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crack_van2005-01-07 10:40 pm
espresso-addict.livejournal.com) wrote in crack_van2005-01-07 10:40 pm
Entry tags:
The Unforgettable Fire by Ithilwen (R)
Fandom: SILMARILLION
Pairing: Caranthir/Haleth
Author on LJ:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
ithilwen
Author Website: Ithilwen's Fanfiction
Why this must be read:
Ithilwen is among my favourite Silmficcers. She's written well-known series about Maedhros & Maeglin, but it's one of her standalone stories that I'd like to draw particular attention to now. 'Unforgettable Fire' is one of my very favourite Tolkien-based m/f romances. It features Caranthir, the often-neglected fourth son of Feanor, and Haleth, a strong female character who's the leader of one of the three Houses of Men. Ithilwen creates believable characters from the ciphers in canon, with a great take on Caranthir, who manages to be sympathetic without ever quite losing his initial snootiness.
The story takes a thoughtful look at the difficulties of relationships between different races and cultures, and the conflicts between love and duty. Perhaps because the relationship is considered transgressive, the sex scenes have a raw heat that's often reserved for slash in this fandom.
...The orcs had not expected an attack on their rear; surprised, they were easily scattered, and my troops happily slaughtered them, driving them into the rivers to drown. None would return to Angband, and Morgoth would again be reminded of his limits. Pleased at this victory, I proudly rode past the stockade to meet the leader of the mortal defenders; although not my subjects (for they had never sworn fealty), and therefore technically not my concern, I am not willfully cruel. These people had lost their homes, and many had lost their kin; I would offer some assistance to help them recover.
My eyes widened when I saw the number of orcs lying slain just inside the walls of the stockade, and the relatively small number of men who had so desperately stood their ground against that foul horde. Most of those who had huddled behind the barricade for safety, I quickly realized, were defenseless women and children – only a small handful of men, desperately brave, were responsible for the slaughter I beheld. What fighters they were! Belatedly, I realized I had underestimated these people. My own forces, were they to find themselves in a similar situation, could not have done better. These Aftercomers might be frail, but they were no cowards. Perhaps my cousin Finrod’s interest in them was not as foolish as I had thought. The Noldor could use such valiant allies. "I am Caranthir son of Fëanor, ruler of Thargelion," I announced. "The orcs have been destroyed, and your people are now safe. I regret that my forces were unable to arrive sooner, and that your people were forced to endure such hardships; I would lend you what aid I can now, that you might rebuild your lives. Where is your leader? I have much to discuss with him."
At my words, a short figure stepped forth from the ranks of the men, clad in poorly fitting leather armor covered in blood and wearing an over-large helm. A boy, I thought, perhaps the son of their leader? Surely he is too young to govern these folk himself? But then the figure removed the helm, and a mass of curls tumbled out, shoulder-length hair the color of ripe wheat, and the voice that answered my query was lyrical, if firm. "If you wish to address the leader of these people, Lord Caranthir, then it is to me that you must speak, for I guide them now. I am Haleth, daughter of Haldad." Not a boy, I marveled, but a woman.
The Unforgettable Fire
Pairing: Caranthir/Haleth
Author on LJ:
ithilwenAuthor Website: Ithilwen's Fanfiction
Why this must be read:
Ithilwen is among my favourite Silmficcers. She's written well-known series about Maedhros & Maeglin, but it's one of her standalone stories that I'd like to draw particular attention to now. 'Unforgettable Fire' is one of my very favourite Tolkien-based m/f romances. It features Caranthir, the often-neglected fourth son of Feanor, and Haleth, a strong female character who's the leader of one of the three Houses of Men. Ithilwen creates believable characters from the ciphers in canon, with a great take on Caranthir, who manages to be sympathetic without ever quite losing his initial snootiness.
The story takes a thoughtful look at the difficulties of relationships between different races and cultures, and the conflicts between love and duty. Perhaps because the relationship is considered transgressive, the sex scenes have a raw heat that's often reserved for slash in this fandom.
...The orcs had not expected an attack on their rear; surprised, they were easily scattered, and my troops happily slaughtered them, driving them into the rivers to drown. None would return to Angband, and Morgoth would again be reminded of his limits. Pleased at this victory, I proudly rode past the stockade to meet the leader of the mortal defenders; although not my subjects (for they had never sworn fealty), and therefore technically not my concern, I am not willfully cruel. These people had lost their homes, and many had lost their kin; I would offer some assistance to help them recover.
My eyes widened when I saw the number of orcs lying slain just inside the walls of the stockade, and the relatively small number of men who had so desperately stood their ground against that foul horde. Most of those who had huddled behind the barricade for safety, I quickly realized, were defenseless women and children – only a small handful of men, desperately brave, were responsible for the slaughter I beheld. What fighters they were! Belatedly, I realized I had underestimated these people. My own forces, were they to find themselves in a similar situation, could not have done better. These Aftercomers might be frail, but they were no cowards. Perhaps my cousin Finrod’s interest in them was not as foolish as I had thought. The Noldor could use such valiant allies. "I am Caranthir son of Fëanor, ruler of Thargelion," I announced. "The orcs have been destroyed, and your people are now safe. I regret that my forces were unable to arrive sooner, and that your people were forced to endure such hardships; I would lend you what aid I can now, that you might rebuild your lives. Where is your leader? I have much to discuss with him."
At my words, a short figure stepped forth from the ranks of the men, clad in poorly fitting leather armor covered in blood and wearing an over-large helm. A boy, I thought, perhaps the son of their leader? Surely he is too young to govern these folk himself? But then the figure removed the helm, and a mass of curls tumbled out, shoulder-length hair the color of ripe wheat, and the voice that answered my query was lyrical, if firm. "If you wish to address the leader of these people, Lord Caranthir, then it is to me that you must speak, for I guide them now. I am Haleth, daughter of Haldad." Not a boy, I marveled, but a woman.
The Unforgettable Fire