Far Horizons by Bodkin
Rose Sared · 23 August 2004 · Chapter 20: Mirrors
da plot thickens. I scent a conclusion in the air - what fun stuff. Thanks. Rose
Author's reply
Hopefully da plot is thickening to a conclusion. 28 and an epilogue. I hope. Thank you. I'm away for a few days, so there will be a brief hiatus - it doesn't mean that I'm stuck. Not yet, anyway. Do you have an update imminent, said she hopefully?
lwarren · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 20: Mirrors
There are lots of very nice moments in this chapter...ones that make you giggle (Celebrian is a very bad elleth, to tease those guards so! LOL That whole bit with the 'mudlarks' and Elrond was great fun!) Galadriel and her Adar - it is the parents' ultimate goal to be left behind...and kids don't realize how their actions continue to bear fruit long past the time they are done! OOOOH, Elerrina is STILL ticked off at Calion, isn't she? *g* That scene with a teething elfling was so sweet! (Nothing worse, or more fretful than a new tooth!) Drawing of the bad elf, and an arrow...he's possibly someone from M-e and we know he's after revenge against someone. Clues and clues, but never enough...the plot is definitely thickened, Bodkin! :-) Poor, poor Tarannon! 'nuff said! I think the best part was where the whole situation was compared to a kaleidoscope - with its everchanging patterns, and mirrors. I certainly agree -and they'd better hurry...Minastan is getting a little antsy...we wouldn't want that turkey, er, elf to not get his just desserts, would we? Great!!!!!!!!!! linda
Author's reply
I didn't like this chapter for the longest time, but it has sort of grown on me. (Especially the stream bit - which I nearly cut for pointlessness, but kept because . . .) Galadriel was, according to some of the things I have tried to look up, really very young in Elven terms when she stomped off - and then there was no going back. I really feel for Finarfin and Earwen who lost all their children to this expedition, only then to find by the end of the First Age that all their sons had died and Galadriel wasn't coming home. So hard for them. Elerrina is probably even more annoyed with Calion now that her son and nephew have decided that he is great. It's one thing making him look after crying elflings - but it's quite another if he and they both enjoy it! I think clues are coming thick and fast now. I know who he is, anyway! Everything is (hopefully) gathering together for a conclusion. Only BIG problem is - what in Valinor can they do with him when they catch him?
lwarren · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 19: Seeking
Now that Artamir is wonderful shining example of elfhood, isn't he? He and Minastan would make quite a compatible pair! YUCK to both of them! Artamir picked the very worst thing he could have said to his wife, guaranteed to hurt her a much as possible! What a jerk! Off with his head! (oops, sorry :-/ ) I hope Tarannon is taking note of things and seeing what exactly needs to be done...seems he is, and learning painful lessons from it! Thank goodness Celeborn and that captain (?) of Finarfin's were with him when Minastan struck! The interrogation of Calion by Galadriel was especially effective...talk about gentle intimidation! And good for him! He's doing much to redeem himself, too! Poor Elerrina! She's very naive, and learning some hard grown-up lessons. I'm glad she has friends like Miriwen and Sirithiel, tho'. They'll help her deal with all this danger and intrigue, and maybe even her overprotective adar-in-law! *vbg* (Can't say as I blame her, tho', for pining for her sweetie! lol) *sighs* ;-) Great action, Bodkin! linda
Author's reply
Artamir is seriously nasty. In many ways I think he is nastier than Minastan, because the things he does and says, while not criminal, have a long-term effect on those he bullies. (Not that shooting people doesn't have a long-term effect, of course.) Minyariel is not the nicest or most popular elf - she is snobby and rather silly - but she has had too many centuries of being married to Artamir. I can't help but feel for her. Her boys, too, have had to put up with that kind of 'you're useless' kind of emotional abuse - I'm surprised they are redeemable. I don't think many elves could stand up to Galadriel for long. (In fact, as soon as she started, I thought, 'Why didn't they just wheel her out earlier. There would have been no need for the rest of the story?' Calion has found somewhere he is actually quite happy - and, surprisingly, appreciated. Elerrina has changed role - from child to naneth, from protected to protector and it is taking some adjustment. Particularly as Thranduil can no more give up shielding people than he can give up breathing. Miriwen is more experienced and Sirithiel is a bit more sheltered, but observant and learns quietly. They have Celebrian, too, which helps. They all want their rather adorable husbands back, though! Glad you are enjoying.
lwarren · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 18: Lessons
Now, I like that Loareg! Those two needed some sort of setdown or something, and that's just what they deserve, to think that the great beasts are going to have them for a snack! And I thought eight-year-olds were bratty! Ha! Rindor is so smart - I liked the reference to holding on to the ball of string until it led them to its source...he's really good at seeing not only the big picture, but every little twist and turn and detail, as well. No wonder his head hurts! In the meantime, Haldir needs a hobby! LOL A great chapter, Bodkin, and may Glorfindel think of many dirty, SMELLY things for the two bratlings to do! :-) linda
Author's reply
They are a bit teenage. Minalcar is particularly bratty - I think Ambantor has some redeeming characteristics and will probably learn a bit quicker. Yes, I look forward to the torment of the brats. And I hope Loareg gets them, too. Rindor is very bright. In a way it's a shame he's not back with the others - I think he would pick up on the clues more quickly. But hey, I like him here snapping at Haldir. Dirty, and smelly. I'll try.
SharonB · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 20: Mirrors
Poor Tarannon has not lived much of a full life so far. No wonder he's not getting the sympathy he thinks he deserves for this wound. With luck he will learn and mature, just like those two who went off with Legolas and the twins. I loved the scene between Celebrian and her grandson, so cute. And she's really giving those guards a hard time with her antics. The family needs some relief like that with all of these troubles. I do hope you get Minastan tied up soon. He is a disaster waiting to happen to our favorite elves. I can't wait to see if you get as far as sending Thranduil off to the outpost as you mentioned in Reflections. (I had to go back and look some of those chapters over myself to place when those twin ellyth were due!)
Author's reply
It's actually rather difficult matching the timelines, because they were never really intended to be timelines in the first place. However, I am trying. Say no more!!! I think probably 28 chapters and an epilogue. If that gives you any clues! I nearly chopped the cute bits - but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I like the interactions that are only marginally linked with the main story thread. Hope you continue to enjoy.
daw the minstrel · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 20: Mirrors
All right. I know that Tarannon is being a baby, but my sympathies are kind of with him. Why should he have to be stoic? I hate it when doctors say there will be 'some discomfort' because that's doctor-speak for 'it will hurt like hell.' (Spoken by one who had a rather unpleasant test this week.) Ooh. Thranduil may get his comeuppance for that remark about Galadriel understanding slyness. And 'wallowing in mysticism' for an 'irritating' conversation? Yes, Celeborn is right Thranduil! Point that out to Galadriel while the rest of us watch from a nice safe distance! I think Surion needs a guard too. And I loved the father/daughter scene between Finarfin and Galadriel. The talk about parents having a duty to be left behind was right on. Loved Elrond's grandson suggesting that he simply take his clothes off to swim. And now there's that hint that Minastan might come from ME. That's interesting. I feel some satisfaction that he's wrong about Tarannon who did indeed tell what he knew.
Author's reply
I know - I'm not too keen on all this macho stuff. But I suppose after millennia of being pin cushions for orc arrows, Celeborn and so on are made of sterner stuff. However, it's all rather a shock for Tarannon - I doubt he has experienced much physical attack. I quite wanted to have Galadriel and Thranduil have a bit of a confrontation - but it's not going to fit in here, I'm afraid. Maybe another time. Surion could be at risk, I agree. Silly of Nisi to take him out unguarded. Thank you for the Finarfin/Galadriel comment. I nearly cut the Elrin / Celebrian bit - but then I just couldn't. The image of him stripping off and jumping in the stream was just too much fun. I think all will be revealed quite soon. Minastan thinks he's cleverer than he is. It's easy to appear brilliant until somebody starts to look really closely.
Anonymous · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 20: Mirrors
You write the most excellent dialogue. My favorite is almost always between Celeborn, Galadriel and Thranduil. In particular this time: Thranduil looked at him with exasperation. ‘Can she not just use simple, easily understood sentences and say exactly what she means without wallowing in mysticism? It would make conversation with her much less irritating.’ ‘Perhaps you should point that out to her,’ Celeborn commented. ‘It should prove an interesting discussion, though you will excuse me if I choose not to take part.’ Thranduil grinned. ‘Perhaps one day,’ he said. ‘When my escape routes are clear.’ He paused. I can't imagine that this conversation did not occur at some point in the history of their lives--priceless!
Author's reply
I'm longing to put Thranduil and Galadriel in the ring together and watch them fight it out - but it won't happen here I'm afraid. I'm trying to curtail the story and finish it before it gets to 30. Mind you, if they became too amiable with each other it would spoil what are also some of my favourite bits! Thank you.
Jay of Lasgalen · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 20: Mirrors
He had them just where he wanted them, looking in five directions at once, unsure quite whom he was attacking Only five directions? I'm far more confused than that! I think the saddest part about all this is that the children have to be guarded so carefully - they should be able to play freely. But the guards are clearly necessary - the shadow in the market place was not imagination! Jay
Author's reply
The elflings definitely need guarding - this villain knows that they are a weak spot. However, there should soon be a resolution! I hope. Provided I don't keep getting stabbed by additional plot points. (I hope it's not too confusing. I'm panicking now.) Brief hiatus in updates coming - unless I can do one tomorrow morning. Then there will be a gap until Friday. A bientot. Author Reply: A silly point I just feel like making. One thing I really like about writing elves is being able to use expressions like 'of whom' and 'in which' in conversation. Normally you feel such a fool wanting to do that! Only elves would avoid hanging prepositions as they speak. New bumper sticker: ELVES DO IT GRAMMATICALLY.
Alice · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 19: Seeking
This story keeps on getting better and better. Every chapter lately leaves me longing for more, since you insist upon tormenting us with cliff hanger endings. It's a good thing you update frequently otherwise I would go insane. Minastan is a really good villain. He's brilliant but without morals. He also seems to be targeting relations of Elerrina. What with the attacks on her cousins and husband and elflings. ex-boyfriend perhaps? Or maybe it's some famous historical figure. The intrigue deepens with each chapter. I'm enjoying your characters. I like Calion and his brother and Naneth. His father needs to spend some time in Mirkwood during its darkest days though to gain perspective. The rest of his family is all right though. They have the potential to learn. And Calion is cool for learning to be loyal to the Mirkwood family. I'm really enjoying all the different plot lines. There's so much going on and our intrepid(sort of) heroes are just beginning to touch the surface of it all. I look forward to the next update.
Author's reply
There will probably be one more update and then I am away for a few days!! However I've got the chapter after that practically ready, so it will join the rest as soon as I get back. Minastan is quite nasty - I hope he is not too unelfy, but he does have his reasons. Sort of. Calion, Tarannon and Minyariel are growing on me - I had better not think about Artamir too much or I might even start to find excuses for him, and I don't like him at all! I'm starting to try to pull it together. I just hope I can do it properly. Thank you for reading.
Ellie · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 19: Seeking
Excellent chapter. I wasn't expecting Minastan to act so quickly or the lieutenant for that matter to get Tarannon out of the way. I want more chapters. I don't want to wait. The edge of my seat is a most uncomfortable place to be perched.
Author's reply
Minastan is beginning to panic. It is quite easy being an evil plotter until things start going wrong. He wants to be sure there is no evidence against him. More soon.
daw the minstrel · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 19: Seeking
I was interested in Elerrina struggling to see the world differently. What do you think is happening here in Valinor, Bodkin? Was it peaceful before so many elves came from ME? Is it the mix of the old and the new? Or was this kind of thing always there and Elerrina just didn't know it because she was sheltered? (And btw, I laughed a little that Thranduil is still sheltering her. And I'm still giggling over the idea of Galadriel as Celeborn's 'dependent.') When Galadriel first said they would put their pets on leashes, I thought she was talking about the elflings. :-) I feel so sorry for Minyastan and Tarannon. They have guilt and grief and fear.
Author's reply
I don't think even Valinor can have been all elves on clouds playing harps and singing. They are quite a prideful race - and there were always elements of contention. The influx of new people may just have increased some of the tensions. They are more tolerant than men - well they have more time to learn and are more reasoned, but some niggles just get worse with added years. Elerrina is becoming an adult, not in the sense of age - she has long been adult in years - but in the sense of taking responsibility for others. She has been fairly sheltered by her parents (and Thranduil). At the same time, this is the first time anything nasty has been aimed directly at her and those she loves, so it has come as a bit of a shock. Galadriel the little wifie. Just doesn't work, does it? I liked Galadriel thinking of the guards as pets - she is probably more likely to look after them than they are of looking after her! I feel sorry for Minyariel and Tarannon. Every time I start really writing about a less pleasant character, they start to grow on me. This could be a problem.
Nilmandra · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 19: Seeking
You sure do know how to write a mystery! I loved Galadriel's references to leashing her pets....and that Celebrian knew exactly what was meant. I also like the dignity and grace those two have - they accept that they have guards yet still manage to go on with their lives. I think we are coming closer to finding out who Minastan is - and I am curious to know if he is merely an elf gone bad or whether a new follower of Shadow has arisen. We know it does one day shake Valinor again...
Author's reply
I am so glad you have mentioned the pets! It seemed a very Galadriel-ish way to look at guards. I'm sure she is as much protection to them as they are to her! I am trying to pull it all together now - it shouldn't be too much longer before All Is Known. (Though don't expect anything that requires too much knowledge!)
SharonB · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 19: Seeking
Oh, Finarfin can deny no attemp at kin slaying this time. Good thing Celeborn and the guard were there. I feel for poor Calion too ... "The Lady Galadriel was not, he had discovered, one with whom you could refuse to co-operate. " That whole family is in a heap of trouble. And at last news of the latest pregenancy is getting out to all of the family. A nice ray of hope amidst all the treachery.
Author's reply
No, this one is going to be in big trouble when he is caught. And the sooner, the better. I am feeling sorry for both Tarannon and Calion. I started off with Sirithiel's babies being born before this story, but I remembered that in Reflections, Elrohir told his friends about them when they were visiting Glorfindel. The timelines probably don't match too well, but I thought I would keep to that. I am trying to put happy bits into the story as well.
Jay of Lasgalen · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 19: Seeking
Well, the assassination attempt comes as no surprise bearing in mind how evil this 'Minastir' is. Can none of the elves who saw him draw? That could help identification. BTW, when they found the hair in the dragonfly wings in the last chapter, I had a bizarre idea of some sort of elvish DNA testing! I find I'm liking Calion more and more, which is more than I can say for his father Artamir - what a jerk! Finally, I loved Celebrian's words about Nessariel's letters: ‘It is astonishing,’ Celebrian observed, considering the rather immature writing, ‘that she can have covered so many pages, whilst at the same time conveying so few ideas.’ Sounds like 99% of ff.net! (Not this site, though thank God.) Jay
Author's reply
Ha! You are too clever. Elvish DNA - I thought it could be more Galadriel with eyes unfocused as she senses him from the contact, but DNA would be great. I find I am having a terrible job continuing to dislike people - I will have to avoid thinking about Artamir, or I will be coming up with excuses for him! Love - and do so agree - with your last comment. I can never resist looking, but it's like panning for gold. So much mud. Poor Nessariel. She only wanted to be loved.
Rose Sared · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 19: Seeking
My goodness this is getting dangerous! Most exciting. Hopefully the baddy will come to a really sticky end - I know I am looking forward to it! Rose
Author's reply
He is not a very nice person - I hope they get him soon. I've forgotten what chapter number this is, but I am trying to pull the pieces together now, so it shouldn't take too much longer. Thank you for reading.
Rose Sared · 19 August 2004 · Chapter 18: Lessons
goodness training those spoilt brats is going to be a problem. So life settles in the forest huh? Looking forward to much more. rose
Author's reply
Training spoilt brats will be difficult - but Glorfindel looks on it as a challenge. I don't think Ambantor is too bad, but the other one has a lot to learn - so will probably find life rather hard. The forest seems to be shaking down rather. Now got to get things sorted out at home. Much more wouldn't be hard - it's already longer than I intended - but I am hoping to wind it up before too long. Although I suspect the whole thing has plenty of potential for new stories.
Nilmandra · 18 August 2004 · Chapter 18: Lessons
Ok, Nessariel's dead, the M-e elves are smarter and nicer than other elves, though Finarfin's a good elf, the plot thickens with Minastan, I like Rindor, agree Haldir should shut up, would gladly learn Haradic and Dwarvish curses from the spymaster.......but, most of all: I LOVE GLORFINDEL! Please, let him make the popinjay's life a living hell? I really enjoy his object lessons. Those dandies are gonna go home tough little warriors. :D:D
Author's reply
There are good non-M-e elves apart from Finarfin, but they're busy somewhere else. (The cast list is huge enough already.) I wonder if there is a site somewhere that gives Dwarvish curses? Probably. I'm glad Glorfindel is appreciated. I hope he makes the brats' lives difficult - (not living hell - that would be cruel!) - and turns them into responsible, disciplined elves. (Though I'm not sure that's why Finarfin sent them - I think he quite wanted them to go back whingeing about the bad food and the dirt and the hard work, to put off all those people who want to go for the wrong reason. If they return made-over into sensible elves, all the parents will want to sent their spoilt brats out for a dose of Glorfindel's military school.)
Jay of Lasgalen · 18 August 2004 · Chapter 18: Lessons
Elrohir seems a little short-tempered and unsympathetic at the moment, especially with the High King's guards. It wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that he has been separated from his pregnant wife, would it? Do the others know at this stage? I like Haldir's range of Harad and Dwarvish curses, and that Rindor corrects him! Jay
Author's reply
Poor Elrohir wants to go home to Sirithiel. I hope Glorfindel sends him as soon as he finds out, but he might have to wait a little while. I expect Elladan suspects, but it hasn't been announced yet. Rindor is the sort of elf who knows a lot more than you might think - and can do it better, too. Haldir is definitely having to rethink his attitude towards him.
Anonymous · 18 August 2004 · Chapter 18: Lessons
Lot's of great lines in this chap but my favorite has to be: Glorfindel had some very practical ways of bringing brash young warriors down a peg or two and most of them seemed to involve bad smells, manual labour and mud. Too funny.
Author's reply
Thank you. It seems to be a fairly standard way of knocking some of the silliness out of trainee warriors - so it's probably very effective. I like to think of Minalcar gutting fish. (I suppose not everyone would find that the depth of unpleasantness, but I hate the smell of fish.)
daw the minstrel · 18 August 2004 · Chapter 18: Lessons
Loareg is so bad! LOL. He has exactly the sense of humor I think of as elfy. And the two Noldor silly ones fall for it. I have to admit I was looking forward to seeing Glorfindel teaching them a lesson or two. If he felt he had to do it with the sons of Elrond, who probably had mostly good attitudes, then I could not imagine what he'd be like with Minalcar and Ambantor. Your characterization of Haldir is interesting, just the right combination of arrogance and competence. I have to admit, I've never seen the Haldir charm, but this character is fun. And he has a good vocabulary of swear words too!
Author's reply
Loareg is really very young in elven terms - and probably has more in common with the young Noldor brats that all the grown up sober sensible elves. I think Glorfindel should teach them a few lessons - do them good. Of course he had more of a reason to want to make Elladan and Elrohir into super-elfs - and I think his expectations of them are far higher than they would be for these two. Haldir - never cared for him much, but he must have his charms! I suppose. I'd quite like to see him matched with a Very Forceful elleth - do him good. But he is growing on me.
Aramel · 18 August 2004 · Chapter 17: Loss
I think I know who the Lady is. It's either Idril or Aredhel or Legolas' girlfriend. I certainly hope it's Aredhel, since this means that she came back from Mandos. But how would she know Legolas? And if it was Legolas' girlfriend, would she know Glorfindel?
Author's reply
I expect Elerrina would rather hope it wasn't a girlfriend of Legolas's, since she is his wife (in my version) and the mother of his children. All should be revealed about the Lady round about chapter 23. Until then, my lips are sealed!
Rose Sared · 18 August 2004 · Chapter 17: Loss
How horrifying to find treachery in your home. You write the confusion and nastiness so well - evil surely dwells within even the finest of people. It is what we do with it that counts. Well done indeed Rose
Author's reply
It is bad enough being attacked from outside. You don't want to find that it comes from someone you trusted. Still less do you want to be deceived by family. High principles and a considered view of responsibility for each other - very important. Very Tolkien. Thank you.
lwarren · 17 August 2004 · Chapter 17: Loss
Poor, poor Nessariel! I thought she was very silly, but I never wanted her to suffer like that! It was doubly chilling that he found it "so easy" to do! Let's hope the hair that Galadriel and the others found lead them to Minastan quickly before someone else gets hurt. Tarannon and Calion are finally wising up, aren't they? Great chapter - so sad, very effective at all points! :-) linda
Author's reply
Obsessive love - very dangerous. The first time is the hardest, so they say - but once it is discovered how easy it can be to cause death, the barrier is broken and subsequent killings are carried out with little difficulty. (Not personal knowledge, note. I've just read a lot of murder stories.) I hope he is picked up quickly - he is a danger to a lot of people. Tarannon and Calion are growing on me.
SharonB · 17 August 2004 · Chapter 17: Loss
Oh dear, does this mean that Finafar will have to deal with a kinslaying? Me thinks the death of Nessa could indeed be called that. It has been an interesting story so far see the politics back in the Blessed Realm. That would be enough to drive many of those elves from Arda out to those forests.
Author's reply
Morally I suppose Nessa's death could be thought of as a kinslaying, but it would be difficult to prove anything. Minastan was nowhere near her when she died. I think many elves are looking for something to work towards. It will be good for them to go to the forest.
daw the minstrel · 17 August 2004 · Chapter 17: Loss
That was a very exciting chapter. I was afraid that Nessa would kill herself and she sort of did, although she was driven to it, of course. Elerrina is very clever to notice things and understand what she is seeing. I hope they catch Minastan soon! Calion is actually lucky he was caught and placed where he is. He's out the trouble and he's learning some things that will make him a better person in the long run. I liked your observation that we make our own problems when there aren't other ones around. Lord knows that's the truth.
Author's reply
I couldn't see a happy ending anywhere for poor Nessa. I hope they catch him soon, too - he is getting rather out of control. Calion is in a good place - if for a bad reason. People don't seem able to live without problems. If there is nothing major around, we are terribly good at manufacturing difficulties. And at turning molehills into mountains.