crack_van | Haldir Sequence by Celandine (Explicit)

Fandom: THE LORD OF THE RINGS
Pairing: Haldir/Melpomaen
Length: 164,518 words
Author on LJ:

celandineb
Author Website: Wellinghall,

cels_fic_haven, on AO3, on FF.net
Why this must be read:
Have you ever thought about just how much fanfic has changed in the last 10 years? Does anyone else remember the old slash fandom tropes of love in the face of discrimination, hatred, adversity, and pain? I'm not saying it's not still there, but wow, the U.S. president now says he supports gay marriage! That seemed unthinkable just 20 years ago! I cut my fanfic-teeth on stories about men in partnerships having to hide their romantic and sexual feelings for each other, whereas nowadays it's not such a big deal in the fic, it seems.

This story was written 10 years ago and reflects that time period well, even though it is set in Middle-Earth. The pain and despair that Haldir, Melpomaen, and Legolas all feel in this story over their sexuality and the sense of alienation it causes them because of their distance from the accepted norms of their societies are artfully wrought in this story. This sequence is in turns sweet, painful, erotic, and bittersweet.

Celandine has an extensive body of work to read and is still an active (and very good) fanfic writer, so do explore the links I've provided if you enjoy the story!

Haldir Sequence by Celandine Brandybuck