through the looking glass

"They are not children any more."

This is such a poignant line, for so many reasons. In-universe, it's a taunt, Sauron telling Adar that the Uruk are no longer his. And it's possibly also meant for the Uruks' ears, as a form of flattery, like they're "grown up" now and don't have to follow Adar any more.

MA'AM 😍

an eclipse experiment

silvergifting week: day 3 | lord of the rings online | rated M, new relationship/fluff and humor/first time | 3,953 words

If you're familiar with the pairing, you should be able to follow this story without being familiar with all 30 seconds of their in-game interaction. The game follows Silm lore with a few additions, with the major difference being that Annatar's name is 'Antheron'.

*

"I have been thinking about these past weeks. I think we need to set some ground rules,” Celebrimbor says.

“Ground rules,” Antheron repeats, because he has found Celebrimbor is comforted when he thinks Antheron is listening to him. He presses his lips against Celebrimbor’s neck.

“Yes. For instance: no kissing in the forge,” Celebrimbor says, extricating himself from Antheron’s arms and stepping several feet away. He pulls the hot mold from the bucket and sets it aside on a table. Antheron scowls. “It’s unwise to be so distracted around hot metal and sharp objects!” Celebrimbor says.

“You hardly leave the forge!” Antheron protests.

“Then perhaps your challenge is to lure me out of it,” Celebrimbor replies, ignoring the dark look Antheron gives in response.

“Fine,” Antheron says, “rule number two: do not take said work out of the forge or the study.” Celebrimbor frowns so deeply, Antheron wonders if it hurts. Antheron adds, “And three: You will no longer participate in critiquing my work. You have been trying to undermine me, I think.”

“Four,” Celebrimbor bites back, “If you will recall, I am still the forge-master of the Mírdain. You gain no extra privileges,” Celebrimbor says, pulling off his gloves.

“Have we forgotten who here is the student, and who the teacher?” Antheron asks, taking a step closer.

Celebrimbor bats Antheron’s chest with his gloves. “Five. Stay out of my workstation. I am tired of you rifling through my things.”

“Six: Stay out of my rooms.” Antheron snatches the gloves out of his hand.

“That is rather presumptuous of you,” Celebrimbor snorts.

The two of them glare at each other for a long moment.

“This isn’t going to work at all, is it?” Celebrimbor asks.

“Absolutely not,” Antheron says, leaning in to kiss him.