zhie | Recent Entries

So my site is having some access issues, and AO3 is running slow to do anything this weekend. And then I remembered - I have this place. This place likes archiving of old fanfics, right? Sure. I'm going to tell myself that and start dropping them like it's as hot as the weird CAPTCHA I had to do when I was logging in. Here's a throwback from LOTRO.

Title: Always in My Heart
Author: Zhie
Summary: A lonely night spent all alone.
Rated: General Fiction
Categories: Stories of Arda > Bunniverse (PPB-AU) > Third Age Characters: Bainith, Valanyonnen
Awards: None
Challenge: International Day of Slash
Genre: Dramatic, Romantic
Special Collection: None
Challenges:
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Completed: Yes
Word count: 300 Read: 3135
Published: March 01 2014 Updated: March 01 2014
Story Notes:
IDoS 2012. Inspired by the song: Somewhere by Within Temptation. Bainith created by me; Valanyonnen created by AeonDelirium.

On the top of a rock that served as an island in the middle of a pond in Rivendell, a lone elf sat hugging himself. He was speaking, but no one heard him, nor saw anyone else with him.

If they could hear him, they would have listened to his whispered promises to a love he slowly came to believe he had lost.

“I will find you somewhere,” he promised as he rocked himself to sleep some nights. “I will keep on trying, until my dying day.” He would worry the silver band on his finger, wrapped in a cloak of deep blue with silver embroidery, pulling the edge to his nose to inhale the familiar scent. “I just need to know,” he whispered. “I just need to know whatever has happened. The truth will free my soul.”

He would close his eyes, wrapping the cloak tighter, hoping to open them to find his beloved standing there. “I want to embrace you and never let you go,” he admitted to the darkness.

When weeks became months and his trails reached dead ends, he still came back to that spot and still spoke quietly into the night. “I almost hope you are in heaven so no one can hurt your soul,” he wept when he thought of all the terrible, awful things which could be done, all of the reasons why he was left unfound. “I am living in agony because I just do not know where you are.”

When the sobs silenced, the tears dried, and the morning chased away the darkness, he would rise and promise, “Wherever you are, I will not stop searching. Whatever it takes me to know.” He would catch a gleam of sunlight from the ring and sigh. “You are always in my heart, Valanyonnen.”

It's MSV Round-up time. Here's the three new stories I have gifted to specific individuals through the magic of MSV, but also, are out there in the world for all to enjoy.

The New Shadow: Chapter Two - https://archiveofourown.org/works/43995864
Saelon/Herumor

Thirst - https://archiveofourown.org/works/44814562
Fëanor/Melkor

Orchidelirium - https://archiveofourown.org/works/44991973/chapters/113208448
Finrod/Glorfindel

If you'd like to know more about each, like how each one came to be crafted and silly notes from me, keep reading: 

First up: The New Shadow: Chapter Two

I like to pride myself in my swift turnaround times; this, to my knowledge, was the first submitted of anything for the exchange this year, written at the end of last year after a lot of consultation with things I hadn't read in over a decade. I still remember the picnic table I sat at when I would have read these bits of the histories, but I digress. Tolkien envisioned a sequel to The Lord of the Rings, but stopped after rougly the first chapter, when it came to his attention it would be dark--like, cults and dark lord summoning dark--and he shelved it.

Every good chapter deserves a second chapter.

This piece goes into exactly what it was that happened to the missing sailors, what Saelon was up to, who the heck is Herumor, and why Borlas would have been better off if he had stayed at home. If you're looking for fluff this Valentine's Day--this is not the fic you're looking for. But if hot post-murder sex in the same room as the corpse is your jam, this is it. (With thanks to AnnEllspethRaven for betaing during the holidays so that I could get this up by the first of the year.)

Ever watch The Last Drive-in with Joe Bob Briggs? If this fic was a film, it would be featured there. Probably. Actually, maybe not, most of those films have a lot of boobies and this does not have those because slash, but... anyhow. Remember that time I wrote the Werewelf!Finrod Choose Your Own Adventure, and people thought that was dark? It definitely has a friend now. And this is that friend. Which would sacrifice that fic to Sauron in a heartbeat if this new fic thought it would bring the dark lord back. All this to say, if you squick easy, keep scrolling, and if this is intriguing, then come on down to the murder shack today!

Next piece: Thirst

This pinch hit came in right after I had recovered enough from the one-two punch of covid and bronchitis to get back to upright and writing again. There were a couple of options, but the idea of putting Fëanor and Melkor together was too interesting not to try. The summary is a good explanation of what you'll find here.

An Elda and an Ainu walk into a bar...and eventually stroll out into the back alley for canoodling. No on-screen sex, just a lot of banter about what they're going to do (or not going to do) or did do later. Because these two are 0% shy about that discussion at the pub.

There's a barmaid OC in this one who I simply must invite to another fic in the future. I also have to give a shoutout to cílil, because my usual betas were all busy when I got this one finished, and I had to do that thing where you post in a beta channel on discord and then cross your fingers and try not to look back every five minutes and start to think you're just going to have to volley it out into the world with potential typos. Much appreciation on the beta read!

This selection reads a little like a couple of D&D adventurers at a bar, mainly because I used D&D generators to get the right feel for the place, so I guess they were two D&D adventurers in a way. And like so many D&D adventures I've DMed, two characters ended up in an alley for adult funsies (and yet, I didn't make these two roll for it; I was feeling generous).

Last but not least: Orchidelirium

This is not the fic I intended to write. There's actually the start of a much, much different Glorfindel/Finrod fic, where Finrod and Glorfindel fall in love right before Glorfindel heads back to Middle-earth, and then Finrod pines and worries in Valinor and lives on the couch in Angrod and Eldalótë's house. But that story ended up being this oversized plot bunny of far too many chapters, and then the other night when I was trying to figure out how to dig myself out of the rabbit hole I was in, Fila told me about orchidelirium, this historical mania over orchids that happened during the Victorian era. Jokingly, I started to freeform brainstorm ideas on how this would translate to Middle-earth, and who would be involved, and Orchidelirium was born, with a very different premise.

In this story, Finrod has been growing and selling orchids, and is the president of a fancy orchid society. Glorfindel shows up back in Valinor, and brings his collection of orchids along, which are basically his flower bebes. Promptly, Finrod steps in and tries to buy them all, ala Cruella Devil ("I simply MUST have those orchids!" And now imagine Finrod in a long, fabulous fur coat smoking a long cigarette--it's not that hard). Galadriel is the VOICE OF REASON (tm), Saeros is THE VILLAGE JERKFACE (tm), and cameos by a handful of others in a Fëanorian free fanfic (try saying that five times fast). Also, the best sex I've written in a while. It's two old elves with nothing to lose, and a business venture that would make that one Fëanorian in the middle jealous, guided by AnnEllspethRaven's ability to beta and keep me from falling off the deck when writing ship lingo at the same time.

And behind every speedy writer, there's probably some cheerleaders, so the help from lferion, Ann, Fila, Smaug, and Red to keep me on task and motivated through what was the worst January in a long time helped immensely. <3

Happy Valentine's Day, everybody!

If you're going to do one thing this March...you should probably attend a Tolkien Reading Day event.

But if you're going to do TWO things this March...you have five days left to sign up for Spies in the Shadows.

And if you're going to do THREE things this March...you should nudge a friend to join you to play Spies in the Shadows.

It's a one-and-done event: The first, last, and only time we'll play. A month-long mystery with creative funsies. And the only time you can play it is this March.

...no pressure, my friends. ;)

The form lives here: https://forms.gle/L8qRKGtEKXNJ8TV76

There are things about fandoms that are just always going to be there. Then there are the people in the fandom that feel like they are always going to be there. And then, when suddenly they aren't, it seems like everything just

stops.

I can't remember when I met keiliss; it was so long ago it just seems like she was always there. It felt like she would always be there. To get the news today that she is no longer in this realm of existence makes me feel a great deal of sadness.  And yet, as sad as a world without Kei is, a world of never knowing Kei would have been worse.

I know that it is somewhat tradition to write an homage to those who have departed (and I am certain I will, with time), but I would like to propose a new tradition - to share with others the works, the inspiration, the snippets of the past, to pass along to those who perhaps did not have the chance to meet or know as well those who have sailed on to a new adventure.

Kei and I collaborated, and we also wrote for each other in a variety of exchanges, and there were events that we participated in (or, sometimes, participated in the planning of something that didn't happen, but was still interesting or fun to do). One of the stories Kei wrote for me was called Life After - it's one of those Glorfindel/Erestor stories with a side of Gildor that's got a cozy feel, like wrapping yourself in a blanket that just came out of the dryer on a cold night. If you haven't had a chance and that intrigues you, I highly suggest a read (it's under 3K, and every word is great). Also, I like to believe that we still get to check our kudos counts in the hereafter, so please show some love if you do read and enjoy it.

I'm going to close out with what I said once to someone who was just getting into the fandom and somehow connected with me before most others; I never shared this with Kei, but I probably should have.  So, let's start another tradition -- if there are people in the fandom who make you happy, whether you've known them forever and a day or just met them in the last hour, share that with them.

From 2017: And Keiliss is a really good author (and just a really nice person) - she currently has a WIP called The Pink Flamingo, but has other finished things, too - she's one of the few who goes into the 'way back' time with me in terms of stuff - she and I could sit on a porch in rockers and talk about how we had to walk five miles in the snow to find fanfics or something

Current Mood: sad

The 2022 Scribbles & Drabbles galleries have opened for participating authors - and there are 144 Tolkien fandom pieces this year! Split between the main gallery and the nsfw gallery, they are sure to inspire this year's authors.

If you are currently signed up as an author or beta reader, please check your email for your gallery links! If you would still like to sign up as an author or beta reader, sign-ups are still open through July 31st this year, so you have a little over a week to join the party! (https://forms.gle/yBy4MRqN3g97hLub6) Being a participant is the only way to gain access to the art galleries for the event.

Thank you to all of the fabulous artists this year, who created an amazing selection of works, ranging from moodboards, paintings, sketches, drawings, photomanipulation, paper art, jewelry, sculpture, and photographs, to playlists and songs, comic panels, poetry, a quilt, a delicious recipe, and animation.

Scribbles & Drabbles Artists: Art submission has begun and galleries are open for artists to view! Check your email (and spam, just in case) for a message with submission reminders and the links to the galleries.

Still want to sign up as an artist for Scribbles & Drabbles? Artist sign-ups continue through June 30th (Authors have until July 31st to signup)! Use this link (https://forms.gle/7NEGcsdCSZcaKbSH7) to sign up for the event!

Want to know more? https://scribblesanddrabbles.weebly.com/

Form is here

I've used 'mod privilege' to peek at the first arts to drop in for this year. <3 Fantastic things are happening. If you make art in the Tolkien fandom, and want to join in on one of the chillest recurring events that matches up artists and authors, poke the link above.

What qualifies as art? If you say it's art, we won't disagree. Drawings, paintings, digital art, mood boards, a photograph of a rock that looks like a potato that you think Samwise would appreciate, toilet paper tube elves you crafted with yarn, other crafty things, cosplay, playlists, music you made, calligraphy, abstract art created with mustard and peanut butter on bread meant to represent a spider hunt in Mirkwood (but maybe don't eat that art, mustard and peanut butter sounds kind of nasty - and don't eat the spiders, either).

Do you want to know more? Here's the link to the website, with dates and links to the past art & stories (60 arts and 70 written works last year), and guidelines: https://scribblesanddrabbles.weebly.com/

The hottest new Discord Club is Artists of Arda. A place for artists who create any sorts of Tolkien-related works, and those who just like looking at the pretty arts.

Image of Stefan on Weekend Update (SNL) with the caption 'This Place Has Everything' in rainbow letters.

Text chats
Voice chats
Scheduled events
Unscheduled events
Events that are just Zhie accidentally hitting the voice channel and other people wandering in
Events that are just Zhie's cat accidentally hitting the voice channel and other people wandering in
Virtual studio gatherings
Places to share art (both finished and unfinished) and get feedback (both positive-only and for workshopping things like 'what are hands??' and 'should I put a bird on it?'*)
Places to promote other places, events, and even yourself (if you do art commissions)

https://href.li/?https://discord.gg/VapAA4u77M

And here are the rules, so that you don't have to awkwardly try to join at 2am to see the rules in case you're not keen on the rules and want a way to slip out the back door before a half dozen people flail at you with giant peach stickers. (We actually have that feature turned off completely.)
1) Please introduce yourself in welcome-nest before participating in other discussion. Just like a party where you'd knock on the door and say hi before you start dancing on the table, we'd like to get to know you first! (And then, by all means, disco on that table all night long if you want!)
2) This server is a non-toxic Tolkien group. Gatekeeping, elitism, snobbery, or other unseemly behavior will not be tolerated. Members here range from casual fans to super scholars, but one's experience should not be compromised because of one's knowledge or expertise. The same is true for artistic skills and experiences--stick figures and moodboards are just as valid as forms of art expression as mural-sized acrylic paintings that could hang in museums. We were all novices on both topics at one point; please keep this in mind during your interactions, and be supportive of one another!
3) NSFW items must stay in NSFW channels! All NSFW art must ALSO be spoilered when posted; finished art should also include the information from the template. Shaming is not allowed--not for content or characters or concept, period--but spoilers should be utilized even in the NSFW area so that viewers can self-curate the content they wish to view. However, due to laws and legal jurisdictions, content which sexualizes underage characters is NOT allowed on this server. Child pornography is highly illegal, a violation of federal laws in the United States (and in many other countries), and not protected under First Amendment rights. Breaking this rule is one of the few things that can get you instantly yeeted into the Void (permanently banned).

4) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits workplace discrimination based on religion, national origin, race, color, or sex. We add to that class, gender, level of ability, level of education, and political affiliation. While this is not a workplace, these are all protections that everyone should have and not be in fear of discrimination, bullying, or behavior unbecoming from other members. Please be mindful when wording requests and having discussions so that your tone is not dehumanizing to others. (And going back to basics: If you can't say something nice, don't say it at all.)
This also includes commentary about characters vs people IRL. Discussion of characters? Perfectly fine if done respectfully. Discussion of a person who is portraying a particular character on the above topics? Not necessary.
5) If you try to side-step these rules by using a blog, PMs, or other means to engage in toxic behavior elsewhere, especially with or against other members of this server, it will be as if you said it here and appropriate action will be taken. This does not mean moderators are going to be actively searching for violations; it is a protective measure to be proactive about past fandom interactions where individuals would take their views off servers, technically not violate server rules on the server, but would bully, harass, dox, and others disrespect members in other places. This is not non-toxic behavior and is not allowed.

6) Moderators make mistakes, but arguing with a moderator on the server is not going to put out happy vibes, and may land you in time-out (or kicked, if you continue the behavior after multiple warnings). If a moderator shuts down a topic or conversation, please respect this decision. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to a moderator about these topics. Sometimes, a moderator does not have all the information about a situation or hasn't been able to read through everything before they make a decision. It is fine to question such decisions in private and in a calm manner.
7) These rules are subject to change. Hopefully we don't need more, but, y'know, things happen, and when they do, this list will grow. It is expected that you will read and adhere to all rules if you are participating in this server. Not reading the rules is not an excuse for not abiding by the rules.

First, a little history -- for the past three years, I had a little pre-claims chat party, and gather people to be on Discord to talk about the TRSB art before claims. Last year, the group got really big, and it took almost 8 hours to get through the art. This year, TRSB has their own Discord. So it didn't make sense to do the exact thing the mods were doing, plus, it just got too big for one unaffiliated person to do. But, I still like the mood of the past three years, so I'm trying this out this year, and if you read this far, you're invited. (And even if you didn't read this far, you're still invited, you just won't know that I guess.) So, link and details...

Hang out in voice chat and squee over the TRSB art (note: in order to see said art, one will need to either have participated as an artist or have signed up as an author - you can do so and get details over at the TRSB website - https://tolkienrsb.wordpress.com/ )

HOWEVER, a disclaimer: The mods have asked that I clearly state and let everyone know that this server, me included, are ZERO PERCENT affiliated with TRSB and this is a totally independent event that is totally unofficial and TRSB has NOT approved of this event and has their own events, but this is the one that's happening in an independent art discord server I run, in a completely unofficial manner. It's so unofficial, I didn't even approve myself to run this event.

Chat is scheduled for 5/21 at 5pm UTC to have given everyone a little time to have absorbed the art in advance. Event will run approximately two hours. Link to the event (will slide you into the server) is here:

https://discord.gg/r3PvN8Wd?event=976479332925079552

For those seeking a Tolkien-centric Art Server, to share works, discuss techniques, hang and make art in voice/video chats, I have made a thing. I've spent a few months poking at it, but eventually, the birb must hatch. Please feel free to share the link with others whom might have an interest in this type of Discord server.

https://discord.gg/VapAA4u77M

The Scribbles & Drabbles Event Website has been updated, including info on changes for this year (mainly in the dates/timeline and the number of new art vs previously created art that can be submitted -- spoiler, it's easier to figure out this year). Badges have been added to the gallery for artists. Also, the full list of the 2021 art and stories are all on the website for those who want to revisit or didn't have a chance back at the end of last year to look at all the shiny creations for the event.

Sign-ups for Artists & Authors will start on June 1st this year.
Art submissions due by July 15; Claims in early August; Written pieces due November 12.
Clicky on the linkies for more info.

Main Site Link: https://scribblesanddrabbles.weebly.com/
Full Art List: https://scribblesanddrabbles.weebly.com/artist-participant.html
Full Written Creations List: https://scribblesanddrabbles.weebly.com/author-participant.html

When Fëanor arrives at Finrod's office to find out more about the Nauglamir, he learns more about Nargothrond than he expected. Fëanor decides it is time to make Celegorm and Curufin apologize; Finrod and his assistant are dragged along. (A very late B2MEM entry for the prompt 'Fëanor makes Celegorm and Curufin apologize to Finrod'; with some of the inspiration from discussions here about forgiveness and apologies.)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/38903196

Current Mood: excited

For writers amongst us... free workshop tonight.

Writing Workshop with Christine Gardiner - This event is free and open to the public. 5/10 @ 8PM Eastern - Register here: http://report.mnb.email/t.js?s=6279e5cb6fa3a332da7526d7&u=46431961&v=3&key=0712&skey=14a9f6e0c0&url=https%3A%2F%2Fus02web.zoom.us%2Fmeeting%2Fregister%2FtZwtdOypqjoiGt0HjHuvD9Z9BPkcL_fw6nm0

COMPLETE!
Inherent Inheritance is now complete - 17 chapters plus epilogue (62K). If you were waiting until the entire tale (tail?) of werewelf Finrod's adventures with Maedhros to transport Feanor's anvil to Tol Eressea, and in the process, meet reborn orcs and learn about their culture was finished -- sigh no more, readers, sigh no more. It is done.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/37711204?view_full_work=true

Join in on one of the oldest continuously running online fanwork creation events in the Tolkien fandom: Back to Middle-earth Month!

The Basics: People submit prompts for content creators, and then content creators claim prompts and make stuff. Low pressure, low commitment, low stress event. You do as little or as much as you like--soft deadline, no word count minimums. Just a bunch of Tolkien nerds expressing their love of the legendarium!

You can submit the following types of prompts: art, craft, cosplay, a story starter, mood boards, bingo cards, playlists, photos, or just a general written prompt idea. It could be as elaborate as several drawings or as basic as a pairing request. If you think of something not listed - contact us! We'll find a way to fit it in!

Prompt submissions are open until February 15th for this yearly event! Claiming and creating begins on March 1st!

For more details, see the outline of the event here, or visit the website at https://spring-into-arda.weebly.com/b2mem.html

No sign-ups involved! Prompt submission forms are found below... much appreciation and thanks in advance to those who share this info with others, and huge thanks to everyone who has already submitted prompts or do in the future!

Art, Craft, Cosplay: https://forms.gle/LKqkHqpPTCkovySw5
Story Starters: https://forms.gle/ki5ShRmFSrmy3Sqr9
General Written Prompts: https://forms.gle/pWDzqgboYdRv1ykU9
Photo Prompt: https://forms.gle/RYx4fe8NCBGrTHFE8
Mood Board: https://forms.gle/293RgroxWWeLypgb9
Playlist: https://forms.gle/ejMYQoPFEjhQfSWD8
Bingo Cards: https://forms.gle/gHryC9TCLUrbTwUh9
Need a Template? Bingo Card Template for Publisher is found here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x4I7n-aXpD67nph_eUAxdsBZs0h4Bl3_/view?usp=sharing

Current Mood: excited

Author & Beta Sign-ups Open; Artist Sign-ups Closing Soon(ish)
Scribbles & Drabbles (Fall For Tolkien) Promo info now that author & beta sign-ups are open!

Artist Sign-ups end on September 25th

What counts as art? If you say it's art, it's art. Digital art. Drawings. Paintings. Music. Playlists. Mood boards. Animations. Toilet paper tube Elves. Cosplay. Your pet in cosplay. Photos. Crafts. Calligraphy. Maps. Food. Finger-painting. Sculpture. Paper Bag Puppets. I could keep going, but you get the idea. As the name 'scribbles' implies, you can submit your piece as 'unfinished' -- just think of how much Unfinished Tales has inspired people to create content.

Author & Beta Sign-ups are now open!

What's the minimum word count? 100 words. As the name 'drabbles' refers to, your submissions need only be 100 words minimum to count. You can write a drabble, a scene, a character study, a dialogue exchange, a headcanon, a poem--you get the idea. And like the art, your piece is as 'finished' as you feel like it needs to be.

Find out more at https://scribblesanddrabbles.weebly.com/