Ginger Rich
· 31 July 2006
· Chapter 11: Over the Mountains VIII
A wonderful fight scene. Who is this Celebrimbor? Forgive me for my lack of Tolkien knowledge, but the name doesn't ring a bell. Is he the one who makes the rings or wants them made? Anyways, he's a dirty weasel.
I didn't think Thranduil was going to fight back in the end; thought he'd freak out from the memory. But of course I was wrong and he fought back like a wild animal. If I ever met a man like him, I'd be running scared.
Author's reply
Celebrimbor is the grandson of Feanor who headed up the Mirdain and was chiefly responsible for the Rings of Power. But if I elaborate any more, I'll spoil the next chapter. ;)
Thranduil still has a few quirks to work out before he'll be conditioned enough for his Mirkwood responsibilities in the next age, but he's working on them. Being able to finish the fight without completely freaking out is a step in that direction. :)
valjean
· 30 July 2006
· Chapter 11: Over the Mountains VIII
Sorry, I just went back a re-read what I wrote, and I want to apologize for the spelling. *Wince* I'm usually more careful...but I forget how to even spell my name when I get excited, so I guess you could consider the terrible spelling a compliment. I was too wound-up to think about something so mundane as spelling...
valjean
· 30 July 2006
· Chapter 11: Over the Mountains VIII
Oh dear! It would appear that Annatar's field day is having more repercussions than just signaling that a storm is building. How in the world is Thranduil going to explain all of this to Oropher *without* telling about his little field trip, and the resulting disasters? Somehow I think that the revelation that his son was attacked in Eregion would go over like a lead ballon....
P.S. If Galadriel and Gil-galad detest Annatar that much how did they end up with Nenya and Vilya?
Author's reply
Probably because Nenya and Vilya were entirely of Celebrimbor's making. The others besides the Three had Annatar's fingerprints on them.
Shhhh . . . maybe Oropher need never know . . . ;)
k_lara7
· 27 July 2006
· Chapter 10: Over the Mountains VII
It will be quite interesting to see where this goes from here...
Do they condemn Thranduil, or believe him?
He sure knows how to pick his fights!
Author's reply
He certainly does. ;)
Redheredh
· 26 July 2006
· Chapter 10: Over the Mountains VII
Holy Mole! Just as was feared! Gwaelas was lead astray and set upon! Oh, you are so lucky he is going to survive... *huff!* But, poor wrung-out Thranduil too! Ooo, that Honey-tongued, glamorous-lying, balrog-in-waiting... I really am enjoying this adventure... hopefully you can tell that. :)
I have to say I *really* enjoyed you little vignette on the mystic of royalty. Very interesting description of a almost indescribable instinct, in elves or humans. ... a shard of the magnificent era they had never known. As I an unashamed support of the Lindarin princes - yay! good on ya for letting Gwaelas prize his feelings. However, ... never quite understand what had caused that idyllic world to collapse... ? I cannot see the Silvan ever having forgotten Melkor or not feeling the repercussions of his return as Morgoth.
Like I said before - Can't wait!
Author's reply
I'm sure Gwaelas remembers the age of Morgoth (although I don't know if he's old enough to have lived it), but Greenwood is a long way from Beleriand, and I think what Gwaelas really doesn't comprehend is how the Kinslayings could have happened. He's innocent that way.
I'm certainly glad you're enjoying it. :) It's really starting to pick up in my mind as well. It will take a miracle to get as far as the Last Alliance before the end of August, but there are precedents . . .
jwdisney
· 26 July 2006
· Chapter 10: Over the Mountains VII
Goodness, gracious. I love the story, and can't wait to find out what happens next! Thanks for writing such an exciting saga of pre-LOTR Thranduil! He's one of the most dynamic and least documented characters in Tolkien's universe, and I appreciate your approach to his character and motivations. Thanks again for donating your summer to keeping us all entertained! :)
Author's reply
You're welcome; I'm glad to do it. ^_^ I only wish I was more prolific and could promise more regular updates, but I already know next semester's schedule won't permit it. Thranduil isn't happy, but he's resigned to wait. Hopefully I'll be able to cook up a great reopening chapter for Christmas. ;)
valjean
· 26 July 2006
· Chapter 10: Over the Mountains VII
Gah!! The dread cliff-hanger *again*?? Could you at some point conclude a chapter in a manner that doesn't leave me a nervous mess of jelly on the floor? It's bad for the sleep cycle.
But seriously, that was a great chapter. You only seem to get better as you go along!
Author's reply
Hehehe. Of course, we all know that the close of a chapter is one of the hardest parts to round off properly, hence the popularity of cliff-hangers among authors. ;)
Thanks! ^_^ This whole project is primarily an exercise in practical experience, so it's good to hear we're accomplishing our objective, little by little.
Lady Saruman
· 25 July 2006
· Chapter 10: Over the Mountains VII
OH NO! Miss Coriel, you are simply evil. I bet the so called 'Amroth' who had approached Gwaelas when Thranduil was sleeping was Annatar. Then he set his dogs on him and injured the young elf. Good thing someone found him, or it would have been too late. Bringing him to Celeborn and Galadriel was probably the best thing to do. Well, obviously, Thranduil was able to figure out for himself that the extreme tiredness he had felt in the library was the result of Annatar's control of his brain or something. Now, I //think// (the slashes represent an italicized word) Annatar has started to shape-shift into other people as well, to fool and corrupt innocent victims. Gwaelas, who was already sick from the stone walls of Ost-in-Edhil (I forgot if that is where Thranduil and Gwaelas were currently staying), has already become worse when Annatar took control of his mind. And poor Thranduil. I //know// he already has enough to worry about after the meeting with the evil lord, but now he has Gwaelas to worry about too.
And, finally, at the end, Thranduil retching and coughing up blood? That doesn’t happen of his own accord. Annatar must have taken control over him again, just like he had in the library. OH NO OH NO first it was Gwaelas, now Thranduil. There's going to be a LOT more trouble coming up.
Oh yeah, I'm so pleased you've finished Chapter 10 so quickly. Well, I think you'd better hurry, because summer is almost over. As for me, school starts on August 30, so I don't have much time left. But I'm still going to review!
-Lady Saruman
Author's reply
Annatar is starting to remind me of a combination of Jafar from Aladdin and Envy from Fullmetal Alchemist. Maybe with traces of somebody else thrown in for good measure, but I can't quite place who it is. ;)
Ah, you'll be heading back to school the same day I head out of the country. Of course, we won't actually get there until the next day.
Ginger Rich
· 25 July 2006
· Chapter 10: Over the Mountains VII
Bah!! What an ending! Actually I should say, what an un-ending! Goodness, such a wicked cliff-hanger. I know Thranduil and Gwaelas don't die, but I am still incredibly worried. The visuals were amazing! You are a truly terrific writer, and sometimes I hate that you're so good because it makes me so anxious for the characters. It feels so real. lol. Keep up the great work. And tell me what happens!
Author's reply
Thanks! By the time I get a chapter posted, the visuals are so worn out in my mind that I can't really appreciate them again for a month or two.
I am certainly not going to tell you what happens. ;) Nice try, but no banana!
lwarren
· 24 July 2006
· Chapter 10: Over the Mountains VII
I have been holding my breath ever since Thranduil awoke last chapter and Gwaelas was missing. I just knew that Annatar had gotten hold of him again, and the injuries suffered by Thranduil are somehow tied to Shadow, too. In just a few paragraphs you showed Annatar's abilities to present himself as something or someone else entirely, thus concealing his true self from everyone involved. Layer upon layer of deceit - the inhabitants of the city don't see past the pretty, helpful face he's presented...and Gwaelas, bless him, who only knows there is something terrible and dark to be feared, has been tricked by the Lord of Tricks into leaving with him! AGGGHHHHH! I know Thranduil doesn't wish anyone to know about his little field trip into the halls of the elven-smiths, but Coriel, he's not looking too good...I sincerely hope that this is the eye-opener for Celeborn and Galadriel, once they realize who is to blame. I hope.......Wonderful, tense, cliff-clenching chapter, Coriel, you evil author you!
Linda
Author's reply
I know, I'm terrible. ;)
Actually, I think I'm just lazy for not writing the other half of the chapter before I posted this much. But, of course, I couldn't resist. Hopefully we can resolve the present difficulties in a timely manner; there is still much work to be done before August, but Thranduil will not be ignored. ;)
Thanks for reviewing!
elliska
· 14 July 2006
· Chapter 9: Over the Mountains VI
Catching up on reading...this is a great chapter! The way you describe how Thranduil is affected by the shadow of Sauron is incredibly powerful. The conversation with Glorfindel was wonderful--I really liked seeing those two powerful elves together. And Thranduil's dream was horrible. But the end! I fear to see what is going to happen to poor Gwaelas. Hurry with the update!
Author's reply
Writing that dream was a strange project. I tried to imagine the most surreal distortion of significant fears, phobias, memories, and foreshadowings all lumped togther into general ordered chaos.
Gwaelas, I fear, is in a bad way. I'll endeavor to go out after him as soon as possible. ;)
Redheredh
· 13 July 2006
· Chapter 9: Over the Mountains VI
Well, I gather from the previous reviews that Gwaelas is going to make it through. I am relieved. Believe me, you had me more worried about him than Thranduil.
That was one awful nightmare visited upon him. Portents a plenty if there is no resistance to Annatar! But, nicely written and played out, I must say. Later on - when Gwaelas is safe! - he should to make an effort to find who delivered the wine and backtrack on that. Never know where proof may be found.
And he has *got* to find some real friends to help him! I got the impression that Celeborn is not blind to what is going on. Can he not go to him now? He is going to have to go to a healer anyway...maybe even Galadriel, if it is more than a simple poisoned wound...
Hmm, Glorfindel is not going to be of much help, though it seems. But then, maybe this is why he leaves without moving against Annatar himself. When the Maia was locked out of Lindon earlier, I am supposing G was someplace else and Gil-galad did not discuss the matter with that many people. Unless you are still planning to reveal G as shining everyone on including Sauron.
Can't wait!
Author's reply
You're on to a few things, I see. ;)
A lot is happening on many different levels, but hopefully all shall be explained within the next chapter, at least as far as canon allows.
silent planet
· 12 July 2006
· Chapter 9: Over the Mountains VI
Super lovely, and I'm always so grateful to see you've updated! You've gone and made me ill with worry over Gwaelas (sp?) so put our hearts to reast soon!
Author's reply
I'll give it my best shot. ;)
k_lara7
· 11 July 2006
· Chapter 9: Over the Mountains VI
Oh Thranduil is so much like his son, mischief can find him anywhere, even in a quiet safe Library. Hopefully Gwaelas is okay. He needs to get to safe territory soon and have his wound looked at.
Author's reply
It comes of living in a fallen and marred world, I suppose. Mischief becomes inescapable.
valjean
· 10 July 2006
· Chapter 9: Over the Mountains VI
Curses!! I HATE cliff-hangers! Now I'm going to be on pins and needles until you update! Ahm....in other words: That was very well done. Very well done indeed...
Author's reply
Thanks. ^_^ Readers hate cliff-hangers, but authors love 'em. It's so easy to just leave a chapter off that way. ;)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 10 July 2006
· Chapter 9: Over the Mountains VI
Annatar is so supremely, slimily evil! It's very worrying how Thranduil is the only one to recognise his threat - even Glorfindel is oblivious. It seemed somehow very chilling that even an elf like him cannot see the truth. The Lord of Gifts has hoodwinked everybody ...
And who drugged Thranduil? Was it Gwaelas? In any case, what's happened to him?
I'm catching up on a great story - sorry I have't reviewed before!
Jay
Author's reply
I guess that comes of Thranduil having no ulterior motives or any great trust of the Noldor to begin with, rather than from any other great insight. Annatar didn't bother tailoring a mask specifically for Sindarin eyes, since he knows nobody listens to Thranduil anyway. It's a puzzling situation, as even the notes in Unfinished Tales point out: "No explanation is offered in this rapid outline of why Galadriel scorned Sauron, unless she saw through his disguise, or of why, if she did perceive his true nature, she permitted him to remain in Eregion."
No, no, poor Gwaelas is quite innocent. With any luck, all shall be explained shortly. ;)
Ginger Rich
· 10 July 2006
· Chapter 9: Over the Mountains VI
Wow. Amazing work, Coriel. I was on the edge of my seat, thinking that Annatar better get what's coming to him. This chapter was a thrill. Is Thranduil's wound poisoned? Where did Annatar take his friend? Why are the elves so ignorant of Annatar? I have so many questions! Oh my word!
Author's reply
You're not the only one with questions; this is shaping up to be a very interesting situation.
You guys are awesome. Faithful reviewers can really make a story happen. ;)
valjean
· 25 June 2006
· Chapter 8: Over the Mountains V
Hold the phone! You can't kill off Gwaelas! He's in your story "I Return"!
Author's reply
Shhhhh! ;)
Redheredh
· 20 June 2006
· Chapter 8: Over the Mountains V
Ya know I was really worried for Gwaelas when he was tucked into Thranduil's bed. I had terrible visions of an assassin creeping in and doing him in. 'Cause assassination was what I thought Annatar was pushing *him* to do earlier. Thanks so much for keeping him strong. Poor fella... I can't help but feel he will be sacrificed before the end of this...
And then you said something about ... murdering him in bed. Aha! So, I was not being over-dramatic. Wonderful descriptions and writing, btw.
What a harrowing spy mission Thranduil undertook! Rash, rash, rash! But, Annatar has overplayed his hand now. Although individually less powerful, the dark lord's growing enemies are canny and numerous. And now forewarned, the good guys may not win the next round, but they will not be defeated either.
Waiting on pins and needles for what will happen next!
Author's reply
Gwaelas has become quite a cute character; I like him a lot. However, I have been known to kill off likable characters in the past . . .
All I will say is that the good guys' trials are far from over. It's time to start getting the cause organized! ^_^
k_lara7
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 8: Over the Mountains V
Well, Legolas comes by his bad luck honestly. It would seem that being Prince of Greenwood is dangerous no matter who you are. It must come with the title. As Prince you are destined to get into all matters of trouble, and must make choices in life that define your character for life.
Poor Thranduil, hope he gets well soon and safely makes it home.
Gwaelas is a true example of the meek overtaking the world. Thranduil is blessed (and cursed) to lead such a people.
Author's reply
Touché. ;)
Ginger Rich
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 8: Over the Mountains V
I haven't reviewed in a horribly long time. Sorry.
Well, I have nothing to say except that Thranduil should get to kick Annatar's butt. He pisses me off.
Anyways, great work so far. I'm quite excited that the new chapters are coming more quickly. Sweetness!
Author's reply
I'm not sure Thranduil is quite up to that yet, but it would sure be nice. ;)
jwdisney
· 17 June 2006
· Chapter 8: Over the Mountains V
My goodness - what a wonderful story! I'm waiting in the worst suspense to find out what happens next. You truly have a gift for imagination and creating new worlds within Tolkien's. Thanks so much for taking the time to continue writing this history! :) I've enjoyed it since the first story started. I also love the use of Scripture references. Very good work!
Author's reply
Thanks! ^_^ I'm glad I've been able to pick this story up again. It has proven itself very time consuming, so I guess summertime is the best time.
Ah, yes. The déxtera eórum repléta est munéribus particularly struck me, since it's from the Tridentine Mass of Tolkien's day. ;)
k_lara7
· 17 June 2006
· Chapter 7: Over the Mountains IV
So, Thranduil isn't part of the 'IN' crowd? He must be SO disappointed. I love the way the story is unfolding. This explains why Thranduil doesn't have a ring, and yet he is the last true Elvenking of Middle Earth.
Author's reply
No, Thranduil never seems to be really a part of the foremost 'IN' crowd, though he occasionally gets his foot in the door. He IS his own 'in' crowd. ;) Somehow he and Treebeard would have many things in common.
Redheredh
· 16 June 2006
· Chapter 7: Over the Mountains IV
My, this chapter was full of very *nice* exchanges! :D But, I did like the last with Celeborn for its foreboding a revolt - which Thranduil may be around to witness! Yay! Loved your descriptions of the dreadful pall Annatar can exert.
That some suspect the worse and dare not speak it, else it be made true too soon... ominous.
Author's reply
Thank you. ^_^ When I'm writing it can be hard to tell if the dialogue is coming across as it ought, but it seems to be doing a decent job. It's hard to do justice to all these incredible characters. ;)
elliska
· 12 June 2006
· Chapter 7: Over the Mountains IV
“We know how to defend our own.”
Bloody well right! And we know Thranduil proves that too! I'd say Sauron ought to be glad he was talking to Thranduil because Oropher would have intitiated the Second War of Wrath right there. Thranduil is lucky he's an elf because a man of similar temperment would have poped a blood vessel. Poor Celeborn. I'm almost afraid to know what you plan to have Thrandui do!
Author's reply
Oh, it gets interesting, let me assure you. ;)
Hehehe, "the Second War of Wrath" -- I like it. I mean, everybody knows Thranduil can defend Greenwood. Yet as I was writing this dialogue it occurred to me that they really haven't done anything to prove it yet, and Sauron knows it. Just writing it made me mad right along with Thranduil! Worse, the next time Greenwood goes to war will be the Last Alliance, and we all know how that fell out.
Thranduil isn't even quite sure what he's going to do now, but true to form, he's going to do something regardless.