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The Last Messenger: A Tale of Númenor  by Fiondil 5 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 8 on 2/27/2008
And what has Sauron taught to Ar-Pharazon's guards to detect such songs of power, we wonder?

Author Reply: Not sure if he's taught them anything about Songs of Power. Perhaps they're just very good guards doing their duty. We'll find out in the next installment.

T.AReviewed Chapter: 8 on 2/26/2008
Ah, suspense! How to end a chapter properly is quite a task! :-D


Author Reply: It leaves the reader wanting more and it's how one keeps the reader hooked on the story. *grin*

RhyselleReviewed Chapter: 8 on 2/25/2008
There's so much to like in this chapter. I like how the personalities of the Elendili are so diverse. I like the sibling grumping and grousing, and how Laurendil stopped it by his comment to Valandil.

I particularly liked the bit about Laurendil thinking of what Vorondil would have to say when he returned to Aman with short hair! But I also thought it perfectly in character that he'd make that sacrifice in order to be able to accomplish their mission. Unfortunately I can't really see how they'd be able to keep his elvish good looks from attracting at least some attention even with hiding his ears and wearing rustic clothes. I'd assume that the cut off locks went into the fire or something, because that would be a hard thing to explain if elven hair were found in the farmstead.

I like Beren and his family, and how they are such "normal" people. Some fics I've read seem to over do "rustic" dialects and "redneck" attitudes when they are writing farmers or other non-nobility characters and I find that annoying. It's good to see them written using proper speech. I did laugh about the daughter being sent up to wake the girls and Laurendil's amusement. From my own practical experience with my children, outraged squeals are par for the course for that particular tasking.

I like the idea of the farmers singing as they are approaching the city and going into the tunnel under the wall. Laurendil's distress at seeing the wall about the city really sharpened my appreciation of how far Numenor had fallen in a relatively short time.

And then came the cliffie... You're going to have readers on the edge of their seats until you post the next part! *grin*

Great job!


Author Reply: Laurendil is willing to do what he needs to to get the job done and for all that he's given up the sword, he is still a warrior even without the braids.

Just because someone lives on the farm doesn't mean they've no learning. I couldn't see Númenórëans of any class not having some education, so I've portrayed these farmers accordingly.

Laurendil of course remembers what Armenelos looked like four centuries and more ago, so it would be a shock to see how much as changed in just (for him) the short time he's been away. I wanted to show how far Númenor has fallen through one who has known the Númenóréans almost from the beginning.

Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for reviewing.

Nieriel RainaReviewed Chapter: 8 on 2/25/2008
Well that is an evil place to stop! *grin* I did nearly laugh, then cry as poor Laurendil had to cut his hair. Vorondil will find that amusing, IF our dear elf makes it back home, no? *looks suspiciously look at author* I enjoyed this chapter, up until the end where 'ACK'ed. Now get busy with the next chapter! *makes shooing motions*


Great chapter. I eagerly await more!

Author Reply: Well, you know me and cliff-hangers! LOL! It was an even bet what Laurendil would do about his hair. Even I didn't know until he asked for the shears. I'm sure Vorondil will be very sympathethic. Glad you liked this and thanks again for pointing out the typos.

Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 8 on 2/25/2008
I don't know where my mind has been these past weeks. I thought sure I had responded at least to some of these chapters.... especially the boat one - though I thoroughly enjoyed the reviews.

Been a great tale so far - I am dearly hoping that they do not fall into the clutches of the Arandili - that would not be good!

As for Isildur - did he get the seed????

Author Reply: I'm glad you've been enjoying the tale. As for your question, the answer lies in chapter 5, you'll have to go back and re-read it.

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