Innumerable Stars 2018 Letter

[narya_flame]

Dear creator,

Hi!  Thank you for creating a gift for me; I'm very happy we're a match, and I can't wait to see/read about your version of the character(s) we have in common.

I am very easy to please in terms of content, rating and style. Portraits, comics, mood boards, fluff, gen, angst, smut, vignettes, darkfic, horror – it's all good.

I've chosen these characters because I love them, am fascinated by them, want to see more of them, or some combination of the three. I've written brief prompts for most characters and groups on my list, but I'm very open to your ideas and I'm always excited to see other people's interpretations. Don't feel bound to my thoughts; those are only intended as starting points, and as long as my DNWs are avoided, I will love whatever you come up with.

DNWs

• Character bashing. This is my biggie; the complexity of some of these characters is what draws me to them. (I'm A-OK with one character criticising another's actions, or characters arguing or disliking one another, but please no shoehorning of personal dislikes.
• Perfect Ainur. Well-intentioned but fallible is fine, but I'm not on board with “they can do no wrong."
• Crack fic
• 2^nd person narrator
• MPREG
• Scat/waterworks/emetophilia
• A/B/O
• 24/7 D/S

General Likes 

Fic: 

• Character complexity and conflicting motivations
• Unusual perspectives, original characters (especially female characters) and textual ghosts
• Unreliable narrators and quirky narrative structures – for example, epistolary, fragmented narratives, stories told through found documents, framing devices, stories told out of chronological order 
• Philosophical musings
• Anything to do with languages, linguistics and alphabets 

Art: 

I am not at all artistic; I can't draw, sculpt, paint, sew or even take nice photographs, so honestly, I'm in no position to give steers here, but these are just a few things I get giddy over: 

 

• Clothing, jewellery and hair, especially close ups of tiny details like stitching, beading, braiding etc.
• Similarly, intricate detailing on weaponry and armour will make me drool
• Depictions of the natural world – raindrops beading on leaves, moonlight through a forest canopy, ripples on the surface of a lake...
• Facial expressions conveying more than one emotion at once
• Unusual perspectives – through a window, over a gate, down a tunnel, from a distance...
• Anything that plays with colour, light, shadow, space and movement 

Either: 

• Scenery porn
• Weather and seasons
• Animals, either wild or companion – there are some ideas in the prompts, but I'm a real animal lover. If it has four legs, fur, feathers, fins or scales, I will be a happy lady
• Dragons! (I adore dragons.)
• Castles, fortresses and palaces
• Worldbuilding details – I love acknowledgements of the more mundane/everyday aspects of life in Middle-earth; think trade routes, balancing the books, textile production, agriculture, infrastructure, etc.. You don't have to focus the piece around this (unless you want to!), but little nods are greatly appreciated.
• Objects and places with special significance – a “sense of history”
• Pubs and inns; depictions of bonding over a long drinking session
• Food, drink and celebration – I'm a sucker for depictions of feasts and festivals, but also of curling up with a hot drink (I'm British. Tea is nectar.)
• Games, contests and competitions (particularly if something goes awry)
• Music and musical instruments
• Battle scenes and/or aftermath
• Physical imperfections
• Found families/families of choice
• AU, especially canon divergence and/or “fix it”
• Myth, folklore and fairytale
• Anything Anglo-Saxon influenced or inspired
• The supernatural and uncanny – ghosts, magic, telepathy...
• Shapeshifting
• Fusions of science and magic

 Tolkien-specific Likes 

I'm firmly in the camp of Middle-earth being our world, so I'll eat up any of the following with a spoon: 

 

• Unusual takes on the creation myth and the origin stories for the various races
• A more scientifically accurate interpretation of the history of Middle-earth, including the round world version of the mythology
• Middle-earth characters in the modern world, or throughout known history – obviously Maglor is the classic one here, but there are plenty of others it could work for, especially if you're willing to play fast and loose with the canon!
• Middle-earth characters having visions of events from the future (i.e. our known past) and not fully understanding them – or vice versa
• Any explanation of how Tolkien knew the mythology (bonus points for cameos from CS Lewis and other Inklings)
• Modern characters or characters from known history discovering artefacts from Middle-earth 
• Maedhros/Fingon (not specifically requested them, but they are canon to me!)

Ship Likes 

It's probably worth saying here that I'm open to unrequested ships unless I've specifically stated otherwise elsewhere in the letter – feel free to reach out via the mod if you're not sure. Equally happy with het, slash, fem, ace, poly...if you see it and love it, so will I. 

Many of these could equally apply to friendships or romantic relationships, so I haven't specifically labelled them all. 

 

• Developing friendships and budding romances
• Pre-ship feeling navigation
• Bedsharing – platonic or otherwise
• “The little things” - light brushes with fingertips, smiles across a room...
• Forehead kisses
• Deep loyalty and devotion
• Platonic male-female friendship
• Hurt/comfort (feel free to go heavy on the hurt, e.g. slow recovery from a serious illness or injury)
• Situational relationships – enemies having to work together, or people who wouldn't normally be drawn to each other forming a bond through circumstance
• Occasional hookups/“friends and a bit more”
• Emotional reunions after long separations
• Friendship developing into romance
• Friends or lovers working together in battle
• Navigating bumps (or major mountains) in the road
• Tempestuous, complex or unhealthy relationships (see section on darker stuff); passionate encounters between two or more individuals who would be terrible together long term, but can't resist each other in the here and now
• First times
• Quiet moments
• Depictions of happy, long term relationships/growing old together/very old friends looking back on their shared history 

Smut Likes 

No obligation at all here – write or draw whatever you're comfortable with. If you want to stick to gen, that's more than fine; I will love it either way. 

 

• Bathing; swimming; sex in or near water
• Hair brushing; hair washing; hair braiding
• Sex exploring power dynamics and/or deeply informed by characters' history together
• Comfort sex
• Post-battle sex (or post-other difficult event)
• Orgasm delay/denial
• Body worship
• Enthusiastic consent
• Differing experience levels
• Anything involving attention to the nipples
• Breath play
• Blood play
• Helplessness
• Gags
• Feathers
• Ice
• Chocolate
• Fruit
• Wine 

Darker Stuff 

If your muse takes you down a more disturbing path, I'm fine with that. I do appreciate stories and artwork that deal with more difficult themes, although as with the smutty stuff, there's no expectation to go here if you don't want to. I'll be delighted with anything from grimdark to sunny fluff. 

 

• Whump/hurt without comfort, including terminal illness or fatal injury
• Mental illness, including depression and suicidal thoughts
• Substance abuse
• Death and grief
• Torture
• Psychological manipulation and abuse
• Unhealthy relationships/relationships with troubling dynamics, including obsession, jealousy and co-dependency
• Possession
• Dark magic and curses
• Corruption and decay
• Resurrection and necromancy, including zombie/monster of Frankenstein vibes
• Being trapped in a small dark space, possibly with something terrifying lurking nearby
• Ghost and horror stories (I love the work of Edgar Allen Poe, MR James and Sheridan Le Fanu, so would adore anything with that atmosphere)

Requests 

The Silmarillion (1)
 

Morgoth; Manwë/Melkor - I picked these characters because I'm intrigued by their nature, their origins and their motives. Why did Melkor rise up and rebel? Is he somehow different from the other Valar? (What are the Valar in the first place – are they really Eru's creation, or something else that has existed since before the universe began? Heck, who and what is Eru? Feel free to play with different versions of the creation myth as given in the Silm here.) I've quietly shipped Manwë/Melkor for a while now so would love anything with these two, although I do see it as a passionate clash of titans ending in tragedy and hatred rather than a happily-ever-after.

Meássë; Makar; Nieliqui; Salmar - Why did Meássë and Makar join Melkor in his rebellion, and what drove them to fight against him in the end? What would a daughter of Oromë and Vána be like – and, come to that, how do the Valar reproduce? How do the Ainur bind their craft and magic into the objects they create? (Thinking of Salmar and the Ulumúri, but there must be other examples.)

Ungoliant - What was Ungoliant – a fallen Ainu? A terrible, alien thing that crept out of the Void? What drove her out of there? What in the Void could be scarier than Ungoliant, and more powerful than Melkor himself...? What drew her to Arda?
 

Original Balrog character; Original dragon character - There must have been more Balrogs and dragons than the ones named in the published texts. What were Balrogs like before their Fall? Could they be redeemed? (I like to think so.) And how were dragons created? Are they evil by nature, or could one potentially be tamed and brought up to serve a good cause? I know this isn't canon, but I'm very open to seeing it depicted...

The Silmarillion (2) 

Ingwë – I would love to see a depiction of him wielding his full (and, presumably, awesome) power – maybe to influence The War of Wrath from afar, or perhaps using his gifts against the terrible creatures of Morgoth that hunted the Elves of Cuiviénen through the darkness if they strayed too far from the mere. Alternatively, if you prefer something gentler, I do headcanon him as one of the Unbegotten, and I enjoy seeing different interpretations of the Awakening. 

Morwë & Nurwë – Two characters I don't see enough of in fandom. Why did they refuse the Journey? What were relations like between them and their people after the Vanyar, Noldor and Teleri left? Did their realms flourish after Morgoth was taken to Valinor, or did they descend to in-fighting and rivalry? If you're doing art, I'd be really interested to see your interpretation of their culture and traditions reflected in their clothing, weaponry etc.. (If you ship them, I'm definitely cool with that too.) 

Írimë & Findis – anything featuring the daughters of Finwë would be welcome. I imagine them to be very close friends, and that separating was heartbreaking for both of them. What made Írimë go and Findis stay? If you want to go for something bittersweet but hopeful, how about a reunion after long Ages apart? 

Maglor – I love the tragedy and complexity of his arc. How do you reconcile the gentle (fanonically, at least) musician with the fierce warrior and the ruthless killer? I particularly love the Maglor-in-history trope – a few settings that I haven't seen yet and would love to are: 
 

• Ancient Egypt
• Revolutionary France
• 1920s transatlantic ocean liner
• WW2
• 1980s rock/metal scene 

Celegorm – any point in his life you want to depict is fine by me, from his relationship with Huan and Oromë in Valinor, through swearing the Oath, all the way to his descent into darkness and eventual death. I see him as silver-haired (inherited from Miriel), but it's up to you if you want to run with that. If you want to do shipping, I like him with Aredhel, Finrod or Oromë, but very happy with other pairings too. 

Celebrimbor – oh, he deserved a much better fate than he got. I very hopefully nominated a “Celebrimbor lives” worldbuilding tag, in case anyone fancied a bit of canon divergence. If not, I'd love to see him with Narvi (and incidentally, fem!Narvi is all good by me), perhaps working on the Doors of Durin together. The crafting of the Rings would also be amazing, or... 

Celebrimbor & Gil-galad – I think it's safe to assume they were related somehow, whoever you think Gil's parents were. I don't see a lot of fic with these distant cousins interacting (or maybe I'm not looking hard enough) but I'd be thrilled to see them together in any context. 

Melian/Galadriel – I adore this pairing.  An exploration of Melian's magic and how she translates this into something Galadriel can apply to her own craft would be great, or just a quiet moment between the two of them in Doriath. Straight up smut also very welcome here, particularly if it involves inappropriate use of Maian powers. 

Finrod/Edrahil; Finrod & Edrahil – whether you ship them or not, I can't get enough of Nargothrond's golden king and his loyal captain. I will lap up anything that stars or features these two. 

Salgant – a sad and complex character – and from the sounds of it, no great beauty by Elven standards. He fascinates me. How about something depicting his relationship with Maeglin, or with Eärendil? Or, if you're up for canon divergence, see the Maeglin and Idril prompts below. 

Enerdhil – who was this legendary (mythical?) Noldo, who crafted the original Elessar? How did he do it? Did he have unusual powers or gifts that most of his race don't have, and if so, where did they come from? What was his relationship with Idril? Why did he give her his most astonishing creation? I'm not attached to any one vision or interpretation of the character, so if you'd like to write or draw him, go wherever your muse takes you. 

Aranwë – I headcanon him as the son of Findis, partly because I have a terrible tendency to co-opt characters into the House of Finwë if there's any doubt about their ancestry. Very open to other ideas, and to anyone you may ship him with. 

Maeglin & Idril; Maeglin/Idril – I once read a wonderful AU fic where Idril reciprocated Maeglin's feelings and Tuor betrayed Gondolin because of it. I can't remember the name of the fic or the author, which breaks my heart, but I've loved this ship ever since. I'm also on board with them being depicted as close friends – maybe something with Idril comforting Maeglin as he grieves for his mother? Canon divergence actively encouraged here; maybe Maeglin didn't betray Gondolin after all. Maybe someone framed him (not necessarily Tuor). Maybe he did betray Gondolin, and Idril was complicit. Hell, maybe he took the fall to protect her. Over to you. 

Falathar & Erellont & Aerandir – I'd love to see art or fic depicting these three. It's a pretty harrowing, weird and profound experience they go through together; I imagine the bond between them runs deep, and again, I don't see them in a lot of fanworks. It's not in the tag set but if you ship them all together I am more than happy with that. 

Original Avari Character; Original Noldorin Character Original Elf Character(s) – I mentioned I love original characters, right? Totally free rein here, I am all for seeing big events and famous characters from different points of view, or seeing what life was like for the more “ordinary” Elves (healers, servants, grooms, farmers, unnamed wives and children, distant cousins, heralds, musicians, footsoldiers...) 

I also chose a bundle of worldbuilding tags to go with these characters – please feel free to include these as well as or instead of the ideas above, or to chuck them out entirely and follow your muse.

Lord of the Rings (book) 

Mithrellas – where did she go after leaving her husband, and why? As well as Maglor, she's a prime candidate for an ME character putting in an appearance during modern times or known history. I would also love any depictions of her with her children. Speaking of which... 

Gilmith – I can't help wondering whether Gilmith was offered the choice of the Peredhel, and which kindred she would choose to align with. Perhaps she went looking for her mother, which is why we don't hear any more of her in the canon texts? Maybe they're still around, a mother-daughter team continuing to explore the world and its wonders. 

Lady of the Blue Brooch; River-woman (Goldberry's mother) – two more characters whose origins and nature I'd love to see explored more. Did the Lady of the Blue Brooch become a wight? What is the River-woman – some kind of water elemental? Very open to different ideas and interpretations here. Shipping welcome. 

Nazgûl – I have a precious headcanon is that at least one of the Nazgûl is female. If you were to take that and run with it, I would love you forever. 

Fram; Scatha; Original Éothéod character; Original Wainrider character Felaróf & Eorl the Young – I am an Anglo-Saxon geek, and I am fascinated by the origins of the Rohirrim, the history of the Éothéod, and the elements that are only “backstory” in the books – the Great Plague of Rhovanion, Rhovanion's flora and fauna, the taming of wild and beautiful Felaróf, and the history of relations between the Éothéod (later Rohirrim) and Gondorians. Whether you want to tackle something more famous like Fram's slaying of Scatha, or take a more unusual viewpoint from that period (e.g. the Wainriders), I would love to see anything that deals with this series of events. 

Eowyn & Glorfindel – for some reason I am very attached to the idea of these two having a bonding session after the Ring is destroyed and victory is secured, whether they go sparring (I don't for a minute buy that Éowyn would give up swordplay forever), drinking, or just walking. I think Glorfindel could really help Éowyn's healing process, and that he would feel deep respect and admiration for her deeds in battle. 

Original Rohirrim character(s); Original Character from the Harad; Original Easterling Character; Original female ranger – see above re original characters. I would love to see any of these depicted in fic or art, so please go wild.
 

Púkel-men – ooh, those statues. Whether you want to write about their creators, the men they depict, or perhaps go down the dark and creepy route (do they make anyone else think of the iconic Dr Who episode 'Blink'?), I would love to see anything to do with them. One of my favourite Tolkien worldbuilding details.

The Hobbit (book) 

Smaug – when I first read The Hobbit as a kid, Smaug was my favourite character, and this hasn't changed. The combination of malice, vanity and charisma were thrilling, and only grew more so as I got older and read the Saxon and Norse literature that inspired Tolkien. I would love anything depicting this slippery old wyrm, whether it's an idea for his origins, interactions with other characters, or simply him brooding and guarding his treasure. 

Original Mirkwood Elves – I adore the scene in the book with the vanishing lights, so maybe you could draw that, or write something exploring their magical abilities and/or their bond with the forest? Or, if you'd like something a little more day-to-day, I'm open to seeing any aspect of their culture depicted – military life, trade, their homes, games and family time, etc.. I have always thought that gender roles are less rigid in the Wood than they are in, say, Rivendell, and had female Mirkwood warriors in my headcanon long before Tauriel hit our screens (on which note, if you'd like to include her then please go for it – see below). 

Original Lake-town characters – Lake-town is fascinating and unique among Tolkien's settings – a wooden town on stilts in the middle of a lake (near a dragon's lair? Who thought that was a good idea?). I love the lowland European feeling of it, and would be fascinated by anything exploring its history, customs, cultures and politics, by a depiction of its construction, or anything to do with life as a Lake-towner (maybe a bustling market scene?). 

Original Female Beorning character – there's so little to go on here in canon, so go mad! How did they get their shapeshifting abilities and at what age does this power kick in?  Do Beorning playtimes consist of naughty bear cubs tearing around and getting in their families' way? What does it look/feel like when they change? We know they speak Westron, but do they have their own language and alphabet too? I imagine them to have an oral storytelling culture, so maybe something with them all sitting out under the stars on a summer night, sharing tales.

Crossover Fandom – Hobbit book/Hobbit films
 

Tauriel – I was delighted that PJ included a capable female Elven warrior in the films. I'd love to see Tauriel in a book-verse setting, perhaps heroically fulfilling her military duties, taking part in an archery contest, out-drinking Galion, or maybe something from her early career – guarding trade delegations? Learning from a (preferably female or non-binary) mentor? I'd especially like to see her in a loving polyamorous relationship with two or more other Mirkwood Elves of any gender. If you want to include Legolas and/or Thranduil, I'd prefer the focus to be on friendship and mutual admiration rather than romantic pining.

Comments

[narya_flame]

It won't be awful :) I am just so touched you would want to write it!

[spiced_wine]

Well, it’s more that I haven’t written exactly like this since beginning fanfic, so it;s been ages.

I was at Mum’s and their internet was not working, and the idea just hit me, so I decided to go for it.

[narya_flame]

I always think I write better when the internet is disconnected...it's why I do all my drafts longhand in a pub these days (or a cosy cottage, when we can get away!).

[spiced_wine]

It quite often is at Mum’s — her partner has this gorgeous house but it’s only satellite connection and it’s the best they can get, apparently. You’re right, though, it does negate all the distractions!

And you’re off to St. Andrews, how lovely! I will wait to post your story then, gives me more time to nitpick.

[spiced_wine]

In fact I think I might have to post this weekend as next week is going to be very busy and disruptive with going back and forth and with people laying a drive, so I may not get much done then! I know you’re away, but at least it will be done

[narya_flame]

Sorry, just picking this up now! (Mobile + pub WiFi.) Please don't feel under pressure; post it whenever you're ready :-)

[spiced_wine]

No probs, hope you’re having a great time.

Should be ready later. Got a message to look after Mum tomorrow while her partner is visiting *his* mum so best to get it done while I can