Larner
· 23 January 2008
· Chapter 34: Being the First Part of the Elves’ Tale: The Meeting of Friends, the Death of Enemies
Orcs have little chance with the Sons of Elrond nearby. And to decide to take out their vengeance on Glorfindel for what Elrond told Aragorn is not exactly fair, but understandable enough, I must suppose.
Love that Thengel misses so little--an excellent king he made for the Rohirrim.
Author's reply
I'm sure this isn't the first time Glorfindel has been the object of the twins' revenge, so I wouldn't be too worried for him. Our favorite balrog-slayer can take care of himself. *grin*
Thengel, I think, has had the benefit of (the previous Steward of Gondor)Turgon's mentoring during his time in Gondor and uses what he learned as a Ranger of Ithilien well about keeping his eyes open and being aware of his surroundings at all times. Very little gets past him. Sadly, Théoden does not seem to have learned that lesson, as we see later in LOTR.
Edlyn
· 11 January 2008
· Chapter 33: The Dúnadan’s Cousin’s Tale
Bravo! This was a most excellent chapter and I wish that I would have had time to read it when it first appeared but I just started my winter term Latin class and have been busy learning things like the ablatives of means, place and time. But I got my studying done and sat down this morning to read. I was not disappointed, meldonya. I liked the way you used the changes of POV and I really enjoyed seeing the scene where Aragorn lost it and Elrohir banged his and Gihael's heads together and the following apology and reconciliation. Thengel definitely has a sense of humour, doesn't he?
I am however, worried about Elrohir's comment about Gilhael not necessarily being sound of mind. I'm sure that we will eventually find out what the problem is but I'm hoping that Gilhael comes out of it OK. He's a great character.
THe way that the evlves were discussing events of 600 years ago as if it were tea-time yesterday was fun to read as well as Thengel's comment about "ancient history". It really points out how alien the two races are to each other in mindset. And to think that the same situation exists in regard to the Valar and the elves; which got me wondering how a Man would be able to emotionally and intellectually handle a similar situation with a Vala. It would be even more jarring and upsetting. Actually, I think that if Thengel and other Men couldn't use humour when dealing with Elves the understanding that they are immortal as well as being beautiful and as close to perfect as a corporeal being is would send the humans plunging into a terminal case of depression and low self esteem.
So now we get to hear the elves' side of the tale. I'm definitely looking forward to it.
Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi Edlyn. Yes, Thengel definitely needs (and has)a sense of humor, something that I doubt either Fengel or Éolind ever had. I'm afraid Aragorn in losing his cool that way is showing just how young he still is and how unable he is to separate his feelings for Gilhael as both his cousin and his Chieftain. That's something that will take a few more decades for him to work out.
I don't think Elrohir's reference to Gilhael's state of mind is to be taken literally (although with elves you never know). I think he may have merely been making an editorial comment on Gilhael's actions in the ruined village; the same actions that set off Aragorn's tirade.
I thouhgt the discussion of events of 600 years ago from the perspective of both Men and elves an interesting contrast. Thengel's reaction to the discussion would not have been seen as abnormal in a purely human environment, but mix in a group of immortals for whom 600 years was the day before yesterday and you can see the culture clash quite nicely, especially in the shocked reactions of the elves. Even Elladan and Elrohir, who are considerably younger than the other three elves, were shocked at the use of the word ancient.
Thanks for reviewing and good luck with the ablatives. *grin*
Shoshana_Rose
· 10 January 2008
· Chapter 33: The Dúnadan’s Cousin’s Tale
Oh, Thengel *must* know that Thorongil is the oft-mentioned Chieftan of the Dúnedain by this point! He's been doing so much "looking" and "noticing" of Thorongil's little "tells" that he *has* to at least suspect the truth!
Another good chapter. It certainly was interesting seeing Aragorn pitch a fit. I'm *really* not sure if I see more of the chieftan or the concerned cousin in his response. Certainly, the switch to Adûnaic and the desire he displays to control what risks his subordinate ranger should take smack of a Dúnadan used to being in charge, but a chieftan wouldn't air his dirty laundry in public. The highly emotional reaction speaks to me more of his familial concern. Combine the two and you get a highly emotional, *young* man who has been vested with authority but hasn't *quite* grown into his britches yet. Poor Aragorn! So close, but so far yet to go!
Reading Gilhael's Tale reminded me of the movie-verse spill Aragorn took into the river while fighting the wargs (also in Rohan!).
I always love to see you update!
Cheers,
Shoshi
Author's reply
I suspect you're right about Aragorn's character and his reaction to Gilhael's story. Reverting to Adûnaic was probably his rather lame attempt to ream out a subordinate in public without most of the onlookers knowing what was really going on, as we see with Wídfara. Aragorn still has a ways to go before he's able to separate the Chieftain from the cousin. Even a few more years under his belt and I doubt he would have reacted as he did here.
I did not have that scene from the movie in mind when I wrote this chapter. Gilhael was always meant to fall into the Isen with a couple of arrows sticking out of his back. *grin*.
While I probably won't be updating every week as before, I should be updating more regularly than I have been doing of late.
phyloxena
· 10 January 2008
· Chapter 33: The Dúnadan’s Cousin’s Tale
I was following this tale since the first installment appeared. For some reason, I found Aragorn switching in wrath to Adunaic (or any character to the more exotic than before language) particularly adorable. And old and respectable device to make characters reveal some basic information in an attempt to conceal details.
Author's reply
Hi phyloxena. I'm not sure if Aragorn is particularly adorable in his wrath, but it is amusing to see him lose his cool. *grin* His inadvertant language switching is, of course, very telling, as is his reaction to Gilhael's tale. He is acting less the concerned cousin and more the Chieftain of the Dúnedain at this point. Glad you've been enjoying this story. Thanks for reviewing.
Linda Hoyland
· 9 January 2008
· Chapter 33: The Dúnadan’s Cousin’s Tale
Another great chapter.I enjoyed both the banter and the drama. You show well that Aragorn is still very young in his outburst towards his brave,foolhardy cousin.
Congratulations on your MEFA win !
Author's reply
Thanks Linda and congratulations on your own MEFA wins, too. I'm glad you emjoyed ths chapter. For a time I wasn't sure Gilhael was ever going to talk, then when he finally did, I couldn't shut him up. LOL! Aragorn is indeed young here. Luckily, he does mature over time, but it's good to remember that he wasn't always the "Strider" we know from LOTR, which is another 60-odd years away.
Larner
· 8 January 2008
· Chapter 33: The Dúnadan’s Cousin’s Tale
Yes, as reckless as about any Dunedan ever spawned, I suspect. A brave and valiant effort to prove where the enemy was headquartered and learn their next objective; am glad the Elves apparently were nearby. Now, to hear how Thandir and the others found and succored him, and whether that group of orcs and Dunlendings are still holed up there.
Author's reply
As to whether the enemy is still holed up in the ruined village... I'm sure the Elves will let us know, as well as tell us how they manage to find Gilhael and bring him back to Aragorn more or less safe and sound.
eiluj
· 8 January 2008
· Chapter 33: The Dúnadan’s Cousin’s Tale
I swear I could hear the wheels turning in Thengel’s head....
“As he fought to right himself, he fell headlong into the river” -- *LOL* It must have been quite a sight -- I hope the elves were close enough to be able to see it (though I’m sure the humor would have been easier to appreciate in retrospect).
If “urîk” is the Adûnaic for “orks,” did Men learn the word from elves? Or did both Adûnaic and Sindarin adapt from the orcs’ name for themselves? (Do we even know what orcs call themselves?) And then there’s “Rohirrim,” which also seems Sindarin in origin (just a *slight* understatement there).
The fare may be meagre for Yule, and the quarters more than a bit crowded, but at least the entertainment’s top notch!
Author's reply
I have no idea what word the orcs used to call themselves. "Orch" is a Sindarin word borrowed into other languages including Adûnaic. "Rohirrim" is also a Sindarin word that was adapted into the language of the people of Rohan (that name too is Sindarin). So there was a lot of borrowing back and forth as is common among peoples living side-by-side who speak different languages.
I'm glad you find the entertainment top notch. *grin* I'm sure the Rohirrim think so too. Thanks for reviewing.
Agape4Gondor
· 8 January 2008
· Chapter 32: Welcoming Guests
Sorry I didn't get a chance to post my review. Reach this awhile back, but the RW has been zooey!
Loved the 'welcome was les heart' - the people of Rohan are definitely skeptical (wary) when it comes to elves!
I loved the smack across the head! Good grief, it was a surprise, but deserved and definitely made me laugh, once I got over the shock! I might possibly have expected Aragorn to do it, but Gilhael??? Wow... I guess his having traveled with these three has made him a little more comfortable (?) with them!
And I LOL with the reference and their response to Glorfindel's name! Whoo hoo - they better watch out!
Wow - anything that has to do with a Balrog-slayer would definitely dampen any levity. Wow again.
I LOVED the part with the shepher's hut. Very nicely put and very wise! And very very nice for Thengel. Well done, Elladan!
And Morwen's welcome was beautiful and touching.
Now to wait for their tale and where the heck they've been!
Thanks for another 'stirring' chapter. *runs off giggling*
Author's reply
I think you need to preview your reviews, Agape, before posting them. I had a time trying to figure out some of your typos. *grin* At any rate, I'm glad you enjoyed this chpaster, brief though it was, so much and that you found much of it amusing.
Yes, I think Gilhael, being older and having had to put up with five elves in the last few weeks has lost his fear of them enough to do what he did. And mentioning Glorfindel's name was a stroke of genius on Aragorn's part. *grin* Facing Elrond's ire might be bad enough but facing Glorfindel's wrath would be a hundred times worse. LOL
Still, Elladan, at least, proves that the elves can be polite when they put their minds to it. *grin*
I'm glad you found Morwen's welcome touching. I tried to model it on what little we know of Germanic customs of welcome based on such scenes found in Beowulf.
Oohh.... a pun. Bad... very bad. LOL
Ragnelle
· 7 January 2008
· Chapter 2: Running the Gauntlet
Hi.
Though I leave a review for this chapter I have read all for the story so far and thought to give some general coments first. And thouse are quite simple: I like it. It is well-written and I love that you have so much Anglo-Saxon in it. You obviously know a lot about the language, I can see that without knowing much of it myself.
I also like you writing-style, and the setting of the story, which was one reason that I started reading it. The Eorlingas are the people I identify with the most; both becaus they have some simularities with the Norse people, and because of the horses. And then my favourite Aragorn.
Now to the reason I leave a review for this particular chapter, which I had some problems with. The promblem is this: I found Hildebrand and Thengel's reactions to Aragorn's test unrealistic. And the test itself a bit stupid. Or perhaps not stupid, but irrelevent to the skills needed.
I have no problem with beliving that what Aragorn does is possible. Both the way he calls the horse and the acrobatics are posible feats. The only part a normal man would find too hard, is teaching the horse the course oraly. But given some time, any horse can be taught to follow a certain trail, leaving the rider free to show of the way Aragorn does.
However, it does not show Aragorn to be a talented rider. A good archer, yes. A good acrobat, yes. Someone skilled at teaching his horse tricks, yes. A rider able to do any kind of mounted combat, no. He can be a horse-archer, but I see little other skills displaied. And so I do not belive Thengel's awe at Aragorn's horsemanship.
In battle it is useless to give the horse oral comands. There is no time, the reaction has to be instant. To see what has to be done next, and then form the words to the comand, takes too long. It requires too much thinking. In battle, you have to be able to just react, and have the horse follow your movement. You can't plan the enemies movement up front, he will not do wat you want him to. So the horse has to react to the weight-aids, not spoken words. What Aragorn does is an elaborate circus-trick, which does not require any ridingskills at all and which are useless in battle. Showing of tricks does not exlude riding-skills, but neither does it prove anything. And so I find Hildebrand's axeptance unbelivable.
You do manage to show Aragorn as a cocky, over-confident and arrogant show-off. He is young, and seemingly used to be admired to his skills (at least that is how it looks to me) and so this confidence and cockyness is perhaps not a strange traith. I can belive a young Aragorn blundering like that. Hildebrand and Thengel letting him get away with it is another question, especially Hildebrand who you say is sceptical to Aragron at first.
Skill is not showy. Paul Belasic, an American clasical rider, writes in one of his books about the curse of being clasical trained. "How your masters ruined it for you," he says. "You want to be part of the gliterati, and Oh and Ah over the newest star of the arena. But you can't. Deep inside you know that, 'No! it is not fantastic; the horse is not straight!" (paraphrazed, as I do not have the source with me) And that was the feeling I was left with after Aragorn's show. Hildebrand and Thengel should know too much of horses and riding to be that easily impressed.
This is a subject that I am quite pasionate about, as you can see from the lenght of my review. It might well be that you have to be as interested in dresage and mounted combat as I am to react to this. Still it was the one thing in your story that made me want to scream in frustration. And if Aragorn had been a female OC, I would perhaps have screamed "Sue!", but mostly I wanted to scream: "The horse is not straight!"
I might also have reacted as strongly because I do identify somewhat with the Eorlingas, and it is a bit anoying to have the Horselords impressed by the horsemanship of someone that has merely proven his agiality and skill in teaching his horse tricks. Being polite to the horse and tell it what is going to happen is well enough when riding is a hobby, or even if you make your living with horse-shows or in competitions. It is useless against an opponent that wants you dead. The Eorlingas would know that, but in your story they seemingly do not. That I found problematic.
Author's reply
Hi Ragnelle, thanks for your review. My only comment is that you are looking at this from the perspecitve of a human without benefit of elvish training. Naturally, in a combat situation Aragorn wouldn't be giving oral commands to his horse. But the test wasn't about combat, per se; it was about being able to shoot from the back of the horse while weaving through an intricate pattern of targets. There was nothing that said how the rider was supposed to do it. And the fact that Aragorn doesn't give his commands while riding but before he sets off and that the horse would actually follow the route described the way you and I would follow verbal instructions would not be a "trick" but something that the Rohirrim would be incapable of doing with their own horses. Aragorn's horse, however, is elf trained and that makes the difference. So, yes, Aragorn's display of horsemanship is showy; it was meant to be, that's why he gets into trouble. I suspect that coupled with the competence with which Gilhael rode the same course, both Hildebrand and Thengel were willing to overlook the showiness and see just how well the "lad" would do in a real-life situation. That's the best I can do for an explanation.
Author Reply: I also meant to say, that your objections notwithstanding, you are ignoring the fact that Aragorn runs three-fourths of the course in conventional style, albeit elf-fashion without a saddle. So, Hildebrand, Thengel and the other Rohirrim would have had plenty of opportunity to gauge is worth as a rider before he pulls his "circus act", which occurs only after he crosses the stream. By then, he's nearly run the course. I hope this clarifies things for you.
Anonymous
· 23 December 2007
· Chapter 32: Welcoming Guests
Another lovely chapter! My favorite quotation:
Gilhael effected a surprised look, as if the answer were obvious. "But of course!" he exclaimed. "You elves were much too busy hugging trees and singing hymns to Elbereth to pay attention to anything that was going on around you."
::giggle::
Still enjoying the yule-feeling you've created. And your continued use of Anglo-Saxon is very nice. Truely, though, you *can't* keep side-stepping those funnyfunny moments when people say things that get a severe reaction! Tell us what they said to make Thorongil blush so! lol
I like the 'Canterbury Tales' cadence you're going to introduce with the tale-per-chapter plan.
I'm still waiting to see if anything sparks between Thorongil and Thandir (or Wídfara and Thandir) re a certain confrontation. ;)
I'd be very interested to know how far you're planning to take this story. Personally, I'd love to see it go on for a while, to begin to see Aragorn grow as a leader under Thengel's tutelage. We know that when he comes to Rohan, he's young and in need of growning. I've always had the impression that by the time he moves on to Gondor, he's is fully self-possessed, self-confident, and ready to lead armies (which he does with great élan). I'd love to see you take him fully down that path!
Happy Christmas!
Shoshi
Author's reply
Hi Shoshi and Happy Christmas to you! Now, in this case I purposely do not tell you what Thandir and the other elves say because the POV is that of the Rohirrim looking on. The only other time I did that, I told people that if they truly wanted to know what Aragorn said to Thandir, you could always send me a PM and I would tell you. Only one person bothered to ask. *sticks out tongue*
The 'Canterbury Tales'-like chapters will take up some time and we won't see any personal confrontations, if any, between Aragorn, Wïdfara and the elves until after Yule.
I do have an endpoint to this story, but that is not to say that I will not extend it if the muse allows. Frankly, I do not want another epic like "Elf, Interrupted" on my hands if I can possibly help it. One such epic is enough for any writer. *grin*
What a delight to see this continued- and I am so happy to see Gilhael and the elves all well and good! And I am very happy to see Elladan and Elrohir- so far I enjoy your interpretation of them, though I shall delight in seeing them in private with Aragorn.
I must apologise right now, because in the past I have called you "female", and have just learned very recently that you are one of the few male writers in the fandom! Again, my most sincere apologies; there are too many females here, and I forget that there are some male fan fiction writers too *grin*
I imagine that the elves will bother Aragorn concerning his foresights and whatnot. That shall be interesting to see.
I loved Thengel's little interception with Thorongil; very true, very appropriate. I do love how you display the king, and I imagine that as Aragorn stays there longer and gets older that the King shall grow closer to him. I do wonder if Gilhael shall stay there the whole time, too, or shall let Aragorn go once he is a bit older and more experienced.
Again, I love how much language you put into your stories. I am blown away by your grasp on different languages. You definitely have talent.
I am looking very much forward to the continuation of this story. Edoras still must be retaken! :)
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas (and if you don't celebrate it, just have a good week and a Happy New Year!)
Cheers,
Laire
Author's reply
I put this story and "Wars of the Valar" on the back burner for a month or so while I finished up "Elf, Interrupted", but now I'm back, though I might not be able to update this story a regularly as I have been, I still intend to complete it.
The next few chapters will actually be retelling what has happened to Gilhael and Thandir and why Elladan and Elrohir are there, then we will get back into the storyline of plotting to retake Edoras and deal with the situation in the Westmark.
I'm sure there are more male writers of fanfiction than most people are aware of, but I can understand how you would think otherwise, so I'm not really offended. *Alright Námo, wipe that smirk off your face, or I'll do it for you.*
Anyhoo.... I think it's important that we get a male's perspective on the LOTR characters and such and I hope that mine is sufficiently different from how a woman might write about various characters or events to offer a different POV.
And a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you, too. I do indeed celebrate Chriatmas though not the same way here in China as I would were I back in the States or even living in Europe. *grin*
Linda Hoyland
· 21 December 2007
· Chapter 32: Welcoming Guests
I'm glad Gilhael stuck up for Aragorn,though i wonder what on earth was said.
I never realised before just how ancient Glorfindel is.
Another enjoyable chapter.
Author's reply
Hi, Linda! Glad you liked the chapter.
>>I never realised before just how ancient Glorfindel is.<<
And of course that's only how old Glorfindel was from the time of his death. We don't know how old he was when the Noldor rebelled. In my story, "Tad Edhel a Firion" Glorfindel tells Thranduil that he is only a few decades younger than Galadriel and we know that Galdariel was born about 1300 years before the Tree were destroyed. That, of course is purely hypothetical, but there you have it. At any rate, he is indeed quite ancient, even older than Elrond.
Larner
· 19 December 2007
· Chapter 32: Welcoming Guests
Well, of course they would tell on him! Poor Gilhael. But he's now found and returned, and we would indeed hear his story that we might understand what has happened to him. Although of course Aragorn wishes to know about the others who disappeared from his hunting party as well.
Author's reply
Yes, we will learn what happened to him, Thandir and the other elven scouts, as well as the reason for Elladan and Elrohir's arrival. That should take a few chapters as each person tells their story. Whether we will learn what happened to the missing hunters remains to be seen.
eiluj
· 19 December 2007
· Chapter 32: Welcoming Guests
Even those who remembered Thandir, Celegrýn and Gilgirion from before were hesitant to greet them when they saw the two stranger elves, as alike as two peas. Some noticed a marked resemblance between these two elves and the Dúnedain cousins, with their dark hair and grey eyes -- Is it simply that the Twins are *twins*, and therefore a bit more uncanny than usual (even for elves), or something else? I’m also wondering what the speculation will be about the resemblance between the Dúnedain and the Elrondionnath.
Mae govannen, brennyn nîn -- I have to give myself serious kudos for recognizing the plural. The singular I’ve just learned in the last few weeks, and I’m wondering how the connotations might differ for “brannon” and “hîr.” I’ve also just discovered that “hîr” can also be translated as “master” (which Hiswelókë *doesn’t* give for “brannon”) -- which I find particularly interesting in view of Elrond being addressed as “Master Elrond” by Bilbo and referred to by that title by Glóin. We see a lot of “Lord Elrond” in fanfic (and the films), but Tolkien didn’t use that in LotR (though Elrond is mentioned in the narration as “the Lord of Imladris” and “Master Elrond” (once each). Arwen is “the Lady Arwen” at least once. Celeborn and Galadriel are usually given titles. Gandalf refers to Glorfindel as "an Elf-lord of a house of princes" (which I just realized is probably a reference to Turgon rather than to royalty in Glorfindel's own family), but no one ever addresses him as "Lord Glorfindel" or refers to him as such. Glóin says he sees “Elf-lords” at the Council, but no titles are ever used (how does Glóin know? does he deduce it from their circlets? can we deduce circlets from Glóin's remark?).
Wondering *what* Thandir and the Twins were saying in Quenya. Brave Gilhael! Doing his job of protecting his Chieftain. And Aragorn gets a bit of his own back by invoking Glorfindel’s name (more to be feared than Elrond). *snicker*
Sixty-nine hundred years ago -- Maybe sixty-five or sixty-six?
And while we’re on the subject of words and languages, there’s “urîkthôrim,” which would appear to have the famous plural “-rim” suffix that always reminds everybody of Hebrew. Here the “-rim” seems to be Adûnaic. But then there’s “naug” and its plural “naugrim:” while I knew those were words the elves used, it was only recently that I realized they were Sindarin. So why the "-rim"?
Have I driven you mad yet?
He took a sip from his tankard of ale and then began his tale -- Evil cliffie! Evil cliffie!
And a Merry Christmas to you!
Author's reply
Actually, when I redid the math (I'm terrible at math which is why I'm a writer, not a mathematician *grin*) it works out to be a bit more than 6400 years ago [78 years from the fall of Gondolin to the end of the First Age + 3434 years of the Second Age + 2957 years of the Third Age = 6469 years] so I"ve gone in and made the correction. Thanks for questioning the time length.
I used _brennyn_ here simply because there is an obvious plural form. _hîr_ can be both singular and plural depending on context. And while Tolkien may never have used specific titles for certain elves, it does stand to reason that Mortals at least would use them out of deference to the Firstborn, even if these titles would not necessarily be used among the elves themselves. Also, in using the less familiar _brennyn_ as opposed to the more common _hîr_ I wanted to convey that the Sindarin spoken in Gondor might have dialectical differences from the Sindarin spoken by the Elves and the Northern Dúnedain, though still understood by other Sindarin speakers.
As for the Adûnaic...._urîkthôrim_ is "urîk-thôr-im", literally "orcs (plural) + son + plural suffix", so your whole premise is incorrect. However, there are many loan words from Sindarin in Adûnaic, which makes sense considering the close relationship between the Adûnaic-speaing Edain and the Sindarin-speaking Elves of Beleriand.
It's not really an evil cliffie... I just want to have each "traveller's tale" be a separate chapter, is all. *grin*
And a Merry Christmas to you as well. Thanks for reviewing.
mistry89
· 8 December 2007
· Chapter 31: A Dunharrow Yule
The revealing of fragments of his true-self is inevitable.
And as OHN is one of my favourite Christmas hymns, I'm delighted to see it in Middle Earth.
Thank you!
Author's reply
I think it's a case of "hide in plain sight" with Aragorn, though I suspect that when he goes to Gondor he'll be a bit more circumspect since he'll be that much closer to Mordor.
OHN is one of my favorites too so I just had to put it in Middle-earth somehow. Glad you liked it. Thank you for reviewing.
Linda Hoyland
· 7 December 2007
· Chapter 31: A Dunharrow Yule
I loved your story "gifts", for that is what we all try to do.
What a dramatic conclusion!
A moving ceremony for the solstice.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda. I thought the idea of "gifts of the heart" appropriate for the season. I'm happy that you also liked the Yule ceremony as well. I'm afraid under the circumstances it was rather pared down from what would have been done in Edoras but I don't think it was any less moving for those who participated in it, more so, I suspect, given what has happened. And I simply had to end the chapter as I did, didn't I? *grin*
Selene Aduial
· 6 December 2007
· Chapter 31: A Dunharrow Yule
I love Widfara's idea for gifts. And you just made my day ... the twins have arrived ;) (sorry but I'm a bit of a fangirl when it comes to the twins )
More please?
Author's reply
Ah, another Elrondionnath fan! I guess I'm making everybody's Yule merry, aren't I? *LOL* But in truth, the appearance of the twins has always been planned, though the manner of their appearance was not known to me until I started writing this chapter. More chapters are forthcoming.
Shoshana_Rose
· 6 December 2007
· Chapter 31: A Dunharrow Yule
At last! The reunion of the season! Very nice chapter about making meaning without many means (tongue twister...). Cute rendition of "O Holy Night," keep up those translating skills! lol
I wonder what will happen next. I for one, would be interested in seeing if Widfara, with his newly assumed protective, confident mein, might approach a certain elf to find out about his sword brother's lasting illness after their confrontation! (You can tell I'm chomping at the bit to find out what that's all about!)
I'm surprised and glad to see such a quick update! Tis the season for Yule stories, after all. :)
Best,
Shoshi
Author's reply
I've been rather neglectful of this story and Wars of the Valar this last month or so, trying to finish up the first book of Elf, Interrupted, so am trying to make up for lost time. *grin*
Glad you liked my version of "O Holy NIght". It was something of a challenge, but I enjoyed it, especially since my Sindarin language skills are not as strong as my Quenya ones.
I'm sure Wídfara will be having his own confrontation with a certain elf about his sword-brother's debilitating attacks. We'll have to see how that works out.
Sorrel
· 6 December 2007
· Chapter 31: A Dunharrow Yule
*Sobs* Ohhh... don't stop, don't stop... you can't stop there!
Leaving us all on a cliffhanger isn't nice! *clears throat as everyone stares*
A great ending to an even better story. I hope that theres another one in the works somewhere! I can't wait!
Sorrel
Author's reply
Not sure what you're on about, Sorrel. There is still much more to this tale to be told. This is not the end nor is this the final chapter. I hope to have another chapter ready for posting by the end of next week. I think you're confused by the presence of the Character List. It was posted at the request of several reviewers who wanted a list of the various characters in order to keep them straight because many of the Rohirrim have similar sounding and looking names. I will add to the Character List as necessary whenever a new character is introduced. So please continue to look for updates of this story. It's not over by a long shot, I assure you.
Idril Celebrindal
· 5 December 2007
· Chapter 31: A Dunharrow Yule
What a surprise! I had to catch myself from shouting out "whoo hoo!" when the doors opened.
Great song by the way, sounds familiar, can't seem to place it though :-)
Wonderful chapter great timing for the holiday season.
Happy Holidays!
Idril
Author's reply
Thanks Idril. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Song sounds familiar, hun? Try "O Holy Night". *grin*
Happy Holidays to you as well.
Larner
· 5 December 2007
· Chapter 31: A Dunharrow Yule
A wonderful adaptation of one of my favorite Christmas hymns to Middle Earth. And what a wonderful surprise, to have the sons of Elrond return with Gilthael and the other Elves.
You know, for one who in the beginning was not admitting who and what he was, Thorongil has managed to reveal a great deal about himself; and the fact he was raised among Elves could well be of interest to some parties.
Wonderful way to deal with Yule gifts, by the way!
Author's reply
Hi Larner. Yes, it's one of my favorites, too, which is why I thought it would fun to give it a Middle-earth and Elvish twist to it.
As for Aragorn revealing a lot about himself... probably not strictly canon, but there would have been a history of Dúnedain going to Imladris for training, I'm sure, so as long as everyone believes him to be just another Ranger and not Isildur's Heir then his associations with Imladris and the Elves won't be too remarked upon, or one can hope that is the case.
I thought 'gifts of the heart' would be appropriate given the circumstances these people find themselves with very little in the way of material goods, most of which had to be abandoned when they fled Edoras.
eiluj
· 5 December 2007
· Chapter 31: A Dunharrow Yule
A merry Yule indeed!
And even merrier with the advent of the elves and Gilhael -- who I'm sure have many tales to tell (and not merely the sort of tales everyone has been telling so far this evening, but also tales of what's been happening to them in the past few weeks -- or is it months?). And we get to see the Elrondionnath in this story!
I liked your version of "O Holy Night."
Author's reply
The next few chapters will be devoted to everyone telling their "tale" to the company so we'll get to see what was happening in the Westmark during all this and it's only been weeks, though I'm sure for some it's felt more like years. *grin*
>>I liked your version of "O Holy Night."<<
Thanks. I enjoyed writing it.
Nikara
· 5 December 2007
· Chapter 31: A Dunharrow Yule
The twins are here, the twins are here!!! Yay! I'm glad that the others are back too, but... the twins!
Author's reply
Made your day, did I? *grin*
Larner
· 3 December 2007
· Chapter 30: Return to Dunharrow
At last the ISP from Mordor has allowed me on long enough to actually get to this!
I remember my few days on crutches after I broke my food--thankfully they gave me a walking cast once the swelling went down, so the crutches didn't stay with me too long.
Thengel's advice is wonderful, as is Thorongil's tale of too much Dorwinion wine in Thranduil's keep. Now, to see to the proper Yule for the children within Dunharrow; and the adults, too, need this reassurance, even if they don't feel there's that much to celebrate.
Author's reply
I, too, broke my foot one summer and before I was given a walking cast, I used crutches and that was terrible, especially as my apartment was on the third floor and there was no elevator. Not fun.
Thengel is a wise old bird and Aragorn could do worse than to listen to him and learn from him.
I think the children will help put the adults in a more festive mood. They may not entirely understand what is happening, but they are looking upon what has happened to them as an adventure and Yule is Yule and no child is going to NOT be excited about it, however thin the decorations or lack of real ceremony.
Linda Hoyland
· 2 December 2007
· Chapter 30: Return to Dunharrow
I love your Aragorn,so caring about the welfare of others. I wish someone would look after him for a while.Widfara is lucky to have such a friend. I also love wise King Thengel. Every chapter of this story is sheer delight.
Author's reply
Hi Linda. Glad you're still with me on this story. I needed to finish up Elf, Interrupted first, but will now be concentrating on this story and Wars of the Valar for a while.
As for looking after Aragorn... Wídfara is doing his best *grin* and so is Thengel.