Scattered Dreams by lindahoyland
Summary:

Mostly angsty drabbles originally written for mostly for at  "Tolkien Weekly" .


Categories: Third Age - Pre LOTR, Third Age - War of the Ring, Fourth Age - Post LOTR Characters: Aragorn, Arathorn, Arwen, Boromir, Eldarion, Eowyn, Faramir, Frodo, Gandalf, Gilraen, Imrahil, Sam, Thorongil
Genres: Action, Angst
Language: English
Warnings: Character Death
Challenges:
Series: None
Chapters: 39 Completed: No Word count: 4274 Read: 249015 Published: 04/08/10 Updated: 04/26/10

1. Swords into Ploughshares by lindahoyland

2. Wheat or Chaff? by lindahoyland

3. Harvest Visions by lindahoyland

4. Moonstruck by lindahoyland

5. First fruit by lindahoyland

6. Hard labour by lindahoyland

7. Willing Hands by lindahoyland

8. Fruition by lindahoyland

9. The traveller by lindahoyland

10. Ranger's respite by lindahoyland

11. Missing the Midges by lindahoyland

12. The Sweet Grass by lindahoyland

13. The Secret Garden by lindahoyland

14. Deaf to the Summons by lindahoyland

15. The Holly Bears the crown by lindahoyland

16. Evergreen by lindahoyland

17. Harbinger by lindahoyland

18. Tree of Life and Death by lindahoyland

19. Banks of Green Willow by lindahoyland

20. Lady of the Trees by lindahoyland

21. Only Sleeping by lindahoyland

22. Time's out of Joint by lindahoyland

23. The Sweetest Song by lindahoyland

24. Day of the Dove by lindahoyland

25. The King's Wrath by lindahoyland

26. Against the Storm by lindahoyland

27. Keeping Watch by lindahoyland

28. Midsummer Magic by lindahoyland

29. Bottle by lindahoyland

30. Wharf by lindahoyland

31. Star Daughter by lindahoyland

32. Unshed Tears by lindahoyland

33. A Perilious Path by lindahoyland

34. Enduring Hope by lindahoyland

35. The Man in the Corner by lindahoyland

36. Loosing the Arrow by lindahoyland

37. Isildur's Heir by lindahoyland

38. A Father's Farewell by lindahoyland

39. Rightful Heir by lindahoyland

Swords into Ploughshares by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – Swords into Ploughshares
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing:  Boromir, Faramir, Imrahil
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

These Characters are the property of the Estate of J. R. R Tolkien. This story has been written for pleasure and no profit has or will be made from it.

With grateful thanks to Raksha and NiRi

 

“Why must we do this, Uncle?” Boromir looked suspiciously at the scythe in his hand. ”We are on holiday!”

“You will learn much helping in my fields,” said Imrahil.

“Much rather would I wield a sword!” Boromir complained, frowning at the scythe. “I am not a farmer!”

“A Steward's heir should learn the arts of peace as well as war,” Imrahil said firmly. ”Surely you would not have your brother best you?"

Boromir looked up and saw that Faramir was briskly harvesting the wheat. His little brother seemed to use the scythe deftly as a sword, if not more so.

End Notes:

A/N Written for the prompt “Scythe” at “Tolkien Weekly. In my story “A Time to Reap” Faramir refers to helping Imrahil with the harvest in chapter 19.

Wheat or Chaff? by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – Wheat or Chaff ?
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Faramir, Damrod

Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

These Characters are the property of the Estate of J. R. R Tolkien. This story has been written for pleasure and no profit has or will be made from it.

 

“Were you not a soldier, Captain, what would you be?” Damrod asked one night as they returned from patrol.

“A scholar, I believe,” said Faramir. Then, seeing the man’s bewildered expression, he added; “Or maybe a farmer, if I needed to earn my living.”

“And why a farmer?”

“With my sword, I must cut down all who stand before us as foes, unknowing whether they deserve death or not. With a flail, I would thresh, and winnow the wheat from the chaff, storing the good grain. A farmer knows what must be garnered, a warrior can never be so certain.”

 

End Notes:

A/N Written for the prompt “Thresh” at “Tolkien Weekly.

Harvest Visions by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – Harvest Visions
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Faramir/ Eowyn, OMC
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse
With thanks to Raksha

 

It was a perfect summer day and the hay harvest was bountiful that year. Young men and maidens cut the hay, laughing and singing as they worked. Several children played, chasing one another round the field. A woman called the labourers to come and partake of refreshment, cider and great hunks of crusty bread, creamy butter, and rich cheese. Faramir could not see her face, only that she had hair like ripe corn. A little girl clutched at her skirts.

"Captain, wake up! The Southrons are attacking!"

Faramir was roused from blissful dreaming to face the harsh reality of day.

A/N Written for the prompt “Hay” at “Tolkien Weekly.

End Notes:

A/N Written for the prompt “Hay” at “Tolkien Weekly.

Moonstruck by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – Harvest Visions
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Faramir/ Eowyn, OMC
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse
With thanks to Raksha

 

It was a perfect summer day and the hay harvest was bountiful that year. Young men and maidens cut the hay, laughing and singing as they worked. Several children played, chasing one another round the field. A woman called the labourers to come and partake of refreshment, cider and great hunks of crusty bread, creamy butter, and rich cheese. Faramir could not see her face, only that she had hair like ripe corn. A little girl clutched at her skirts.

"Captain, wake up! The Southrons are attacking!"

Faramir was roused from blissful dreaming to face the harsh reality of day.

End Notes:

A/N Written for the prompt “Hay” at “Tolkien Weekly.

First fruit by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – First Fruit

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Faramir

Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse
Disclaimer: The characters are the property of the Tolkien estate. This drabble is written for pleasure, not profit.

Title – First Fruit

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Faramir

Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse
Disclaimer: The characters are the property of the Tolkien estate. This drabble is written for pleasure, not profit.

The old orchard had suffered long years of neglect when no man had dared prune the trees. Dead branches lay entangled with sharp brambles and weeds on what once had been carefully tended grass.

Faramir sighed. Ithilien had once been fair, but now it seemed a desolate place to build a home. The land had been neglected for so long. Could it ever again be fruitful?

Then he saw it: a huge single apple growing from one of the gnarled trees

Faramir smiled and carefully harvested the apple. Yavanna had given her blessing; this was the first fruit of many.

End Notes:

A/N Written for the prompt “Apple” at “Tolkien Weekly.

Hard labour by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – Hard Labour
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Faramir/Éowyn

Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer: The characters are the property of the Tolkien estate. This drabble is written for pleasure, not profit.

With thanks to Raksha and Windsurfbabe

 

Sweat trickled down his face and neck; his shirt clung to his skin uncomfortably. Faramir straightened up, grimacing at the pain in his back. It no longer seemed quite such a good idea to spend the day working in the fields.

As a Captain he had fought alongside his men, as Prince of Ithilien, he had a duty to farm alongside them and help them bring in this first harvest. At last they could reap the fruits of peace.

He straightened up and saw Éowyn approach, carrying refreshment for the thirsty workers.

Faramir smiled; he had reaped a rich reward.

End Notes:

A/N Written for the prompt “Reap” at “Tolkien Weekly.

Willing Hands by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – Willing Hands
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Faramir, Aragorn
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

 

The rain clouds drew ever closer, their grey plumes like angry warhorses about to charge, trampling the grain. The harvesters quickened their pace.

Faramir bound the twine securely around another sheaf of wheat. He looked up and beheld the King walking across the field towards him. “I did not expect to see you here, sire.” Faramir exclaimed in surprise.

Aragorn smiled. “I grow weary of sitting at a desk, my friend. I have laboured over sheaves of paper all morning, this afternoon I would liefer choose wheat. Why should the king stand idle when the harvest is ripe for gathering?"

 
 

End Notes:

A/N Written for the prompt “Sheaf” at “Tolkien Weekly.

Fruition by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title - Fruition
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Faramir/Éowyn
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse
Disclaimer: The characters are the property of the Tolkien estate. This drabble is written for pleasure, not profit.





The King and Queen had retired to their chamber. A few of the labourers lingered to savour another mug of cider and sing slightly tipsy songs in praise of Yavanna.

Arm in arm, Faramir and Éowyn strolled past the freshly harvested cornfields and into the orchards, where the trees were laden with almost ripe fruit.

Faramir looked up at the harvest moon and tenderly kissed his wife.


“How blessed I am!” he exclaimed. “I have you and our children. Our lord is most gracious while our land is fruitful and at peace. All I ever dreamed has come to pass.”

End Notes:

A/N Written for the prompt “Harvest Moon” at “Tolkien Weekly.

The traveller by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – The Traveller
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn
Rating: PG
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

 

  

Aragorn placed one weary foot in front of the other. Both tired and thirsty, he dared not rest, or risk more than a sip of his precious water supply. The next oasis was many leagues hither. He could seek aid from none, lest he betray his true origins.

 

What was he doing here in the enemy’s burning deserts? Many times he asked himself that question.

 

He was here to learn all he could, the better that he might eventually triumph.

 

Aragorn knew only that if he did not achieve his destiny, his heart would be more barren than this wasteland.

 

Ranger's respite by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – Ranger's Respite
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse


Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain



Mighty oaks and graceful birches mingled with verdant lime and willow. A thrush sang sweetly as he sought his mate. Lush ferns grew beneath the trees; shelter for many a small creature.

Dappled sunlight pierced the leafy canopy, scattering shafts of golden light.

Small fish darted in the clear stream, snatching at midges hovering above the water’s surface.

Aragorn sighed blissfully as he cast himself down upon a mossy bank. He drank deeply from the stream, easing his aching feet in the cool water. To a weary Ranger, the woodland was a peaceful haven, offering respite from the summer heat.

Missing the Midges by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Sam, Frodo
Rating: PG
Warnings: mild horror 
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain.

 

A cold mist swirled around him, chilling him to the very bone. No birdsong broke the silence. The stench was hideous. Sightless eyes stared up from the water. No birdsong broke the silence. Unearthly lights blazed, flickered and died in the distance.

 

The Midgewater Marshes seemed as blissful as the Undying Lands compared with these! Then they had honest Strider guiding them in sunlight. Frodo had looked a proper Hobbit then, not the walking shadow he had become. Merry and Pippin had chattered while they swatted the midges droning round them. In this desolate place, Sam even missed the midges!

The Sweet Grass by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – The Sweet Grass
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Gandalf, Shadowfax
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain


“Go, Shadowfax, and make your farewells. I would speak with Éomer.” Gandalf gently pats my neck and dismisses me.

The wind sings in the long grass that gently brushes against my flanks as I gallop past. A pretty young filly catches my eye. Soon we are running together with the herd, the breeze blowing in our manes. The ground echoes to the sound of thundering hoof beats.

My master tells me that Valinor is fairer than any place I have yet seen, but how could it compare with the plains of the Riddermark? Could any other grass taste as sweet?

The Secret Garden by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – The Secret Garden
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Arwen/Aragorn
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse
With thanks to Raksha

 


 


“Come, I have something to show you.” Taking his wife’s hand, Aragorn led her through long neglected paths of the Citadel. “Close your eyes!” They rounded a corner. Arwen almost stumbled and was steadied by Aragorn’s strong hands. “You can look now.”


 


Arwen opened her eyes and gasped in wonder. Elanor and niphredil grew in abundance amongst lush grass. A clear stream trickled past beneath the shade of verdant limes. Rosebushes hedged the secluded garden, red and white blossoms releasing heady scents.


 


Arwen  joyfully embraced her husband. Here she could feel at home within the bleak stones of Minas Tirith.

Deaf to the Summons by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – Deaf to the Summons
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Arwen/Aragorn, Eldarion,OFC
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Eldarion laughed as the waves washed over his toes. He splashed happily in the shallow water. His sister, more cautious, clutched tightly at her father’s hand and tentatively dipped her toes in the water.

Arwen smiled indulgently at her children. The wind whipped her hair, swirling it around her face. The sand felt warm under her bare feet.

The waves gently lapped over the sand. Overhead, the gulls wheeled and screamed mournfully before flying towards the western horizon and vanishing from sight.

If the sea still called to Arwen, she heard it not; her children’s laughter has drowned its summons.

The Holly Bears the crown by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – The Holly bears the Crown

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Arathorn, Gilraen, Ivorwen

Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer: The characters are the property of the Tolkien estate. This drabble is written for pleasure, not profit.

 

 

Custom decreed that the maidens present evergreens to the Chieftain’s heir each Mettarë, that the line of Elendil might be as evergreen as the holly, or ivy or pine.


 


Arathorn smilingly took a sprig of greenery from each girl before the Midwinter feast began. One maid seemed fairer than the rest. She carried a branch of holly, scarlet berries adorning the glossy leaves.


 


“My little girl has grown into a fine lass since you saw her last, has she not?” chuckled Ivorwen; her husband remained sombre. 


 


Arathorn’s heart stirred as the girl handed him the branch. Gilraen was indeed fair.

Evergreen by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – Evergreen

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Gilraen

Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer: The characters are the property of the Tolkien estate. This drabble is written for pleasure, not profit.
With thanks to Raksha.

 

 

 

The women had laboured hard all morning in the forest, cutting down the choicest pine branches to decorate their houses. It would be a simple Mettarë celebration. Food was scarce in this season.   Yet the evergreens, like the Rangers, weathered both good times and bad. 

The green boughs carried welcome cheer into every house; calling forth memories of nature’s abundance, and fresh scents of the forest in summer at this darkest time of year.
 

Gilraen arranged the pine branches around her home and protectively patted her swelling belly. Winter would pass. This spring would bring new hope to their people.

Harbinger by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – Harbinger

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn

Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer: The characters are the property of the Tolkien estate. This drabble is written for pleasure, not profit.

With thanks to Raksha.

 

Of all the wonders that Minas Tirith had to offer, this was the one he most wanted to see. It stood beside a fair fountain and was more closely guarded than even the Steward himself by wing-helmed guards.

Thorongil had heard of this scion of Nimloth from those who had beheld the tree’s venerable ancestors. This withered symbol was all that remained in Gondor of Elendil’s glory?

    He drew near and felt like weeping before the long dead tree, the branches bleached like bones.

Thorongil turned away, trying to envision it renewed. Could sap ever flow again through these dry branches? It seemed impossible, as impossible as his love for Arwen.

 

And yet…had not Beren returned from the Halls of Mandos? Had not the line of Isildur survived against all the odds? Maybe somewhere in Arda’s vast reaches, some shoot or seed of the White Tree lived too?

 

He closed his eyes and suddenly he envisioned a living tree covered in blossoms, which he stood beneath with his lady. Upon his head was the Winged Crown of Gondor.

 

Was this the foresight, or but a dream? There was always hope.

 

  The White Tree might be dead, but Elendil’s heir lived!

Tree of Life and Death by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – Tree of Life and Death

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Faramir, Gandalf

Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer: The characters are the property of the Tolkien estate. This drabble is written for pleasure, not profit.

With thanks to Raksha

 


 


Faramir never passed the old yew tree without pausing. No man could recall how long the ancient twisted trunk had stood.


 


“Did you know that this is the oldest tree in Gondor?”


 


Faramir turned to see Mithrandir standing beside him.


 


“Older than the White Tree? Surely not!”


 


“This tree was mature when the White Tree was still a fruit. Deadly though it is, the Wise call yew the tree of life. It outlasts both Man and beast.”


 


The longbow in Faramir’s hand seemed to grow heavier. He had dealt death to many with this branch torn from the living yew.

Banks of Green Willow by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – Banks of Green Willow

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Faramir

Rating: PG
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer: The characters are the property of the Tolkien estate. This drabble is written for pleasure, not profit.
With grateful thanks to Raksha



 


 


Every year Faramir returned to honour those who fell at Osgiliath.


 


It was hard now to imagine that so many lives had been lost at this now peaceful spot


 


The willows grew green and fresh on both sides of the Anduin, their long branches seeking the river, offering shade from the summer heat.


 


How apt, Faramir thought, that weeping willows should grow here, to forever mourn the flower of Gondor who were slaughtered there. Only the memories remained: vivid and unsullied as the living trees. The wind sighed through the branches, singing its mournful lament for fallen sons and brothers

Lady of the Trees by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – The Lady of the Trees
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn/Arwen
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

With thanks to Raksha

Disclaimer: The characters are the property of the Tolkien estate. This drabble is written for pleasure, not profit


The first time Aragorn saw her, she walked beneath the birches, slender and lithe: the breeze rippling her hair. He gave her his heart.

 

Long years passed and he cherished his hopeless longing deep within his soul. Then they were reunited beneath the mallorns, where she stood crowned in the light of sun-dappled golden leaves. He vowed to make her his Queen. They gave their hearts to one another.

 

Today Arwen sits beneath the White Tree, a baby girl in her arms. Their son chases the falling blossoms, trying vainly to catch one.

Their love had flourished and born fruit.

Only Sleeping by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title: Only Sleeping
Author: Linda Hoyland

Characters/Pairing: Aragorn, Eldarion

Rating: G
Warnings: None
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse
Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain.
With thanks to Raksha

 

 “Are you hurt, Eldarion?” Aragorn anxiously enquired of his four-year-old son, who ran inside from the garden, crying.

 

“The trees are dying, ada!” Eldarion sobbed. “All their leaves are falling off!”

 

Aragorn smiled. ”No, ion nîn, they are just preparing to rest for the winter, like you undress before going to bed.

 

***

 

When spring came, Aragorn took Eldarion outside and showed him the buds adorning the stark branches. “Look!” he said. “The trees have their new raiment for spring. Is it not fairer than ever?”

 

Eldarion gazed in wonder at one new leaf, newly emerged to greet the sun.

Time's out of Joint by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – Time’s out of Joint

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: OMC, Aragorn, Eldarion

Rating: PG
Warnings: Character death

Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer: The characters are the property of the Tolkien estate. This drabble is written for pleasure, not profit.

 

The woodcutter could not recall a time when the old King was not on the throne, nor could his father, or even his grandsire.

No doubt, Lord Eldarion, now King Eldarion, would rule well enough, but things felt different somehow, as if the world were turning upside down.

The woodcutter shook himself; he had work to do. The forest remained unchanged while Men came and went. The great oaks outlasted the foresters by centuries; their branches budding anew through countless springtime’s.

In the forest’s heart, the woodcutter observed that the mightiest oak had fallen, cleft asunder by a lightning bolt

The Sweetest Song by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Author: Linda Hoyland
Title: The Sweetest Song
Rating: G
Written for LOTR GFIC January Potluck Challenge, Nightingale
Summary: Arwen ponders her future.
Dedicated to Princess of Gondor

The moon shone brightly illuminating Arwen’s path as she strolled through the gardens. In a nearby tree a nightingale sang sweetly.



Arwen felt a sudden pang. Would there be songbirds in her new home, or even trees? Tomorrow she would leave Imladris, perhaps never to return. How she would miss the beloved places she had dwelled throughout her long life.



Yet, soon she would have a new home, one with the man who had won her heart. Together they would raise a family. Her new life was just beginning. The song of love was sweeter even than the nightingale’s melody.

Day of the Dove by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Author: Linda Hoyland
Title: Day of the Dove
Rating: G
Theme: Birds
Elements: Dove
Beta: Raksha
Author's Notes: none
Summary: Imrahil muses on how times have changed
Word Count: 200


“Your father, Eldarion, is the greatest warrior Gondor has seen in this age,” Imrahil remarked thoughtfully. The Prince of Dol Amroth and the child were watching Aragorn lead his troops in a victory procession through the City streets after a battle against renegade Easterlings. “Thorongil, he called himself, and never was an eagle more fierce. Now, even mighty Thorongil’s valour is surpassed by King Elessar’s.”

Eldarion glowed with pride. He tried to cheer louder than anyone else as his father rode by on his mighty warhorse.

That evening Imrahil went to take leave of the King and Queen. He found Aragorn telling his son a bedtime story, while cradling his infant daughter in his arms. Beside him sat his Queen. The King’s eyes often met hers and he smiled at her tenderly.

Had the fierce eagle now become a nesting dove? The Prince mused. Thorongil had always been more than a soldier, with his knowledge of lore and healing, but it was as a warrior he had won renown and how Imrahil remembered him. How times have changed for the better!” Imrahil smiled contentedly. These were the days of the King when the doves could build their nests in peace.

The King's Wrath by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title – The King’s Wrath

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn, OMC

Rating: PG
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain.

 

“You would conspire against your King?” Aragorn’s tone was like ice. 

“I admit it!” the prisoner almost spat out the words. “What right have you and that Elven witch to rule Gondor?” 

The King rose to his feet. He towered over the assembly. “Take him away. I will pronounce judgement tomorrow.” His eyes glittered. It seemed that lightning flashed from their grey depths.

Few in the room could withstand that gaze. Even those present that knew him well, could not help but shudder. 

Aragorn was a just and merciful man, but when angered his fury blazed forth like a storm.

Against the Storm by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:
Title – Against the Storm

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Éowyn, Wormtongue

Rating: PG
Warnings: Sexual harassment

Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain.

 

 

She stood, a lone figure upon the hillside, her golden hair swirling around her face. The wind threatened to sweep her off her feet, but she remained upright like a slender birch buffeted by the gale. 

Men hastened within the hall. She seemed oblivious to the elements. 

Éowyn struggled to catch her breath against the wind’s fury. Yet she revelled in its might. It cleansed her of the scent of Wormtongue’s stale breath, and wiped his loathsome kiss from her cheek.

Would that the wind would bear her up like one of the swirling leaves and carry her far away

 

Keeping Watch by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title: Keeping Watch
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain.



They would relieve him at sundown. The dark clouds overhead blotted out the sun, making it impossible to tell whether the sun would set one hour or two from hence.

Suddenly the heavens opened and rain began to fall; the first heavy droplets rapidly becoming a torrent.

Caught under the rain curtain Aragorn sought some shelter, but the hedgerow provided scant respite. Rapidly water soaked through his clothing and dripped down his neck; he winced as the icy droplets ran down his spine.

Aragorn thought longingly of shelter and warm fires. Only through the Rangers’ watches could any enjoy them.

Midsummer Magic by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title: Midsummer Magic
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn/Arwen
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse
With grateful thanks to Raksha
Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain.

.

Midsummer nights held a special magic for Aragorn.  He had plighted his troth to Arwen at Midsummer.  They had later sealed their wedding vows on Midsummer Night.

 

He would walk with Arwen in the gardens under a full moon, though his Queen preferred the nights when the moon hid and brilliant stars blazed unrivalled in the dark heavens.

 

Tonight they strolled in the court of the Fountain. The White Tree shone silver, illuminated in the moonlight. Surely even Nimloth herself could not have gleamed with more lustre? Here lay Gondor’s heart, a reminder both of past glories and future hopes.

Bottle by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Bottle

Written for the there ‘n Back Advent Challenge

With thanks to Raksha

The characters are the property of the Tolkien Estate.




“Look what I found in a dusty corner of father’s wine cellar!” Faramir said triumphantly, brandishing a bottle.

“Vintage Dorwinion!” The King licked his lips. ”I suppose it should be saved for a special occasion, though,” he added sadly.

“There is no reason we should not sample it,” said Faramir. He uncorked the bottle and poured a few drops in a glass. “Mmm, 'tis very smooth. Try it, mellon, nín!”

“I will just have one glass.”

Three hours later an irate Queen found her husband and Faramir slumped on the couch, the half empty bottle beside them.

"Estel," she gasped. "There you are! The dinner hour approaches, you will be late! I cannot believe you would let me face Lord Fingil alone! His endless tales of his prowess in slaying deer would exhaust even Glorfindel, and his breath smells bad."

“Dorwinion, my lady,” murmured Faramir dreamily.

“A rare vintage,” Aragorn added.

“Hmm, I will just have a taste," said the Queen, filling a glass and taking a few sips. ”A good wine, but I recall a finer vintage; when we celebrated the rout of the Witch-King after the Battle of Fornost. This wine is just a little raw and young."

Wharf by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Wharf

The characters are the property of the Tolkien Estate.



“I name this ship Eärendil. May the Valar protect all who sail in her!” cried Aragorn in a loud voice. He smashed a bottle of fine wine against the hull. Together with his Queen and Prince Imrahil, he stood on the wharf at Dol Amroth.

“You would be welcome to accompany me on her maiden voyage,” said Imrahil.” That is, if it would not cause distress.”

“My love for my lord is stronger than the sea longing.” Arwen replied. Her eyes, though, were sad.

The gulls screamed only to the wind for the Queen would never now hear their call.

Star Daughter by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title: Star Daughter

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Arwen, Aragorn
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse
Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain.

With thanks to Raksha.

Dedicated to Inzilbeth for her birthday.

The stars twinkled against a cloudless blue-black sky. 

Singing Elbereth’s praises, Arwen danced, her head thrown back in ecstasy, intoxicated by the sheer beauty of the spring night. Gems glistened in her unbound hair, while her unshod feet seemed hardly to touch the ground.

Hardly of Arda she seemed, too ethereal to be a creature of flesh and blood, but rather that she were made of stardust, her song sweeter than the nightingale’s.

Aragorn watched entranced. His heart soared at such beauty and grace, but how could he ever hope to win this star daughter?

Overhead, Gil-Estel seemed to smile.

Unshed Tears by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn, OCs
Rating: PG
Warnings: Character death

Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain


“Help us, please! They say you are a great healer!” The woman thrust the tiny bundle in her arms towards the dusty traveller. He took it, examined it carefully and shook his head sadly.

“I am sorry, the babe emerged from the womb too soon to live.”

“We are young, we shall have more children.” The young man sought to console his wife.

“I want my son! Why must the Higher Powers steal my beautiful baby?”

Thorongil blinked back tears. His healing arts had saved many, but it was the ones he was powerless to help who haunted his dreams.

A Perilious Path by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

The characters are the property of the Tolkien Estate.

Her sad eyes haunt me. I fear that she loves me. How did this come about? I never gave her cause. My heart belongs to Arwen and no other. The Lady Éowyn loves but a shadow and a thought. She knows me not and sees not the man, but dreams of glory and brave deeds. A woman’s lot is hard indeed, to sit and wait while men venture forth to fight. I know Arwen waits and holds me in her heart as I venture forth on these perilous paths from which I may not return. Alas, my heart is troubled

Enduring Hope by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

The characters are the property of the Tolkien Estate.


I feel like weeping and clinging to Estel, begging him not to leave. We
have been parted so many times before. This time though, is different.
He must either emerge victorious or perish, and with him, all that is
good. My heart is breaking. Yet I smile and tell him I am confident
that soon he will claim the crown and with it, my hand. Hard is the
woman's lot, to sit and spin by the fire while the men ride to war. My
heart foresees darkness and destruction in the coming days. I can only
hope. Hope will endure. 

The Man in the Corner by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

The characters are the property of the Tolkien Estate.

He always sits in the same corner smoking his pipe. An unsociable fellow, even for one of them Rangers. Where do they come from? I wish they’d choose some other inn save the Pony, especially that one, Strider or Longshanks as I think of him.

The way he just sits there watching. I’m sure it puts off the other customers. Why does he have to look so gloomy? Anyone would think there was something wrong with my ale!

There is something about him that almost frightens me. Those keen grey eyes ! He misses nothing. This Strider is a man apart.

Loosing the Arrow by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

The characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story
was written for pleasure and not for financial gain.

Aiming the bow, Aragorn studied the target carefully. He nocked the arrow trying to calm his racing pulse. He must not fail .So much depended on him hitting the target. A little to the right- not too much. With a mighty effort he drew back the bowstring and loosed the arrow.

“I won again!” Faramir said joyfully, clapping his friend on the shoulder. ”So as we agreed, you will meet the ambassador while I go riding with Éowyn.

“You shot well, mellon nîn.” Aragorn conceded defeat graciously. ”Give me a sword in my hand rather than a bow any day!”

Isildur's Heir by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

The characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story
was written for pleasure and not for financial gain.

Frodo says he will take the Ring into Mordor. I salute his courage. Yet
how can one so small accomplish such a task? He knows not what lies
before him.

Surely the task should be mine? Did not my longfather, Isildur claim
this Ring as wergild? He was the hero who cut it from Sauron's hand,
not a Hobbit from the Shire! I will do what Isildur could not, and cast
this thing away.

What folly is this? The Ring would claim me as it claimed Isildur. This
task was appointed for Frodo alone. I can only stand beside him.

A Father's Farewell by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:

Title: A Father’s Farewell

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Elrond,Arwen
Rating: PG
Warnings: None

 Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

 

“Must you leave so soon?” Arwen’s voice trembled. “Stay at least until I have my first child!” 

Elrond regarded his daughter sadly. “The longer I delay the harder our parting will be. If I saw your first child, I would yearn to see the second and the third. Thus, I would linger until the doom you have chosen befell you. Do not ask this. My time here is over. Your future with Estel is just beginning.

 “Adar!” Arwen’s tears flowed freely now.

 “Always remember, although I journey to the far side of the world, in my heart I remain here.”

Rightful Heir by lindahoyland
Author's Notes:
Title: Rightful Heir
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn, Boromir, OFC
Rating: G
Warnings: None

Book/Source: LOTR book-verse
 
Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain

“Master Boromir, come back!”

The laughing toddler ignored the pursuing nursemaid. He scampered up the stone steps. Then seeing how high he was began to cry.

“Easy now, lad. Let me take you back to your nurse.” Captain Thorongil nimbly sprinted towards the child and scooped him up in his arms.

“Don’t want to!” Boromir kicked out, almost causing Thorongil to lose his footing. He sat down heavily on the throne, soothing the child.

The nursemaid gasped at such sacrilege then stared. Why the fellow almost looked as if he belonged there on the long vacant ancient seat of kings!

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