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Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil  by Larner 9 Review(s)
Independence1776Reviewed Chapter: 60 on 8/13/2009
I'm speechless! This is a stunning portrayal of Nerdanel, and how Fëanor's actions both helped and hurt. Wonderful story!

~ Indy

Author Reply: Thank you so, Independence. I was glad to have the challenge we were offered to write this to.

SunnyReviewed Chapter: 60 on 8/8/2009
I wasn’t really sure about this fic on the first read-through. I suppose it is the sort of thing you will either love or hate. ;-)

Nerdanel certainly had reasons enough to hate Fëanor: He turned away from her, and towards the end of his life, what passion he still had was reserved from those things that he had made: the Silmarils. And he turned her sons against her, and led them towards the Kinslayings (that would stain their family ever after) and towards their dishonorable deaths – except for Maglor. And while you have hinted that he alone returned to her (probably deeply damaged, but that is not encompassed by this fic) there is still the loss of husband and sons, and the scars this would have dealt on Nerdanel’s fëa.

When Fëanor _did_ return to Nerdanel, she _did_ find that there were still embers glowing where she had thought were only ashes. Though I would hope that Fëanor has learned a few things in his long sojourn in Mandos – and reciprocally, I hope Nerdanel has developed a proper mithril-and-steel spine, as well as an ability to put her foot down now than Fëanor is restored to her.

(And I think I have e-mailed you earlier about Maglor, and especially his mental state around the end of the Third Age.) (I still consider Maglor one of the more interesting Canon characters)

Is the Muse providing you with the proper input on _Stirring Rings_? And if she isn’t what sort of bribe will induce her to do so?


Author Reply: Oh, thank you so for the long response to this tale, Sunny. I have more of "Stirring Rings" blocked out, but am trying to get "Or Perchance" finished, as it is SUPPOSED to be relatively short and should be finished soon. However, work has become very--interesting, and a bit stressful, and a couple deadlines are coming up I must respond to this week both within fandom and outside it, and I'm scrambling to get things finished on time. Please forgive me, but things are going to be slow for the next two weeks, I fear.

I so hope that after all the ages of the world that Nerdanel survived, both she and her husband should both have learned a good deal and known considerable healing. It must have been very difficult for her, losing all as she did when her husband turned from his love of her to his obsession with the Silmarils and his grief for the loss of his father.

Anyway, thanks again, and please forgive me for the slowness of things at the moment. I so hope to have things back in more order soon!

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 60 on 8/5/2009
A unique and fascinating story.I fear if I were Feanor's wife, I'd never want to see him again.Nerdanel is very noble of heart.

Author Reply: Well, it has been many ages since she last saw her husband, and I would so hope both of them have known much healing in that length of time. Yes, very noble of heart, indeed; and hopefully his nobility has finally been restored!

Thank you so, Linda!

SitaraReviewed Chapter: 60 on 8/5/2009
" Who could deny the beauty of him, who had been her husband, her love, her delight beneath the light of the Trees? Who could withstand the sacred Flame that burned in his heart? For now his time had come to atone for all the destruction done by and through him!"

Wow. Just WOW. That would be surely a sight to behold. Sorry for my obvious giddiness but it doesn't happen everyday to come across a story such as yours. Now I was finally able to really enjoy "The Craft of an Elven Smith", you know.

Your vision seems to be different compared to the Second Prophecy of Mandos, according to which Feanaro will be released from the Halls of Mandos only after the Dagor Dagorath, therefore he won't have to physically fight against Morgoth. However, his own battle will be much more harder. Anyway, you did a splendid job writing Nerdanel's point of view and you've definitely caught the moving beauty of the moment. After so many Ages, Nerdanel is seeing her steadfastness rewarded. Simply wondrous.

I still have to ask myself which Vala was the one standing beside her and displaying so much understanding and wisdom. Personally, I'd bet on Manwe.

Thank you very much, Larner, for writing this.
Sitara

Author Reply: Thank you so, Sitara, for the feedback. I admit I'm playing a bit fast and loose, but please keep in mind my set of HoME is not yet complete, although it is approaching completion. Therefore at times my understanding of some of the ancilliary writings may not be precisely accurate, but I hope it does at least capture interest. I am very glad this story appears to have moved as many as have indicated such reactions.

I've always felt far more sympathy and empathy for Nerdanel than for her husband; but after so long would not she as well as he know healing and preparation for what must be done to help make all things new? And whether the unnamed Vala is Namo, Irmo, or Manwe--or perhaps even Tulkas--I will allow the readers to make that decision.

And thank you so very much for appreciating it!

KittyReviewed Chapter: 60 on 8/4/2009
Interesting piece, Larner. I think you caught the mixed feelings well Nerdanel must have had when seeing her husband and sons again after all these long ages. She must have missed them all so much, but knowing what they did can't have been easy, so how is one to react at the reunion? Though I am glad the love won out in the end.

Author Reply: I would so hope that to be true--that love prevailed in the end, making it easier for all to do all they could to defeat Morgoth that Love might prevail for all of Ea! Thanks so, Kitty.

Elena TirielReviewed Chapter: 60 on 8/3/2009
Wow, this is extraordinary, Larner... I have never before been so moved and so sympathetic to both Nerwen and Fëanor. Very passionate!

And the manner of restoration to the world of the three Silmarils is stunning!

Well done!

- Barbara

Author Reply: I've always felt the decline in the love between Nerdanel and Feanor to be a great tragedy, and enjoy contemplating its renewal. Somewhere in HoME is an indication that at the end of the world the three Silmarils would come together into Feanor's hands, and so he with them in his possession would become a great weapon against the Enemy; am so very glad you appreciate how each was brought to him. Thank you! And with his wife's love restored and his sons about him, all are ready to join the fight against Morgoth and his forces!

Again, Elena, thank you!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 60 on 8/3/2009
Oh my! What a wonderful piece of apocalyptic romance! To see the end of the world, and then the world remade, at the side of her husband. Beautifully done, Bonnie, dear!

Author Reply: I am deeply honored, Dreamflower. Thank you so very much!

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 60 on 8/3/2009
This is a lovely and passionate piece of writing Larner. It is to my own shame that I do not know the characters involved well enough to appreciate it properly.

Author Reply: Thank you--so many appear to find this passionate, and I am truly flattered. Nerdanel seems to creep back into my little tales here and there, it seems....

Thanks again so much, Harrowcat!

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 60 on 8/3/2009
It's so sad that Nerdanel had to wait until the end of days for this reunion - but a lovely, passionate story.

Author Reply: I agree. Am so glad you feel it is passionate. Thank you so, Raksha! I am honored!

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