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Forging Hope  by Ellie 5 Review(s)
Twoflower2Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 5/21/2014
Now I see that my review repeats the previous review word for word! Sorry, this was completely unintentional. But this is probably a right moment to say that I am tempted to write the very same review after almost every chapter: "oh no, not this, I wonder what happens next". But it might get somewhat repetitive :) so I only do it once in a while.

Author Reply: Don't worry that your review repeated another's review. I think it is amusing. At least I know that readers are thinking alike! I want my readers wondering what will happen next and it is perfectly fine to keep saying "oh no, not this, I wonder what happens next". I am happy for any feedback at all. :-)

Thanks for reading and telling me your thoughts even when they echo those of others. LOL! I hope the next chapter gives you some answers.

Twoflower2Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 5/21/2014
Oh, no! What could have happened with Faroniel? Was it Belegon, perhaps? Poor Finarfin just can't get a break.

Author Reply: Finarfin feared she would get sick again after he saw her fall ill before...


LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 13 on 5/21/2014
Oh no! What could have happened?

Earlier, Laureher's leadership shone through in the courage and loyalty he inspired in his fellow villagers.

I kept wondering what would happen when he put on his helm -- who would recognise him there on the battlefield. What would they think -- that he had returned from the dead, perhaps? Sent by the Valar to sustain the army, bring new hope? Only to be cruelly cut down...

Aicanáro was heartbreakingly sweet in his offer to go and fight so that his father didn't have to.

The parting was well done, both his wife's acknowledging his duty, as well as expressing honestly her satisfaction at his pain in the parting, that it might bring him home to them sooner.

And then, of course, her death. Only a little mitigated by the fact that the children seem to remain well, if anguished, and other villagers are around them? I think I got that right. Which means, perhaps, that it's not an Orc attack as I first assumed.

Interesting that the Maia have orders not to let him go.

Author Reply: Laureher is a fine leader even when he doesn't mean to be one. His son loves him dearly and wants to be big and strong and a protector just like his dad. Unfortunately the little guy is in a tough position now with Faroniel gone.

I'm glad the parting with Faroniel and the family worked for you. She had done this before and understood full well what the consequences could be for her in the end. I don't think she ever imagined she would be the one to die while he was away at the war.

He had feared she would get sick again some day and was over-protective of her in previous chapters. I don't think it ever occurred to him that such a thing could happen to her while he was away. The last time he swished his family good night she seems weak and farther away than normal. She was already dying then, but he just did not understand it.

He is too important to the army, more so than he realizes. You will learn more next chapter.

Thanks for the long review! I appreciate it very much!

FiondilReviewed Chapter: 13 on 5/21/2014
Arafinwë is very good with Damrod and Barandir, especially looking out for Damrod and helping him through his first battle, but the ending is quite intense. Let's hope the poor ellon makes it through the night. Right now with Faroniel dead he probably doesn't want to live any longer. Love Eönwë here even if we only 'see' him from Arafinwë's perspective before he passes out.

Author Reply: I rather liked the bit with Damrod and Barandir. Laureher needed good friends such as those two to get him through the march to join the army. It is safe to say that Eonwe is his only hope at this point. He has none of his own left to him and he is in rather bad shape physically at this point. Yikes!

Thanks for reading and reviewing! I appreciate it :-)

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 13 on 5/20/2014
What could have taken Faroniel in that manner? No wonder he wishes to lie down and die! At least he has friends who will not only protect him but see him healed so that he can return to his Elven wife. As for the children...well we shall see what we shall see regarding them, at least.

Author Reply: Faroniel had gotten sick before and it was a constant fear of Laureher's that she would get sick. He is fortunate to have friends and Maiar to come to his aid. You will just have to wait and see as he will what becomes of the children. The poor guy just can't get a break, can he?

Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much!

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