Celeth
· 22 March 2013
· Chapter 23: Epilogue: The Laying Down of Authority
This story was masterfully written and I enjoyed it immensely. Action, suspense, with just the right amount of humor to spice it up. It seems that Laurendil and Earnur have become almost as powerful as the Maiar in their healing techniques and countering Sauron's spell to open Fiondil's prison cell, but then I suppose that is not to be wondered at in the apprentices of Lord Irmo?
And naming a cat after Lord Namo! hahaha!
You know, sometimes I wonder if Glorfindel was indeed the only one that the Valar sent back to Middle-Earth? Sometimes I think the Valar decided that there was still too much left for Tolkien to write, and so they sent him back too, but knowing the superstitious nature of mortals, instructed him to use another name and identity instead. This suspicion has been growing larger and larger in my mind as I read more of your stories.
A rather roundabout way of saying it. But I love all your stories, and the way you flesh out the characters and provide more behind-the-scene details to Tolkien's masterpiece, enhancing and never detracting from the theme and scheme of things. Thank you so much for that.
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. I'm glad you enjoyed this story. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it. It was a fun story to write with its D&D flavor at times. And believe me, I'm no more an Elf than I'm the tooth fairy, just a regular guy who likes to play in Tolkien's universe.
6336
· 18 September 2010
· Chapter 23: Epilogue: The Laying Down of Authority
Rereading, again, and wondering about all those sailors and soldiers who really did not want to go with Ar-Pharazon but went anyway. Seems a bit unfair that they had to spend eternity in suspended animation just because their king had delusions of grandure.I am sure the vast majority were with Ar-Pharazon but there must have been a few who did not agree but were afraid not to go for fear of reprisal. Deserting was not looked upon faverably!
It is always the innocents who suffer in war.
Still reading, keep posting,
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hard indeed, Lynda, but that's the price they've paid for not remaining faithful to the Valar whatever their personal feelings towards their king and his policies might be.
Imhiriel
· 10 December 2009
· Chapter 16: Sacrifice
I haven't the time at the moment to "properly" review the story, but I just had to tell you that Boromir's sacrifice moved me profoundly; so full of calm dignity and grace. That is true also for the reactions of the others, who accepted it so well (if well is the right word). And then suddenly the name hit me, and I became teary-eyed, because suddenly I saw a spiritual linkage to "our" Boromir - although I don't know if you intended this.
Also: this is a fascinating look into Númenor's last breaths, so to speak. I like it that it is so much from the ground up, not so concerned with what goes on only in the ruling families.
Author's reply
Hi, Imhiriel. I really hadn't intended any linkage, spiritual or otherwise, between the two Boromirs, at least not on a conscious level. I just needed a name for the character. *grin*
At any rate, I am glad you have been enjoying this story. I thought it would be interesting to see Numenor from the point of view of the "common people" or at least from those who were not part of the king's court and also through the eyes of OCs rather than through those of canon characters such as Amandil or Elendil.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it greatly.
Agape4Gondor
· 26 June 2008
· Chapter 20: Et Eärtumnallon
Whooo hooo - I had missed this chapter entirely and found it on my spare room bed and read it. Glad I did - there had been questions because of this 'missing' chapter.
I loved the child's stating Lord Ulmo came... wow! The hairs on the back of my neck stood up when the tale continued and there HE actually was. Lord Ulmo himself. Potent moment, I must say. I loved that the Mortals fell to their knees, but I also loved the fact that one or two of them had the courage to speak. It was a very nice reward for them - much nicer than any of them might have thought - and to move away so precipitously - they did well. I liked the fact that the Maiar had a part in helping men.
Good chapter - glad I found it.
Author's reply
Glad you found the chapter, Agape, and that it helped answer some questions.
Ulmo is pretty amazing in this chapter and the Mortals are fortunate that they have secured his favor. I'm sure they had tales about him and the Maiar who helped them for many centuries after. *grin*
Agape4Gondor
· 24 June 2008
· Chapter 17: The Journey South
I see I had missed reviewing this chapter... and it's a favorite. You make the long journey so pleasant with the way you have written it - could have been dull and boring, except when traveling with Elves, but it was beautiful... though dangerous. Nice job!
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed this bit of 'travelogue'. *grin* I'm glad you didn't find the description of their journey dull and boring. Thanks.
ellie
· 24 June 2008
· Chapter 23: Epilogue: The Laying Down of Authority
I've not read a fanfic telling of the hiding of Valinor. Very intersting! I like your sending Valinor to the 10th dimension. IMO, the sinking of Numenor and the upheaval in Valinor would have been a consequence of ripping an entire continent out of one dimension and placing it in another. The order of events as you and Tolkien describe them would be accurate, but I see it as being like the disturbance of the soil around a plant as it was being uprooted and then transplanted elsewhere. Does that make sense?
I had wondered what the 10th dimension copy of Valinor was for, and now we know! I love the way your Tolkien universe builds upon itself across stories. I am sorry to see this story end.
Now go write something else intriguing and cool so I have soemthing to read in between postings of your other stories!
Author's reply
I thought it was time to get the Hiding of Valinor and the Drowning of Númenor from the POV of the Valar themselves. I'm glad you found it believable in sequence, although I don't see it as ripping the continent itself out of one dimension and into the other, merely the inhabitants and their buildings, etc. The continent itself would have remained intact.
And don't worry... I'm writing other things but you'll just have to wait until I finish them before you can read them. *grin* Thanks for reviewing.
Agape4Gondor
· 14 June 2008
· Chapter 23: Epilogue: The Laying Down of Authority
That was an incredible chapter and a most fitting end to the tale, Fiondil.
Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!
I really had to giggle about the 10th dimension 'cause I just made a joke about it in my review of the last chapter! And I loved the Valar here....
Very, very well written account of those last moments. I don't think I've ever read of those hours before.
Thank you for sharing this delightful tale... Blessings!
Author's reply
Thanks, Agape. I'm glad you found this an incredible chapter. To the best of my knowledge no one has ever written about the Downfall from the POV of the Valar and I always thought it would be interesting to see it through their eyes, hence this chapter. And, of course, now we know what the 10th dimension is all about. *grin* Thanks for all your reviews and support. I really appreciate them. Blessings!
Agape4Gondor
· 14 June 2008
· Chapter 22: Return to Aman
Whoa! A really great chapter.... a number of things caught my attention:
Earnur's family being told to come to the quay with no explanation - I found that a nice touch... what a wonderful surprise for them all.
And Findarato's appearance - I got chills as I read it. That Laurendil stopped everything and bowed and Findarato taking Eanur' into his arms... beautiful moment... And yet, the sense of betrayal.. nay it could not be betrayal... yet, why did he not save Eanur... Laurendil's shock... Lord Irmo's sudden appearance... Eanur's reactions... Glad they didn't send Earnur off to the 10th dimension! --- tense moments
I love Laurendil's wisdom and hoped that Earnur would take it to heart.
Ingwion's paying of the debt was superb! Absolutely superb! I hope Eanur does sit down and write his tale...
I must say - even knowing the Valar's reasons behind what they sometimes do - I find them very difficult to like! Don't tell anyone!!!!
Great chapter.
Author's reply
A lot of angst all around in this one. Hopefully Eärnur will come to terms with it now that he's back home among his loved ones and learn to forgive those who 'messed' with his life. It is sometimes hard to like the valar, but all they do is for the benefit of Arda, not necessarily for the benefit of individuals, but that's true for us as well and the things that God allows happen in our lives. Like Eärnur we have to learn to look at the bigger picture and accept our roles in it, even though it's a very uncomfortable role.
Thanks for the review. And I promise not to tell. LOL
6336
· 11 June 2008
· Chapter 23: Epilogue: The Laying Down of Authority
Been thinking about this some more.
I can see the Valar being a little upset with Ar-pharazon and company, they have given the Edain an island to recompense them for the rearrangment of Beleriand at the end of the War of Wrath, one of their own has given up his immortality to be their first King, they have been given a longer life than other men and now they want more! Yep I would be a little pissed!
Finrod and Laurendil going into Warrior Mode is quite understandable I hope Namo is was not too hard on them.
Did the Elves in the Hither Lands know Valinor had been moved to the 10th dimension or were the informed by Manwe's Eagles?
Elrond must have been totally mortified to realise just what his great nephew had tried, had he been mortal he would have gone grey!
Did Margileth bring the original Bannon(sp), or did she just keep getting black cats and giving them the same name? I know cats can live to around 20, my Cleopatra was a week shy of her 20th birthday when she slipped through the Veil at the end of January this year!
Sorry to ramble on so,
Lynda
Author's reply
I think the Valar through Ulmo would at least let Círdan know what the score was so he could adapt his ships to make the transition, but I doubt anyone tried to explain about the 10th dimension. It was enough to know that "all roads are bent".
Not sure if this is the same cat or not, but I know cats can live a long time if treated well and perhaps along with the Edain, maybe the Valar extended the lifespans of certain animals as well. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Ces
· 11 June 2008
· Chapter 23: Epilogue: The Laying Down of Authority
It must have been heartbreaking for the Valar to watch what their children were doing. You wrote it wonderfully as usual.
The ending was great! Loved the old woman and her cat! There is hope for the future.
Thank you for this beautiful story. I enjoyed reading it very much and look forward to a new one.
Ces
Author's reply
Thanks, Ces. I'm glad you liked the way I wrote this. I always thought writing about it from the POV of the Valar would be interesting.
And thanks for enjoying this story and reviewing. I really appresciate you taking the time.
6336
· 10 June 2008
· Chapter 23: Epilogue: The Laying Down of Authority
Oh Wow! The down fall of Numenor from the other side as it were. I have just been reading(struggling) through the Silmarillion, for the second time and read it from Ar-Pharazon's point of view. I wonder why he did not bring Sauron with him? Tolkien seems to have had a thing for close relatives desiring one of their own!
I know this is done, but more please,
Lynda
(It's undertow, not toe:<()
Author's reply
Oops! I'll make the correction. Thanks.
I thought it would be interesting to see what the downfall would be like from the point of view of the Valar. We only get a glimpse of what they experience because of it.
And don't worry. This tale may be over but there are more tales coming. Thanks for reviewing.
Nieriel Raina
· 10 June 2008
· Chapter 23: Epilogue: The Laying Down of Authority
Oh, Fiondil, what a Brilliant ending! I think this was my favorite part: They were accompanied by their young son, Boromir, as well as an elderly Woman carrying a black cat. (though I liked so many parts, it would be hard to say for sure.)
This is a wonderful tale! I"m so glad you shared it with us! Thanks!
NiRi
Author's reply
Thanks, BiRi. I'm glad you liked the ending especially the reference to Valandil and Ercassë and their son, Boromir, and Margileth with Bannoth. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Larner
· 6 June 2008
· Chapter 22: Return to Aman
Yes, there will be the need for readjustment, very much so, I'd guess. And the cat and the fiddle, eh? Perhaps Bilbo wasn't as original as he may have thought! Heh!
Author's reply
Or he heard it from someone who heard it from someone.....
I liken Eärnur's experience to those of Europeans who were captured by Amerindians and lived among them, perhaps even being adopted by them and learning their ways and then leaving the tribe to return to 'civilization' and having to readjust to new old ways. And he had 400 years of adjustment to overcome!
6336
· 6 June 2008
· Chapter 22: Return to Aman
It is good to be home, even if you are 400 years late getting back! I can understand his bitterness at being, apparantly, abandoned, his friends and family will help him get through it, also his stay at Nienna's.
I do like Ingwion's 'payment' of his bet, it would not hurt a few others to do the same thing!
More please,
Lynda
( You're beta missed a spelling error in the second paragraph of the second section, sadden insted of saddened. Not that my spelling is of the best, Lynda:<()
Author's reply
I thought Ingwion's 'payment with interest' was pretty cool myself. I'm sure many of us could learn from him. Eärnur will have some adjustments but everyone is behind him and supportive of him so I don't think it'll be too long before he's acting the Master Healer again.
Thanks for pointing out the typo. It's been fixed.
Nieriel Raina
· 6 June 2008
· Chapter 22: Return to Aman
another wonderful chapter. Nice to see them return home. I wonder if Ingwion's propensity for not forgetting comes from spending time with Lord Namo? *wink* This has been an intersting story.
Author's reply
Thanks, NiRi. I suspect that Ingwion always had that trait though I don't doubt that hanging around Lord Námo has helped hone it. *grin* One more chapter to go, so stay tune.
Agape4Gondor
· 30 May 2008
· Chapter 21: Márienna
It's odd how sometimes a chapter will just scream phrases out at you and make reviewing fairly easy.
However, this whole chapter screamed.... There was such a sense of peace and wellness and 'all is right with the world' with this one. Excellent chapter, Fiondil. I am still smiling - and to think Fiondil will end up happy (I hope?)....
Blessings upon you and this tale - such a treat and a delight....
Author's reply
Thanks, Agape. I'm glad you found this chapter enjoyable. There is one more chapter to this story plus an Epilogue in which we learn the fates of everyone concerned. These last chapters will be posted soon.
Alquawende
· 29 May 2008
· Chapter 21: Márienna
I really enjoyed these past chapters. It was very nice to read about Vorondil, and his son. Calaldundil is a very sweet elfling. ^^ The edain that Earnur told stories to must have been in awe that he knew so many of their legendary figures, like Findarato, for example.
The most recent chapter is quite sad. I wonder what's going to happen to Fiondil and Vandiel in Middle Earth... Are you going to write about them one day or tell us what happened to them later?
Thanks so much for writing and please update this soon!
Author's reply
Hi, Alquawendë. I'm glad you've been enjoying these last few chapters. I'm sure the fisherfolk were quite impressed by Eärnur's tales. There are a couple of more chapters to the story in which things are wrapped up and we will see what happened to Fiondil and Vandiel as well as to their siblings. As I've been updating this story every week, I'm sure it won't be long before the next one.
Ellie
· 29 May 2008
· Chapter 21: Márienna
I really like little Calaldundil even if he is a pest. I'm glad Van girl got together with Fiondil there in the end as her brother seems to be pairing up with Fiondil's sister. Excellent chapter as always!
Author's reply
Oh wow! I'm re-reading this story and making minor corrections and reading some of the reviews and here I find one from you that I never answered and it's been over a year! Valar! Please accept my sincerest apologies for not responding to this review in a more timely manor. I can't imagine how I managed to miss it.
Anyway, better late than never, they say *sheepish smile* I'm glad you like Calaldundil and that Vandiel and Fiondil are going to Middle-earth together and yes, Valandil and Ercassë look to be pairing up as well.
Larner
· 29 May 2008
· Chapter 21: Márienna
I'm so glad she has the courage to go with him. Now he may perhaps find that extended time aboard ship will ease his seasickness.
And yet at the last the Valar did send the five Istari, in spite of their earlier vow. Nay, to come physically themselves would be overkill; but they sent such aid as they could, and Gandalf and Radagast both helped folks come to their best ever.
Author's reply
I'm sure Ercassë will keep Fiondil well occupied during the long voyage. *grin* And eventually the Istari will come and show the people of Middle-earth that the Valar truly do care for them (well at least Gandalf and Radagast will).
6336
· 29 May 2008
· Chapter 21: Márienna
Oh Ratts, it's finished! All the tee's crossed and the i's dotted and a big red bow on it, but I want more! (stamps foot!)
Nicely concluded, I hope all will be as happy as they can be and will be able to reunite at some point in time and Ulmo dosen't have to fish Calaldundil out of the sea too many times on the way back home!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Not quite finished Lynda. There is still another chapter or two to wrap things up, but I'm glad you've enjoyed this story. I'm sure Calaldundil was less trouble than Eärnur on the journey home. *grin*
Kaylee
· 29 May 2008
· Chapter 21: Márienna
Namárië Meldonya! I know I don't often leave reviews for this fic (translation: almost never *hangs head in shame*) though I *am* reading it, I'm just slower at reading fics about the downfall of Men than those about the wonderful Valar such as Lord Namo, LOL. Still, with it being my birthday and everything, I figured I'd show my pherian side and leave *you* a gift in the form of a review (and my humblest apology for not reviewing this more often)
Awwww, I love, just *love* Vandiel and Fiondil *grin* Fiondil, lol. *pokes meldonya gently* And I love Ercassë...and I will always, always love Laurendil and his family no matter what!! (I still laugh at Laurendil being Vorondil's "atar", but somehow it just seems right. *grin*)
Thank you ever so much for this chapter!! I will try and be more diligent about reading and reviewing. *grin*
Namárië,
Kaylee!!
P.S. "Namárië" translates as "Aloha"? I am amused *grin*
Author's reply
Happy birthday, Kaylee! I'm glad you've been reading and enjoying this story even if it is a bit slow going for you. Thanks for letting me know. As it is we're nearly at the end of the story so you won't have too many more reviews to write. *grin*
Beruthiels Cat
· 29 May 2008
· Chapter 21: Márienna
One thing for sure, Fiondil...you know how to twist the knife. So bittersweet that these who have formed such bonds in a short length of time must now be parted, some to not ever meet again. The future is now secure, at least as well as may be. The Elves farewell is especially poignant, given the circumstances. I will be thinking on this chapter for quite awhile in terms of what it implies for all concerned, but especially for the elves, a small moment of victory in their long defeat.
Cat
Author's reply
Thanks, Cat. I do try to go for the emotions without actually hitting people over the head with them. I'm glad you liked this farewell scene. For the elves it is bittersweet, for in the course of events, they will remain long after these people whom they've met and befriended are dead and gone, yet, in spite of this they have reason to be proud of the fact that they were able to beat back the darkness just a little more by what they accomplished here. As for the Mortals.... they're memories of meeting elves will be long cherished and will make their lives all the richer whatever else the future may have in store for them.
Ellie
· 26 May 2008
· Chapter 20: Et Eärtumnallon
I'm glad that the villagers were able to escape safely and go to Middle-earth and be safe from the destruction of Numenor. Ulmo was terribly impressive yet amazingly gentle and indulgent with the little elfling. enjoyable prophesy about the future of the little one. I love the way to write the valar. Nicely done!
Author's reply
Thanks, Ellie. Ulmo is pretty impressive and gentle at the same time, isn't he? Much like the sea that is his home. And it looks as if little Calaldundil has caught the seafaring bug as well. *grin*
Larner
· 23 May 2008
· Chapter 20: Et Eärtumnallon
So, this is the inspiration for Elendil's vow, eh? Heh!
Author's reply
Probably not, seeing as he wasn't there to see it, but you never know. *grin*
Rhyselle
· 22 May 2008
· Chapter 20: Et Eärtumnallon
I am in love with little Caladlundil. :) And I adored Lord Ulmo's conversation with him and the gift of the shell.
Oh, yes... thank you for telling us what happened to the villagers. How lovely for the Valar to reward those who kept Earnur safe where he was supposed to be for all that time.
I enjoyed seeing Vorondil as a father, and doing the kind of things my husband and I do with a young child meeting someone exceedingly important.
I am looking forward to seeing the resolution of this story, although I'll also hate to see it end. I've really come to like the siblings and cousins, and to see Laurendil's development as he comes to terms with his feelings about what has happened and the reasons for it has been fascinating.
Earnur is fun to read about, and I'm so very very glad that the friends are reunited, and I can't wait to see how the other Eldar who have missed him too react upon his return to Lorien.
Another well written chapter to a well written story! Good job!
Author's reply
I think everyone is in love with little Calaldundil! LOL
I figured it would be too cruel to not let people know what had happened to the villagers, and of course, since the Valar were responsible for Eärnur's enforced stay there, it was only right that they reward the villagers with a chance to flee the coming disaster. Even if the Valar didn't know what would happen they could certainly read the signs once Sauron reached the island and began corrupting the most of the Númenórëans.
Eärnur is definitely on my "A" list of favorite OCs! *grin* We'll probably even see more of him in Elf, Interrupted 2 as well.
Thanks for reviewing, Rhyselle. I really appreciate it.