Admin Post: February 2021 Challenge: Times of Bliss

[dawn_felagund]

As winter crawls onward in this northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere simmers in the height of summer, and as the global pandemic approaches its year mark, it can be tempting to turn to despondency and despair. However, if there were ever an author to remind us of how even the darkest times can point toward better days ahead, it is Tolkien.

In honor of this essential theme in his work and the trying times we're in, this month's prompts will be quotes from joyful or happy times in the text. Note that your fanwork does not have to be joyful or happy (or about the event, characters, or time period in the prompt). As in years past, because February is Black History Month, we encourage stories about characters of color and will have a special stamp for such fanworks.

If you'd like to receive a prompt for this month's challenge, comment here or email us at moderator@silmarillionwritersguild.org.

In order to receive a stamp for your fanwork, your response must be posted to the archive on or before 10 March 2021. For complete challenge guidelines, see the Challenges page on our website.

Comments

[starspray]

I would like a prompt, please!

[dawn_felagund]

“Though Middle-earth lay for the most part in the Sleep of Yavanna, in Beleriand under the power of Melian there was life and joy, and the bright stars shone as silver fires; and there in the forest of Neldoreth Lúthien was born, and the white flowers of niphredil came forth to greet her as stars from the earth.” ~ The Silmarillion, "Of the Sindar"

If that doesn't work for any reason, just let me know! :D

[narya_flame]

Yes please!

[hhimring]

Could I have a prompt, please?

[oloriel]

“At Mereth Aderthad many counsels were taken in good will, and oaths were sworn of league and friendship; and it is told that at this feast the tongue of the Grey-Elves was most spoken even by the Noldor, for they learned swiftly the speech of Beleriand, whereas the Sindar were slow to master the tongue of Valinor. The hearts of the Noldor were high and full of hope, and to many among them it seemed that the words of Fëanor had been justified, bidding them seek freedom and fair kingdoms in Middle-earth; and indeed there followed after long years of peace, while their swords fenced Beleriand from the ruin of Morgoth, and his power was shut behind his gates.” ~ The Silmarillion, Of the Return of the Noldor

If that doesn't work for some reason, just let us know and we'll find you a new one!

[oloriel]

Of course! Let's try this:

“And in those days the strength of Men was added to the power of the Noldor, and their hope was high; and Morgoth was straitly enclosed, for the people of Hador, being hardy to endure cold and long wandering, feared not at times to go far into the north and there keep watch upon the movements of the Enemy.” ~ The Silmarillion, Of the Coming of Men into the West

If that doesn't work for some reason, just let us know and we'll find something else.

[hhimring]

Oh, thank you, that is a good one. I can fall back on "hope was high", if it doesn't work out, but it would be interesting to do something about Hadorians going far into the north!

[oloriel]

Sounds good! (Disclosure: I was tempted to snatch this prompt for myself, but then I thought "Nah, Himring is going to do something great with it.")

[hhimring]

Oh!
*blush*
I hope I succeed in meeting your expectations!

[oloriel]

No pressure! (No, seriously, no pressure. Sorry if it came across like that.)

[hhimring]

No, I understand, thank you!
But you could have done something great with this, too, so I would like to achieve something worthy of such a sacrifice!

[oloriel]

Eh, I probably won't have the time/brainspace to participate in the challenge at all. So it's not so much a sacrifice as rather acknowledging that I can't do everything. <3

[hlinspjalda]

I would love a prompt!

[dawn_felagund]

Here you go! Let me know if it doesn't work for you for any reason. :)

“And as the years passed Melian and her maidens filled the halls will woven hangings wherein could be read the deeds of the Valar, and many things that had befallen in Arda since its beginning, and shadows of things that were yet to be. That was the fairest dwelling of any king that has ever been east of the Sea.” ~The Silmarillion, Of the Sindar

[narya_flame]

Works for me :D although my idea has the potential to get out of hand, but we'll see! Thank you!

[hlinspjalda]

That is perfect! Many thanks.

[oloriel]

If it does, remember that posting a first chapter during the challenge and then continuing the story at some later point totally counts. :D

[heartofoshun]

If I have to have a prompt from you to write something for this one, may I have one (just in case)?

[dawn_felagund]

I think this one should work for you, but if it's not something you can work with, just let me know!

“Many jewels the Noldor gave [to the Teleri], opals and diamonds and pale crystals, which they strewed upon the shores and scattered in the pools; marvellous were the beaches of Elendë in those days. And many pearls they won for themselves from the sea, and their halls were of pearl, and of pearl were the mansions of Olwë at Alqualondë, the Haven of the Swans, lit with many lamps.” ~ The Silmarillion, Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië

[heartofoshun]

Thanks!

[hlinspjalda]

It's almost criminal how much fun I had writing that one. Thanks!

[dawn_felagund]

Eeee, thanks for letting me know! I'm SO glad you had a great time with it--it makes me really happy to know that I gave out a prompt that really clicked! :D