Reviews (26)

Author's reply

Hello, Rick! Please forgive the late reply, but I was on vacation, motoring in the Mid-West, and have finally returned home to find my mailbox stuffed. Thank you for your kind words! :D For me, "interesting" is the praise I crave. I do enjoy trying to engineer a supporting framework for the Professor's wonderful designs. His thing about Celeborn is that he becomes what he needs to be and does what is needed to further fulfill Sauron's doom, as much as does Galadriel - whose story is just as contradictory concerning her morality rather than her nationality. I hope to continue now that RL has settled down some. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!

Author's reply

That is wonderful to hear. You understand how a really good writer can illumniate a character and be a hero to this fan of a character who in the past was never duly appreciated. Thank you very much for mentioning the notes etc. :) I do work on those to get the right background, before taking off on my own. Because I am at heart a canon geek, who loves a good rationalization as much as a good gap-filler. As well, I like romance and an occassional hurt/comfort scenario, but reality is made up of other kinds of conflict besides emotional. There is ethical and cultural drama, besides spiritual. History contains it all, and to me that is how Tolkien looked at his stories. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing! I really do appreciate it.

Author's reply

Well, this is where it will sit for awhile, and I apologize for that. Very glad you like Nimloss. :) And are ok with Orongil. ;p I sorta keep the ancient Persian world in mind when I think what commerce may be like in Beleriand. Kinslayings?! Good heavens, no such thing! Please! Just the usual gang violence and tendency to dominate! Not mass murder, but territorial takeover. Very different... I think, guilt might have been a major contributing factor in why there was no retaliation with the sword, when the tragedy at Alqualonde was revealed. The Sindar were no less guilty of having killed their own kind to dispossess their opposition of what they wanted for themselves. And then on top of that, here were the Calaquendi acting in the same benighted way... Ah, future developments... on paper will develop slowly. I really love side characters as much as main. The fruit and vegetables that make the meat a real meal. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing! I appreciate your comments very much. Have the best and happiest year to come!

Author's reply

*G* Surprising!Celeborn is exactly who I am trying to get across. I feel I will have accomplished something vital to understanding Book!Celeborn if the characters of this story - and the readers - cannot quite 'pinpoint' him. And know that it is perpetrated. Cirdan is one of my favorites. Not many really know his interesting background either. "Believable" - Yay!! At least in context, anyway. And speaking further of colonization... the Eldar have been on the road for millennia. It is in their evolution, so as a cultural species, they are not going to stop cold turkey. But on the same basis, they also know a good thing when they have it, and will settle in for good. Oddly, the Vanyar and the Nandor are the two ends of that curve, with the Noldor and the Sindar in the middle. And I think we shall indeed discover strong connections with Celebrian's family in Edhellond. Thank you so much for the review!

Author's reply

H'mm maybe I take up too much time with the details I chose... but that's what I do! ;D Glad to hear you are enjoying it! Thank you for continuing to read and review! Have a Happy New Year!

Author's reply

Thank you, Aiwen, for reading and the unexpected review. :) I am glad you found the story interesting. Well, there are more chapters in the works but RL has slowed my usual tortise pace even more, sad to say. I will be adding more whenever it gets done.

Author's reply

*g* a present-times storyteller's license... Happy to see you are still happy with Cirdan, and very happy that you got a chuckle out of this! You are probably right about their inexperience shielding them from giving up too soon. Telpe's energy is different than his brother's, to begin with much more athletic. His personality will mature soon enough, right now he is on an adventure and high on adrenaline. Orongil's response is the first step in a long journey towards him transforming into a prince of Doriath. But, I love joking around! And you already know what is in the chest, Isil told you that last chapter. Cirdan is the one who does not know what to expect. ];} lol! Well, we'll see how well I'll do. But, sorry to say, you'll have to be very patient for the next part. Of course, there is more of Cirdan in it. Thank you for all your comments! I appreciate the feedback very much.

Author's reply

I am glad that a another Cirdan fan likes this rendition of the Shipwright. :) Politics make up the major portion of any real ruler's life, me thinks. How that ruler deals with it must be part of his character. Besides, the kingdom housekeeping must get done or the realm shall be a ramshackle one. At the moment, the princes have no plans to move into Beleriand. But, we know that circumstances will change for at least one of them. Hmm, I think you meant UT, not BoLT. Younger siblings grow up, and someone had to keep things together until Elwe came back to his throne. imho Royalty is still rather a new concept even at the end of the Great Journey. Those who were great leaders became the first kings. If he were an adolescent prince, Elmo could not just walk in and take over without proving his leadership, not in a true hunter-gatherer society. So, for me he is an adult when the quendi leave the East for the West. And probably still had rival for the regency. Who knows what the Professor really intended when he thought to make Cirdan wiser than any other. He made the wizards elderly to appear wiser too. But, you've got my vote for Osse being the real reason! ;D Thank you again for being so kind as to read and review.

Author's reply

I am happy that your interest persists, and I understand first-hand the difficulties of pursuing and participating in fanfiction. Yep, details r us. :) One reason I wanted Isil prominently figured in this tale is because he is in so few. He is an adult-in-charge and so can be more layered. Where Telpe is still rather young and finding himself. Coming of age stories have their place, but I wanted to temper that basic plot just a little. A chest full of trinkets?! Oh, you are being sarcastic, right? ;) Cirdan's pov actually takes over the next tale. Telpe still needs a steadying hand himself, and Isil will continue to be that for the time being. You have to have had an inner-ear problem to really sympathize! It is something you can die from the symtoms. Extreme sea-sickness is a serious threat, even in this century. *g* Well, Isil of course would not know it yet, but the healer does not live in the village. He is an itinerant doctor. They were plain lucky he was in the vicinity. Halfig is the chief's daughter and normally works as his helper along with her younger brother. Thank you again for reading and reviewing. I do appreciate each one.

Author's reply

I am glad the chapter did not disappoint. :) But goodness, who needs more drama in their life? ;) Hmm, I really do not think of Osse as devious, but rather a self-centered fellow. He is capable of good deeds as Ulmo commands, but he does serve his own interests while doing so. He is quite open about that, and someone who could easily become a bully. *g* As you know I try to build a solid stage on which to perform, so I do take the time to verify a story's background. But, in doing so, I am always hoping for inspiration to write the story. You are very kind with the compliments. Thank you. And yes, the brothers are indeed better known by other names when they live in Beleriand. A lot of people do not realize that Varda did not create all the stars. Some were "ancient and far", already existent. Besides creating brigher ones, "many other of the ancient stars she gathered together". She did this to provide better light for the awakening of the elves. Twilght, not night. She set the sun and moon to "traverse the lower regions of Ilmen". imho, Tilion's behavior as not being illogical or erratic or wild or arbitrary. He was placed first with purpose, not just because Telperion was eldest Tree. It was the Noldor that called him wayward, never the other kindreds who better understood his actions. I could go on by comparing Tilion and Arien to Celeborn and Galadriel. But, I...will...not... *resisting with visible effort* A review is always welcome and appreciated! Thank you again!

Author's reply

Thank you very much! I really appreciate you reviewing. I wish I was faster at updating. But, I am afraid that you will have to be patient for the next chapter.

Author's reply

Thank you for saying that! And, thank you for saying that, too!!

Author's reply

Oh, you are not the only one who struggles with my cast of characters. But, I am very glad that you are enjoying the story. The healer was an homage, if you can guess who. Ha! Happy that now that you know has not deterred you from reading on. Thanks for the reviews!

Author's reply

Thank you! I am glad you like this chapter.

Author's reply

*G* Very happy that worked! I wanted to get into Cirdan's head after dealing with the brothers. Of course, we already know what is in the chest, but the Shipwright does not. And he is toting his own baggage to the game. ;) I see Orongil as a foreboding of his cousins. The kind of Sindar lords they might become by following the same examples that he has and is showing them now. lol! I think only you could have caught that particular nuance! Do not presume that different means benighted. 'Tis the missionary's worst folly... which brought us the equally foolish zero-tolerance Prime Directive. ;) Yep, a real prince of a guy. :) Orongil is sorta the model of a Sindar prince for him and Telpe to emulate, if they decide for some reason to stay in Beleriand. But, what could ever be that reason? ];} Thank you so much for the review! I really appreciate it!

Author's reply

Autumn...Autumn...Autumn... hmmm... ];} After your recent experience, you sound like just the right person to elucidate a who's-who page to include on my user profile page! *g* Who would know better what information a reader needs to be told upfront? But really, I am flattered that you persevered. More than glad that you find this story interesting and entertaining enough to want to read on! Thank you very much for the review! I love knowing you got that dig about being happy where they were. :)

Author's reply

*g* Maybe a little... I am very pleased you are inclined to read on. And there is a second part to this where they do talk to eachother and not just stare. ;) As to the question: Cirdan is, just as Orongil and Glinnor show and say, their liege lord. He rules. They part of the nobility that governs under him. Recall that Elmo stayed with Thingol, and I think, held things together until his brother returned with Melian. It is his children that have branched out during Thingol's absence. Sorry 'bout that, I do realized with the large gaps between postings that a previous chapter's details, such as a character that was barely introduced, will have been forgotten. I also assume that the reader shares my viewpoint that few people get important things done all on their own. To me, that aspect of life is even truer than passionate love and individual heroism. So, in my stories, I cannot help myself but create and credit the ones who preserve civilization along with the lovers and warriors. Next chapter is the second half of this meeting. And some more confusing politics... My thanks for reading and reviewing!

Author's reply

Gosh, you make me blush, but thank you for the kind encouragement! Yeah, it took a few years at that, didn't it? I am trying to keep things just a bit lighter than the drama reality would be. However, frivolous adventure is not that easy for me. Maybe that is why I am not much of a POTC fan... And besides, Cirdan is a very interesting character! He is on a par with Imrahil in earlier ages, very heroic - if people would just notice! One does have to respect his wise opinions. So of course, I enjoyed using his pov in "Daeredair" and here. :) In today's world, I think it is hard to understand real separation. Even upon death. Technology has allowed us to create complete facsimiles people; our own brand of ghost. But, remembrances were not so completely convincing in previous centuries. People sailed away and for forever sometimes. One could only hope for word of their kin. Perhaps, in a way, this circumstance made rejoining long-gone loved ones like to being in Heaven. Thank you for the review. Your comments are always much appreciated.

Author's reply

*g* Of course! But, Osse was not on their side! They need what is in the chest as much as anyone else, if they are to get back home! Yep, mean ol' politics rearing its gory head. Perhaps most Eglath are indeed like the Avari and Nandor when it come to facing danger or living the life they already have. Thingol has returned with Melian; civilization has been secured in Beleriand. And by their own hands, with their blood and sweat and tears. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!

Author's reply

Indeed, Isil needs to rest and recuperate. He'll be better for it by the time they get to Elgarest. But, I doubt their 'romantic' notions will wane much. :) Give them some time to get to realize that the Amanyar haven't much to brag about. They were propelled into dire circumstances. Now what I don't entirely get is their continued youthful optimism in the face of that and seeing most of their plans go awry. I suppose as long as they stay on their feet, they just keep running. Shelly actually is a sweet girl, and Telpe has reformed - according to his brother. If Nerwen were about, she would be in... little... danger. Thank you! The review is much appreciated.

Author's reply

I am so glad you liked this approach! And Galathil, 'cause I like him too! While writing, he made me think of Cyrus! Celeborn, a trickster? *g* I like that image! He certainly has the ability to take on different aspects, depending on his mood and goal. Definitely the prince in him using the performer in him to his advantage. A very adaptable person, as we shall see... I think the Teleri have a inborn desire to be with and know for sure that their kin are happy and enjoying life, or they cannot enjoy life themselves. Tolkien used this motivation in several ways to literally create movement. Hmm, I do not know if I myself can characterize their quest at foolish. They apparently thought hard about it. Some of their reactions to the situations they find themselves can be foolish, though. Now as I am writing what I have outlined, I find I am encountering the same, and what should be by now expected, difficulty of one line turning into two pages. Cirdan like peace and quiet and order, but hardly gets these things with this sort of stuff happening. Thank you for your encouragement! I really appreciate the review! Ya know, I almost cut the 'fish scales' as not being that clear a note. Ha!

Author's reply

Oh yes, this part of the story was definitely from Isil's pov. Of course, my writing style propabably did not help you much, either. ;) I am still working on that. As to your questions, this is not a diplomatic mission. The brothers certainly would know how they should conduct an embassy, if that were their goal. However, their quest is to retrieve their grandfather and what portion of his immediate family that could fit in their tranport. A boat which is now going to be only whatever they can build locally, not the one ship out of three they originally intended. The information in the chest was a gesture to the rest of their people, and it turns out a wise contingency plan. From their past political experience, they are very aware that they could be seen as a threat to Thingol, kin or not. They are relieving him of subjects, after all. What if there was a rush to go West? It could essentially decimate the population of Beleriand. Although, they see that as unlikely because of the stigma, bestowed by Amanyar popular opinion, that the Forsaken are like to the Unwilling. In addition, what would be the ramifications if Elwe, the eldest brother and leader, decided to come back with them instead of on his own? They could become personally responsible for destablizing the entire Teleri society and government in Eldamar over a contest for the throne or bringing about paranoia from the Noldor, who are ready to revolt, by introducing a second Telerin kingdom that obviously supports residency in Aman. Far better to keep their mission low key and have a local lord on their side to shield and advise them. Especially one such as Nowe who is above the three royal brothers in the kindred hierarchy and, now they discover, can actually help them build a new ship. So, they had reason to be happy about their choice of patron and being able to stick to their plans. *g* One can certainly anticipate that Celeborn is already in Ennor when the Noldor return. What I think is interesting is that Galadriel has to go with Feanor, whom she despises, to catch up to Telpe. That the Exiles followed the coastline and did not attempt to cross open sea. That the peace-loving Teleri fought off the well-armed theives until Fingon brought reinforcements. That the Sindar did not speak Quenya very well, but the Noldor who could hear some Telerin practically anytime could speak Sindarin with more ease. OK, stopping now... I must beg for patience with posting, but I promise there will be a next tale in this series. Thank you so much again for reading and reviewing!

Author's reply

Hello Rhyselle! Thank you so much! I am thrilled you like this. :D *blush* I confess, I am fascinated by details and cannot help myself... Thank you again! But, there are other stories with Celeborn as an Amanyar Teleri. "The Treadmill" and "The Trumpet of the Swan" come immediately to mind. However, I do not think either of those were ever finished. They follow Tolkien's last notes about C&G going together to Middle-earth. And this story obviously does not. Of course, in hindsight, Celeborn will always consider it a big mistake. Like the Professor thought, something that should have happened. You anticipate the next tale in this series, at that. But, you have probably noticed I post at a very slow pace. And, I have other stories I am working on at the same time. However, patience is all you require. I will be continuing this patch of history. Hints of what will happen are in my other stories, of course. Thank you so much for reading - and reviewing! A little encouragement goes a long way with me!

Author's reply

Why thank you! The previous tale is no longer available, which suits the perpetrators, since I will be making adjustments to past events. Not the plot, though. :) Oh, we really don't have to worry about the brothers too much. *g* We know Nimloth has yet to be even a twinkle in her father's eye. And a certain prince has yet to to be wedded to the wisest of elven-women. It is the rest of the crew that needs your prayers... Thank you so much for the review! Always much appreciated, and now I am off to read the new chapter of "Stewards". Woohoo!

Author's reply

Adventurous, yes. Youth is suppose to be like that, isn't it? :D But, too adventurous for their own good? Hmm, sounds rather like something a Vala would say... or a parent, for that matter. Actually, Nerwen informing the various parents of their true mission will prove helpful. And 'indomitable'? :) Isil exercised his seniority over her - and a defiant Telpe - rather well. I hope I can keep things exciting enough. Thanks, I appreciate the review!