Mini Novels to Read on Your Way to Erebor
So, you remember how I said that I was going to start actively posting again...like three years ago, yeah, that didn't happen. But here's a new rec list that I hope will bring you some smiles!
This list isn't theme-based, but length based. These fics are basically novellas, loitering somewhere from 20k to 55k words
A New Coat by determamfidd
|| teen - 27.1k - completed - oc/oc ||
The Terror of Erebor and the Tailor of Pincup: a romance told in miscommunication, misadventure, and millions of cups of tea.
How in Arda did Gimizh of Aglarond and Perry Took of the Shire ever meet, let alone fall in love?
Notes: I love this fic with all my heart. While the context of determanfidd's epic of a fic (sanskuh) definitely enhances the story and adds to the worldbuilding you absolutely do not have to read it to enjoy this story. Bottom line: Gimli's nephew falls in love with a hobbit. It's awesome.
Oh, There You Are by LittleLynn
|| explicit - 30.9k - completed - Bd/Th ||
When Thranduil tells a teeny lie to Dain, Bard ends up rolling his eyes (as per) and agreeing to help his friend (as per), how hard could it be to pretend to be romantically involved with the Elvenking? Bard was pretty sure that it would actually be rather amusing.
What could possibly go wrong?
Notes: This fic is like so funny and so worth you're time. It's a classic miscommunication/fake dating scenario, but executed really well.
The Sun’s Return by silverneko9liveso
|| mature- 50.5k - completed - T/B ||
Sequel to "Don't Go." Bilbo is behind in getting back to Erebor two years after making the promise to return. He sent a letter, but apparently it didn’t make it to Erebor…and what are these rumors about an early spring wedding? Slow burn Bagginshield, established Nofur, Dwori, other relationship to be added
Notes: Ah. Love. Very much.
Hobbit Magic by thedisgruntledone
|| teen - 47.5k - completed - T/B ||
The Hobbit with a Practical Magic twist. Every hobbit in the Shire knows about the Took Curse - anyone so foolish as to love a member of the Took clan is fated to die. This curse has kept one Bilbo Baggins from engaging in any sort of relationship that might turn romantic, for fear of the Curse taking them as it did his father. He firmly plans on staying alone forever, fortifying his walls with a list of the qualities his perfect mate must possess. However, he never counted on the will of a wizard, a company of dwarves desperate to reclaim their home, or meeting the one being in Middle-Earth who might just fit all of his criteria.
Notes: This one hurt. Read it. I beg.
Flowering Stars and Dragon Fire by Prince_Ofluff
|| mature - 29.1k - completed - T/B ||
The Arkenstone wasn't a stone at all, it was a dragon egg forged in the heart of the mountain and nurtured by the veins of gold and jewels that surrounded it. Smaug is protective of his son but there is little that can stifle Bilbo's curiosity. In one careless moment his son is taken from him by a dark necromancer who wishes to control all of Middle Earth.
Thorin son of Thrain son of Thror only wants to regain his home and rebuild the kingdom of his youth. His is a single minded focus and he's not above using a rescued dragonling to do it. But as Bilbo slowly becomes part of the company he realizes there's more about dragons that he's ever known, and when he see's how far Bilbo is willing to go for them it changes everything.
Time itself will bend to see these two together.
Notes: Dragon bilbo dragon bilbo dragon bilbo.
along the silent field of asphodel by fideliant
|| teen - 25.1k - completed - T/B ||
In which the God of Death falls in love, improvises a kidnapping, gets spun in circles by the God of Spring, goes to bits, and nearly takes the whole world with him on the way down. He'd much rather have all hell break loose, really — at least that would give him a home-ground advantage.
Notes: Greek Mythology AU my beloved.
See Me Fall by livingdeadgirl
|| mature - 25.4k - completed - T/B ||
After the battle, Bilbo suffered an injury that leaves him reliant on a walking stick and very angry with Thorin for his betrayal.
No simple apology will make Bilbo forgive him, not this time.
Notes: BAMF! Bilbo wins every time.
Through the darkness, rise by starsailorwrites
|| teen - 52.7k - completed - T/B ||
During the Battle of the Five Armies, Bilbo dies. On the other side, he's met by the Essence of the Universe - and they are not pleased with this turn of events. Deciding to send Bilbo back, they give him two advantages: knowledge, and strength.
Bilbo is born as a dragon of the First Age with all the memories of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins. First, he has to survive several thousand years as a dragon... and then, when he's finally a hobbit again, he has to deal with keeping his identity secret while traveling with the Company of thirteen dwarves. With guilt eating him up and worry of the future gnawing at his bones, Bilbo sets off for the March of Erebor. He can only hope he won't fall for a certain dwarven king on his way there... again.
Notes: This fic like partially destroyed me. And also dragons.
It Was Probably the Pumpkins by karategal
|| mature - 22.4k - completed - T/B ||
Dís doesn't appreciate it when people flirt with her brother. Most specifically, her very rich and married brother. So, when a bunch of dwarven harpies attempt to run the princess' favorite hobbits out of the Lonely Mountain, Dís decides to take matters into her own vengeful hands.
Never underestimate the ingenuity of a pissed off dwarven princess.
Notes: DIS! That's all you need to know. But seriously it's great and such a classic and aghskdijkiih, ya know?
Previous Engagements by Lunarflare14
|| teen - 26.7k - completed - T/B ||
After the Battle of Five Armies Thorin and Company have a new task: rebuilding their reclaimed home. Suddenly Bilbo finds himself up to his ears in responsibility and he surprises himself with how well he can navigate negotiations with elf dignitaries, farmers in Dale, and a dwarf king who has patience for neither.
But as Spring approaches a caravan from the Blue mountains brings something everyone had nearly forgotten: the dwarf woman Thorin promised his hand to many years ago.
Which is fine. It's all fine. It wasn't like Bilbo was falling in love with the king or anything.
Notes: Bureaucracy should be a tag/au, i would eat that shit up.
|| teen - 29.1k - completed - G/L ||
"Terroir - the characteristic taste and flavor imparted to a wine by the environment in which it is produced."
It's almost the tourist season in the wine country, and Greenwood Cellars is gearing up for its busiest time of year. The new Blue Mountain Public House threatens to disrupt decades of tradition - this is wine country, after all.
Aragorn is running for County Sheriff on a platform of community policing - but he's running against his boss.
Eowyn feels trapped in the family business, and thinks the handsome young motorcycle cop is her ticket out.
And Gandalf is selling his fireworks, like he always has, even though there's no way they should be legal.
The story of a town, and the people who want to make it better, and what happens in one tourist season.
Notes: This fic is so unique in my opinion. Like it's a modern AU, but the setting is so...different? It's a special fic, but I will say that I have to be in a certain frame of mind to read it.
Mates, Marks, Souls and Such by Lumeleo
|| general - 43.3k - completed - T/B ||
Series! Part one summary:
Hobbits, Bilbo finds, have an exceedingly simple way of finding their soulmates: You fall in love with who you will, and once you both feel the same, you'll get your marks. Dwarves, in typical dwarven fashion, do everything backwards, getting their marks first and then trying to find the matching one. Really, he's quite content to be courted by Thorin, who has no mark at all.
Kíli has no mark, either, until they come to Mirkwood, and things get needlessly complicated. Because of course elves do things yet another way, as though Bilbo didn't have enough of a headache already.
Of course, there's also the ultimate question: how to tell about your pregnancy to a partner who is not only gold-mad, but also doesn't believe in the existence of illegitimate children?
Notes: AHHH! Classic! And a classic for a reason. Soulmates at its best. Read. It.
The Long Way Around by hope91
|| teen - 41.6k - completed - G/L;Bd/Th ||
Centuries after passing on to the dwarven Halls of Waiting, Gimli is tasked with one final quest in the Undying Lands – escorting a lingering mortal spirit to his immortal Love, in the hope that amends can be made and both can find closure and peace. Along the way, Gimli is reminded of the finality of separation from his dearest friend – and eventually realizes he can deny his heart no longer.
Notes: Awwwww. Although the Barduil is more setting than plot it is still so sweet and the gigolas is top tier.
Beneath the Mountains Music Woke by EmilianaDarling
|| mature - 50.2k - completed - T/B ||
After being rescued by Bilbo, Thorin begins to realize that his feelings for the halfling are more than simple gratitude. But past ills cannot be so easily undone, and the growing need inside him proves difficult to understand or control. And although he might be king in name, a man without land or wealth has little to offer anyone.