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| Twice Blessed by MJ | 3 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/22/2010 |
| So, she continues to be as petty as always? I suspect that she and Frodo are going to come to--well, not blows, precisely, but something near enough to them before all is said and done. And perhaps she needs to reflect on just how similar she is in many ways to Curumo! | |
| Rhyselle | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/19/2010 |
| Wow! I like this story as much as its prequel! The plight of the children is heartbreaking, especially with the fates of their parents and the low likelihood of their being released from Mandos for any of the foreseeable future. I think that going to Lorien to live with Olorin and Frodo will be a good experience for them, if only Aranayel doesn't muck things up for them while pursuing her own goals. I really liked your description of Nienna's home. I could picture it very clearly, and I particularly liked your description of Nienna herself, and the points made about the purpose of solitude and a non-distracting environment when one is healing from emotional pain. I look forward to the future chapters of this fic, and hope that it won't be too long until you post again. Well done! Author Reply: As you can see, it wasn't too long. I'm just hoping that by the time I get to the spot where the story is blocked, things will start flowing again. But I'm very happy to hear that you're enjoying it thus far -- although we can expect that Aranayel will be doing her share of mucking things up before all is said and done! Thanks for the review! | |
| FantasyFan | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/17/2010 |
| Wow, that is one incredibly self-centered Maia. I wonder what part she had in singing the world into creation - the invention of mirrors? Now I know she's had a long punishment time in which to become bitter, but I think Olorin's being more than charitable when he says he thinks she's changed for the better. I see a superior and judgemental attitude, a dismissing and unforgiving spirit. It amazes me that Olorin's time of study under Nienna taught him compassion and pity, and she spent probably longer there and learned nothing of these. What will it take for her to learn empathy? That's what's actually defective: she has no recognition at all for what others may feel in response to what she says or does! /rant. (i feel better - a little) Actually, that's rather an intersting question. What will it take for her to learn to regard the feelings of others? Punishment obviously has not, which really isn't surprising - it doesn't usually work when a change of heart is what is required. In my experience, punishment may serve to get someone's attention, but then a good example is much more instructive. Perhaps that is Olorin's function. If Olorin can respond compassionately to Manwe's betrayal, and see the benefits it brings to both parties, (as well as the approval of others, probably a good hook in her case) perhaps it will cause her to see things differently. Frodo is wise in compassion as well, and perhaps can also contribute, especially if he can be compassionate to Aránayel. Author Reply: Nice rant. :) As someone who lived with a mother who was a textbook case of narcissistic personality disorder, I suppose some of her crept into Aránayel (but only a little bit). I personally never thought of the Ainur as perfect little angels — we have too many examples of their imperfections, great and small, for me to think otherwise. Especially now that they are essentially trapped within Eä until the End, I imagine there will be problems (although that particular can of worms is one I'm saving for another story, which is in the works). Aránayel, obnoxious as she is, is a part of that spectrum as I see it. The question of what she might have sung in the Music will come up at some point (though it may not be definitively answered). But as Nienna suggested that in helping others, Olórin may find the answer to his own problem, this is a rocky road he needs must travel to find his own answers. Frodo will indeed have a part to play, but what form that role will take remains to be seen.... | |