Tolkien reader inserts/one shots

Casual Flirting (Lindir x modern fem!reader)

When you appeared on the borders of Rivendell, Lindir didn't expect much to come from it. He was devoted to his job as Elrond's steward. He adored Rivendell and all it had to offer. He had never thought of searching for something different. Never dreamed there could be more. Until he had his first conversation with you.

You had been in Rivendell for a couple of weeks when Lindir finally had a chance to talk to you alone. You were in one of the many gardens when Lindir saw you. The moonlight was shining in your (h/c) tresses making you look almost ethereal. "Lady Y/N?" You jumped a little and whirled around to face him. "Oh, uh hi. Lindir, right?" Lindir smiled. "That is correct." You returned the smile before turning back to look up at the stars. "It's beautiful out here." Lindir agreed, but found himself staring at you instead of the sky. That was only the beginning.

*time skip*
Lindir was finally able to take a breath. He had been so busy preparing for the festival that he hardly any time to relax until now. When he did, he found his eyes inevitably traveling to you as they often did. You had been there for nearly a year now and you seemed to fit in for the most part. The other elves enjoyed your company and you loved learning new things from them.

"Our parties are different," you were telling the other ladies around you when Lindir cautiously approached. "What do you mean?" You smiled and said, "Our parties are most students. Our music is blaring, the bass pumping through the floor sometimes. Everyone dancing and drinking. Men and women flirting with anyone they were interested in. Really laid back." Lindir felt his heart sink a little.

If that's what you were used to in your world, what hope did he have in winning your love? If affection was casually thrown around, how could he prove his love for you was real? Real, true, and everlasting? How would you take him seriously and not consider him one of many casual affairs? Lindir didn't know but what he did know was that his heart couldn't bear it. He turned on his heel and left the festivities, not noticing your eyes on his retreating back.

Lindir hurried inside and into the library. It was his favorite retreat besides the gardens. However, the gardens were full of music and other elves. He knew the library would be empty. He made it inside and took a deep breath. He was slightly ashamed of himself. It wasn't like him to let his emotions get the better of him. Ever. He prided himself on his ability to keep a cool head in all situations. You had changed that.

You had crept into Lindir's mind and heart faster than he ever expected. You were everything Lindir could have wanted in a partner. Sure, you had a little bit of a temper and things were different where you came from and sometimes, you were a little sarcastic when the need didn't call for it. But still, Lindir loved that about you.

"Lindir?" His eyes widened when he heard your voice. "Lady Y/N, I thought you were enjoying the festivities." You gave him a sad smile. "I was. Until my closest friend her in Rivendell decided to leave without a word. Why did you leave?" Lindir watched your face and saw the genuine concern there. "I merely realized that I forgotten something in the preparations for the festival." The look you gave him told him that you didn't believe a word.

"In the library, in the middle of the festival? Lindir, I know you better than that by now. You never forget any sort of preparation. Seriously, what is going with you?" You sat down in a chair, your eyes never leaving his. It was clear you weren't leaving any time soon. "Lindir, please talk to me?"

"How do you view love, Lady Y/N?" You furrowed your brows. "What do you mean?" Lindir cleared his throat and tried again. "Is love to you a 'casual' thing as you put it early or do you feel it in the very depths of your soul?" You slowly stood and took a step toward him. You tripped a little on your dress, stumbling right into Lindir's arms.

You apologized and pushed yourself off him. You looked up into his eyes. He was looking at you with an expression of pain and you realized he was still waiting for your answer. "Lindir, I see love as being near someone you can't imagine your life without. It's seeing someone's flaws and still loving them. It's being willing to do whatever is necessary to be with them, but wanting them to be proud to call you theirs. Love is...what I feel for you."

Lindir's eyes nearly bugged out of his skull, causing you to have to stifle a giggle. "You?" You nodded. "Yes, Lindir." Lindir frowned. "Are you certain? Are you certain I am not one of those casual affairs that you are used to?" You narrowed your eyes at him briefly. "I said that it was normal where I'm from. Not that it was normal for me. I don't flirt well and I don't have casual flings. When I feel something for someone, I go all in. And I have never felt this depth of feeling for anyone before I met you."

"Forgive me. I didn't mean to imply that, my lady. I only wished for you to be sure of your feelings." Lindir could see that you were still angry. "I apologize." You nodded and graced him with a smile. "Why is this so important, Lindir? Why bring this up now?" Lindir slowly reached over and took your hands in his. He didn't answer right away thought. He stood there with your hands in his for several moments before speaking again.

"Do you know that an elven love is everlasting? When we fall in love, it only happens once. I did not believe it would ever happen for me. And then I met you. I thought you were a sorceress for you bewitched me. I tried so hard to deny my feelings. To push them aside, but I cannot. I love you. I didn't know if you could love me."

You carefully removed your hand from his and cupped his cheek. "Lindir, I'm sorry I didn't show my affection for you more clearly. I do love you." Lindir couldn't help but smile. He searched your face for any sign of falsehood. You were looking at him with nothing but pure love. "May I show you a sign of affection, Lindir?" He nodded and you wasted no time in placing your lips on his.