first, crying out his name as white stars exploded in your vision, but he soon followed. He buried his face in your neck, and you felt the hot breath and vibrations of his moans as he filled you.
He stayed there for a moment, breathing heavily. You finally gained your senses and couldn't help but start to giggle. That was incredible. You'd never felt anything like it.
“Are you laughing at me?” Halbrand teased, his face still in your neck.
“No, no. I just….that was incredible.”
It was his turn to laugh. “I take it you're going to want to do it again.”
“Well, yes, but preferably on a bed next time.”
He chuckled and lifted his head, “I love you,” he gently squeezed your cheeks in his hands. “I love you. I need you to know that,” he rested his forehead against yours.
“I know, Halbrand. I saw you today, at the forge. I know.” You wrapped your fingers around his wrists and gently squeezed.
“The elf means nothing, not compared to what I feel for you. I consider her a friend, nothing more. You must believe this. You are….everything.”
You nodded. “I love you, too.”
He pressed a kiss to your shoulder and neck. “Let's get you a bath. Once I take you to bed, I'm not going to let you leave."
Isildul x reader, i love him he’s criminally underrated my sweet boy, reader is a menace, longing, my best boys vali and ontamo, obviously idk how ships work be nice, though i studied many a picture, also i made some stuff up about numenorean culture for the spicy plot
edit: this took me like a year to write on and off, why am I so inconsistent? I've no idea
”Watch it!” he shouted after the girl who had taken off in a sprint after all but nearly pushing him off the rampants of the inner city walls.
“Sorry uh- I really am!” The girl barely looked back as she continued her chase after what he now recognised as a stray cat with a piece of ham clutched in her tiny hand.
Shaking his head he wheeled his head slowly back to stare at the sea. The waves glimmered in the dimming light of the sun. It was high tide, he’d surely be missed by his sister tonight.
The truth was Isildur was meant to return to the family home not long after noon so he could catch the lunch Ëarien would surely be attempting to craft in the kitchen. But for some reason he could not will his legs to move. His eyes were stuck to the shining waves for hours.
Soon he’d be departing for the Sea Guard expedition. In the years of training, the chosen cadets go on days long journeys across the sea. They took place annually in the spring when the sea was calmest. Of course the training ships that were used for the calm waters around Númenor were swapped for sturdier, larger vessels. Which inevitably meant more work for the students.
He lowered his face into his hands, whispering a quiet prayer. He’d been nothing short of a good cadet. But mistakes were bound to happen to any youngling in the Sea Guard. And so his anxiety rose as the days stretched on ever closer to departure.
He continued his breathy whispers to the Valar, to Ulme or anyone who would be willing to listen. Which turned out to be the reason why he couldn’t hear the quiet footsteps until they were right beside him.
“Turned to the faith have we now?” The voice chuckled, amused by the boy’s saintly pose, hands bound together tightly with eyebrows furrowed deep above his eyelids.
He didn’t turn to her, he barely even opened an eye. He already knew the girl making fun of his misery to be his dearest friend.
“Come to make fun of saints have you?” His voice was heavy with insecurity yet he managed to slip a hint of amusement into the last strings of his sentence.
“Isildur”, she voiced his name like he so loved to hear it falling from her lips. None other could speak it so dearly as she did. “You need to stop worrying so much boy, lest your fathers’ heart fails him. Every time I see him around he’s askin’ me about you. He has enough worry for the both of ya. Hey? You listenin’ you?”
“Yes.” His answer was prolonged, almost bored. “I can’t help it. I just.. What if i..”
“What you so worried about? Hm? We’ve been on these seas since we were a bunch of wee fishes. We’ve all made so many mistakes it’s a wonder we ain’t all dead yet! But we've learned.”
He admired her so, with her hair wild barely contained in the loose braid she wore. When finally he looked up at her he saw the sea itself encompassed in her very eyes. She had been blessed with the fiery courage of the storm and the beauty of the fairest sunrise. He envied her bravery albeit sometimes reaching on recklessness.
His eyes trailed on downwards the length of her body down to her leather sandals. The dress she wore was an artisan wonder. He wondered how it’s even possible to take it off with all those complicated laces.
“So? You gonna keep cryin’ and waillin’? Or you gonna join us at the Stealin’ Seahorse?” She blessed him with a smile of pearly teeth and blushed lips.
He shook himself out of his thoughts and quipped back: “I don’t have much of a choice do I?” He rolled his eyes looking across the glowing horizon. The invitation to the old quarter tavern did sound rather delicious.
“Not in slightest.”
The sound of his laugh made her heart beat like it wished to tear through her ribcage. His head lolled back as he stared at the sky. His adam’s apple now revealed a gorgeous line she thought to trace with her finger.
Isildur leaned back suddenly and stood with his back straight, pondering on his choises. He was a good half a head taller than her. She wondered what it’d feel like for their bodies to mould together in an embrace. His strong arms wrapping themselves around her midriff. Somehow in all these years it didn’t occur to her how much he’d grown. He used to be a fish bone, losing every spar against her. Now he was…
“Vali and Ontamo are already waitin’. Them beasts are gonna be yellin’ how we made ‘em wait. I doubt they’ll wait for us with drinks though.” She gave him another toothy grin. Then unexpectedly she wrapped her slim fingers around his wrist and began to slowly guide him back deeper into the city.
“Come now Isil, you can’t keep me waiting for that drink you promised me.”
“I wager I could, maybe it’d do you good to remain at least one evenin’ with a clear head.” He mused with a smirk.
“You’re makin’ me sound like a drunk you nipper!”
“I’m not makin’ anythin’, it’s all true.” The clear mocking of her voice was evident in his voice. And the laughter of the young woman on the breeze even clearer.
And so after weeks of dreadfull and painfull preparation of the ship that included wiping and mopping and scrubbing - which the cadets of course had to do themselves - the ship dubbed ‘Lover’s Quarrel’ was ready to set sail.
“Why’d you think they name the ship that?” (Name) asked the three lads standing beside her with their belongings in stuffed travel packs. As they stared up at that damned ship that took them five days to scrub from mast to hull. Though it was hard not to stare in awe at it now. Glistening and shining as though it was new. All the embelishments had been wiped and polished three times over, when they caught light the four friends had to squint at the shine.
Valandil ever the tease was of course the one to answer. “Probably because by the end we’ll all smell so bad it could ruin entire courtships.” The sound of his laughter rang loudly on the wind with Ontamo joining.
“What do you know maybe it’ll encourage some courtships to bloom instead.” Said the blonde with a provocative raise of his eyebrows.
The morning air was crisp in the harbour and somewhere along the bustling streets a sweet smell of freshly baked goods flowed in. (Name) laughed at the silly antics of her friends and added.
“We all know you’d need a bit of help with that Ontamo eh? How’s that raven haired girl comin’ along?” Only by a smidge did the blonde manage to escape the elbow jab from the joking woman.
“Ey, ey let’s calm down now shall we? You ain’t on a much better path than me.”
“I’m doin’ perfectly fine I’ll have you know!” The girl took off after the blonde chasing him onto the deck.
Meanwhile Valandil and Isildur watched them, though with differing reasons. Suddenly the darker skinned boy clasped a heavy hand onto Isildur’s shoulder and proclaimed.
“You’re awfully quiet. You ain’t still worried about the journey are you? We’ve got your back.. you know that yeah?”
Isildur flashed the taller boy a guilty smile and then looked back unto his feet, clad in light boots. “I don’t know, i guess… maybe it’s something else or.. whatever. I must have just eaten something bad.” His eyes refused to meet his friends’ pair.
“Listen mate as phenomenal as your actin’ is, I don’t believe ya one bit. Come on. Spill it. What’s weighin’ down on your heart.” He used his strenght to turn the boy fully torwards him. Now that they were facing each other Isildur found it hard to lie to his oldest friend.
“It’s.. do you think (Name) is… y’know, like, interested in someone? Or like is she courting anyone? Not that I care, but i mean y’know as her friend I feel like it’s something she should tell me.. us i mean we’re all her friends yea?”
Unfortunately the deapan look Valandil gave him could rival a statue. Oof. Wrong choice of words Isildur, the shorter boy cringed.
“Alright, for your sake I’ll pretend that sounded completely sane, but you owe me an ale. To answer that.. I’ve no idea. You know her she does as she pleases, half the time I don’t even know if she’s alive still. ‘Till I hear about her from the Chief of Armenelos Guard, she causes trouble every step she takes.. actually that might just be all of us.” He recounted the numerous times the four of them were messing around and got themselves landed in house arrest or under city watch for an afternoon.
“Anyway, point is. You’ll never know if you never ask. And even then she may just think up some shitty excuse like that one time on the Queens’ celebrations.”
It was then that Isildur snorted a quick laugh. “Oh I remember, we were playing that game huh? I nearly pissed myself laughing when she started goin’ on about the Sails’ Master.” He rolled his eyes and looked up at Valandil.
“You’re right, I don’t know what I’m doin’, blubbering like I’m asking a girl from kindergarden if she wants to hold hands..”
“That’s right my boy. Hey.. maybe by the end of this journey.. who knows, maybe she likes them smelly.” He roared a laugh as Isildur pushed him shaking his head.
“It’ll be goood~ Mmmm sniffy sniiff.”
“Alright you animal that’s enough. Disgusting...”
The first day was behind them and they were now officially on the high seas. The bright star eyed cadets stared out across the long streches of water as far as the eye could see. Their home was now nowhere in sight, and they were on their own.
The four were sitting on barrels tied to the railing staring out, tired after a days’ long work tying knots and listening to the Sails’ Master hollering out commands straight into their ears.
“Soo guys what’dya think?” the girl spoke up looking out over the calm waters.
“I think I’m deaf.”
“She meant the waves dumbass.” The long haired boy smiled at his friend.
“The waves are the same everywhere. It’s water what’dya want me to think?”
“I think they are different. No, no! Don’t laugh, they are… a different color. A different feeling, like the water by our reefs are all calm and kind, but the open waters.. those can sweep you under real quick. Almost like they’ve got a different soul, ya know?” She put her hand as a great philosopher would and plastered an important look on her fair face.
“Well now I have to laugh idiot, different soul my arse.”
“You just can’t see it ‘cause you’re a damn brute, all you’re good for is haulin’ barrels.” She stuck her tongue out at said brute.
“Now that’s hurtful that is. Watch your mouth woman.”
“Oh now don’t go feelin’ sorry for yerself Valandil.” Ontamo laughed and bumped fists with the still laughing woman.
“Don’t go takin’ her side now Ontamo. Or I’m not helping you with your chores.” He glowered at his friend with a hint of mirth.
“Be nice boys, you never know what ya might encounter on these here scary waters. What if a sea serpent takes you tomorrow?”
“You tellin’ me to be nice? You just done called me demented, woman.” He cracked another nut and handed it to her.
“That’s ‘cause I only speak the truth.” She stuck out her tongue as she accepted the peeled nuts. A silent agreement all was good.
Isildur who had been silently watching his friends with a warmth in his chest had decided, that this was good. It was the best actually, and he couldn’t be gladder he decided to come along. Well, not like he had much choice unless he feigned some great disease.
They spent their days on the high sea pulling ropes and sharing stories at night. The sea was calm and quiet, nearly too quiet. On the third day the Sails’ Master ordered them to line up for a sparring match since the sea was truly giving them no cause for concern.
“Sir yes, sir!” Forty two cadets shouted in unison. Then half took seats along the edges of the ship and the rest picked up mock swords and split into pairs. The swords were no different from real ones, the only difference being that they were dulled around the edges. When superiors were asked why, they only gave a short answer, “Because some idiot nearly got gutted when the ship hit a great whale some ten years ago.”
The whining stopped shortly after that. Now Valandil and (Name) stood across from each other. Their eyes set firmly on their oponent, the swords in their hands raised and ready for striking.
The young woman acted first with a provocative jab of her blade. He of course reacted just as quickly if not a little clumsily with a swivel of his torso. And then the dance began.
Swords clashed and sung with vibration on the cold wind. Feet moved in an undeniable rhythm, eyes stayed unmoving on their oposers.
Valandil as strong and powerfull as he was, was no match for the woman whose very own mother was the Chief of City Guard in Armenelos. Her moves were precise and practised, with ease she controlled and dominated the exchange.
After not long Valandil felt the direness of the situation and pushed twice as hard into his next lunges. That was unfortunately the beginning of the end as the woman felt his unease and masterfully guided him to his own demise.
When his sword finally clanked on the ground and (Name) stood before Valandil with her blade tapping against his throat, the first commander shouted,
“Next pair!”
Valandil heaved a heavy breath when her sword lowered to the ground and laughed when she smiled a bright smirk his way. He retrieved his sword from the ground and passed it onto the next cadet. Then Valandil wrapped his arm around his friends’ shoulder and whispered.
“I’ll get you someday you know that?” A laugh was heard from the shorter woman then.
“The day you win against me is the day you may place me in my grave, my pride may as well suffer in the ground.” She looked around then noticing one cadet, one very important cadet, is missing.
“Where’s Isil? Ontamo have you seen Isil?” She raised her head to the blonde who was now standing on the higher deck looking at the fighting cadets.
“I think he’s down by ship stores! Heard him muttering about being hungry, maybe he’s gone to get some apples.” He shrugged, more interested in the havoc caused by the two strongest cadets throwing jabs at each other.
“Well.. he could brings us some too..” her stomach growled in agreement. The tall dark skinned boy then nudged her. “Go on, find him. The Valar know he could get lost on one ship.” His grin was bright and almost too good willing.
“Alright then, maybe I’ll find you some nuts.” She rolled her eyes and made her way under deck.
“Isildur? We’re sorta missin’ you up there? I wanted to kick your ass just now!” She called on him, walking though the ship to the storage. She then noticed him sitting by the hammocks of their sleeping quarters, staring out in front of him into nothing.
“You alright?” At the sound of her voice he startled and wiped his eyes quickly then spoke in a hushed voice, “Yeah, I’m just fine.. great uhm-“ His voice thinned out into a whisper.
She walked slowly to him and crouched before him. Her thighs burned with fatigue after sparring with Valandil, but she paid it no mind. Then she quietly whispered to the boy.
“Isildur, you don’t need to hide. If.. I mean, we could help somehow? What’s the matter?” She spoke as if to a child, her voice light in sound but heavy with emotion.
She reached for his face and wiped his almost dry tears. “So? What is it?”
He raised his wet eyes to meet hers, and spoke with ragged breaths. He spoke of his mother, of his father and how he wished to make him proud, of his sister and how he feared the ravine between his family was widening and stretching. He whispered of his pains all the while grasping the sleeves of his friend’s tunic.
“I’m sorry, I’m blubbering about my problems out of nowhere again. I just.. got reminded of.. Nevermind.” He wiped his nose and when he raised his head to look Y/N in the eyes, she thought she must’ve gone insane. Here he was talking about his poor dead mother, and all she could think about was those pretty eyes. Wide and brown, lined with tears. How she’d wished to drown in nothing else more.
“You.. are you okay? Y/N? Uh- hello?” How could she be when he looked at her like she was his salvation. How was she meant to pretend she’d forever be satisfied with his friendship and nothing more. A comrade? Was that all she could be?
Then she realised, that was all she had to be. This boy she had loved for years she dared not count needed a friend. And she would be that and nothing more if he so desired. Tired was she of the constant games, wondering whether Isildur would make a step. She had always been confident, defiant and strong. To any other boy she’d have already confessed even if it meant risking rejection.
But with him, she couldn’t. She wouldn’t.
And so she comforted him with an embrace. And in the space between them was the heavy longing they’d wished to express. And neither of them did.
Days passed, and the sea was getting restless. A storm was on the wind, each and every person on the ship could smell it. Even the mighty mice killer — the sweet ratty cat they kept around — was hiding somewhere in a corner between the cargo.
“Well, it only could’ve lasted so long.” Isildur grumbled in defeat. Damn this weather, all he wanted to do was curl up in bed but instead he had to be on deck enforcing the masts.
“Calm before the storm.. Ulme is laughing at us. Let’s hope we can pass around it.” Valandil preached with a dramatic look on his handsome face.
(Name) immeadiately protested, “Oh please Ulme doesn’t even care we exist, we’re just bugs in his aquarium. I’m tellin’ you now that storm’s gonna hit us. Hard.” her face was painted with a disgruntled expression.
Time passed quickly with the cadets scrambling around the deck like ants. Tightening and loosening ropes, stowing away the uppermost masts to lose weight aloft.
The wind was now harsh and cold with water spraying from all around the ship, the last sails were tucked away and the cadets mostly just ran around looking for any loose ends on the vessel. Meanwhile the Sail Master and his men were debating.
“We’ve already lost time we can’t spend any more on the sea our supplies are thinning, it’s best we return to harbour as fast as possible!” The tall man shouted above the loud winds.
“If we try to sail through this storm she may take serious damage, we can’t afford to come back with broken masts, much less coming back with less cadets than we sailed off with!”
(Name) watched as the two commanding officers shouted on the upper deck looking out across the violent waves.
“It’s not worth trying to go through that Captain! I’ve seen storms like this one tear entire ships in half! The winds are much stronger than they seem!”
“Are you doubting what I know of storms? Last i recalled I’ve been on these waters longer than you Botswain!”
The scarred face of a woman hardened by the sea looked at the Botswain. Then turned heel and shouted to the crew.
“We’re going to take this beauty for a ride! Everybody better hold onto something or I’m tying you to the damn mast! Upside down!”
It was then that (Name) decided to find her friends. She ran across deck and bumped into Valandil who was tightening the sail knots. “Captain means to send us straight through. Around the eye.”
He looked back at the captain and dissmisively shook his head. “Then we better hold on tight, I doubt she’ll be wanting to make stops for those who want to take a dip.” He scoffed ironically.
Her heart was beating to the rhythm of the waves. Her hair was slapping her across the face, her hands flew to the back of her head to redo her braids.
“You seen Isil? Or Ontamo? Don’t tell me they’re sleepin’ somewhere again and lettin’ us work our backs off.” Her eyes flitted across deck stopping at every face.
In the next moment a light shone on the vessel and dissapeared just as quickly, then a great boom could be heard traveling through the cloudy sky. Her eyes flew to those of Valandil’s in silent understanding. “Well shit.” As rain suddenly poured from the sky as if conjured from nothing.
“Isildur?! Ontamo?!”
A brown skinned girl stopped in the middle of the deck, “I saw them on quarter-deck! I think the mizzen’s got some problem with it!” Y/N nodded her head eagerly and wailed, “Thanks!”.
She scaled the huge ship to the back. Three boys were standing around holding several ropes, it was now clear to see that they had somehow gotten entangled with each other.
“How’d this happen?!” Y/N ran up and grabbed a rope to begin untangling it from the rest, their hands worked quickly but the lack of light and rain falling into their eyes made it nearly impossible. They looked more like kittens playing with yarn.
”I’ve no damn idea! One moment- ugh-.. it was fine! And then they got all caught up when the lightning came!” A boy whose skin was as pale as ice yelled, she could see his hands were raw as the thick rope broke skin his blood smeared on the brassy twine.
Finally she got her rope free of the mess and began tying it to one of the wooden cleats. But before she could use all her strenght to pull it she was dragged off her feet. Unfortunately too late she realised the rope she’d untangled was one that held the mizzen sail in place, by untangling it she’d released nearly the whole sail which was now flapping in the strong winds.
“Shit. Shit!”
“Y/N!” Isildur sprung to her grabbing her by the torso. One of his arms using the rest of the tangled ropes as an achor. “Hold on!”
The sail was now at risk of entirely unfurling. Had Y/N released the rope she was holding there’d be no getting it back.
“Shit! Damn it!” Her arms ached, muscles stretched and pulled. Don’t you dare let go, she thought to herself.
Meanwhile Ontamo and the other boy were preoccupied holding down the rest of the ropes while simultaneously tying knots, Isildur attempted to lower (Name) to the ground. Her body was being pulled in whichever direction the wind blew at the moment. Her strenght couldn’t last much longer.
“Can you tie it to the railing?!” His feet carried them torwards the edge slowly and with great struggle.
“I don’t know!.. I’ll try! Get me closer!”
The rope was splipping through her wet palms. Her eyes flashed back and forth between the railing and those brown eyes staring up at her with devastation and exhaustion.
"Just a bit longer- Hold it!" His voice was clear and sharp, yet getting lost on the wind.
Finally she shot out one hand and grasped the railing pillar, wound the rope round and round and secured tightly with a knot. Her hands bled and her lungs heaved, pumping the salty air in her lungs.
"You've got it! Yes!" Slowly she let the rope go testing it's strength with a few tugs. And surely enough it held. She beamed a smile at her cooperator as his laughter reached her ears. The sound was as beautiful as the ringing of bells in Númenor.
He loosened his iron grip on her midriff and let her body slide through his arms, until her feet finally reached the ground with triumph. They stared at each other as the wind wipped their hair back and forth. The heat of another body pressing against their own so comforting neither wished to let go.
Their eyes were wide like four shiny plates. It was as if they'd been two prepubescents holding hands for the first time in the kid's school garden.
"Hey lovebirds! We still got a situation over here!" Valandil who'd joined the struggling men along with a few other cadets shouted with mirth in his voice. "Would you like to join us or would ya rather go snuggle below deck?"
Isildur's face gained a red color barely visible underneath the dark clouds as the their fellow sailors laughed loudly. (Name) laughed and exclaimed, "Don't get jealous now Vali!", with a sickly sweet smirk plastered on her face.
"Yeah.. right." Isildur's eyes dropped back to the ropes as they approached the mess again.
That night they managed to sail through the worst of it, and the cadets were given consent to go crash on their cots and in their hammocks. The storm had drained all the energy from the young numenoreans, thankfully most of the ship made it out just fine. There was no damages to the masts and suprisingly the sails survived perfectly well too with only a few scuffs.
The few cadets who had been by the mizzen untangling the ropes swore to secrecy with each other, lest the captain decided to just throw them off the ship for lenience. Then they spent the evening whispering jokes and throwing apple seeds at each others heads.
"I think it's Ontamo's fault, this fool was surely thinkin' of his beloved with the black tresses when he was tyin' them knots." Valandil wailed with a snort.
"Alright- buddy! As if you're any better! Don't go blamin' me!"
"I ain't blaming nobody, I'm simply statin' facts. The harsh truths that you won't." He rolled his eyes and smirked at his friend.
"As if you big oaf! Ain't no way I'd have messed them up. I wasn't even by the mizzen the whole day!"
"Boys. Boys! Boys!.. Simmer down will ya? It's nobody's fault or it's everybody's fault. Got it? For all we know it could've been one o' those flyin' fish captain keeps mutterin' about. Yes- the ones that jump twenty metres up! No I'm not joking!"
The laughs that started as giggles now carried through the whole room at her claim. Valandil was clutching his ribs and poor Ontamo was barely breathing. The other cadets were wheezing in various pitches, while Isildur was smilling at Y/N with an apple in his mouth.
"You're a nutface Y/N L/N!" Valandil was now rolling next to Ontamo who was wheezing about pissing himself.
"You ocean rats don't believe me? Alright then fine, don't come cryin' to me when a flying fish knocks yer teeth out!" Her laughter rang loudly like a bell. Isildur stared smiling at the girl. He hair was now loose, unbraided and hung around her face. He longed to touch it, feel it between his fingers, maybe even braid it himself.
"Hey Y/N, if you believe in flying fish... do you believe in them siren stories too?" One of the cadets who Y/N has become friends with inquired with genuinity in her voice.
"Without a dang doubt I do! Them little sea ghosts will eat you alive if you let 'em! Why'd you think all the ships that go past the reef have a songbird?"
"I thought.. it was more like a tradition thing y'know? Like it's been around so long ain't nobody wanna get rid of it, I mean.. you're a songbird right? Have you ever seen one? Like.. when you were singin' to the sea?"
Y/N face dropped, turned cold and bleak. The tradition of songbirds in Numenor was one that stood for generations, it was said that the only way to evade sirens was to have a 'songbird' usually a woman, nonetheless a seasoned sailor. Who'd sing to the waves in hopes to trick the sirens into leaving the ship alone.
"Oh I've seen 'em. Beautiful things.. chill blooded maidens of the deep. Daughters of Ulmo, fierce and dangeous." Her voice quieted, "But also serene.. and free. There is nothing to bind tem, no rope strong enough to cage them or enslave them. The only thing that calms them is music, that's why we sing. It's not just about tradition.. it's about respecting the sea and what it brings us. It is our home from the cradle to the passing, it welcomes us all into it's arms, it claims without regret or shame. You should fear it most of the time and love it always."
Heavy silence now hung over their heads with the realisation that their lives were truly at stake today. They only came out victorios because of each other, they trusted their brothers and sisters with their lives and were rewarded for it.
Sleep was not finding Isildur easily this night. He tossed and turned in his cot, but ultimately could not find the sweet darkness behind his closed eyelids. He decided to walk above deck for fresh air.
He heard her before he saw her. She was humming a melancholy melody at the front of the ship. She leaned on the wooden railing staring out into the now calm waters intently. Her voice was unlike he'd ever heard it, deep and silken, resonating over the water. Its vibrations made his chestbone thrum. The hum reached deep into him.
It was nothing like he remembered it from those times she sung in taverns on nights of celebration. Back then her voice was filled with mirth and was carried far on the wind through the city of Armenelos. She was breathless from dancing but continued her song nonetheless. He thought her very beautiful in her gowns, she wore light fabric sandals, with so many scuffmarks from dancing on the cobblestones you could barely make out a pattern anymore, and so many bracelets that jingled and sang with her movements.
Silently he walked up the steps and thanked the Valar none squeaked under his weight. He wished to hear more of her voice. His eyes flitted to the movement in the water suddenly. His lungs pulled an involuntary breath of chill air.
What at first looked like floating rocks, he now after squinting recognised as heads. Bobbing in the water they looked like they'd been cut off and thrown into the water. His first thought was corsairs - in which case it'd be very strange that his friend was singing to decapitated heads. After some consideration and more squinting he realised what exactly he was looking at.
“You shouldn't have shown yourself to them.. they're gonna try to eat ya now." Y/N turned her head slowly at him with an unsettling look.
His breath stilled as he stared, terrified at his friend.
When she saw his face she laughed. It was light and airy with no hint of danger. "I'm jokin', don't soil your pants Isil! You look downright mortified." Her smile reached her crescent eyes that shone in the moonlight.
"Wha.. oh my Valar.. Y/N! Don't joke about that." He whisper-yelled at his friend coming closer to her, tugging her by the tunic to get her farther from the ship's edge. "This ain't no laughing matter, we gotta tell... someone.. no?"
"Who? The captain? What you think she's gonna do? Throw a barrel?” She snorted a laugh. "And anyway.. there's nothing else to be done." Looking back at the bobbing heads in the water who have resorted to swimming in circles around each other in some strange unknown dance.
"They're just enjoyin' the night."
Isildur stared at it all, bewildered at what he thought were child's tales come alive. Right there in front of him, they were beautiful almost strangely so. Their skin was a scaled sheer gray that shone iridescent in the pale moonlight. Their hair was bound with thin ropes and pinned with seashells and crab remains. Some wore teeth of sharks or whales around their necks. And their eyes shone with huge pupils.
Then his eyes slipped back unto Y/N and he thought, what if she'd been one of them all along, with her beautiful face and soft silky hair, her confidence and passion, her love for the ocean and all things in it. The singing. He'd believe it now as she hummed, he was sure he'd believe anything she'd tell him.
Several voices mingled in the air now, ethereal and captivating in a dangerous way.
"Do you sing to them often?" His voice quivered as he found himself asking. Wanting to know more about this not-so-secret-secret part of her life.
"Not really, I could count all of our encounters on my hands. They come out to the surface after storms, because a lot of cargo goes overboard the ships." As she spoke he noticed that most of their jewellery was indeed of numenorean make, the ropes, the leather straps or even some of the metal-work.
He chuckled and quipped, "What a bunch of little thieves huh?"
"They'd steal your eyeballs if you'd let 'em." She laughed bumping her shoulder against his.
"Oh no.. please that's." Isildur made a disgruntled noise and pulled a disgusted face. He hated gross eyeball talk, that she'd always found so funny to poke at.
“Yummyy~” she sung. “But don’t worry, I won’t let them.” Her smile widened as she focused on him.
“Oh.. why thank you my most honorable knight.” He rolled his eyes to the stars and continued staring at the pretty waves dispersed by the strange creatures.
“Mmm... Look.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a shiny broach. He rembembered faintly she’d bought it by the docks. For a few coins, it was rather old and nothing special then. But it seemed as though she’d polished it since, what was once an old trinket now reflected the waves’ shimmering light.
What sent a shiver up his back though, was the simultaneous turning of heads. They all stared now, with enlarged pupils, like cats seeing a mouse scuttering around the corner.
Next thing he knew she sprung her arm with great strength and sent the broach flying more than 60 meters far into the waves.
The water made a ‘glunck’ noice as it swallowed the silver piece and for a moment all was silent before the creatures bellow splashed and disappeared into the depths.
“The hunt begins,” she whispered with a smile.
“Not creepy at all Y/N,” he deadpanned.
She wheezes at his reaction slapping her thigh whilst bowing over from laughter.
"Oh Isil..." she gathered her breath through the giggles and gazed at him. He stopped for a moment and considered her. Was this.. longing he saw in her eyes?
There was that moment during the storm, his thoughts returned to that night and he held his breath subconsciously. Where he'd gathered the confidence to do what he did next he did not know.
"(Name), are you interested in anyone?" He pushed the sentence out of his lungs before he could overthink it. Almost immediately he regretted it.
Then her hand reached out for his face. As if on its own, he almost flinched in the silence. And then her warm hand was resting on his cold wind flushed cheek.
He could not speak, nor breathe even. Transfixed, bolted to the ground by her eyes.
"Isil..." she breathed tenderly.
The warmth of her voice drew an involuntary yet necessary breath from him, an embarrassingly desperate noise made its way from his throat.
A devilish smile stretched across her face. And somewhere deep inside he realized this tender hearted creature was no different from those that splashed among the waves. Bold, dangerous and beautiful all the same.
He barely registered his body moving forward head leaning down and his lips crashing onto hers like two rives meeting in a floodplain. Hands wrapped around him and trailed into his tousled hair. He hugged as tightly as he had that night when she`d nearly slipped from his arms.
She pulled her mouth from his barely enough to whisper.
Hiii!! I love your writing and recently I’ve been loving isildur . I was wondering if you could do something with him perhaps where the reader is the sister to galdriel and is an elf?? Or really anything I can’t find any Isildur posts. Thanks :))))
Listen, Isildur is my baby and I cannot simply ignore a request about him. Also thank you because this fanfic brought me back from the dead, it's been so long since I last posted a story on here, but I'm back baby!!!!
Remember that english is not my first language, so please correct me if you see any mistakes!
Love
Ardisia 🖋
KISSED BY THE SUN
From: the Rings of Power
Pair: Isildur x female elf reader
Genre: angst, some fluff to spice up the plot
Warnings: mention of violence, mention of death, weapons, fire, spiders, Isildur himself (please correct me if I missed anything)
Words: 2948
A/N: if you would like to read more of my stories here you can find my masterlist
my paypal would be so apprecieted since I'm saving money for my surgery
The first time Isildur saw her he thought he was watching directly in the eyes of the sun. Her hair was glowing in gold, her armour shining in the same colours and her eyes had the warm shade of honey. He felt like he could admire her forever, but Valandil dragged him away snickering.
<<You do know we are actually here to fight against orcs and not to stare at pretty elves right?>> Isildur only nodded, his cheeks red from embarrassment. He couldn’t help himself when he looked back at her one last time and she returned his smile.
At dawn they rode to free Ostirith from the orcs, Isildur was beside his father, riding Berek as fast as he could. He tried with all his strength to look away from the elf in front of him, but when the first rays of sunshine lighted her hair and the wind spread them wildly like an aura he simply had to admire her. He had never seen such beauty in Numenor, he didn’t even think such beauty could exist.
Soon the Numenoreans reached the battle field and one by one the orcs started to fall. Piles of bodies started to get in the way, in the distance he could see his father being dragged down and if it wasn’t for Hallbrand’s spear he would be an orphan. He kneeled next to him worried.
<< Father!>> <<I’m fine…>> <<I thought->> <<I’m fine Isil…>> Elendil brought their foreheads together briefly and Isildur helped him get up. He didn’t even register the orc that was about to slain him if not for his father's scared expression. In a heartbeat he heard a squelching sound behind him and turned around, sword in hand. The golden elf was smiling at him, an orc at their feet, which Isildur understood was about to kill him.
<<Thank you!>> it came out more high-pitched and hysterical than he had meant to, but all of a sudden he felt more nervous of being in front of her than being in the middle of a fight.
<<You should be more careful. I may not be able to save you next time.>> she replied and went back to fight without sparing him another glance. Isildur felt lightheaded and his father had to drag him away.
It was midday when the streets got cleared of the foes, Isildur was happily chatting with Ontamo and Valandil, looking at the golden elf from time to time.
<<You should try talking to her.>> suggested Ontamo and Isildur almost snapped his neck because of how fast he turned around. <<And tell her what? Have you seen her? She is too beautiful for me, I could never- >> but his pitiful monologue got interrupted by Valandil. <<At least try Isil. You have been burning holes in her back with your eyes. Staring will not bring you any closer.>> Isildur opened his mouth to retort, but the object of their discussion approached them, still smiling.
<<Hello! I’m so sorry for interrupting, but your queen has asked for your presence. And your Berek is wounded, I checked on him, but he won’t listen to me. You should go see him.>> Y/N had spoken with such a soft tone that made Isildur melt on the spot. Too late he realised he was bubbling and Ontamo kicked him behind his ankle to get his attention.
<<Uhm of course… right away my lady. Not- not that you are… mine I mean- uhm I should go see Berek…>> he saw his two friends trying to hold back a laugh, red cheeks and lips curled up like they were ready to burst any moment, but the golden elf was still smiling at him and he tripped stupidly over a rock. Isildur was mortified and went away as fast as he could, face burning red. He could hear Valandil faking a cough and sighed. At least Berek wouldn’t judge him.
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When Mount Doom exploded with lava and fire, Y/N was on the other side of the camp, far away from her older sister. Instead of running away she tried to get as close to her as she could, but when the rocks started raining over them she was forced to take cover. She tried gathering up as many people as she could, pushing them far from the village and even that was not enough. Too soon the smoke came as a storm towards them, clouding everything in its burning darkness. Y/N shielded her eyes, calling for her sister over and over, but the screams of men around them covered her voice. Some orcs freed themselves, gaining advantage over the Numenoreans soldiers as they looked at the volcano frightened. In a fraction of moment Y/N decided to help the soldiers, freeing a path for them and the remaining villagers; she called out to them and luckily they heard her. Their commander, Elendil the tall, approached her giving orders to his soldiers to pick as many people as they could and get back to their camp. He then spoke directly to her. <<Have you seen my son? Have you seen the Queen?>> <<No Commander; go with your people, I’ll look for them myself.>> and without another word she went in the other direction, calling out for her majesty and to look out for Elendil’s son.
Y/N couldn’t lie to herself, the brunette boy had catched his eye the moment she had met him. During the little time they had shared together he had proved himself witty and funny, but also determined, kind and sensitive. She liked the gentleness of people, she had seen so much in him to give her a regained hope towards Men, a feeling she thought was lost.
When she finally found them they were about to get into a burning house, people were trapped inside. <<Your majesty!!>> she called and ran towards them. The queen was escorting some children outside while the brunette tried to keep the roof from falling.
Y/N helped clear the house of everybody, she extended her hand for the boy to take it before the roof above them started crashing down. <<YOU CAN DO IT! GIVE ME YOUR HAND, I’M RIGHT HERE!>> she shouted, the boy only shook his head. <<GO BEFORE IT GETS YOU.>> But it was too late. the roof gave away covering the boy from her sight and pushing her down. She tried removing the wood to look for him, but the fire was too hot, it made her eyes teary and burning in pain.
Y/N looked at the house defeated and distraught… she had seen countless lives being taken away that day and her hearts ached for them, for the boy although it ached a little more.
Y/N walked behind the Numenoreans and the villagers in silence, mourning and rethinking every choice she had made that day. The worst thought of all, she didn’t even know if her sister was still alive, if she had gotten out of Ostirith somehow.
She trailed behind the group until they reached the settlement. She would have loved a place to sleep for the night and some warm food, but the feeling of guilt was too strong, it clouded her mind and silently she parted ways, walking the woods to the west. Y/N didn’t have a plan for what was to come, would she return to Lindon or stop in Eregion? She didn’t know yet, for now she would just walk away.
Y/N had lost track of time, she could not tell how long it had been before Berek came to find her in the woods. She had always thought that horse was too intelligent, it always seemed to know what the person in front of him was feeling. Berek nudged her shoulder and pushed her gently by his side. She caressed its neck and rested her forehead against it. It felt so soothing, like warm water washing away all the pain.
Together they continued their journey until they found themselves among the ruins of a village. Orcs tried to take them, hungry for flesh, but Berek and Y/N fought their way out together, the horse running away in the forest in front of them and the elf shooting arrows at the vile creatures behind.
The night was getting closer when they reached a cave. Y/N looked around herself with a sense of unease in her heart. There were bones and skulls under the foliage and spiderwebs at the entrance of the cave, not the most welcoming place to sleep. Carefully they got into the cave, Berek sniffing the ground, she imagined he was hungry after all the running. She was exploring the cave when she heard a soft voice behind her <<Berek… my boy…>> she turned around so fast and ran where the horse was. It was not alone, the brunette boy, the Commander’s son was there, wrapped in spiderwebs, but alive.
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Isildur could not believe his eyes, he thought he was seriously hallucinating. The golden elf was right beside him, cutting the web that was imprisoning him and she had brought his beloved Berek with her.
<<You… you came back for me?>> she looked him in the eyes smiling brightly. <<I didn't think I would find you, but I’m so glad I did. You really should be more careful…>> He got out of the web, for a moment they stood still and then she hugged him. Isildur melted, it felt like a lifetime since he last received a hug and Valar only knew how much he needed it. The death of Ontamo, being far from home in a foreign land, the battle, his dead companions… all those feelings came crashing down on him.
They soon got distracted. The cave, as they noticed, was full of eggs and disgusting little spiders were crawling out, moving in their direction. Isildur took the elf hand and ran with her, helping her get on Berek’s back, but when he tried to do the same two arms gripped at him and fell on the ground an orc on top of him. His mind went blank with the adrenaline of the fight, he took the nearest rock, but before he could hit the creature a gigantic spider took the orcs head, turning its focus on Isildur next. An arrow flew above his head so fast he only barely registered it and passed through the spider’s eyes, killing it.
<<Thank you.>> he breathed out and positioned himself behind her, urging his horse outside. They rode silently for miles, the night had fallen over the world, giving them enough cover to proceed unbothered.
They stopped only when dawn started to colour the sky again. The elf found them a shelter in an abandoned ruin and Isildur lit a fire to warm them. Luckily there was enough grass for Berek to be satisfied and a pond of clear water where he could wash his face.
When he got back the girl was sitting by the fire, watching the flames moving.
<<Are you alright?>> she turned her gaze on him and smiled. He liked that about her, he found it comforting. <<I should be the one asking you that… how are you feeling-...>> <<Isildur.>> <<How are you feeling Isildur?>> he smiled, hearing his name from her felt so different and so right. <<I will be fine. Thank you for saving me-...>> <<Y/N.>> << Thank you Y/N. For everything.>> she smiled again, this time more brightly and Isildur couldn’t stop thinking how much she reminded him of the sun. A few minutes passed by in a comforting silence. Isildur, who couldn’t be still in Numenor for longer than 2 minutes, felt like he could stay there forever, simply bathing in the comfort radiating from Y/N. She started humming a melody that sounded like a love song and slowly his eyes began to feel heavy, his mind drifting to sleep while he listened to the sounds around him.
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Y/N had put some fish over the fire, waiting patiently for it to cook. Isildur had been sleeping for hours now, so much the sun was starting to set behind the trees. She didn’t want to wake him up imagining how tired his mind must have been, but enjoying that time to reorganise her own thoughts as well.
What was happening to her? She had wandered away from the Numenoreans and the villagers mourning, but her heart felt calm and at peace in that moment. Was it because of the boy snoring loudly beside her? She looked at him: he was laying on the grass, arms spread above his head and legs in strange angles she could not understand, his mouth open proudly snoring. She laughed without meaning to, in the centuries she had lived she had never seen someone sleep like that. The sound of her laugh however woke up Isildur at last.
<<How- how long have I slept?>> he asked, his voice lowered after sleeping for so long.
<<Almost all day… I’m really sorry Isildur, I didn’t mean to wake you up.>> <<Don’t worry about it, I feel rested enough. Do I smell fish?>> she nodded and offered him a comforting smile which he returned. He happily took the chore of cooking and they chatted almost without catching a breath. Isildur started illustrating all the ways a Numenoreans would cook the fish, explaining which spices tasted better in which recipes. Y/N was fast to notice how his smile started to flatten at the mention of his Motherland; she reached out a hand for him and squeezed lightly. He gave her another shy smile, which made her old heart skip a beat.
What was about this boy that kept drawing her closer and closer to his body, to his smile and funny way of being alive? Why could she feel his emotions like her own? He was sad and she felt sadder than she had ever been, if he was scared she was terrified for him, but if he was happy she felt the happiest. It was dangerous, she needed not to forget mortality and the inevitable course of time; loving a man, loving a mortal, was what elves called one of the greatest pains. But the thought of leaving him to his life felt just as painful. Then what did she have to do?
<<Y/N? Did you hear what I said?>> his voice brought her back from her internal monologue. He was looking at her worryingly while she had lost herself in his irises. She turned around and fixed her eyes on the fire. <<I’m sorry, I fear my thoughts took over for a moment.>>
<<I understand… I- I wanted to ask you to accompany me to Numenor’s settlement tomorrow.>> he had an hopeful look and she realised how doomed she actually was, if that boy had asked her to dance with a Balrog she would have.
<<Of course… We will travel as soon as the sun rises.>> he nodded once and proceeded to pass the fish. They ate in silence, the comfort that boy was radiating felt like a warm blanket over her shoulders.
<<You should get some more rest Isildur, I will stand guard for tonight.>> she urged and he shook his head. <<No, I slept the whole day… you should rest and let me do the first round for tonight, I must insist Y/N.>>
She wanted to retort, but her body was aching and her soul still needed time to heal its wounds, so it wouldn't be so bad sleeping a few hours.
<<Fine, but wake me up in a couple of hours. I will take your place.>> Isildur nodded, but didn’t look very convinced. She ignored it and as soon as her head touched the grass she fell fast asleep.
Y/N was running and running, trying to reach her siblings, but the more she ran, the far they got. When she reached them it was too late, Sauron was towering over them, his dark mark on their bodies like he possessed them. She felt like she was falling, drowning, burning.
When she reopened her eyes, two warm hands stopped her and slowly she focused her gaze on the brunette boy in front of her. Isildur was pushing back wet strands of hair, involuntarily caressing her. Y/N leaned into the touch and the boy didn’t draw back.
<<Are you alright?>> he asked softly, careful not to startle her.
<<Yes, I’m sorry… It was just a bad dream. I’m ready to switch places now.>> she was getting up, but Isildur stopped her. <<Y/N please… you didn’t even get an hour of rest, get back to sleep and I promise you I’ll be fine…>>
Y/N had always been described as rational and non-impulsive; in that moment however she decided to let her heart take charge and did quite the opposite. She brought their foreheads together, their breaths mixing without closing the gap between their lips, her hands shaking a little when she put them in his curls. Isildur closed his eyes, but none of them moved an inch closer.
<<I’m glad I found you… I’m glad I’m here with you. Stay with me Isildur…>> she murmured and he nodded happily. <<As long as you want me to, my sunshine.>> he laid with her on the grass, keeping her close to his toned body with one arm. Soon she started to feel tired again, but before she could fall asleep once again she heard him murmur one last thing to her ear.
<<Looks like you were able to save me one another time after all.>>
So, in the past two days, I somehow posted four fics. Only four. But where I'm really clowning at is the fact that I have more stuff I worked on.🤡💀
I have two fics left for Fluff Week, and I can see the finish line, but am I running towards it gracefully? No. I am crawling. I am dragging myself there like a tragic battle-worn soldier.🧎♂️🏁
Also, I dropped an Éomer/Boromir fic those past few days because my brain said, "You know what would be fun? Middle-earth’s two most golden-retriever-coded warlords in love." 🐶✨ But since it’s not a trope-related fic, it doesn’t count for Fluff Week. It just exists. Like a chaotic little bonus surprise.
At this rate, I have written enough words to fill an entire book series recently, and honestly, I think my brain is running purely on Hozier lyrics, stubbornness, and caffeine. ☕💀 If you see any typos, no you don’t. My French is trying to reclaim my soul, and English is just vibrating apart at the seams. 😭💖
Hope you all have a great day/night!!💖✨
"Raccoon Bites and Shampoo Fights", an Isildur/Reader for Fluff Week!
Summary: You’ve had many bad ideas in your life.
Wearing crocs to a wedding. Letting your cousin bleach your hair in her bathroom using something labeled “experimental”. That one time in high school you ate three-day-old sushi because it “smelled fine.”
But letting Isildur be in charge of anything related to this camping trip?
Yeah. That might just take the cake.
He’d insisted. Practically bounced on the balls of his feet, arms full of sleeping bags and his delusional optimism.
“I know the forest like the back of my hand!” he declared with the confidence of a man who has absolutely never looked at the back of his hand a day in his life.
Link here!!!
"License to Chill", another Isildur/Reader for Fluff Week!
Summary: You don't know how it started.
One moment, you're walking beside Isildur in the warmth of an unusually golden afternoon, the two of you basking in the rare freedom of time off. The next, you're standing in front of a quaint little creamery tucked between two stone buildings like a secret kept by the sun itself.
Isildur’s eyes gleam with boyish excitement, his fingers twitching with anticipation as he reads the flavors aloud.
“Vanilla bean... boring. Mint chip... criminal. Oho—double dark chocolate swirls of doom? That has my name written all over it.”
“You mean diabetes has your name written all over it,” you tease.
Link here!!!
"The Most Important Deadline", an Elendil/Reader TLC fic for Fluff Week!
Summary: The glow of your laptop screen was the only source of light in the dim room, casting soft blue shadows across your face. Your fingers twitched weakly on the keyboard, but the words blurred together, your eyelids drooping against your will. Sleep had been teasing you for over an hour now, but you had convinced yourself—just a little more, just one more paragraph, one last edit—until your head finally dipped forward, forehead nearly meeting the keyboard in defeat.
A deep chuckle pulled you from the edge of unconsciousness.
“You’re going to wake up with a keyboard imprinted on your cheek,” Elendil’s voice was warm, edged with quiet amusement. Before you could even muster a response, strong hands slid beneath your knees and around your back, effortlessly lifting you into his arms.
“Wait—my laptop—” you mumbled, reaching sluggishly for it.
“I’ll put it away,” he assured you, already moving with the ease of a man who had done this before.
Link here!!!
"A Father's Heart", a Gil-galad/Nimue fic for Fluff Week!! (OC girlie from my fic "Gilded")
Summary: The morning sun spilled through the open windows, casting a golden glow over the cozy home as the scent of fresh bread and spring air drifted in. Birds chirped lazily outside, and the distant hum of the village waking up set the perfect scene for what was about to unfold.
Inside, however, three children were deeply invested in a covert mission: Father’s Day Surprise Operation.
Melion, barely able to keep secrets for longer than five minutes, was bouncing on his feet, his messy copper curls flopping with every movement. Eiry, more composed, was painstakingly folding a piece of parchment in half, pressing each crease down perfectly. Illy, the mastermind behind most of their little escapades, had her tongue between her teeth as she fiercely wrapped something in a cloth bundle.
“Do you think he’ll like it?” Melion whispered, though his whisper was not a whisper at all.
“Mel, shh,” Eiry scolded, her dark curls bouncing as she looked around suspiciously, as if Gil was about to materialize behind them. “We have to keep it a surprise!”
“But I worked weally hawd on mine!” Melion pouted, clutching the slightly misshapen wooden carving in his little hands. “I wan’ to give it to him nowww.”
Link here!!!
"Knocked out by Charm", an Eomer/Boromir fic!
Summary: Gods above. Éomer’s grip on his sword tightened.
He didn’t have time to react properly to the nonsense Boromir was spouting. He was a warrior, damn it. He fought or he didn’t. Words were for scholars and fools—not for fighters in the heat of the moment.
But he was flustered. And that was the exact moment he let his guard down.
Boromir tilted his head, smirking all the more as he closed the distance between them. His chin lifted, his eyes never leaving Éomer’s. The smug look on his face made Éomer’s blood boil, and before he could stop it, his instincts took over. He swung the wooden sword with the precision of a battle-hardened warrior.
And there it was. The sickening thwack as his sword made contact with Boromir’s nose.
Boromir’s whole body jolted backward. His breath left him in a strangled NGH! sound, eyes widening as he stumbled, hands shooting up to clutch his face.
Link here!!!
ANYWAY- thanks for reading as always, I'll go back to the usual schedule soon enough!! @rivendellwatch
Y/n has been friends with Isildur for years, but as the holidays roll around in Númenor, she has realized that her feelings have become deeper.
Word Count: 921
Fluff
My requests are always open, so feel free to message me if you have an idea! I'll write for any character from The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, or The Rings of Power!
The streets of Numenor were covered in winter-themed decorations; Y/n’s favorite always was the golden lanterns strung from house to house, creating an illusion of warmth even on the coldest night. Y/n held onto a basket filled to the brim with Isildur’s favorite cookies, hoping to brighten up his night with holiday cheer.
She had known Isildur ever since she was a child, and though they had been friends for the longest time, increasingly, she grew suspicious that there was something else there. Quite frankly, something felt right about telling him how she felt during the winter festivities, especially since it was the time when they first became friends.
When she had finally made it to the front door of his house, Y/n took a deep breath, nervous about the events that were about to unfold. She knew Isildur would never be mean to her, but rejection was something that she very much didn’t want to experience.
Raising her hand, she went to knock on the door, but before her hand hit the wood, she couldn’t help but smile softly at the wreath that Isildur and her had made when they were children. Her heart was full of warmth, standing in stark contrast to the cold air surrounding her.
She lightly drummed on the door, and the couple of moments it took for someone to answer felt like an eternity. But the door did swing open, and Y/n was face to face with Isildur, whose eyes lit up the second they fell upon her form.
“What are you doing here?” Isildur asked, smirking down at the woman.
“I was hoping to maybe spend some time with you if you’re not already occupied with something else,” Y/n responded, lifting the basket of baked goods, their sweet scent carrying through the air making Isildur laugh a little bit.
“How could I ever turn down an offer such as this one,” he replied, lifting the top of the basket, taking one of the cookies, and standing in the doorway.
“Isil, how dare you let me freeze out here, while you eat all the cookies. Those are supposed to last the entire night,” she joked, pushing her way inside playfully.
He shook his head and smiled at the woman before following her to the table where she set the basket of cookies down. He watched as she began to take the desserts out and place them on a plate and noticed that her hands were shaking.
They were, but he figured she was shaking from the cold when she was shaking because she was incredibly nervous. Y/n was decent at hiding her nervousness from reaching her facial expressions, but she couldn’t stop the inadvertent shaking of her hands.
“Are you cold? Would you prefer we sit in front of the fire?” Isildur asked, raising one of his eyebrows as he scanned her face for any answer.
“That sounds lovely,” Y/n responded hastily, taking up the opportunity to write her problem off simply as the cold got to her.
Even though Isildur saw the smile plastered on Y/n’s face, he began to suspect that something was up.
She was acting… odd.
It seemed as if there was something that she needed to get off her chest, but he couldn’t think of anything that would possibly be troubling her… except.
“Is something on your mind?” he asked, tilting his head to the side, his eyes widening in mild concern.
“Actually, yes there is,” she said, staring directly into the fire, making it her mission not to make eye contact with him.
“Y/n, you must be a bit more specific than that. You know I’m always here to listen and give you advice to the best of my ability. I’m sorry if I made you feel like you had to hide something from me,” He spoke softly, getting up and sitting on the ledge in front of the fireplace so that she had no choice but to look at him.
“Isildur, you’ve done absolutely nothing wrong, there’s no need for you to apologize,” Y/n started, and she could see that he was practically holding his breath while waiting to hear what she had to say next.
“I’ve been thinking about us a lot lately, and I know we’ve been friends since before I could remember, but I don’t see you as a friend anymore. I think… no, I know I’m in love with you. And it’s alright if you do not share the same feelings as me, but I needed to---.” Her voice was cut off when Isildur’s fingers gently pushed a couple of stray strands of hair around her face.
The slow, yet sudden feeling of contact with his fingers on her face made her freeze. Every word she wanted to say escaped her, and she could do nothing other than look up at the man doe-eyed.
He began to lean forward, and they maintained gazes until both pairs of eyes fluttered shut in anticipation of their lips connecting. Isildur kissed her slowly, his lips lingering on hers for a moment before they separated.
When he did, Isildur swore that how the firelight flickered and danced upon Y/n’s skin made her look ethereal. He sat there, lips parted in awe, trying to catch his breath. It wasn’t only the kiss that took his breath away, rather it was the woman that he shared it with.
“I love you too, Y/n, and I always will,” Isildur whispered, before placing a quick yet soothing kiss above her brow.
