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Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil by Larner	8 Review(s)
Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 8/7/2010
Ah, so that's how Gandalf got Narya! Cirdan certainly didn't lose any time to gift him with the ring, not even to get to know him a bit before. But then, I guess our dear Gandalf feels very trustworthy, even without Cirdan's foresight. And Cirdan's argument seems logical – the ring of fire isn't the right one for someone with an affinity for water. For Gandalf, however, it worked just fine, obviously. Author Reply: Even in Tolkien's naturally short version it appears that Cirdan decided to gift this right away. And I'm certainly glad he did! But it struck me that this would be a good rationale on Cirdan's part to decide to pass the ring on.

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 8/2/2010
I am sworn to the service of Ulmo, as much his vassal as is Ossë. Narya and I are often at odds, as my own bent dampens its power. But you, as akin as you are to Fire already—you will have far less difficulty than I in gaining its cooperation. How marvelous! This is a wonderful envisioning of this gifting. Author Reply: Thank you so, Shirebound. It was interesting to try to imagine what individuals Olorin might have been missing, and how the gift of Narya might have helped assuage that longing. And we know that Gandalf himself had an affinity for fire in its warming roles--certainly Narya must have felt far more at home in his keeping than in that of the Shipwright! Again, thank you so!

Antane	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 7/29/2010
Interesting story - I like the ending and Gandalf's words about needing to see the sun and that Cirdan is aware of the wizard's true nature. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: We know that Cirdan recognized that this last of the Istari would benefit by the gift of Narya, and that Gandalf himself already apparently had an affinity for fire. It is possible that, had he and Arien had a bent toward evil and selfishness and thus been willing to follow Morgoth, they, too, might have become Balrogs. Instead, both were drawn to the warming, nurturing, delightful aspects of fire, although in the end both were nonetheless dangerous for all that, but more because we must treat fire with respect if we are to reap its true benefits and not turn it into a destroyer. Am so glad you found it interesting. Thanks so, Antane.

Ellynn	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 7/29/2010
Wonderful scene! I really love how you describe this gift-giving... Cirdan's words are so wise. And I like how you intertwine coldness/warmness throughout the story. Excellent! Author Reply: I believe that Cirdan was among the wisest of the wise within Middle Earth. Certainly the Free Peoples needed the warmth that Gandalf could provide them, so am glad that I apparently communicated precisely what I'd intended. Thank you so, Ellynn!

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 7/28/2010
It must have been a daunting mission even for one as great as Gandalf. I liked the idea of the ring holding the warmth of the sun. Author Reply: Am so very glad that you do. We know that Gandalf declared himself the wielder of the Flame of Anor; it made sense, then, that as the Phial of Galadriel carried the Light of Earendil, Narya must have been tied to the power of the Sun. Thanks so, Linda.

eiluj	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 7/28/2010
Intriguing in many ways, particularly Ossë and clouds; Olórin's ship that seems to lack any crew; and that Círdan and Narya had a negative affinity for each other. Over the years, I've seen at least a half-dozen fics with a Gandalf-Arien romance. Is that just a fic-writers' idea, or does it originate from something Tolkien mentioned? Psst -- some typos: "after many spending" should be "after spending many." Probably "strakes" (sailing) rather than "strafes" (military), and "quay" (sailing) instead of "quey" (agriculture). Author Reply: We know that Osse was associated with storms at sea, so the idea that he preferred to surround himself with clouds just seemed to follow. It is not told that any sailed with the Istari as they arrived, so I've postulated that they were sent in pairs or alone with none others to sail their crafts than themselves. In "Stirring Rings" I picture Osse and Uinen accompanying at least Curumo and Olorin as they voyaged, offering each such advice as they would receive--little in Curumo's case and a good deal on the part of Olorin; I would guess that the company of Osse at least could be diverting and pleasant enough, if slightly uncertain considering his temper; but I'd guess that it could be decidedly cool as well. We know that Gandalf had an affinity for fire, and it is likely that had he and Arien been inclined toward evil the two of them might well have become Balrogs in their own right. That they might be at least somewhat drawn to one another therefore seems right to me. I'd not read other stories with this possible pairing, but then I don't tend to read a lot of Sil-fic, I fear. I'm glad to realize that others have seen the same potentials in Olorin as have I. And I can see the Fire of Narya and the Water of Cirdan's nature being potentially at odds, making it easier for Cirdan to pass it on when the right individual came along. Thanks so, and thanks also for the catch on the typos. I'm good at them, as you know!

Teresa	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 7/28/2010
I love the way you share scenes of Middle Earth! This glimpse of the meeting between Gangalf and Cirdan was fantastic! Many thanks! :) Author Reply: I'm so glad you liked it, Teresa. I have such a soft spot in my heart for Gandalf, you see. Thanks so!

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 7/28/2010
Aww...I never imagined the idea of Olorin/Gandalf having feelings for Arien! But it might explain why he has such an affinity for Fire! And I love how Cirdan takes such care of him! Lovely! Author Reply: From what I can tell, had Olorin or Arien either one had the tendency to follow Morgoth, it's likely both would have become Balrogs. By staying true, however, their tendency toward fire would be warming and nurturing rather than destructive. And with both having affinity toward fire, they were likely to be drawn together, it seems to me, an attraction based on shared tendencies as opposed to the more complementary nature of the attraction between Arien and Tillion. Thanks so very much, Dreamflower! Author Reply: From what I can tell, had Olorin or Arien either one had the tendency to follow Morgoth, it's likely both would have become Balrogs. By staying true, however, their tendency toward fire would be warming and nurturing rather than destructive. And with both having affinity toward fire, they were likely to be drawn together, it seems to me, an attraction based on shared tendencies as opposed to the more complementary nature of the attraction between Arien and Tillion. Thanks so very much, Dreamflower!

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