Written for Sammi’s Tolkien Tuesday #111:
“Writing Prompts for the Thinning of the Veil”.
We are invited to choose a Tolkien quote
to include in our writing which captures
the essence of Samhain and Halloween.
The bonfire died down to a mound of glowing embers, its protective ward failing as the veil between worlds wore thin on this most sacred night. She stood at the edge of the woods, shivering …. not from the autumn chill, but from the sudden, heavy stillness that pressed against the air.
Shadows detached themselves from the ancient oak trees, stretching forward with a terrifying, unnatural fluidity. They possessed no warmth, no breath, yet they were acutely aware of the pulse drumming in her throat.
And at all times they smell the blood of living things, desiring it and hating it.
The scent of her vitality called to them through the dark …. a cruel reminder of the life they had lost and the monstrous hunger that now defined their eternal twilight. She backed away as a pale, sharp smile cut through the blackness, realization breaking cold over her mind: tonight, the masks were completely real.
NAR©2026
Nancy’s Notes: I have chosen “And at all times they smell the blood of living things, desiring it and hating it.” ~ The Lord of the Rings, Book I, Chapter 11, A Knife in the Dark
This is “Nosferatu” by Blue Öyster Cult
Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated, and may not be used without permission. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.
