#tagalongau

[helplessavacado]

@aspecardaweek

Day 5 / May 14th: Relationships || Linguistics

Bilbo Baggins and Thorin Oakenshield, discussing translations and old legends in Rivendell's gardens.

(Further Rambling and Lore Below the Cut)

Tag-Along AU ofc partakes in the Everyone Lives Nobody Dies kool-aid that we're all chugging (my last post of this challenge includes more details actually). Thorin abdicates Erebor's throne after a few decades, and spends the remainder of his time with a certain burglar in the Shire. When Bilbo's 111th rolls around, Thorin grabs his walking stick and plods alongside. They didn't make it to Erebor as initially planned, but the stop in Rivendell was needed, and significantly less tense than the last one. They remain in Rivendell as long as Bilbo did in canon, and Thorin actually gets along with their hosts!

Bilbo ofc popped into my mind as soon as I read "Linguistics," so here we are lol. I'm a BIG fan of Asexual Bilbo and Demisexual Thorin, so I had to include them here. And of course, my ever-present Old People Romance Agenda is back in full force, you're welcome 💖💖💖.

[helplessavacado]

@aspecardaweek

Day 6 / May 15th: Intersectionality || Found Family

Fili, Alda, Khel, and Nayaab prepping for a family portrait after Sauron's defeat.

(Further Lore and Rambling Below the Cut)

The application of found family in media means a lot to me, as does adoption. While they might be family legally, I like to think they demonstrate the strength of family through bond rather than blood.

Both Fili and Alda fall under the Craft-wed label, ace/aro if I go for modern terms. Alda and Fili's relationship is one built on trust and mutual sass, platonic soulmates that annoy each other to show affection well into old age. Fili took the throne after Thorin's abdication with Alda at his side. My favorite blondies in a political QPR 🥰.

Khel and Nayaab were unexpected additions to the royal family, through personal and worldwide tragedy. Despite a myriad of difficulties, they found a steady home in Erebor, and loving parents in Fili and Alda. Don't even get me started on how much the company spoiled those two lmao. Most importantly, at least in my opinion, they found support in each other as siblings. Khel never thought she'd be an older sister, but she took to it like a duck to water. She'd protect her little brother with her life, and Nayaab would do the same.

[helplessavacado]

@aspecardaweek

Day 1 / May 10th: Asexuality || Hope

Sifa and her partner, Dái, celebrating after receiving word of Sauron's defeat.

(Further rambling and lore below the cut)

In modern terms, Sifa is demiromantic asexual. Not sure how I would label Dái tbh, they don't seem like the label type, but she's definitely queer asf.

In-world, Sifa operates under the Craft-wed label, married to her work, but sharing her life and home with her closest friend and confidant. Dái and Sifa worked together for years to sabotage the workings of Sauron's forces in the Orocarni. The trust they have for each other is insane, they've saved each other's lives so many damn times they've stopped counting. They're stubborn, spiteful, hoped and fought for a better future, and now they get to live to see it!!

Fun fact: Dái, despite being deathly afraid of needles, allowed Sifa to pierce their ears. Multiple times. Gotta match the Missus, yknow??? And it's some form of exposure therapy with a bonus of pretty jewelry 😂

(she may or may not have fainted after each piercing, but she promised everything was fine lmao)

[helplessavacado]

My loveliest friend @pilkypills doodled my girl as a 20th bday present and y'all tears were shed 😭 Look at Alda, she's just the cutest patootie in Pilky's style, dreaming about future jewelry projects AUGH

Being sappy on main because I can: I really can't thank them enough for their interest and ideas over the past... Year or so?? Every interaction with Pilky has been an absolute joy and inspiration, and I'm so honored to know and collaborate with them!!

[helplessavacado]

Happy Valentine’s day to these two beauties Henní and Gaur💖💖💖 dual custody w/ @pilkypills for Gaur, and I love her so very dearly

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HOLY SHIT, I FINALLY FINISHED A PAGE 🎉

who knows when I’ll finish her other expressions but I’m taking the wins where I can get ‘em!!!

[helplessavacado]

The blondies find this whole situation with Tauriel very amusing

[helplessavacado]

Estur (Beads, Tattoos, Firebeard)

Estur, despite being the youngest daughter of one of the more influential families in Erebor, is a remarkably well-adjusted individual. Her eldest sister is the heir of the family, her older brother joined Erebor’s army, and Estur had the freedom to do whatever she wished ‘Whatever she wished’ happened to be pursuing a career in music, which was a relief for her parents. Rank doesn’t mean much to her, she’s a firm believer that the content of ones character is more important than any title, and is determined to earn her place through her own merit rather than through her family's influence. She wants to impress her parents and earn the admiration of her people, and one can't do that by throwing money at every problem. Estur is very much aware of the privilege of her birthplace and position, and doesn’t take her freedom or riches lightly.

For Estur's hair, tattoos, and ornaments, I took inspiration from the amazing @mrkida-art for Firebeards (specifically these posts). I also yoinked the golden eyes, because I'm unoriginal and they're also very pretty. My art isn't nearly as intricate or shiny, but I hope y'all can see the influence lmao

Estur began as a cutie with no backstory… And now she’s Khel’s romantic interest, because Sapphic Dwarrow make me happy and I need no other reason. Khel is kinda bad at flirting (just like her Amad) and Estur is a baddie with standards. It'll be a trainwreck and I’ll enjoy every moment of it

Height chart below for funzies