Such a 'grown-up' Glorfindel...he's a stark contrast to the image we're used to seeing.(As compared to his presence in EI 1&2, lol) Looking at him through Legolas' eyes is quite a picture, and a wonderful reminder of time's passage.
If Glorfindel could see into his own future from the standpoint closely following after his rebirth, he wouldn't recognize himself. Especially telling is his speech...he almost quotes the Valar and Maiar whose company he has kept, especially Námo. With Legolas, it's possible to imagine him remembering that much younger and imptient self. His conversation with Mithrandir very much reflects how he still has his 'elfling moments', and is a delightful window upon their relationship. Legolas seeking Glorfindel to counsel him from among all those he could have chosen, is a wonderful indication of their own relationship. So many hard-won lessons are presented here, and the presence of Sting in all its subtle symbolism of those lessons is a treat, indeed. Such depth beyond the obvious in this little tale...well done!
Author's reply
Yes, Glorfindel is indeed 'grown up' here. I'm sure if Glorfindel could see into the future he wouldn't recognize himself either. *grin* He's endured much and has learned his lessons well, if not easily. Thanks for an insightful review, Cat. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know how much you enjoyed this.
Sunny
· 23 December 2008
· Chapter 43: REBUKE: Animadversions
So Glorfindel is re-acquainted with that dagger he made so long ago. Speaking of which, no way would he speak of the _handle_ of a sword or a dagger. That part is the hilt.
As for Legolas' concerns about the Hobbits other than Frodo - those will be answered during the Quest, won't they? All will have their part to play, even that fool of a Took!
As for Gimli - it should be interesting to be a fly on the wall when Thranduil learns that his son's new best friend is a Dwarf ;-)
Author's reply
Thanks for the correction, Sunny. I'm sure we would all like to be flies on the wall for *that* conversation. *grin*
Ahh... So this must be the event Finrod and/or Laurendil referred to in your [Elf, Interrupted] if I recall correctly? I enjoyed imagining the "all too perfect" Finrod being nervous for once. Have you ever thought of writing about him in his pre-Beleriand days?
Author's reply
I'm not sure if this was referred to in "Elf, Interrupted" or not, but I do know I never thought of Finrod as "all too perfect" just "more perfect than the rest of us". *lol* I do intend to write about him in his pre-Beleriand days though he won't necessarily have top-billing in the story as it will actually focus on what happened in Aman after he and the other Noldor left.
Alquawende
· 19 December 2008
· Chapter 31: COURTEOUS: Lack of Manners
I always wondered if someone else had the same thought as I did, that in a way, Thingol did have a hand in Finrod's death. Cirdan sounds so noble and wise here. I like how you wrote Galadriel weeping because it shows she did have a soft side and wasn't too proud to not show tears at the death of a beloved eldest brother. Thanks for writing! I'm really enjoying these stories!
Author's reply
I tried to make all the characters, whether canon or non, as well-rounded as possible. Certainly Galadriel would have wept at the news of her brother's death. We really only see her two ages later when her griefs have healed to some extent. Anyway, I'm glad you are enjoying these little fics. I've enjoyed writing them. Thanks for letting me know.
This was a nice in depth story about what Nolofinwe and his sons and nephew thought of Isil and Anar. I enjoyed it. The idea that Findarato was the one to give the idea that they should go to the very doorstep of Morgoth himself is a clever twist. I always had the idea that it was either Nolofinwe or Findecano who put the idea of going to Thangorodrim at the rising of Anar. Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
Whether it was Finrod's idea or not, I thought, given his history in "Elf, Interrupted" and the fact that he admits he might have been somewhat mad towards the end of their journey across the Grinding Ice after Elenwë's death, I figured it would be he who would offer the suggestion that they go beat on Morgoth's doors. At any rate, I'm glad you enjoyed this one Alquawendë. Thanks for reviewing.
I was so happy to see a story about the early centuries of Numenor. There are so few tales about the people and that time. You did a very good job and I especially liked the parts where the reader was able to read what Almarian thought, since it was never mentioned in "Aldarion and Erendis" what she did think of the estrangment between her son and husband. Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
When I saw the prompt and after thinking about it for some time I remembered the story of Aldarion and how he defied his father in not taking up the duties of the Heir to the Throne of Númenor and so this story was born. I agree that there are two few stories (in fact, none of which I am aware) about the early centuries of Númenor or even about Númenor itself. That is one reason why I wrote The Last Messenger. Unfortunately, except for the "Aldarion and Erendis" there is not much else written about those centuries save what is written in the synopses of the "Line of Elros" for each of the kings. Of course, that just gives a writer more for his or her imagination to work with. *grin* Thanks for your review.
Rick
· 18 December 2008
· Chapter 42: REBELLION: Ránë Nésë
I love these little vignettes, & this is a dandy. Mariners are really like that, too. Kipling covered it pretty well - "Who hath desired the Sea? - the sight of salt water unbounded" (from the Sea & the Hills). Poor Aldarion - what he really needed was a brother to do prince stuff. Oh, well.
Keep writing...
Author's reply
Thanks, Rick. I'm glad you enjoyed this one. I'm sure Aldarion would have liked a little brother to do all the prince stuff for him, but since he didn't.... Oh well, indeed. *grin*
I like Tar-Aldarion's mother. *grin* And I like the whole Green Bough of Return and blessing thing. Tar-Meneldur...I would've slapped him too. *wry look* He reminds me too much of my own father, meldonya.
~Kaylee!
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Glad you liked this story. Aldarion and his father were both such strong characters they were bound to come to loggerheads at some point. Eventually, though, they did reconcile so that's good. I like the custom of the Green Bough of Return myself. Glad the elves thought of it. *grin*
Well, it's quite obvious that both Meneldur and Aldarion rued the way they acted. For Meneldur it must have been difficult to realise he might have lost his son altogether, and Aldarion had a hard time, obviously, too. Though I understand both of them - the king wants his heir at his side to help rule the kingdom and to produce an heir, and Aldarion himself wants to live out his obsession with sailing and the sea. That doesn't fit well together :(
Author's reply
The two were certainly at loggerheads for a while but eventually they reconciled and Tar-Meneldil surrendered the sceptre earlier than expected in favor of Aldarion for policy reasons. Aldarion was actually a better king than one would expect though his personal life wasn't all that well managed. His obsessionwith sailing and the sea cost him his wife and nearly his daughter, yet because of his friendship with Gil-galad, the Númenoreans would come to the aid of the elves during the war with Sauron six hundred years after Aldarion's death.
If you love someone set them free to fly back to you. In other words don't keep the kid on a string, they are apt to break it and run off, never to return!
Another bit of Tolkien fleshed out.
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Well eventually Aldarion remained at home and took up the reins of kingship and was even quite successful at it, but I think to the very end his one true love was the sea.
You have made me weep with this one, meldonya; good tears, tears of grace but I weep nonetheless.
I am also laughing through my tears at Phanaínithil's, "Perhaps Thou shouldst have sent me instead, Atar. Mbelekoro never did like my poetry."
You've given me a gift with this story, by reminding me of the first and most simple of truths and in doing so have helped me deal with an issue that has been eating at me for several years. Thank you.
ERu bless and keep you well, meldonya.
Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi, Edlyn. I'm glad that this has been such a gift for you. I'm honored and humbled that through this little fic I was able to play a small part in helping you resolve this issue of yours after so long. Thanks for letting me know. Eru bless.
More than 18 years ago, my Unci (Grandmother) taught me the freedom and requirement of releasing gifts given. The fact that I could not, and should not, influence the final disposition of any gifts I gave was a difficult lesson and one which I have never forgotten. To hear Atar say the same thing to his Children strengthens me further.
I have now read most of what you have written and must thank you for your scholarship, your linguistics, and your knowledge of a large amount of historic literature. My life has been enriched by these past few weeks of sharing your writings. Vala valuvar.
Author's reply
Hi, Erulissë. Thank you so much for this. I'm glad that your Unci and I are in agreement. *grin* Thank you for letting me know how much your life has been enriched by my writings. When people tell me this (or something similar), it really warms me and makes all the hair-tearing and cursing at my Muse worth it. *lol* I really appreciate you taking the time to tell me and look forward to reading any future reviews from you should you be so inspired to write them.
That ficlet answers a question I'm sure many have wondered about (I know I did) - why did Eru not stop Melkor? And though I understand the reason Atar gives here, that doesn't mean I'm happy with it. I find it rather difficult to watch Melkor destroying so much, and knowing what is about to happen doesn't help, either.
But I was highly amused about Phanaínithil's idea why Tulkas was sent to help Manwë and the others in Eä and the idea of herself as the next secret weapon *lol*
Errr ... would you be surprised that I am glad I don't have to learn Valarin? It's bad enough to *read* these names - don't want to even think about having to pronounce that different! ;-(
Author's reply
I'm glad this little tale helped answer sowm of your questions even if you didn't care for the answers. *lol* I actually find Valarin quite intriguing, but like you, I'm glad I don't have to try to pronounce it! Thanks for your review, Kitty. I appreciate it.
Yay! I guessed the "free will" answer before they did! A very insightful tale. I liked that Tulkas is the secret weapon and the "other" secret weapon reminds me of Hitch Hiker's Guide and Vogon poetry as a form of torture. wonderful little story! So, at the chaining of Melko, did she recite poetry to him?
Author's reply
I'm sure many readers guessed the answer before the Ayanumuz did. *grin* I'm glad you enjoyed this and found it insightful. I think having Phanaínithil recite poetry to Melkor while being chained in Mandos would be considered cruel and unusual punishment. *lol*
The intervention of the Creator is seldom that which we would consider best, but is always that which in the end proves best.
"All things turn to the good for them that love the Lord." One of my favorite comforting admonitions.
Author's reply
Very true, Larner, and I like this admonition as well.
The Ayanumuz are endearingly young and uncertain.
I love the idea of amateur poetry as a weapon against Melkor-with-all-those-extra-syllables. Maybe in the Dagor Dagorath? [But then again, I'd think the Good Guys who were within hearing would be cringing just as much as Melkor....]
It is much easier to sing that second line in English than in Quenya! Too many syllables.
I am congratulating myself for actually understanding why "Iluvala" means that.
Psst -- in the A/N, I think Tulkas's name has a typo.
Author's reply
Thanks for the typo alert, Ellie. I'm not sure how I missed that one.
Anyway, I think you're right about the amateur poetry, but at least Phanaínithil's heart is in the right place. *grin*
Well, as for the song... it probably shouldn't be sung to the tune with which we are familiar... I really just 'borrowed' the words and adapted them to Middle-earth's cosmology and theology. Glad to see that you are beginning to understand Quenya. It is a quite beautiful language.
Wonderful!
"All that happens, even that which ye account as evil, ultimately will be for the joy of all My children, for in the end, nothing can be done unless I will it so. Mbelekoro thinketh he is frustrating My Designs in what he doth but in truth he is merely Mine instrument in bringing all My Designs to fruition in the fullness of Time." These are the best lines of the story. It's heartening to think that joy is the ultimate end.
This reminds me of a quote from Morgoth's Ring in which Tolkien says that "the evils of the Marrer, or his inheiritors, are turned into weapons against evil." The Ainur in the Timeless Halls will just have to wait and watch, though because they're outside of time, they can see the connections and consequences moreso than anyone inside of time.
~ Indy
Author's reply
I like that line from Morgoth's Ring as well. The Ainur of the Timeless Halls do have the advantage of seeing things in their connectedness that we who are within Time cannot, but personally, I think they miss out on a lot, being only observers and not participants.
P.S.: Where do you get the Valarin names from? The History of Middle Earth or another book?
I was actually astonished when I realized that I knew which of the Ayanumuz the Valarin names were referring to, without having read them before. But now I`m really curious...
Author's reply
The Valarin names of the Valar are recorded in HoME, vol. 5, The Lost Road, Section V, "The Lhammas". Unfortunately, Tolkien did not give us the names of all the Valar in their original forms so I don't use them in my story, The Wars of the Valar. The names of the Ayanumuz in the Timeless Halls are constructed based on the Valarin words recorded in the "Lhammas", using the attested Valarin names as models.
I really enjoyed this chapter, especially because most of the time one tends to forget, that not all of the Ayanumuz and Mayar entered Ea and a good number of them remained in the Timeless Halls.
It was nice to read a story showing their point of view.
Today we take our freedom of will for granted, I guess, and forget that it is indeed the greatest gift we have. Thanks for reminding me!
Author's reply
According to the Silmarillion, most of the Ayanumuz remained in the Timeless Halls. Only the most powerful of them ventured into Eä with their Máyar servants. I thought it would be interesting to see the struggles of the Valar from another POV. And I'm glad I was able to remind you that free will is indeed the greatest gift any of us could ever receive.
*exhales softly, eyes wide and round*
Wow. Just...wow, meldonya. This is so moving and beautiful...I'm just in awe. *scrubs tears from eyes* Yes, definitely keep this by me to remind me just Who is the One in charge around here, when I'm having a bad day and start to doubt Him, this will remind me.
On a less...reverential note, I have to say I was amused by a few things:
1) I recognized all the Ayunamuz by their Valarin names without needing to check,
2) Tulkas' cousin cheering when Melkor was defeated,
3) "Secret weapon?" Phanaínithil asked, looking doubtful. "Tulukhastaz was your secret weapon?"
Atar nodded, smiling at the confused expressions among the Ayanumuz. Then Phanaínithil’s aura brightened and she turned to Atar with a sly smile. "Perhaps Thou shouldst have sent me instead, Atar. Mbelekoro never did like my poetry."
Atar wasn’t the only one to laugh at that. He took Phanaínithil into His embrace and kissed her gently. "If ever I have need of another secret weapon, Daughter," He whispered to her, "thou shalt be the first one I think of."
"Look!" Tulukurush exclaimed. "Our brethren have completely routed Mbelekoro’s People. They’re fleeing!"
And the paeans to Atar I found beautiful and moving. "Holy, Holy, Holy" is one of my favorite hymns, too.
*hearing Steven Curtis Chapman's voice singing the words* *grin*
~Kaylee!!
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed this one, Kaylee, and congratulations on recognizing the Ayanumjz by their Valarin names without having to check. That's very good. I suspect that others will want to keep this little fic near them to remind them just Who is the One in charge whenever they, too, have a bad day.
*speaks in a whisper because this is so...reverential*
This is like the "cut-scenes" from the Silmarillion--extra goodness to read and ponder over.
Wonderful writing as usual, Fiondil.
~Cal
What a beautiful way to start my day! Especially after the night I had! (See my LJ for what happened.)
Free will is the greatest gift of all--and the most powerful.
I really loved Phanaínithil's whisper to Atar about how He should have sent her to be His secret weapon because Melkor can't stand her poetry. *giggle* And Atar's response was just perfect! (Well, of course it would be!)
Thank you so much for giving us this gift for the TTT prompt. I'm bookmarking it to re-read on the days when other people's free will choices make my days bad.
Lovely, lovely story! :)
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. Glad this made your day after your night and that you enjoyed it so much and will refer back to it whenever you need to. *grin* I enjoyed writing this and hope everyone else gets as much out of it as you have.