I just now figured out that I could leave more than one review on a chapter. I'm too used to not being able to.
Thank you for answering that question! I knew the Silm said the Valar didn't go, so I was confused why people had them doing so.
I'll definitely check out her story- thanks for the rec!
Author's reply
It took me a while to realize I could leave more than one reply to a reader's review as well. *grin*
You're most welcome on both counts. I think the problem is that people do not read carefully enough or they base their ideas on faulty information gotten from a website rather than going to the original source, in this case "The Sillmarillion" itself.
As a friend of mine, who is a professional journalist, always said to me: "Research, research, research" and I've taken that bit of advice to heart, as you can see. *grin*
From the legend to physics. Love it! Poor Earendil has no idea how things work as yet. Poor guy--can't go back home and will see his children only from a distance as they grow to--to what they become, not until Elrond at last comes to Aman.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I'm glad you enjoyed this. You really do have to feel for Eärendil. He's totally out of his depth here. Hopefully Elwing and the Valar will help him adjust.
"They were counted among the Elves and his Mortal kin were apparently of little importance to anyone." Never.
"Eärendil felt himself grow pale at that thought, his expression one of deep loss, and Manwë put a comforting arm around the young man’s shoulders." For he did lose everything, save Elwing (and Elrond, though he doesn't know that yet).
"When Arda comes to an end, so will you and what happens afterwards only Ilúvatar knows." Thoughts like this have given me some interesting ideas about Dagor Dagorath that completely ignore almost everything Tolkien said about it, for the earth/solar system will end far before the rest of Eä.
"After that you are free to do as you wish, to live where you will with your beloved Elwing." I love this, for I cannot see them being forever seperated like in many other fics.
"They [the Noldor], in fact, served a purpose though they would be loath to know that they served as our instruments in spite of everything." *laughs* Especially Fëanor and his sons!
"Your early ancestors came into existence before the first rising of Anor, but it was with the coming of the Sun that some of them threw off the yoke of thralldom to the Dark One, as you call him." Methinks I need to get around to reading "Myths Transformed" though it'll have to wait until I finish reading and taking notes on HoME 11 and 12, since I have to return the latter two to the library soon. (I thankfully own Morgoth's Ring- I can't find any of the latter volumes of HoME in the stores.)
"The Valar will not, for that would bring total destruction to Arda." Hmm... That brings me to a canon question- why do you have them not going to war when other people say they did? Is the latter something in HoME?
"Your role is to bring hope to the beleaguered peoples of Ennorath, to be a sign that the Valar have not forsaken them in their hour of need. It will take time for us to prepare for war, so your task will be to offer solace to those of Beleriand who must endure until the host of the Valar can reach them." Wonderful description of his role!
Oh, I love the fact that Eärendil is scared of flying. It makes sense; no one- save those fortunate enough to ride on Manwë's eagles- has any experiance with it.
And thus Venus will shortly come into existance... Love the effort you've put into researching this.
Author's reply
Hi, Indy. To answer your question about the Valar going to war... the Silmarillion clearly states that the Valar themselves did not participate in the War of Wrath. They sent Eönwë as Manwê's Herald to lead the Host of Valinor which consisted of Elves and Maiar. Tolkien even states in his "Notes on Motives in the Silmarillion" that Manwë would not 'descend from Taniquetil until the Dagor Dagorath'. (That's not a direct quote but it's pretty close to it.)
There is a story archived on SoA written by perelleth -- "Many Fruitless Victories" -- which describes Arda ending even though Eä still remains. It's quite an interesting take on things and does not involve the Dagor Dagorath. You might want to check it out, as well as her other stories.
I'm glad you liked this story. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it and all your commnets.
Did you have a bit of musical inspiration for the title here? Vangelis has a composition called _Albedo 0.39_ - and it is one I rather like (If you like that sort of music, and haven't heard that one, I recommend that you hunt it up!)
Author's reply
I based the title on Vangelis' compostion. It's one of my favorites. *grin*
I like how this story explains why the Valar acted only when Earendil came and not before. And also, the sympathetic view on the Noldor in Beleriand. I completely agree that if they weren't there, all Middle Earth would be in turmoil and chaos since no one would be there to keep Morgoth at bay, in the North. Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
Hi, Alquawendë. Tolkien clearly states that the Noldor besieging Morgoth allowed the Edain to reach Beleriand and kept Morgoth from completely destroying Arda. Since the Silmarillion is written from the point of view of Men getting this information from the Noldor who had their own reasons for distrusting the Valar, it's little wonder that we don't see this motive in the Silmarillion itself. Luckily, Tolkien felt the need to 'explain' his Legendarium and so we have this 'background' information that we normally would not have had.
The things you have to research writing Fan Fiction is unbelieveable! If you don't get an obscure fact correct somebody is bound to come down on you like a ton of bricks and put you right!
I can understand how Earendil feels, he is a stranger in a strange land and he can't go home, his two little boys are back there and he does not know if they still survive and now they want him to fly his ship, in the air?! To top it all off Elwing can't be there to help him either! Poor guy, makes you want to crawl into bed and pull the covers up over your head until it all goes away!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
I think anyone who attempts even the most basic plot around any of Tolkien's characters has to do the requisite research or else there's no point. I try very hard to stay in canon but I'm not afraid to step slightly outside of it so long as I can justify it based on Tolkien's own words, which, luckily for us, can sometimes be somewhat vague and can be interpreted in more than one way.
Eárendil is in a tight spot, for sure, but he is not his father's (or his motehr's) son for nothing and we know he has a great deal of personal courage and nobility. So, as hard as it is for him at this moment, he rises (literally *grin*) to the occasion and does what is needed for the benefit of others. That's a true hero in my book.
You simply love astronomy, don't you? Absolutely wonderful. Venus is the right choice, indeed, in my opinion. This leads my twisted mind to a little question: the Phial, the recipient given to Frodo by Galadriel ("biting tongue") contained Earendil's light, still lingering in the fountains built within her garden (or so it was translated "grin"). Does that mean that the Light that helped Frodo and Sam and lead ultimately to the Ring's destruction was one of the silmaril's Light? Veeery interesting...
I liked Manwe's explanations and reassurance given to Earendil. He need all the confort he can get for it is said that he accepted Elwing's choice, despite his wishes to stay with his father's kin. So, the rebellious Noldor fullfiled after all the Valar's purposes despite their own agenda, and the same Valar didn't curse them for their rebellion. True. "gritting teeth" . However, I'll save debating this for a more appropriate time and story.
Ulmo is truly a marvel. I think I've seen in some place in "The Shapping of Middle-Earth" that only Ulmo and Manwe from the Valar didn't close their hearts for the Exiled Elves and this places Ulmo in my most highly regard.
Again, a very interesting interaction between the Elder King and Earendil. I have to notice that his question about why the Valar have expected so much for confronting Melkor, implicitly meaning why they needed him as a catalyst or anyone for that purpose remained somehow unaswered but I think I know that answer. Even I don't like it even a single bit. "sad smile"
May you have a wonderful evening and week-end. Sitara
Author's reply
Well, Venus isn't a choice. It is the actual planet which is called in Middle-earth Eärendil's Star. That is Tolkien, not me.
Assumingly, the Light in Frodo's Phial was indeed the light of the Silmaril caught in the waters of Galadriel's Mirror.
As for the Rebellion.... throughout "Elf, Interrupted" I have people like Finrod and Glorfindel point out that the only cursing was done by Fëanor and that whatever followed was a logical consequence of all their actions. You didn't need to be Námo to know where it would all lead; anyone with half a brain could have figured it out. So, no, the Valar did not curse the Noldor, but they did make sure they understood fully their own folly.
As for Ulmo... it does say that he ever harkened to the cries of the Children, even the Noldor after they left Aman, and Manwë also did not close his heart to their pleas, but that does not necessarily mean that the rest of the Valar washed their hands of them. Certainly, I cannot see Námo (as I've portrayed him in my stories) feeling nothing but compassion for the Children, epecially those who ended up in his Halls after their struggles against Morgoth.
And no, Manwë doesn't quite answer Eärendil's question, but he doesn't quite ignore it either, concentrating on more important aspects of Eärendil's raison d'etre.
I hope your weekend is equally wonderful, Sitara. Thankd for your review. I greatly appreciate it.
awesome! What an incredible and educational telling of this part of the tale fo Earendil. I love the juxtoposition of the scientific with the simple explanations granted to Earendil. Well one! I really need to find something else to say in these reviews besides well done all the time. I just don't have much time and well done really does describe them accurately.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this one Ellie. Thanks for letting me know.
squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I haven't review for such a long time! As usual, your stories are as good as ever and I shall stuff all the reviews from what I've read and say: Keep them up! Oh and have a happy Chinese New Year!^^
Author's reply
Thanks, sprite. I'm glad you've been enjoying these tales even if you haven't been able to review them all. Happy Chinese New Year to you as well. *grin*
No names _here_ for me to confuse with a similar one ... ;-)
I have always had a problem with the timetable in the Silmarillion giving the time for the awakening of Men as being the same as the rising of the Sun, and then arriving in Beleriand around FA 400. Giving that Hildórien would have been far to the east, Men would have been walking fairly fast to arrive by then, since they would also have needed to bring the children, find food, make things and such things.
And as for their numbers: they must also have been breeding like cockroaches.
Author's reply
Tolkien had the same objections as you, Sunny, which is why he makes mention in one of his later writings (more a note than anything) that the awakening of Men had to be pushed back further to give them the time to reach Beleriand which, according to Tolkien's timeline occurred in F.A. 305. I always thought the time was too short myself so this is why I have Men come into existence earlier but the best elements of them throwing off Melkor's thralldom with the rising of the Sun and seeking the Light that was merely rumored among the Avari whom they met on their travels.
obsidianj
· 21 January 2009
· Chapter 43: REBUKE: Animadversions
What a contrast between this Glorfindel and the EI!Glorfindel. Time changes even elves. I loved the story of Bilbo's 'sword'.
Author's reply
Hi, obsidianj. I'm glad you liked this one and the story of Bilbo's 'sword'. Yes, even Glorfi eventually grows up. *lol* I hope someday to write a sequel to EI in which Glorfindel returns to Aman and has to readjust to life in the Undying Lands, though first I have to get him back to Middle-earth. *grin* Thanks for letting me know how much you liked this story. I appreciate it.
Glad Círdan had these nightmares and went to talk to Lord Ulmo. So at least they were forewarned and could secure their coast as much as possible and take care that people stayed away until after the storm, so that no innocents got hurt or killed.
Though for these elves who fought in the War of Wrath side by side with the Edain and held them in high esteem it must have been quite a shock to learn what Ar-Pharazon did and that Númenor was destroyed and Valinor removed from Arda. Not to mention Elrond ... I don't envy Círdan to have to tell him about that, even if there have been the Faithful who escaped.
Author's reply
I'm sure the news of what happened to Númenor and why would have been devastating to the Elves who fought side-by-side with the ancestors of these Men. At least they will have the comfort of knowning that not all the Men of Númenor proved faithless to the Valar and that will have to do.
I suspect that Círdan and Gil-galad together went to Elrond with the news. He would need the support of both in his grief over the fate of his brother's people.
A terrible way in which to learn of this loss to the world known by the Children of Iluvatar.
Author's reply
Indeed, but, of course, there's no help for it. At least Círdan and Gil-galad were forewarned, so it won't be as much a shock when Elendil and his ships show up.
It seems to be a sort of gap-filler or, rather, a mini-sequel for "The Last Messenger". "smiles" The aftermath or one of the consequences of the attack against Aman viewed by an Elf residing currently in Middle-Earth. And not an ordinary Elf but Cirdan, the one who would be responsible for the safe departure of the remaining Elves for the White Shores. Methinks that he would have to deal in some manner with the issue of finding the Straight Path, not only with the matters concerning the ships and the voyage itself. "sigh"
Tables are completely turned now, aren't they? I believe Men might have blamed the Elves for the destruction caused upon Middle Earth by their wars with Morgoth's minions during the First Age, but now the deeds of Men are affecting the Firstborn' lives, not to mention giving more than a headache to the Valar. Well, after that experience, they could have a second thought or two about some rebel Firstborn. "grin". After all, they only took off happily and hastily (some more than others) from Aman, and it never ocurred them to conquer it for themselves. (It didn't, right? "sheepish grin") A fine job this time too, Fiondil. Poor Osse..Seemingly his past deeds would still haunt him for a long time. "smile"
P.S. Thank so very much for the answer and hope you gave us regarding "The Wars of the Valar". If you don't mind, I'd ellaborate it later, rewieving the remaining chapters of that amazing story.
Author's reply
I suppose this could be considered a gap-filler or sequel to "The Last Messenger" showing the aftermath of what happened at the end from the POV of those in Middle-earth. I never really thought of it in that light. Thanks for pointing it out to me, Sitara.
I'm sure that Ulmo showed Círdan how to find the Straight Path so he could explain it to all the other elves, or perhaps, it would prove an instinctive need on the part of any elf wishing to sail West to be able to find the Straight Path on their own. Who knows? Only that the elves could travel the Straight Path if they sought the West.
Ossë deserves hihs reputation. He never fully gave up his wildness so he is somewhat untrustworthy. I can't understand why in some fanfics he is said to be Ulmo's chief Maia. That makes no sense.
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed this one. Thanks for reviewng. I really appreciate it.
Other than the arrival of the Faithfull you never think of how the fall of Numenor would have affected M.E. It would have caused a major Tsunami. Hopefully somebody in what is to be Gondor has the same premonitions! I hate to think what would have happened to the low lying areas at the mouth of the Anduin.
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
It's possible that the Anduin would be unaffected because of the thrust of the coastline west of Dol Amroth blocking the path of the storm. Hopefully, assuming that that area was actually inhabited, Ulmo sent Ossë and Uinen to warn anyone living along the coast.
WOW! I like Cirdan's relationship with Ulmo and the way he blames Osse for storms. Cirdan does look after Erenion very well and erenion knows Cirdan well enough to not doubt what he says. I like the loyalty of Cirdan's people to him where they obey without question. A very enjoyable if darkly portending tale!
Author's reply
Thanks, Ellie. I'm glad you liked this one in spite the darkly portending nature of the tale. I know a number of readers enjoy reading about Círdan and think he doesn't get enough 'air-time' in fanfiction, so I was happy enough when this tale came along.
Kitty
· 15 January 2009
· Chapter 46: DREAMS: Dréam ne dréose
How nice to watch the wedding of Thengel and Morwen! I thought it was a lovely touch that Turgon included Rohirric wedding customs into the ceremony as well as the Gondorian ones. That was not only moving, but made Thengel happy, too. It might even make the marriage more ‚real’ for him, if you get my meaning.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. I'm glad you enjoyed the wedding. I'm sure Turgon was aware how alone Thengel must have been feeling, even surrounded by his Gondorian friends, without any of his family there to see him wed. And I agree, that the inclusion of the Rohirric customs would make the wedding ceremony more 'real' for him, which is probably why Turgon did it. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 15 January 2009
· Chapter 36: NOTION: Bibelot
Oh, this gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. I like Elrond's hesitating overtures to making friends with Glorfindel.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked this, obsidianj. I felt that Elrond would be hesitant to make friends with Glorfindel immediately. He's had too many people whom he loves leave him; it's hard for him to open up to others.
Thalanee
· 14 January 2009
· Chapter 27: ERRAND: Tarrying
I´ve just reread most of my favourite stories in your Tapestry. Thankfully I was alone, so no one could see me rolling on the floor with laughter!
I love the view behind the scenes!
Oh, I can just see Osse sticking out his tongue at Namo... somehow Osse´s behaviour reminds me of my little brother when he´s bored or trying to get attention... I´m the oldest, so when our mother is not around I´m the one who has to reprimand him and a sticking-out-the-tongue is what I usually get.
Seeing Ulmo fume about the delay was hliarious. and the birds complaining to Manwe!
Author's reply
Hi, Thalanee. I'm glad this is one of your favorite Tapestry stories. It happens to be one of mine as well. *grin* I had a lot of fun interweaving the tale of Tuor with Ulmo and Námo commenting on his journey and the "behind-the-scenes" look at what prompted it. Thanks for your review. I appreciate it.
TolkienFan
· 14 January 2009
· Chapter 46: DREAMS: Dréam ne dréose
The detail is intricate and allows your reader to picture the scene with great clarity. What is lacking for me is the heart of the piece. This is supposed to be a wedding, which should be a joyous event. Unfortunately, you don't manage to convey the joy of the bride and groom nearly so well as you describe the intricacies of their garb.
Author's reply
And yet joy is a given and the focus of the tale is not on the wedding or even on the emotions felt by the bride and groom so much as it's on Thengel's thoughts about his life up to that point and the hope that in spite of everything that he has at last found joy in Morwen and that it will never fail even if all else does.
rick
· 13 January 2009
· Chapter 36: NOTION: Bibelot
Hi, Fiondil,
On reading this again (for the 4th or 5th time), it suddenly occurred to me that, during his own lifetime, no-one KNEW that Gil-Galad would be the _last_ High King of the Noldor in Ennorath - he was the king, period. Other than that, this is a great vignette (and very helpful with the timeline, too). I await with nail-chewing eagerness the story of Glorfindel meeting Earendil in Aman (EI2?). Thanks for writing.
Author's reply
Well you're right about that. I went in and dropped 'last' from the sentence. It is my hope that Glorfindel and Eärendil will indeed meet in EI2, though with Glorfindel, you just never know. *grin*
LOL! Spew warning was necessary. The last line would have made me spew my coffee all over my computer, if I hadn't wisely removed it out of reach first. Call-forwarding in Me. Luckily they are spared that one.
Author's reply
Glad you liked this one. It was fun to write, especially the last line. *grin*
obsidianj
· 13 January 2009
· Chapter 30: MONSTER: Bed-Slayer
LOL! Like everzone else I mistook Glorfindel for Glorfi. What a hoot. But I remember how important a stuffed animal is for restful sleep.
Author's reply
A stuffed animal is still important for restful sleep. I have three myself. *grin* Glad you liked this one. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 10 January 2009
· Chapter 46: DREAMS: Dréam ne dréose
Ah--to have the two rites wedded as these two are wed, bringing together the lineages of Gondor and the Mark!
And so glad you included the poems! Thank you!
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I'm glad you enjoyed this and the poems. When I saw the prompt I knew that the OE word had an entirely different meaning from the one it has today and I wanted to use that. I was happy to remember that this poem by Tolkien is available online and that I could use it for this story. If you or anyone else wants to take a look at the entire poem you can find it at this link:
http://www.jrrvf.com/~glaemscrafu/texts/eadigbeothu-a.htm
And feel free to explore the rest of the website as well. It's quite fascinating.
Larner
· 10 January 2009
· Chapter 45: RUMOUR: Whispers of War
Nice save indeed! And having a geyser open beneath one would be quite the shock!
Glad that this time they were being protected. Their innocence cannot last forever, but at this time they are young, after all.
Author's reply
Yes, they are very young, the oldest only about 335 years old according to Tolkien's timeline of the Silmarillion. At this stage of their existence the elves are very innocent. A pity it could not remain that way.