Fimbrethil · 11 December 2025 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
This explains where Éowyn was. Interesting.
Somewhere I Have Never Traveled by Fiondil
Reviews (21)
Eruherdiriel · 1 July 2014 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
Interesting. I was rather surprised that Sam and Frodo were still alive. Hobbits don't usually go much beyond 130, do they? ~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
Well, it's possible the Valar were able to extend their lifespans long enough for them to be ready to accept the Gift. Maybe that was the bargain they made with Námo: they would be allowed to stick around until all their mortal friends had gone on. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the story, Eruherdiriel. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Isilarma · 4 February 2013 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
I love this. Arwen and Eowyn were both written brilliantly, and I loved the part with Frodo, Sam and Namo at the end. The last few lines were perfect.
Author's reply
Hello Isilarma. I especially had fun writing this, especially the end part with the Hobbits and Námo. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. I appreciate it very much.
6336 · 21 September 2011 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
I can't believe that I have never reviewed this! I can understand Arwens feelings and the response she gets from Eowyn, you made your choices now live or die with them. I don't think Arwen was perfect, she must have had some spunk, she had to put up with Elladan and Elrohir for how many ages?, plus defy her father when it came to plighting her troth with Aragorn, it was one of the strictures laid down by her father when he found out about their feelings for one another. I have always liked the scene at the end with Frodo and Sam and Namo, it shows the love he has for these two small beings and for all the others he has in his care. So they get to stay until Gimli goes and then watch them wheedle another extension out of Namo! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda.Well, better late than never, I suppose. LOL! Anyway, I don't think Arwen was perfect either (how boring for Aragorn!), and so I chose to write her has having some faults as well as virtues, just like the rest of us. I'm glad you like the final scene. I enjoyed writing it. Thanks for re-reading and (finally)reviewing. *grin*
Audrey33 · 2 June 2010 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
Yes, it's me again, I'll need an account here as well ^^ This, I think, was almost even better than the other story about Gimli. I really liked Arwen's explosive behavior at the beginning, I completely understand her annoyance at not being hailed as a hero by giving her immortality up. Excellent job. Audrey
Author's reply
Hi Audrey. I'm glad you found your way to this site and hope you have many enjoyable hours reading the wonderful stories you can find here besides my own. I'm not sure if this story is better than the Gimli story, just different, but I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for letting me know.
Lily Baggins · 5 February 2010 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
Oh, this was a lovely story! I truly enjoyed it, especially the end with Frodo and Sam. It gave me a big smile and was beautifully written.
Author's reply
Wow! I was very surprised to see a review for this story after so long, but I am glad that you found it, Lily. Thank you for letting me know how much you enjoyed it. I'm glad it gave you a big smile, especially the end with Frodo and Sam. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.
Virtuella · 4 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
How beautifully written! What I particularly like is what Eowyn has to say: That Arwen's choice isn't so spectacularly special, just because she is immortal, and that the choices made by humans are just as valid. Somehow I would have thought that the afterlife would be a bit more ... otherworldly. It seems a bit too physical. Still, a very good story.
Author's reply
Thanks, Virtuella. I'm glad you liked this. Not sure just how 'otherwordly' you want the Afterlife to be... and after all, the Halls of Mandos are still, technically speaking, in this world. It's more of a waystation on the road to the Afterlife, you might say, so it's more 'earthly' in tone than the Timeless Halls would be.
Ces · 31 January 2008 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
Poor Arwen - reality really does bite sometimes, doesn't it? Although I do think Eowyn might have had a bit more sympathy for her, but then again she doesn't understand what it means to an elf to give up immortality - it must truly be an earth shattering event for them. I'm not a fan of Eowyn - as a matter of fact I detest her in the movies - but you portray her as having a good head on her shoulders here and speaking sense. She does seem to be a bit of a know-it-all though. Poor Elrond - although he knew Arwen would die one day, to know that it actually happened must have been very hard on him. Fireworks indeed! What would Námo do without his hobbits to keep him entertained?
Author's reply
Éowyn, of course, has had several decades waiting in Mandos, discussing things with Námo, so she probably "knows" quite a bit. *grin* So, her lack of sympathy is probably due to having a more objective feel for what has happened, and as she pointed out, Arwen's choice was no more momentuous, on one level, than the choices of any other woman choosing to marry the man she loves. Éowyn herself had to make such a choice between a false love (Aragorn) and true love (Faramir). And I'm sure Námo found the hobbits more than amusing. *grin* Thanks for reviewing.
Hildigrim · 8 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
As will be clear to anyone who looks at my “favorites” list, I greatly admire your work. So, I hope you will not mind if I file a respectful opinion dissenting in part regarding Arwen’s likely reaction on arriving in Mandos, while also saying that parts of this story are very moving. The Queen of Elves and Men had retreated from honor and glory in Gondor – not to mention from the love of Eldarion and his sisters – to go into seclusion following Aragorn’s passing. For Arwen to have wanted quick reunion with Aragorn seems credible to me, but for her to have expected acknowledgment and fanfare for her choice of mortality upon arriving in the unknown, non-Elven afterlife does not. I would interpret her immediately prior pre-death withdrawal from society as voluntarily purgative, sloughing layers of both the very valuable and the superfluous aspects of life to follow Aragorn and accept the divine gift to the second-born. Under that view, I would suggest Arwen to be a vessel rather unusually emptied to receive Love, rather than someone expecting acclamation. Under any view, we have to confront what I interpret to be the Spirit of Prophesy falling upon the Ring-bearer, triggered by the sight of Arwen: “And Frodo when he saw her come glimmering in the evening, with stars on her brow and a sweet fragrance about her, was moved with great wonder, and he said to Gandalf: 'At last I understand why we have waited! This is the ending. Now not day only shall be beloved, but night too shall be beautiful and blessed and all its fear pass away!'” I have always thought it interesting that no reply from Olorin is reported regarding this seeming instance of beatific fore-knowledge. I admire your work because it makes me think (even if not very well!)
Author's reply
I understand your views here, though I don't necessarily agree with them. If you read carefully, Arwen is not, initially, concerned with acknowledgment and fanfare, but rather with rejoining her beloved Estel. When he is not there to greet her, I suspect she went into irate-wife-mode. The discussion that follows with Éowyn comes out of the expectations of her family history and the fact that Death is not a natural feature of her spiritual landscape as it is with Mortals. Arwen lived the life of the Firstborn for 2778 years before she married Aragorn. Then she live for only another 122 years (more or less) as a mortal, or rather, among mortals, since she still retained her elvish character. For Arwen, her spiritual landscape was colored by Choice, not by Death, so even if she has accepted it on an intellectual level, she may not have accepted it on an emotional level. Whatever purgative experiences she might have had prior to death is only the beginning of the transition. She still has to confront family history and her own feelings, no longer shielded by the exigencies of Life. That is the whole purpose of the discussion between her and Éowyn, who rightly points out that Arwen's Choice was not as Arda-shaking as she might think, or at least not for the reasons usually given. Once Arwen is able to put her choice in perspective (by Mortal standards, not Immortal), she is able to correctly accept whatever acclamation and fanfare is offered to her by those who are not enjoined to offer her neither. I'm not sure what you mean by the quote from Frodo as being a determining factor. Whatever Frodo saw in Arwen was for the Living, not the Dead. His prophecy was for the benefit of all those who would live under her benevolence. What happens after her death would have no bearing on it for herself. At any rate I'm glad you enjoy my work. It isn't necessary to agree with everything an author says or writes, but if what is said makes you think, then the author's work is justified. Thank you for your review. I truly do appreciate it, as such reviews as yours helps me to think and clarify my own ideas.
ponypetter · 1 March 2007 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
Wonderful story. I like the way Sam especially treats Namo: with respect, but also like an old friend. It's similar to the way they treat Gandalf.
Author's reply
Yes, Sam is very respectful but is on easy terms with the Lord of Mandos. Others might find his manner off-putting but I think Námo enjoys seeing someone treating him more like a trusted friend than someone to be feared. It's probably a refreshing change for him. I'm glad you enjoyed the story.
Grumpy · 25 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
What a lovey story. it was so nice of Eowyn to wait for a queen, even if the queen shreds roses. I could understand her being a little peaved that Aragorn was not there. I liked the part at the end were a group of elves were trying to pretend that a certain someone was there.
Author's reply
Glad you liked this story, Grumpy. I'm afraid poor Námo doesn't get many invitations to tea from that crowd. LOL I think it's good for them to see Frodo and Sam being unfraid in his presence.
Ellie · 25 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
Exquisite. Beautiful, sad and hopeful and with wise hobbits to boot! Well done. *sniff sniff* well done
Author's reply
Thanks Ellie, glad you liked the story.
Linda Hoyland · 24 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
A unique and refreshing view of Arwen's departure.I liked the idea that Eowyn would stay to meet her.
Author's reply
Thanks Linda. Glad you liked the story.
Bodkin · 24 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
I am so pleased that Eowyn chose to wait for Arwen! She needed someone to offer her encouragement at this point - and also someone to remind her what she gained in her choice as well as what she lost. And I am particularly delighted that Namo was able to offer comfort and reassurance to Elrond and Celebrian. So - Frodo and Sam are still on their way, are they? And it would be very interesting to see what will become of Gimli ...
Author's reply
When I thought about Arwen coming to Mandos, I suddenly realized that the one person no one had mentioned among those waiting for Aragorn was Éowyn and then I realized they must all believe she had continued on, when in fact, she was waiting elsewhere, not for a king, but for a queen. When I knew that, I knew how else the story would go. Námo might be the Doomsman of Arda, the Guardian of the Dead, and the Ordainer of Fates, yet he is also a Healer of Fëar and Comforter to those who mourn. Most of the Eldar call him Mandos, the Dread Imprisoner, while some call him Námo, the Judge. Few, if any, call him Tiutalero, the Comforter, yet it is this role that Námo loves best of all those that are his to play. Frodo and Sam have had a lovely time convincing the Lord Of Mandos to let them stick around until all their mortal friends are safely in Eru's hands. And Námo, softy that he is, has had a lovely time letting them. LOL
nautika · 22 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
I wasnt too sure about the start of this story. First, there was no Aragorn, Faramir or Boromir. Second, I just wasnt sure about the way Arwen was portrayed. Then you hooked me and made me cry! Thank you for sharing.
Author's reply
You're welcome. I'm glad I was able to hook you long enough to finish reading the story and that you liked it enough to even cry. That means a lot to me as a writer. Most writers tend to portray Arwen as someone without any character flaws, but what's the fun of that? We all have them. That's what makes us interesting as people (as long as the flaws aren't destructive in nature). So I wanted to show that Arwen had her "dark" side as we all do. Thanks for reviewing.
Larner · 22 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
And so, for her to find her love again she had to accept that her choice was no more laudable than that of any other woman who chose the right love for the right reasons, only after which she received the laud she'd desired, but now for the proper reasons (and I trust the common women who made the right choices received similar praise from Lord and Lady themselves!). Excellent. And Frodo and Sam may remain as long as they wheedle Namo properly to see the last of their mortal fellowship find his reward, may they? Very nice. And love the promised fireworks and the ee cummings poem.
Author's reply
Yes, exactly! As Éowyn reminds Arwen, her own choices were no less laudable for all that she was but a mortal woman whose destiny may not have been as great as Arwen's but was no less important to Eru. And you caught that about Frodo and Sam bargaining with Námo, did you? LOL I imagine, though, that for all his protestations to the contrary, the Lord of Mandos quite enjoys letting the Ringbearers wheedle him and will be sorry to see them finally on their way. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I'm glad you enjoyed this story.
harrowcat · 20 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
Loved this Fiondil. I especially liked the way that you threw in the unexpected, like having it be Eowyn meeting Arwen and putting her, admittedly momentous, choice well and truly into perspective!
Author's reply
Thanks harrowcat. I'm glad you liked my little "surprise" with Éowyn. *grin* And yes, as momentous as Arwen's choice was, it was simply a choice, like all choices in life and no one really knows how important or unimportant any particular choice might be. As Námo says, only Eru truly knows.
shirebound · 20 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
This is just stunning, and very lovely. (I'm especially delighted that the hobbits are still so very hobbity, even with Lord Namo.) Thank you for a beautiful story.
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. And hobbits are hobbits wherever they find themselves, especially someone like Sam.
SurgicalSteel · 20 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
This was lovely on many levels - Eowyn waiting for Arwen was lovely, the comparison to Luthien (someone we don't normally see portrayed as having a temper) was lovely. And the notion that Arwen's choice - although difficult - may not have been any more heroic than any other diffcult choice was quite nice, as well.
Author's reply
You managed to cover almost all the bases. LOL More than comparing Arwen to Lúthien (in a negative light) I wanted to show that Arwen herself wasn't always the calm, cool and collect elleth that many writers portray her as always being. I also wanted to explore the idea that, on one level, every choice we make in life is an heroic choice because we make our choices out of ignorance of what will happen. Our choices in life are always made in estel-hope that they are the right choices; thus Námo's admonishment to Arwen to trust in Eru's love for us no matter what choices we make. And Éowyn was the natural choice for the one person (other than her husband) who would wait for her.
MithLuin · 20 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
Very nicely done! Poor Arwen, wanting a fanfare, and then getting more of one than she ever expected... I very much liked that her brothers were with her at the end - it seems so forlorn to have her dying alone in Lothlorien. And it was so nice of Eowyn to wait for her *grin* I thank you for writing this one, and I won't demand that you give us Frodo and Sam (since we've already seen them interacting with Namo).
Author's reply
I'm glad you like this... and glad you're not demanding more! LOL The scene with Frodo and Sam came to me after much of Arwen's story had already been written, so I knew that this was a sort of coda to all the other "Mortals in Mandos" stories that I'd written previously. Since Gimli does not go to Mandos, his story needn't be told here.
Rhyselle · 20 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
Just wanted to say that this was a beautiful as it could possibly be. The thought of Eowyn being there to await Arwen was so sweet and compassionate--bringing out the side of the White Lady of Rohan that a lot of fanfic writers often elide when they write about the shieldmaiden. I like it that Arwen was angry--and proud--she is often written as so perfect that I can't stand it. This was a lovely difference. And it was so good to see Frodo and Sam again. I do hope that your muse will tell you the story of Gimli's farewell eventually. "She never liked my roses either." LOL! What a great line! The tying of the past to the present in Arwen's similiarities to her ancestress was another thing that caught my attention. Namo and Eowyn... I like to think about the conversations they must have had from time to time as Eowyn waited for Arwen. Again, a masterpiece that makes me smile and think at the same time. Thank you!
Author's reply
You're welcome. I'm glad you liked this. When I stopped to think about all those from the War of the Ring who had shown up in Mandos waiting for Aragorn, I realized I'd completely forgotten about Éowyn. I think I was "made" to forget by the Powers, because as soon as I remembered her I knew who would be waiting for Arwen. Thus, this stoy. And of course, I just had to bring in Frodo and Sam. Námo's self-deprecation can be very funny indeed, which just goes to show that he's not as forbidding as everyone makes him out to be (at least, not to me). Thanks for the review.