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The Silence  by Aldwen 9 Review(s)
RenataReviewed Chapter: 20 on 4/2/2021
Having read 'The Stronghold', I looked to see what else you wrote, and just finished reading this story. Backwards order, lol, but better late than never!

Another enjoyable story (is it wrong to use that adjective when so much of the story is about suffering?). Something that I particularly enjoyed about it were the intricate descriptions of the natural world. It was amusing that it took Celebrimbor so long to realize that he loved Middle Earth; as a reader viewing the world through his eyes, I fell in love with the natural beauty and flow of the seasons almost instantly. (But then, I love the mountains, and I love gardens - both the kind that are planted and tended by Man, and the natural gardens planted and tended by God and His creatures.)

Author Reply: Thank you sincerely!
Yes, I was interested to explore the relationships we build with the world, often being unaware of what kind or relationships these are. This topic comes, in part, from my own experience - as I studied abroad I thoroughly hated (or thought that I hated) the place where I was studying. I was sad and homesick and wanted nothing else than to go back home as soon as possible. But when, after one year, I had to return... Only then I realized how much I had grown attached to my temporary study place.
I do not think it is wrong to enjoy stories about suffering. After all, nearly all Tolkien's works fall in this category, and through suffering the heroes grow and come to deeper understanding and hope. That is probably why these stories are still so relevant to us, especially in the current time...

atealgirlReviewed Chapter: 8 on 3/23/2021
I was rereading this story in preparation to read your new one and got distracted by the Valacira being westward when it is part of the Big Dipper which is so near the North star. I wasn't sure if you were a little inaccurate or brilliant in keeping in mind the change of constellations over long periods of time. I spent an hour trying to figure this out with scientific Googling and have determined that you are brilliant (whether on purpose or not) because the star that is the north star changes and about 10,000 years ago it would be in quite a different place so the Valacirca could be westward. Also, I realized that Elves would see a lot more stars than we can and how amazing that would be. Sorry for this irrelevant rambling I will give normal reviews of your new story soon.
Thanks,
atealgirl


Author Reply: Hi!

Thank you, this is by no means irrelevant! I must admit that in this case I was brilliant quite accidentally; astronomy is definitely not one of my strong sides. :) As I wrote that part I wanted the Valacirca to be westward for a purely symbolic purpose.

Aldwen

atealgirlReviewed Chapter: 20 on 2/26/2021
I really like this story. You portray Celebrimbor as an intriguing and likeable character. He is in a unique position as the only child of the Feanorians who is a part of the effects of the Oath without having taken it. I like how you show how in love with Middle-earth he is. Interesting idea that the Oath binds Nelyofinwe to be unable to fade despite the pain. I like how you show the differences between the two camps by the way they are built and whether or not they have horses. The image of Findekano walking balk in the rain was a poignant one. I would love more Celebrimbor stories from you, especially the events in Nargothrond, or anything else you want to write.
Thanks,
atealgirl

Author Reply: Thank you for the review, it is really encouraging! I am very glad you like the story! Celebrimbor is an interesting character, with so little actually written about him. For me, he really is likeable. I cannot imagine the person who made the Three Rings any other way. And he would have loved Middle-earth, otherwise he would not have stayed after the War of Wrath.
Thanks again!
Aldwen

EllynnReviewed Chapter: 20 on 2/19/2021
Nicely done. :)
Have you considered writing a story about Celebrimbor's life in Eregion?

Author Reply: Thank you! :)
I have, actually, and there are also other time-points and events I am interested in exploring; we really know so little of him. There is something started still about the First Age, and I may post it in a while, but we shall see how it goes with completing. The Primary World is currently very demanding in terms of time and effort. :-D

EllynnReviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/5/2021
Well written, it's interesting! ;)

P.s. I suggest you find a beta before publishing, to correct some minor grammar and punctuation things. They are small, but why not fix them if possible? :) It always helps when someone else checks the text, especially for us who are not native English speakers. ;) (No, English is not my mother tongue either :) )

Author Reply: Thank you for the review and the suggestion! I completely agree, beta reading is very helpful, but finding someone will take time which I do not have at the moment. This story is now finished, and I want to upload the rest too, once I have started to publish it. Sorry for the errors in the remaining eight chapters! :)

EllynnReviewed Chapter: 6 on 2/3/2021
very good and plausible description of the awakening.

Author Reply: Thank you!

EllynnReviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/3/2021
Haha, this is not fair. :) Will we readers ever find out?
Nicely done, btw.

P.s. Sorry, I obviously messed up the timeline in my head. I'll have to memorize it correctly :)

Author Reply: Thanks and sorry for that...! :) Honestly, I have no idea. I haven't found out myself yet. Writing for me works in a way that probably breaks all rules - I kind of 'discover' things, without a specific plan or a clear idea where I want to go with the story. So I may discover that too. Or not. We shall see.



EllynnReviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/2/2021
I like this so far :) Your Celebrimbor is a nice, interesting person.

I do have one question, though, concerning the first chapter. Wasn't Maedhros capture quite some time AFTER the rest of the Noldor arrived to Middle-earth? My Silmarillion is out of reach now, but I have some blurred memory that Maedhros and Fingolfin had a conversation after Fearor's death, in which Maedhros says to his uncle that he (Fingolfin) should be the high king of all the Noldor, as he is now the oldest living of their house.
If your time-line is changed deliberately, then disregard the second part of my review. ;)

Author Reply: Thank you! I am very glad you like Celebrimbor! I have always pictured him as a nice person, but quite stubborn also. :)
Concerning your question - no, this timeline is according to the text. Feanorians came first, by the ships, Feanor perished almost at once, and Maedhros was captured very soon after that, during the fake parley offered by Morgoth. Fingolfin's host came to Middle-earth much later, as they had to cross the Grinding Ice. Maedhros surrendered the kingship over all Noldor after his rescue by Fingon.

Camp6311Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/1/2021
Beautiful story telling, and very well written. I am enjoying it very much. Loved this bit:
"Yet even though in my mind I denied myself the solace that Endórë was offering me, my heart somehow accepted it, and my mood was lightened" The heart often knows what the mind refuses to accept.

Author Reply: Thank you so much! :)
Yes, it is so, especially when being out in the nature. We somehow take what we need at the moment, often being ourselves unaware what it is exactly that makes us feel better.

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