Tales Unheard
Challenge Details
A frustrating aspect of reading Tolkien's books is all the potentially great conversations that never happen between various characters. So here's the challenge: write a chat or scene between characters that never interact (or interact very little) "onstage" in Tolkien's books, that you feel should have interacted more for various reasons -- perhaps because they share a particular experience, have a history together that isn't explored, or because it would have simply resulted in hilarious dialogue or a great meeting of the minds.
Another option is to take your favourite character and have him/her/it talk to someone you've either never or rarely written about. Still, it should be an unusual interaction. So don't have Legolas talk to Aragorn, for instance, because you love Aragorn and never write about Legolas.
And maybe try to think of situations that have been neglected in the fandom as well as the books. For instance, even though we never see Boromir interact with either Denethor or Faramir in LotR, there are already so many fics out there that deal with the Steward's family that they probably wouldn't be encouraged for this particular nuzgul. The more uncommon, the better!
Some situations:
* The Fellowship hang out at Rivendell.
* The Fords of Isen.
* The Fields of Cormallen.
* Minas Tirith before the funeral host departs for Rohan.
* Edoras before and after Theoden's funeral.
Some interesting pairs:
* Elven heirs: Legolas and Arwen.
* Three gardeners of the Fourth Age: Sam, Legolas and Eowyn.
* The Rangers of the North and the sons of Elrond (before the Battle of the Pelennor, the Black Gates, or on the Fields of Cormallen)
* Theodred: did anyone actually talk to the poor guy before he was conveniently snuffed out?
* Prince Imrahil and Denethor before the Siege of Minas Tirith.
* A first meeting between Eomer and Faramir at Minas Tirith, before Eowyn.
* Witch-Kings and Wizard's Pupils: Gandalf and Eowyn have a lot to talk about.
* Now that Gimli and Eomer have called a draw on who is the most beautiful Elf, what else do they talk about?
* Arwen stays behind at Meduseld with Prince Imrahil, Eomer, Eowyn and Faramir after everyone else leaves for the Shire. What the heck does she say to these people? Considering Eowyn was once after Aragorn, and Eomer is a bit enamoured of her, things could get very interesting.
* Before the Elven host leaves Edoras, Elrond and Arwen speak "long and bitterly" in the hills of Rohan. What was said? What about Galadriel and Celeborn?
* Beregond and Eowyn discuss a touchy subject: dereliction of duty.
* Galadriel says farewell to Gimli. Or better yet, Celeborn and Gimli have a little chat.
* Arwen and Frodo (or anyone besides Aragorn, for that matter) before the Fellowship heads south.
* What if Legolas had tried to talk to Gollum while he was in Mirkwood?
As for the Silm, it has so little dialogue that there are thousands of unheard conversations and tales that could have happened!
Courtesy of Aliana and marastar.
Another option is to take your favourite character and have him/her/it talk to someone you've either never or rarely written about. Still, it should be an unusual interaction. So don't have Legolas talk to Aragorn, for instance, because you love Aragorn and never write about Legolas.
And maybe try to think of situations that have been neglected in the fandom as well as the books. For instance, even though we never see Boromir interact with either Denethor or Faramir in LotR, there are already so many fics out there that deal with the Steward's family that they probably wouldn't be encouraged for this particular nuzgul. The more uncommon, the better!
Some situations:
* The Fellowship hang out at Rivendell.
* The Fords of Isen.
* The Fields of Cormallen.
* Minas Tirith before the funeral host departs for Rohan.
* Edoras before and after Theoden's funeral.
Some interesting pairs:
* Elven heirs: Legolas and Arwen.
* Three gardeners of the Fourth Age: Sam, Legolas and Eowyn.
* The Rangers of the North and the sons of Elrond (before the Battle of the Pelennor, the Black Gates, or on the Fields of Cormallen)
* Theodred: did anyone actually talk to the poor guy before he was conveniently snuffed out?
* Prince Imrahil and Denethor before the Siege of Minas Tirith.
* A first meeting between Eomer and Faramir at Minas Tirith, before Eowyn.
* Witch-Kings and Wizard's Pupils: Gandalf and Eowyn have a lot to talk about.
* Now that Gimli and Eomer have called a draw on who is the most beautiful Elf, what else do they talk about?
* Arwen stays behind at Meduseld with Prince Imrahil, Eomer, Eowyn and Faramir after everyone else leaves for the Shire. What the heck does she say to these people? Considering Eowyn was once after Aragorn, and Eomer is a bit enamoured of her, things could get very interesting.
* Before the Elven host leaves Edoras, Elrond and Arwen speak "long and bitterly" in the hills of Rohan. What was said? What about Galadriel and Celeborn?
* Beregond and Eowyn discuss a touchy subject: dereliction of duty.
* Galadriel says farewell to Gimli. Or better yet, Celeborn and Gimli have a little chat.
* Arwen and Frodo (or anyone besides Aragorn, for that matter) before the Fellowship heads south.
* What if Legolas had tried to talk to Gollum while he was in Mirkwood?
As for the Silm, it has so little dialogue that there are thousands of unheard conversations and tales that could have happened!
Courtesy of Aliana and marastar.
Entries with Stories
The following authors have entered a story in the Challenge.
- Aliana - Object Lessons
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 30 May 07
- Éowyn, Frodo, and a moment in Minas Tirith.
Finalist, Fourth Age or Beyond, 2005 Mithril Awards
Commended, Vignette or Short Story, 2005 Mithril Awards - DrummerWench - Green Flash, The
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 13 Jun 08
- A gapfiller set at the end of ROTK, between Frodo's leavetaking and the return of Sam, Merry and Pippin to the Shire. Slightly AU for the disposition of Narya. Companion piece to "The Tower Hills" and "The Boatbuilder".
- Dwimordene - Both Beholden
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 15 Dec 06
- The first step in any journey is letting go of what you're holding onto. Boromir, contemplating kings, discovers he's not the only one who needs to make that step.
1st Place 2006 MEFAs—Drama: Pre-Fellowship - Elena Tiriel - Moon Shadow
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 29 Sep 05
- Drabble: Isildur witnesses an attempt to obtain the One Ring. For Tanaqui's birthday, September 2005.
- Hobbitness - Hidden Music
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 18 Dec 04
- Legolas is enjoying a woodland night while the Fellowship sleeps. He has a revelation about the Quest and about himself. Not a Legomance; no slash.
- Ithiliel Silverquill - Scarlet Leaves
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 01 Apr 05
- The sequel to "Afternoon Tea." As autumn begins its decline into winter, Pippin receives an unexpected guest.
- Ithiliel Silverquill - Afternoon Tea
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 01 Apr 05
- In Rivendell, after the Council of Elrond, Pippin finds a friend in the least likely person imaginable.
- Karri - Intertwined
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 15 Feb 06
- Upon reaching Hollin, Sam's curiosity leads to a demonstration of Elven magic.
- Linaewen - Trees, Nothing More
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 21 Jul 10
Boromir recalls a time when chance brought him to a strange place and an unexpected meeting. Entered as a submission to the "Tales Unheard" challenge.
Second Place - MEFA 2009 Award Category: Races: Cross-Cultural: Gondorians
- Linaewen - Best Sword Ever, The
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 13 Feb 09
- Two men are tied together over the years by memories of the "best sword ever," and the desire they have to see it made whole once more.
Third Place - MEFA 2008 Award Category: Times: Mid Third Age: General - Linaewen - Feet That Wander
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 13 Feb 09
- Tom Bombadil sets a wandering stranger upon the right path. Entered as a submission to the "Tales Unheard" challenge.
First Place - MEFA 2008 Award Category: Races: Cross-Cultural: General - marastar - Between Crown and Mantle
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 05 Jun 05
- Éowyn slays a few of her own demons with Gandalf's help, and that of a much-neglected figure in Gondor's history. Set in Edoras, 3019 of the Third Age, before the departure of the funeral host for the Shire. I've always thought it a shame we didn't get many conversations between Gandalf and Eowyn, especially after the Pelennor. I guess this is my ode to the small notes in the margins of history, and the things that go unmentioned.
- Marta - Sam's Gift
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 16 Aug 05
- Galadriel gave Sam a box of dirt from her garden. But what gift did Sam give Galadriel?
- Marta - How Many Years?
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 14 Jun 04
- The road to the hallows above Minas Tirith is travelled only once a generation, on the twentieth birthday of the current steward's oldest son. Denethor leads Boromir down that scarce-walked path, and Denethor finally gives Boromir an honest answer to a question he asked as a child. Semi-finalist at the 2004 Mithril Awards for Best Story Focusing on Men and Best Vignette or Short Story.
- Marta - Best Brew in Buckland, The
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 09 Jun 04
- A sequel to "Wine is Fine." While Minas Tirith celebrated the marriage of Elessar and Arwen, Faramir joined Legolas, Merry, and Pippin for a private get-together. Much alcohol was consumed, and certain stewards of Gondor were embarrassed.
Now Eomer and Gimli have tired of the hobbits' gloating and wish to help Faramir revenge himself of the humiliation. The five visit a series of inns throughout Minas Tirith and have many adventures. - Meril - Renewal
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 25 Feb 05
- Celebrimbor, newly reembodied, finds his place among the elves of Aman.
- Vistula the Dunadan - Cabbages and Kings
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 07 Jan 05
- A whimsical and light gap filler moment between Sam and Strider, set post Bree but pre Rivendell. The ranger and hobbit gardener discuss Frodo, plants and things that aren’t always what they seem.
- Werecat - Dolor Meus
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 04 Mar 06
- O all you, who pass by the way - attend and see, if there is a sorrow like My sorrow. In another land and another time, the man who loves birds meets the one with a strong voice. Fourth Age, AU.
MEFAs 2005: Winner - Post-Ring War
Mithrils 2005 - Semi Finalist, Fourth Age and Beyond
Placeholders
The following authors have entered a placeholder in the Challenge.
- Aeneid
- Entry Date: 08 Apr 05
- Halfwest
- Entry Date: 11 Nov 05
- SarWolf
- Entry Date: 23 May 05
- Vistula the Dunadan
- Entry Date: 01 Apr 05
- Werecat
- Entry Date: 01 Apr 05
