Reviews (166)

Meldewen Ilce · 13 June 2004 · Chapter 23: The Passing of Arwen

Oh Jo dear, you had me crying like a baby in this last chapter! I mean I knew Arwen's death would come because at least in that way you are following Tolkien's writing - but the reaction of Canohando to her death broke my heart! I feel so sorry for him as he keeps losing those he loves: First Yarga, then Frodo, then Aragorn, and now Arwen - I wish his heartache could end! But it seems Malawen's heart is opening up to him - she may yet see past the fact he's an orc - I hope so as I would like to see them find some healing (and love perhaps) together as they are in need of it so much! Oh and what a poignant moment when he said to Malawen: "Something is awry when an Orc knows pity and an Elf does not." and indeed it is! Now I wonder what's going to happen to Canohando now that Arwen has left the Circles of the World? Will he go onto Rivendell to find whatever it is Arwen said awaited him there and then onto the Shire? Also I hope that he will be given the chance to show Arwen's letter proving he is the Queen's knight - I mean there are many who would kill him on sight because of the fact he is an orc! Oh this story has been as lovely as its predecessor and I look forward to what will happen next!

Rose Sared · 12 June 2004 · Chapter 23: The Passing of Arwen

You write sorrow to shatter the hardest heart. Even though we all know the story you bring it to life with an honesty that would wring tears from a stone, or an orc for that matter. Bravo sniff Rose

Rose Sared · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 22: The Fading of Lothlorien

Jo, these chapters just keep getting better and better, Canahando becomes more elvish, the elves have time to make their decisions, and the little wounded elf starts to find a redemption of her own. I love your work, the quality just keeps on and on. Rose

FantasyFan · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 21: Waking

Canohando has come such a long way, that I do not think that the memories of the darkness will be able to drag him down now. However, guilt is an appropriate emotion when the action one is remembering is truly evil, as Canohando's former life was. Can he do something for Malawen as a corresponding act of penitance? I thought it was very touching and appropriate for Arwen to speak to Canohando while he was unconscious of all her happy memories with Elessar. Her grief is such that she is preparing to leave the world, and she has only put it aside a little for her Shadow, but it is still a big part of her right now. As he needs her less, I imagine it will grow to its inevitable conclusion. I was a little surprised to read your description of Melawen as a child during the time of the Fellowship's visit to Lothlorien. There are no elflings mentioned in canon, and the convention in many fanfics is that the elves, sensing that their time in Middle-earth was over, did not reproduce during the end of the Third Age. I have read somewhere that Arwen was the last of the elves born, but it's hard sometimes for me to keep straight the sources for impressions like that (I am not an elf-expert in any sense, fancying hobbits myself.) However, this is your story and you are welcome to write it any way you want, whether it surprises me or not! The idea that Melawen would not grow after being traumatized is interesting - most adult elves after capture and torture would probably die of grief, or pass into the west like Celebrian. She had enough inner strength to resist that, but the horror did take still take its toll, stunting the fullness of her potential. It will be interesting to see what becomes of her with this encounter that forces her out of her dark self-imprisonment.

Rose Sared · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 21: Waking

So the orc will redeam the elf, humm, cunning plan. Another wonderful unpredictable ch. Keep 'em coming Rose

FantasyFan · 29 May 2004 · Chapter 20: In the Twilight

Here it looks as if there is someone else as badly in need of healing as Canohando. Something made Malawen stay behind, when most of the other Elves are long gone, and I don't think it was just a love of Middle-Earth. Arwen has said that Canohando has a purpose other than killing a troll for her - I wonder if he is meant to heal, as Frodo healed him? As always, this is an interesting story, and I will be looking for the next chapter.

Breon Briarwood · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 20: In the Twilight

No safety even in Lorien! Canohando's going to come out of this soon, right?

Rose Sared · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 20: In the Twilight

oooh, tough times in Lorien huh? I hope the welcome further in is rather warmer, but I can never second guess your stories, that's why I love them so. I hope Canahando recovers soon, I guess if your are not dead as an orc you will probably come right eventually . Rose

Rose Sared · 25 May 2004 · Chapter 19: The Danger Unprepared For

Oh no! Flat orc, thats what I would call an orcward situation! (sorry, runs for cover) very exciting ch, jo, if a little sad when they half expected elves and got trolls. More more Rose

Rose Sared · 19 May 2004 · Chapter 18: The Road to Lothlorien

Finally they are on their way! Still so sad, but a nice rest in this chapter from the angst of the last. A romance ahead for our orc? that would be fun. Rose

Breon Briarwood · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 17: Shadows on the Moon

Wow, get a 'puter-bug and look how much you miss: the death of the King and attempted murder of the orc. I should have known that was coming, but why didn't I think it would? Now the guard needs a guard! Looking forward to more. :D

Rose Sared · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 17: Shadows on the Moon

And there is Canohando, nearly redeemed, becoming more and more elvish as he claims the moon and mercy as his right. He is proof that the twisted can become less so and we choose our fates. I love him as a OC and still your canon characters stay so in character I can hear their voices. Love this story, love your writing Rose

Rose Sared · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 16: The Age of the Dominion of Men

And so now we move out of the valley of the shadow and onto the next phase of the orc's service. Wonderful chapter, wonderful dealing with Arwen's grief that almost seems like subborness such is its depth. Still love your bravery and your writing. Rose

FantasyFan · 4 May 2004 · Chapter 14: The Silent Street

There is great sadness here, but also great dignity and courage. I don't know that I could face death with the calm that Aragorn does, or the courage of Arwen, even though she is not at peace. It is amazing to me that Aragorn takes leave of Canohando last of all - I had the thought as he did, that Canohando stands in the place of Frodo here. It was good of Gimli to recall Merry and Pippin at their rest. I hope we might see them, in their beds next to the king, in a chapter soon to come? I had never thought before about Frodo not being buried there in this world where he has no tomb over the sea. I think Legolas is right that he would want to stay in the Shire after having been away from it for so long, and be near to Sam for all time. Just brilliant, to have Canohando recall the death of Yarga, which had its threads of pain and redemption, and have it lead him into a prayer to the Valar that he trusts somehow will hear the unselfish pleas of even an orc in the process of being transformed into something more. Och, you've done a good job with this. I'm such a sentimental softie, these next parts are going to require a lot of tissues.

FantasyFan · 4 May 2004 · Chapter 13: The Queen's Company

I really have to restrain myself from going right ahead to read the next chapter! I do want to comment though, on how right it seems that Canohando looks into each soldier's face, and perhaps into their hearts, before asking an oath of alliegance. Not to himself, but to the protection of the Queen. Truly Radagast foretold truly, he is a wise commander! And I think there is still a lot of the Elvish left in him - he reminds me of Galadriel in this. Elessar is so kingly and commanding here. He is going to drag his people into the next era, whether they are ready for it or not. I hope his son will be up to following such a ruler. I loved the little nod to the movie line, too.

FantasyFan · 4 May 2004 · Chapter 12: Those Who Are Called

I am continually brought up by the descriptions of Canohando as short. Yes, I know that the Orcs are often small, but this one is so large in my mind, that I expect him to have the physical stature to match. Funny, isn't it, the way things are like that? This is a sad chapter, but I fear that there is even more sadness to come. I don't find myself grieving so much for Aragorn, who has had a long life, or even for Arwen, who chose long ago, as I do for the Orc who still has not come to grips fully with who he is. It seems a cruel trick of fate that he should learn of Valinor and be denied it. I wonder what will happen when he tries to go to the Shire? All the Travellers are long dead and passing into legend: how will the hobbits react to an Orc who remembers Frodo?

Rose Sared · 4 May 2004 · Chapter 14: The Silent Street

I could hardly finish the chapter through my tears. You are wonderful to be able to write this hard stuff so beautifully. I stand in awe, and may have to resort to gin before I feel better. Thank you Rose

powerwriter · 3 May 2004 · Chapter 10: An Orc In the Palace

Hi jo :) It was kind of surprising when Canohando killed that guard. I should of seen it coming, but didn't...and that made for better reading ;) I was getting worried for a while there when Aragron wouldn't change his mind. I haven't read many fics dealing with Arwen's character, but you write her as very loving and understanding...great reading that. It's wild imagining all this because the story is just so clearly written, it's like your right there with the characters. Keep up the wonderful work!

Muinthel · 26 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Those Who Are Called

HI... Well I never thought that I would feel sorry for an orc and feel with him. I'm glad that Canohando finally meets Legolas and Gimli....and it would be interessting what all he could learn from the elf. Well and the journey to Lorien will be some challenge.....can't wait to read it.....!!!

Rose Sared · 25 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Those Who Are Called

Oh How I admire the fact that you grasp the nettle that I keep shying away from. I had tears in my eyes when I finished this chapter, and given how cross I remain with Aragorn for his choice and how little sympathy I generally feel for orcs all I can say is; You are a master story teller, my dear. More, please, even though I can hardly bear it. Rose

Lindelea · 25 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Those Who Are Called

Hi, Jo! Glad to see you posting this here. I cannot read at HASA right now; everything is centered (something to do with my browser, they say) and it gives me headaches to try to read anything there. So I'm glad to see this. Will try to comment on the actual story itself later! In haste, L.

finafyr · 21 April 2004 · Chapter 11: The Doom of the First-born

aw now you've done it .. this chapter made me cry.. I am glad that Legolas and Gimli met our orc.. oh well done indeed

powerwriter · 19 April 2004 · Chapter 1: Insomnia

I'm glad we got to see more of what happened after Frodo came home. I loved how Sam and Frodo knew they were brothers and didn't feel the need to do the ceremony. It's sad that Canohando and Lash think they're never going to see each other again. This is wonderful :) I still haven'r re-read the rest of the chapters, but I'm getting to them. Did you get the email I sent you a few days ago? Just wondering :)

sielge · 17 April 2004 · Chapter 9: The Children of Elrond

I want to tell you only that you story is beautiful! And original!

FantasyFan · 16 April 2004 · Chapter 9: The Children of Elrond

Wow have you got Aragorn's voice down! And his foresight, and his wisdom. The time of the Elves is over indeed, and as the greatest King of Men in the new age, I think he can presume to tell Elrohir and Elladan a few things, even about their own sister. Very interesting that the two have not agreed on their own choice. Elves indeed take their own time making a decision, for certainly they have been thinking about their ultimate future for a long time - and it must have been at the front of the family's thinking for at least the last 160 years or so. I hope you explore this a little. Arwen made the choice of a mortal life over great opposition because her love for Aragorn was even greater - and who knows, she may have felt that it was fated for her and Aragorn to retell the story of Beren and Luthien. (My own UUT) But what does Elladan, or Elrohir as the case may be, have that would keep him from sailing to rejoin the rest of his family and friends over the sea? I can't think that just a love of Arda would be enough to make him renounce everything that he has been for uncounted years - and that is the only way he could stay without fading. I'm interested to see your reasoning.