This was a superb chapter! My favourite bit was Calaldundil showing Lord Ulmo that he was learning to tie knots. It made me smile. Sorry I can't come up with much more to say, I've got a bad case of medicine brain from my allergy medicine. I'll review properly once my mind is coherent again.
Eru bless,
Edlyn
Author's reply
Sorry to hear you're having problems with your allergy medicine. I hope you recover soon. I thought the scene of Calaldundil showing the Lord of Waters his knots was the best part of the chapter, too. I look forward to seeing a 'proper' review from you soon.
Beruthiels Cat
· 22 May 2008
· Chapter 20: Et Eärtumnallon
And so several mysteries are solved...good to know the villagers were rewarded for their care of Earnur. Could these folks possibly be on their way to found a little place later known as Dol Amroth?
Calaldundil is precious here, with his child's delight and response to Lord Ulmo...and Ulmo's grandfatherly treatment of him. Hope to see more of these two interacting sometime in the future, but even if not, it's certainly been a day Calalundil will never forget.
Love how you slipped the Noldo pun in there, lol...
Fiondil's impatience now that the crisis is over was well handled, he needed the reminder. Compared to what Earnur had suffered, he was being rather petty, at least to my way of thinking.
Looking forward to the next chapter!
Cat
Author's reply
I'm not sure where the villagers will end up but probably somewhere in South Gondor, so Dol Amroth would be as good a place as any.
Calaldundil is a cutie, that's for sure and Ulmo obviously delights in him.
Fiondil is understandably impatient and concerned about his future, but Eärnur put him neatly in his place. He was being a bit petty, but hopefully he'll grow from the experience. We'll learn Fiondil's fate will be in the next chapter.
Thanks for reviewing.
obsidianj
· 22 May 2008
· Chapter 20: Et Eärtumnallon
So, the fate of the fisherfolk of Nindamos is solved. I had an inkling that they would sail to ME. But what will happen to Fiondil? Will he also be send to ME? I loved Lord Ulmo's appearance. Good thing that Earnur had prepared the villagers to believe in the Valar. It seems that the doom of Numenor is close at hand when Ulmo already tells the villagers to move out now.
Author's reply
Númenor will fall in 24 years, soon enough by Valian standards. *grin* Fiondil's fate and the fate of the others will be revealed in the next chapter. Eärnur's 'captivity' served more than one purpose besides being there when Fiondil would be in most need of help. I like to think that even people who were not necessarily part of the Faithful but also not part of the King's Men were also saved from the cataclysm. Even if the Valar didn't know exactly what would happen they could certainly read the signs and know that disaster loomed.
Nieriel Raina
· 22 May 2008
· Chapter 20: Et Eärtumnallon
Oh what a wonderful chapter! I loved the description of Ulmo. So...Lord of Waters like. *grin* And it didn't occur to me before, though the name was familiar, who Voronwe was. This is Vorondil's uncle, right? Aldundil's brother?
I am curious to see Fiondil's fate. This is a wonderful story. Has it been nominated for MEFAs yet?
Author's reply
Thanks, NiRi. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. No, Voronwë is not Vorondil's uncle, with whom he shares the same name. This Voronwë is the Elf who was washed ashore after he and his companions attempted to reach Valinor and whom Ulmo saved so he could lead Tuor to Gondolin.
Yes, this story was nominated for the MEFAs though I'm not finalizing the nomination until the story is complete, which it will be before the nomination period ends. Thanks for enquiring.
Fiondil's fate (and the fate of all the others) will be revealed in the next chapter.
6336
· 22 May 2008
· Chapter 20: Et Eärtumnallon
Well there went my chance to finish the blouses for the Grand Orclings, (and I do mean Orclings), before going in to work! I do like Ulmo, he is a bit like your favorite, bachalor uncle very good with children but dosen't want any of his own! I Like the way you have mixed Vorondil's mother's and father's names in his son's!
So that's how the villagers got away, I wonder where they ended up in the east? Poor Fiondil, he still dosen't know what is going to happen to him does he?!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
I guess Ulmo and I have a lot in common then -- I love kids, so long as they're not mine! LOL
I thought in naming Vorondil's son as I did that it would be a subtle hint that perhaps this far into the future of Elf, Interrupted we see that there was a possible reconciliation between Vorondil and his mother.
Fiondil's fate will be revealed in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing.
obsidianj
· 21 May 2008
· Chapter 19: The Grey Ship
So, for the moment they are safe. That was quite a rescue scheme Laurendil came up with. Floating down the river. And poor Boromir sacrificed himself. The guards will rue that they killed him, since their quarry escaped under their noses and now they have no one to question.
The empty village is still a mystery. I hope you will solve this for us in due time. And where will Fiondil go, since he can't go home?
Author's reply
The mystery of what happened to the people of Nindamos and why will be revealed before the story ends as will Fiondil's fate.
Larner
· 15 May 2008
· Chapter 19: The Grey Ship
Hooray-the lost found and restored, and the relief is overwhelming. Now--what to do about the mortals in the party....
Author's reply
Hooray, indeed. The next chapter will deal with the problem of what to do with the mortals.
Agape4Gondor
· 14 May 2008
· Chapter 19: The Grey Ship
Ah ha! So Fiondil might have an inkling as to where the shipwrights are... a diturbing thought!
And the males definitely seem to be leering!!!! Stop it!
Poor Fiondil does know how to sit and wait - with Earnur's help....
Is this the same... could it possibly be.... 'our' Vorondil grown up????
Oh my! *heavy sigh*
Lovely chapter!!!! Now get the heck out of their before some 'other' ships come!!!
Author's reply
Well, perhaps Fiondil might now where the missing shipwrights are, we don't know for sure, though we can guess why the shipwrights are missing, can't we?
You've forgotten the first two chapters of this story which take place in Aman where we meet Vorondil, not only all grown up, but married with a child.*grin*
Agape4Gondor
· 14 May 2008
· Chapter 18: The Mystery of Nindamos
I seem to miss chapters now and again and it's driving me nuts... but I finally figured out what I had missed and went and read the chapter before this. I'm glad they are finally going to be rescued. I HOPE!
Author's reply
Well, when you read the next chapter, you'll find out. *grin*
eiluj
· 14 May 2008
· Chapter 19: The Grey Ship
So a happy almost-ending, though I *really* could have done without reading about poor Fiondil being seasick. And if no place in Númenóre is safe for him, does that mean they have to sail him all the way to Middle-earth? He could give Gil-galad the latest info on Númenóre -- if he survives the voyage....
And Vorondil *did* get to go along ... and got his present, too!
[Re. seasickness: I definitely did *not* inherit the same genes as my-brother-the-sea-captain (who is really more a restaurateur, though he does have a captain's license, and lives on his boat, and did have a captaining job last week).]
Author's reply
Even though Fiondil and I share the same name, we don't share the same aversion to water. I've never been seasick, thank Eru, but I know others who have and I know how wretched it is, so I'm not unsympathetic.
Yes, Vorondil got to go along and get his present (the best!) at the same time. *grin*
Nieriel Raina
· 14 May 2008
· Chapter 19: The Grey Ship
Oh how nice. Vorondil got to sail after all! though I was a bit surprised he didn't comment on Lauendil's short hair. *grin*
So nice they are safe for the moment. I look forward to seeing the conclusion to this wonderful tale.
Author's reply
I'm sure Vorondil will get around to teasing Laurendil about the short hair once he gets over the shock of seeing Eärnur. *grin*
6336
· 14 May 2008
· Chapter 19: The Grey Ship
Oh, poor Fiondil, motion sickness is the worst, makes the trip seem never ending. Being on the ship may make it eaisier and I am sure they have something to make him feel better. I see Vorondil has not noticed Laurendil's new hair style, I expect he will come in for some teasing once it does.
We have had one happy reunion let's hope there are more to come.
What are we to do with Fiondil though, will he be making a quick trip to the Hither Lands or is he going to join the villagers and all those missing shipwrights?
Happy Belated Birthday, may you have many more!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
I think Vorondil probably did notice the short hair on Laurendil but has matured enough not to make teasing comments in the presence of strangers and then seeing Eárnur probably knocked that right out of his mind, for now. The solution to Fiondil's problems will be forthcoming.
Thanks for the birthday greetings.
artistic sprite
· 8 May 2008
· Chapter 18: The Mystery of Nindamos
Valar, Earnur is so cute! I feel like pinching his face!( I might cast the anger of the Valars on me for that though......)
Author's reply
Eärnur is very cute and he has grown in many ways that he could not have had it not been for his experiences here in Númenor, as terrible as they must have been at first. He will return to Aman a better Elf for them, though.
Ellie
· 7 May 2008
· Chapter 18: The Mystery of Nindamos
Interesting! So, in a way, it was Earnur's "fault" that the villagers left. I like the way he was their redemption and the one to bring them back to the faith even if it was unintentionally done. That is something for him to find comfort and pride in.
I really like the way you describe your elves, setting them apart for the mortals in the story with such little details as raising an elegant brow. Your writing has progressed so much since you first started writing fanfiction (or at least since I first stared reading your stuff way back when :-) ). You have mastered many subtleties and elegant nuances. It is a pelasure to read your fanfic no matter what the subject (that is a great compliment coming from me because there are lots of charcters you have covered that I would not have read otherwise).
More, please?
Author's reply
Well, I suppose that it is Eärnur's 'fault', though I don't think he would look at it that way. We will learn in the next chapter just what did happen to the villagers
Thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it. After writing fanfiction for two years, I sincerely hope I have improved in my writing. *grin*
Larner
· 6 May 2008
· Chapter 18: The Mystery of Nindamos
Superstition has been replaced by fact; a grey ship has been sighted; and Earnur is able to sleep in his own bed....
Could Sauron sense Laurendil's osanwe, I wonder? How could that complicate things further? (I know--don't add more complications!)
Author's reply
Even if Sauron sensed Laurendil's ósanwë (quite possibly), I think he will be too late to do anything about it since 'his' troops are still looking for the 'rebel' elsewhere on the island. We'll have to see.
6336
· 6 May 2008
· Chapter 18: The Mystery of Nindamos
Finderato is right, the Valar are a devious bunch but very protective of those who love and admire them. Lets hope Laurndil's boat comes soon, sleeping on the beach is O.K. but sand can get in the most akward places!:<)
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
sleeping on the beach is O.K. but sand can get in the most akward places!
So I've noticed. *grin*
I'm sure Laurendil's ship will show up soon; they're almost home... all of them.
Nieriel Raina
· 30 April 2008
· Chapter 17: The Journey South
Still reading, still loving it. I nearly cried when Boromir died. I hope they all make it to safety, though I doubt they are out of trouble yet!
Author's reply
Glad you are still enjoying this tale, NiRi. While they are not out of trouble yet, they are nearly at the end of their journey. The tale will be finishing soon.
ellie
· 29 April 2008
· Chapter 17: The Journey South
I'm glad they got out, but I'm worried about Fiondil (the character, not you though you are a character :-)
I find it deeply disturbing about the village. There are supplies still there, but no people or animals? Very creepy indeed! Was it plague or chosen evacuation or were they all sacrificed? I feel so sorry for Ear-dude for he very well may be the reason for the lack of inhabitants there. IT would be very hard for a sensitive soul like him to deal with, I think.
Loved that little voice telling Laur that all happens according to Illuvatar's plan. I got the impression since he was near a river that it might be Ulmo dropping him that line, pun intended, but you aren't terribly clear on that one.
I'm intrigued and can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Thanks, ellie. I'm glad this chapter intrigued you enough to want more. Finding the village empty of people and animals would indeed be creepy. We'll find out what their fate was soon enough, though, I promise.
As for the little voice that Laurendil heard: I left it purposely vague so readers could use their own imagination. It might be Ulmo or Atar himself or simply Laurendil's own wisdom speaking....
Agape4Gondor
· 29 April 2008
· Chapter 16: Sacrifice
Another superb chapter! As always....
Now - I really had to laugh (you do that sometimes!) as I wondered what 400 years of barefeet would do to an Elf's feet! *giggles* At least when Frodo enters Valinor, someone will be able to share about walking without shoes!
Fiondil is not having a fun time - but I love his stalwart, long-suffering!
As for the courting death line - they have been courting it for a very long time - since Ar-Pharazon took over!!!
I laughed at Boromir's wise observation that a truckload of floating logs might catch a guard's eye - but I think it might have worked if they had done one at different intervals. I hated the need for the sacrifice! And Ercasse's reaction was the same as mine! NO!!!
The memories of the Elves are not good - too many deaths, too many battles. It was a hard reminder when our Elves remembered.
I liked Laurendil's part - I think Finrod would be most proud of his protege!
I too agree - Vandiel definitely had a good thought with the skirts! I like a woman who thinks on her feet...
I hated the death scene - I swore even... well written but not a good thing for our friends. Glad the women did not see it. ^*@#%^)^
Again, great chapter. I do not think they are out of the woods yet, but I'm glad they got past this last obstacle!
Author's reply
Thanks, Agape. I'm glad you liked the chapter in spite of its sad ending. I tried to figure out how NOT to kill one of my characters, but Boromir insisted that this was his choice. I have the feeling he really did not want to live any longer knowing what might happen to Númenor in the near future. At any rate, his sacrifice has helped the others to escape unnoticed.
The Elves do indeed have very sad memories and so it is very hard for them, but they have no choice but to endure and so they do. Both Eärnur and Laurendil are very good at that.
And, no, they aren't completely out of the woods yet, but the end of the story is near, so we'll see what happens next soon enough.
Larner
· 29 April 2008
· Chapter 17: The Journey South
Indeed reason to grieve. It appears Ar-Pharazon is as belligerent as ever, and dear Sauron the same. Unfortunately so many must die so soon.
Author's reply
That's true. It will only be a short 24 years before the end and a new beginning for some. Sadly, not all the Faithful will live to see it.
6336
· 28 April 2008
· Chapter 17: The Journey South
Oh dear, I have a nasty feeling about what happened to the village,but since the boats are missing and the village still stands, I hope the fisher folk have abandoned it. Hm, tree farms on Numenor, I wonder whose idea that was? Are the girls still running around in their 'breeches' or are they wearing what is left of their dresses? Fish and cress would get a bit boring after a while but it beats starving!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
We'll find out what happened to the villagers in the next chapter. The tree farms were the idea of Tar-Aldarion (mentioned in the chapter). I think the girls left their dresses behind as being too much dead weight so they're running around without too much on, but better dressed than Fiondil or Eärnur. *grin*
ellie
· 23 April 2008
· Chapter 16: Sacrifice
I really like the way you developed Boromir's character. I'm so sad he had to die. You gave him a most noble death - sacrificing himself for the others.. He probably would have been devastated had he lived to see the downfall of Numenor.
I pity the elves their loss of yet another brave and valiant mortal friend.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the way I developed Boromir's character. I really liked him alot and I was sorry he had to die, but as he said, he somehow knew that this would be his final mission for the Faithful and it was a fitting end for one who had fought against the Darkness all his life... sacrificing himself for the sake of the others. And who's to say that Boromir would have survived the Downfall anyway? This way, he chose his own death to help his friends. That is the one thing about being an elf, especially those who interact with mortals, that I would not want to have to endure... losing yet another brave and valiant friend to Time while you remain behind. Thanks for reviewing.
Anonymous
· 23 April 2008
· Chapter 16: Sacrifice
A warning for the violence would've been in order.
Author's reply
Perhaps, but really, that one scene is far less graphic than anything found in i>The Lord of the Rings. And it would've been nice if you had sign your review instead of leaving an anonymous comment.
Larner
· 22 April 2008
· Chapter 16: Sacrifice
A sacrifice indeed, and one that will be ever honored by these. And they know now their home will soon fail. A further grief. But the strategy is a good one.
Author's reply
There are always sacrifices in such situations and at least Boromir is able to choose the manner of his death rather than have death comme to him. Of course, his companions know now that Númenor's days are numbered, just not when.
obsidianj
· 15 April 2008
· Chapter 15: Leaving the Valley
Now they are in a fine fix. I knew it was too simple. You have a motley crew here: One blind elderly man, one wounded, 3 inexperienced mortal youngsters and 2 elves. I can't wait to see how you get them out of this.
Author's reply
Well, they may be a motley crew but they are resourceful, regardless of their limitations and with two elves, both of them trained by Finrod himself, I doubt they will be to helpless in any situation they find themselves. We'll see what solution they come up with in the next chapter.