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I Entulessë (The Return)  by MJ 2 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 7 on 9/30/2010
Nice introduction here to Olorin's neighbor. I like Olorin, but still don't feel he is truly Gandalf, somehow. And what a reaction to his adoration!

FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 7 on 9/23/2010
Pity and forgiveness is a key theme of Tolkien's, and so an explanation of how gandalf gained his tremendous wisdom on that subject is interesting. And still, very sad. Rejection hurts, and I feel quite angry and sad on his behalf, seeing such a humble and innocent being treated so badly. There is that old saying that whatever doesn't kill us makes us stronger, and it is true that out of adversity comes growth. Still painful, though. Can I assume that some of the rest of this story deals with the eventual resolution of this pain? Olórin is not what he used to be. I suspect Aránayel has not achieved the same growth, and may be very surprised when they meet again. Is he destined to help her as well?

Frodo is doing well while begin watched and helped. He is going to figure it out eventually, though, I bet.

Author Reply: Some of the rest of this story does deal with the resolution of pain, but the specific issue of Aránayel I kept to be resolved in my next novel, "Twice Blessed" — which is what got trapped in my writer's block about three-quarters of the way into it. I'm hoping that becoming more actively involved with more readers and writers of Tolkien fanfic will dissolve the block and let me finish it. But in the end, I often wonder if any profound wounds to one's heart are ever wholly healed. Even scars pinch, from time to time.

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