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Stewards of Arda by perelleth	7 Review(s)
elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 5/16/2008
A wonderful conclusion to this part. I must say, I really do not normally like modern day elf stories at all but this series of stories you have done is so real and believable/in character and packed with great details--I absolutely love it. Author Reply: THank-you again for reading and commenting, elliska. THis has been a great challenge, but as a whole I quite enjoyed it, and despite the stragneness of the subject, I am glad that it also interested you!

Redheredh	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 5/13/2008
Alrighty... It was nice picking things up back in the jungle with Maglor and seeing the affairs of the village and its people come under another guardian’s hands. But, I have to wonder how many times Maglor simply slipped away like that. Both literally and metaphorically. This last chapter is kind of an explanation why this guy was having trouble finding his miracle of forgiveness. A natural protectiveness propels him, for sure. But, for all his kindness, for all his innate honor, he still didn’t get it. He lacks true humility. He is not seeking forgiveness, but merely waiting for it. Perhaps subconsciously thinking to prove a point by having it bestowed upon him rather than him desperately seek it. However, after all this time, why has he not figured out that this current strategy is not working for him? Father Nino’s guidance was beneficial, but really, he has yet to hit bottom and throw himself on Eru’s mercy. “glad enough - after his French manner- “ LOL! And kudos on all the OCs! I loved Thranduil’s house and your description of it. Who would not want to live there? What a perfect setting to start off a mission to rescue a missing friend! Oh boy! Mystery and adventure ahead! Grab your fedoras! But, leave the whip behind, eh? Daeron certainly provided much needed levity during this quest. Interesting how intense Maglor grew when Thranduil’s life appeared threatened. We got to see the same protective verve that probably saved Elros and Elrond from being abused as political pawns. Thranduil was right to point that out later. And Celeborn’s managerial savvy and skills keeps everyone on course. What I personally liked was that none of them were wimps in this endeavor. Not even Thranduil, wrung out as he was. I kept feeling Maglor should use his rage to break down that wall between him and his Sindarin fellow exiles, acknowledge their acceptance of him rather than hide behind aloofness and arrogance. That would be a good first step to forgiveness. Examining his contempt of the Second Born as a race, his heirs as much as any he could ever have, would be a good second step. The look into the seamy underbelly and exploitive commerce in Coca was almost surreal. Yet, it was exactly what an oil town would be in whatever undeveloped wilderness these enterprises infect. I really loved the detailed local flavor you gave it! From the food to the drink. The particular brand of corruption and the inherent curruption of civilization. The ethnicity and humanity and the brutality. And yet, this is where people make their living and live as well. Oh yeah, nods approval, the Blue Monkey bar was exactly what it should be. ;) Tapuy ain’t exactly no Butterbur either. “For the first time in a few days Maglor smiled, though not prettily, openly pleased by his friends’ warlike attitude.” Me too! “Chaos ensued.” lol! I liked the use of the eagle and watching the entire recovery rather than getting a few short sentences about finding Thranduil, then picking it up with them all camped by the water. It was well done by Celeborn to share the actual vision, and with it his own reaction, rather than try to explain. Of course, that had more impact than mere words! So, Maglor got the role of devil’s advocate. However, his words also reveal that lack that has prevented his taking action to find forgiveness or some form of resolution for himself. But, finally he does reach real humility. He accepts Celeborn’s pledge to rescue him for the charity that it is. “I cannot condemn myself more than what I already am, so I can as well give you a hand in this useless fight of yours”. Until this admission, he has let himself be kept in limbo. But now, he was choosing to stop the pacing back and forth before a door that had been unlocked the moment his fellow exiles accepted him into their friendship. You know that I am not a Maglor fan, not in the least. But, I liked this aspect of the story very much and the way you used it, all the same. Nevertheless, the overall theme of fighting against the odds for a good cause is best of all. I think that 'noble defeat' is a theme in the Music. Life is a gift given by God out of love. Dedicating one’s life, or giving just an hour, to see that good gets done is to return that love and not take it for granted. Congratulations on completing this saga. It is quite an accomplishment. Author Reply: Thank you very much Redheredh. YOur reviews always make me thingk and rethink.. I think that you nailed down Maglor. I suppose that pride was the greater sin of the NOldor, and it was great in feanor and his sons... so as you say, even in defeat he woud not be truly able to throw himself into mercy but rather stay apart, suffering and wielding his suffering as a reminder...a kind of medal, even! so he was really making things more difficult for himself... but also playing a role in the course of Music and of his own redemption. Of course, this is afterthougth. I just felt that maglor might feel like that, even after so many ages... and now that you mention motives, it makes sense. Also you usually pick up the little jokes that I include to amuse myself, like French cordiality or Thranduil's house. :-) I am writing from Coca, and I cannot help but chuckling as I look around. And then sigh. Well, no elves on sight, sadly. THe rest is as I remembered it. THank you again for your insightful comments. It helps me keep thinking and plotting.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 5/11/2008
Poor Maglor - such guilt, so much despair. At least Daeron - and, more especially, Thranduil and Celeborn - know they are loved and have value, both in the Hither Lands and beyond. Knowing he has three determined elves on his side must ... take him back to a childhood - before the destruction of the Trees, before oaths, before betrayal and disgrace - when he was able to do the right thing and be loved. I'm glad his friends are standing by him - it must come as somewhat of a surprise. Love the - very knowledgeable exposure to the complications of trying to make international intervention work. Author Reply: Thank you, Bodkin. Maglor seemed to me the saddest of the four, and the one who needed hope more desperately, and would drown in despair more easily, Thankfully her had the other three around to carry him along to the happy ending.! exposure to the complications of trying to make international intervention work. Sigh. Kind from you. Rather of why international intervention seldom works.. :-(

Redheredh	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 5/11/2008
Of course, I loved it! :D And shall return with more remarks when I have had time to re-read this and write them down. But, I must say right now, how the milieus you chose contribute so much to the story. Author Reply: Glad to know! :-) I was thinking of offering this as your 2009 un birthday gift, but I think I will be able to come up with somnething new for that! The story was born in Carnac, and I chose the rest of settings because there was something I loved there... I had to leave a few other good settings ( and good Stewards) out, but all in all I'm quite content with the result! :-) Thank you again for your kind support and your inspiring comments!

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 5/10/2008
Perelleth, this is gorgeous and thought-provoking on so many levels, I need some time to digest it properly before I can hope to formulate a worthy review. I'll be back when I sound more coherent; just wanted to let you know it's fabulous. Author Reply: THank you, meckinock, truly. I forced myself to finish the story but I was not at all sure of it in the last chapters, so that you all managed to read it through really makes my day!

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 5/10/2008
I liked this a lot. I liked the way you tied Tolkien's themes to the struggle we still wage. I liked the emphasis on refusing to despair even though all we do is fight the long defeat. And Maglor broke my heart. Author Reply: Thank you, daw. Maglor's heart was broken, I though, and he badly needed to see some light, genlty provided by the Music... through the other three. This was hell to get to the end!

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 5/10/2008
I really liked this view of Maglor, with his concern and rage for his friends, the way he carried Thranduil off to safety. But mostly I loved his singing, of showing them the world and the stars and the moon and the sun, and what was and had been, and what was to come. And of course, I love that Earendil will come and they will not be forsaken! All have their roles to play, these Stewards, but thankfully. Iluvatar is still in control. Author Reply: Thank you, Nilmandra. I had Maglor's pov in mind since the beginning, since he seemed to me the one who would most need comfort and support..and would find it in the end. Writing from the end into the beginning allows that! :-)

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