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The Journey Home by Fiondil	18 Review(s)
Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 41 on 7/13/2013
I think by this point Estel is just venting because once started, he doesn't quite know how to stop. He first assumed that attitude as a shield against all the strange things he's seen so far in Valinor, and he is afraid to "drop it". But I'm glad Maglor firmly showed him he is crossing a line - I was getting annoyed with him. That reminds me: your story about Námo getting his own son also named Estel, is that part of this continuity? I ask not only because of the name, but also because from that story one could get the impression that the only sons of Fëanor making it out of the Halls of Mandos would be the twins, and here you mentioned Maedhros also living in Valinor (which I was glad of, because I have a soft spot for him, too). “And so, what you are really saying is that these poor children take one look at my clothes and fall into despair at my lack of fashion sense.” “Exactly,” Aulë replied, smiling down at Maglor and giving him another wink. Oh, ho, I don't think so! I think if this is true, Námo's spouse "The Weaver" should take it upon herself and give the Elves a lesson on good fashion sense. Do they really think Námo would wear anything which doesn't pass Vairë's muster ;-)? Well, although I do agree that his usual black is a bit... hm, monochrome, erm, montone... That was a fantastic and very thoughtful and thought-provoking explanation for why the Oath is so much worse than the Kinslayings. Indeed, only if you are damaged or dead inside yourself, if you have killed your own conscience, will you even be able to contemplate, much less commit, other sins and crimes. Námo has a vertibable gallows humour! He made me snicker, even as I shook my head in dismay at his bluntness. The thought about letting Maglor just commit suicide and end his odyssey had certainly crossed my mind, as well. But it's certainly better this way, and Maglor will have the satisfaction of knowing he didn't give up in truth, even as he thought he did through the long years of his wanderings. I really like Varda's short cameo. In your stories, she often comes across as rather cool and stern (and sometimes even a little as a shrew), but here you show her softer side. Author Reply: I think you're right about Estel, Imhiriel. He's using his anger as a way to handle all the strangeness he's encountering. While I try to be consistent with the storylines of my novel-length stories, I don't necessarily remain consistent with the many short stories, all of which were written for prompts and so the storylines are geared toward the prompts rather than toward anything else within my Valar-verse, as a friend calls it. That may be confusing for readers at times, but it's the way it is. And I love Námo's gallows humor. It always makes me laugh. And Varda likes to put up a good front but beneath that stern exterior is a loving Valië and we just happen to catch her with her guard down here. Thanks for the review. It's much appreciated.

obsidianj	Reviewed Chapter: 41 on 7/5/2013
Finally, Maglor can move on. The last remnants of his past are dealt with. The "official" ceremony is just for everyone else. The really important stuff is done. I loved it how his family rallied around him. Although, Estel was ready to dismiss the whole affair and go back to ME. That boy needs a task and soon. Author Reply: Wow! Been re-reading this story for fun and found another review you wrote that I never answered, obsidian j. My bad. Yes, the really important stuff occurred here in Oromë and Vána's mansion. What happens on the morrow is indeed just for show. And Estel is just feeling scared and lost, as all of them are. I'm sure he'll settle down soon enough. Thanks for the review. Sorry it took a year to respond to it.

Laer	Reviewed Chapter: 41 on 6/25/2013
Wow. I cried at the end of this one. I so love how they all gathered around Maglor when he truly needed them. Namo has a sense of humor, a bit dark but still. I like it...as long as it isn't aimed at me. They wouldn't need to water the trees for a very long time if I would have been there. LOL Author Reply: Hi Laer. That seems to be the reaction of most of my readers, judging from the other reviews I've gotten. And yeah, Námo's humor is a bit quirky and dark, but that's Námo for you. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

Twoflower2	Reviewed Chapter: 41 on 6/25/2013
Thank you again for writing. I am enjoying this enormously and always look forward for Mondays and Fridays. Many moving moments in these last few chapters. The public apology in Alqualonde, Maglor's family appalled by the dreadful Feanorian oath, Arthalion's steadfast loyalty... I also loved lighter episodes, like Galadriel acting all sour when faced with these people who make rude jokes despite (and unfittingly for) their high station. Go Galadriel, somebody should tell them off :) The image of Maedhros' in Lorien made me wonder how Feanor himself would have behaved if reborn. How his version of immature behaviour would have looked? (I know that he is not supposed to be released until the end of the world, but still fun to imagine this). Author Reply: Hi Twoflower2. I am glad you are enjoying this story. And there are indeed many moving moments, especially in these last few chapters, but I like (and prefer) the lighter moments. They're more fun to write, for obvious reasons. And that's an interesting question about Fëanor. I've never thought of how a Reborn Fëanor would be like. Too bad we'll never know. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's very much appreciated.

UTfrog	Reviewed Chapter: 41 on 6/24/2013
Absolutely beautiful! This is some of your finest writing. I always love your sardonic Namo. With deep appreciation, thank you. Author Reply: Thank you, UTfrog. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know.

6336	Reviewed Chapter: 41 on 6/24/2013
Yes, I think one would have had to be just a little bit insane to have uttered that Oath and to have carried the consequences of it for as long as Maglor did would have a profound affect. That he did not go completely insane or manage to do away with himself is a testament to his strength of character and Namo's intervention! I think of all the Valar Namo has to have the hardest job, he just has to break out every now and then. Having to Judge most of those fear coming to him has got to be very wearing. No wonder his sense of humor is questionable at times! I do like Namo, would still like to see him in pink one of these days! Yes, this meeting will make things easier for all, Valar and Elves! Huggs, Lynda Author Reply: Hi Lynda. I think you're right about Námo having the hardest job and he needs to break out every now and then, hence his sardonic reactions here. And Námo in pink just boggles the imagination. LOL! Thanks for commenting. It's always appreciated. Hugs back.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 41 on 6/24/2013
Good to see the actual oath balanced by the renunciation--both needed to be reviewed equally. And they needed that period of private communication with the Valar. Author Reply: Very true, Larner. They both did need to be reviewed equally and together so everyone understands what was involved. And I think they'll do better in the Ring of Doom having already dealt with the Valar in private. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.

Monalex	Reviewed Chapter: 41 on 6/24/2013
Great chapter!!! And a good point you have about the children not having any other option... although I think that ones they start to interact with other children they will soon adapt to their new surroundings. Also I think it's worth mentioning that Estel is truly Feanaro's grandson, hahahaha with that temper of his. Another interaction I liked was that of Aule with Maglor because it shows that he has forgiven his former apprentice :D Ohhh also I've been wondering do your one shots from Tales from Vairë's Loom, are they connected to this story or should I take them as separate entities??? This because I now remember a story called Beyond the Galvorn Door, in which you mention that only the twins went through Judgment and that they were reborn residing with their brother Maglor in Aman but not in Tirion making it seem as if they are not allowed in Tirion at all. In contrast in this story you mention that all his brothers are reborn at the time of Maglor´s return and that Arafinwe has forgiven him and his family and would welcome them in the Palace again. Loved this chapter and am waiting impatiently for the next one :) Author Reply: Hi Monalex. I'm glad you liked the chapter. I'm sure once they're all settled, the kids will find it's not so bad in Aman. As for the on-shots in Tales from Vairë's Loom and Fiondil's Tapestry, while I often try to keep the backstories consistent for major characters, I don't always bother and I often forget what I wrote about them years before. You can choose which you want to be AU to which story. It's all one to me. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

Sunny	Reviewed Chapter: 41 on 6/24/2013
Hmmm. I would have thought Maglor would have had more to do with Manwë, since he's a bard after all. Though since he crafts his own instruments, I'm sure he picked up a fair amount of useful knowledge at Aulë's place. So the other Valar popped in for a visit - including the Original Goth himself. I do wonder what sort of Goth you see Námo as - there is a handy guide to various Goth (stereo)types here: http://trellia.deviantart.com/gallery/25271332 It sounds as if Maglor's brothers have been giving the Dynamic Duo a run for their money in being the most chaotic inhabitants Mandos has ever seen. Perhaps they by now have proven to be the ones who have given Námo the most grey hairs, ever. They are, after all, their father's sons! ;) I loved the way Arthlion stood up for Maglor! :D Those kids really need some young Amanian friends to get into trouble with. I'm sure Valinor won't seem so dreary once they have some local friends who know all the fun things to do. Especially the things they aren't allowed to do! Author Reply: Hi Sunny. Well, Maglor is a Noldo and in the Silm he and his brothers it is said that they were often guests of Aulë. I think Romantic Goth fits Námo well, don't you? LOL! And Arthalion is cool, there's no doubt about it. I think once the dust settles, the kids will find their way, especially when they start apprenticing with the Valar and meet other like-minded souls. Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it.

Tari	Reviewed Chapter: 41 on 6/24/2013
Maglor redemed, forgiven and surrounded by his loving family and friends. A bright future lies ahead for all of them. "Sighs" I love it. Author Reply: Yes, a bright future does lie ahead for them all, Tari, especially for Maglor, which is as it should be now thtat he's been redeemed and forgiven. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.

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