Sunny
· 17 April 2009
· Chapter 60: ALONE: Out of Options
"All else being equal, Lord Maglor, what do you have left to lose?" And that dream. The contrast between the bleak beginning, where Maglor’s emotional landscape mirrors the environment, and the end, where he may still be on the tundra, but where the inner landscape shows signs of springtime hope … *sniffles and looks around for a box of tissues*
A wonderful story. And one that _feels_ like it is the beginning of a much longer story. And featuring Maglor, who is IMO one of the more interesting characters in Tolkien’s legendarium.
So will the contunuation appear? I know, it is up to the Muse. But will he be prodded or bribed into action? And if so, what sort of prod or bribe may encourage him giving you the proper sort of direction?
It will do Maglor good to have other people around him. He has no doubt been far too much alone, since I assume that he has actively avoided any contact with other Elves. So now he will be able to interact with others again (though getting used to social interaction may not necessarily be easy). And the others will be able to help him prop up his hope again – which may well be one help he will desperatly need. He has after all spent the time since the First Age dwelling on his crimes, and so he _is_ after all more or less suicidal in the beginning of this story. But at the end he is no longer alone.
Author's reply
My beta felt the same way and warned me that the story of Maglor and the Harthadrim was far from over. I guess everyone else agrees. I think I may end up writing more about this eventually. I'm rather curious to know if they make it and what happens when they do. *grin*
Yeah, I suppose you could say Maglor is a bit suicidal by now so having these other Elves around him should help relieve him of that tendency and keep the flame of hope alive in him.
I'm glad you liked this one, Sunny. It seems to be a hit with a lot of people.
6336
· 17 April 2009
· Chapter 60: ALONE: Out of Options
I do feel sorry for Maglor, he was sort of dragged along by that Oath, I think if he could have he would not have sworn it.
Oh, I have a feeling they will make it, if they have been sent to find him the Straight Road will open for them.
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
I always thought that way about him, too, Lynda. He was the most reluctant of the sons and even in the end he was an unwilling accomplice to Maedhros' attempt to steal the last two remaining Silmarils. I'm sure they will make it, too, one way or the other.
Radbooks
· 17 April 2009
· Chapter 60: ALONE: Out of Options
Oh, this one made me cry this morning (fortunately I hadn't put my make-up on yet!). It was obviously very moving for me. The bleakness and despair of Maglor is captured perfectly and yet someone loves him enough to send a whole group after him to bring him home... or at least for him not to be alone at the end. I'm holding on to hope that they'll make it all the way home! :)
It is amazing how having a purpose and being in a group can give you the type of joy that Denethor's people had even if their journey was iffy at best. Still, you see that sort of thing happen quite often and, if you do have to die, it would be better to end that way than where Maglor's loneliness and despair was leading.
Very nicely done!
Author's reply
Hi Radbooks. I have to confess that before I finished writing this I, too, was in tears. Even re-reading it I have felt myself tearing up at some parts of the story.
Having a purpose and being in a group can certainly give people hope even if the outcome of their circumstances is unknown. I have often thought that having friends who truly care about me has been what has helped me get through the dark times of my life and has given me hope for something better. Whatever happens next Maglor at least will have those who honestly care for him by his side. He will not have to face his fate alone.
Natalie
· 17 April 2009
· Chapter 60: ALONE: Out of Options
I must admit that, at first, I did not intend to read the entire story. *sheepish grin* I only wanted to learn what it was about... *thoughtfully steps back, unwilling to see Fiondi's reaction to this*
But once I started reading I simply couldn't stop. :)
I absolutely love the atmosphere of this story, especially the first part. It is so reflective! The description of the landscape is wonderful, makes me wish I actually were there too.
And this sentence is just awesome:
We may indeed die somewhere out on the ice further West, but we will die with hope.
Really beautiful and inspiring. I hope you don't mind if I add this to my favorite quotes list?
Author's reply
Hi, Natalie. By all means, please add this to your favorite quotes list. I'm very flattered that you would want to do so. I'm glad that I was able to suck you in so that you continued reading the entire story. *grin* Thanks for letting me know how much you enjoyed this. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 17 April 2009
· Chapter 60: ALONE: Out of Options
Hope has indeed returned for these! A wonderful meeting for Maglor, and a return long desired, I think on all sides, at least started. And certainly better in hope than in despair!
Nicely done, Fiondil!
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. Hope is always better than despair and Maglor now has a reason for hoping along with the other Elves. His story is far from over.
Calenlass
· 17 April 2009
· Chapter 60: ALONE: Out of Options
(I know I've been very, very bad about reviewing!)
I've always had a soft side for Maglor. I've played with him in many scenarios--him staying in Middle-earth, him fading, him returning to Valinor, etc. I've read a couple fics regarding his fate, but this story stands out--it's absolutely beautiful. Maglor's characterization in this was great, and I loved it.
Thanks for writing, Fiondil!
~Cal
Author's reply
You're welcome Cal. I'm so glad you enjoyed this Maglor-fic. He's always intrigued me, as well, so I was happy when I was able to write this. I always felt he deserved to go home at last. Thanks for letting me know how much you liked this. I really appreciate it.
Sitara
· 17 April 2009
· Chapter 60: ALONE: Out of Options
A little while ago, I was asking for a story fit for the upcoming Easter, if you remember, but that week's prompt was mean with me. "pout" But today...you and the prompt have granted me this wish and here, where I live, today is the Good Friday. Thank you, from all my heart, for this joy, it was very appreciated and very much needed.
An Elf called Denethor leaded once his people into the West, but still without managing (or wanting to manage)to reach the Blessed Realm. I think your choice of the name wasn't accidental, as it wasn't accidental perhaps either the fact that, in order to find Valinor again, Maglor has to make the journey back on ice, ice that had been avoided by him and his companions, who had sailed from Valinor to Middle-earth.
Needless to say, I'll join the crowd and plead for a multi-chaptered story using this wonderful bunny plot. I could think to about a hundred questions currently begging for an answer. Like: Why those Elves couldn't fade? Who exactly was the owner of that voice speaking to Denethor in his sleep? (Perhaps wasn't Irmo after all..."grin") How would you interpret Tolkien's canon concerning Maglor? "He never walked among his kin" could have a lot of meanings, I believe. Which way will the Exiled One come home? I mean, is he going to skip the Halls of Mandos (his companions in tow, perhaps) or not?
Thank you, again, for this preciousss gem. (I personally prefer the gems to the rings, thank you very much "grin") Yess, preciousss.
Author's reply
Hi Sitara. I'm glad I was able to provide you with an "Easter" story. In the Catholic calendar we are still in the Easter season and will remain so until Pentecost, so this tale isn't really late. *grin*
The Denethor son of Lenwë who appears in the Silmarillion died in the First Battle in Beleriand, slain on Amon Ereb. But I like the name and I decided that it would be a common name given in memory of the leader of the Nandorin Elves.
You're very perceptive about the ice. Truth to tell, I didn't make the connection but certainly it would be poetic justice for him to have to make a crossing back to Valinor similar to the one forced on the Noldor by Fëanor. As for your questions... I'm sure they will be answered in any subsequent tale that I tell of their adventures as they attempt to find the Straight Road back to Valinor, assuming I get around to telling it. *grin*
Thanks for letting me know how much you enjoyed this tale, Sitara. I really appreciate it.
Ces
· 17 April 2009
· Chapter 60: ALONE: Out of Options
No, no, no! You can't leave it there! You must let us see Maglor welcomed back home to Valinor.
Thank goodness that band of elves was sent to find him. I'd like to think that most elves are finally allowed to come home, especially after thousands of years of whatever pennance they took upon themselves.
Add my name to the list of those who want this continued!
Ces
Author's reply
Well, I can't promise anything, but really, I would like to see this story continue as well. I will have to think about it. It's not likely that it will be written any time soon, but you never know.
Parmalokwen
· 17 April 2009
· Chapter 60: ALONE: Out of Options
Yay! Maglor goes home! And I'm sure he will get home. I cannot believe that the Valar would command that he be brought back if he were not actually intended to arrive.
I do love "Maglor goes home" stories, and there are far too few of them. Would you please cover Maglor's arrival in Valinor? I am sure Nerdanel will be very happy to see him, and likely Elrond will be as well.
Author's reply
I suppose if enough people clamor for it, and if my Muse is feeling cooperative, I will see about expanding this story so we see what happens to the them all. I'm sure a lot of people will be happy to see the 'prodigal elf' return. *grin* Glad you liked this one, Pamalokwen. Thanks for letting me know.
Rhyselle
· 17 April 2009
· Chapter 60: ALONE: Out of Options
I'm late for work but I just HAD to read this....
BEAUTIFUL!
Author's reply
Thanks, Rhyselle. I appreciate you taking the time (don't tell your boss why you were late! *grin*) to let me know how much you enjoyed this.
Kitty
· 17 April 2009
· Chapter 60: ALONE: Out of Options
The beginning was a bit depressing; I guessed from the start who it was and thought it so sad that after he had already suffered for so many long, lonely millennia for more than three ages of the world, he now was about to die there. Always had hoped for a happy end for him.
So I was very glad about his encounter with this band of Elves on the way to Valinor. I was holding my breath, hoping that Denethor could convince Maglor to accompany them to find Valinor. And what he then said about his dream, finally convincing Maglor, left me so glad!
Count me among these who are clamouring for more of this, please! You can't stop after dangling this tempting tidbit before our eyes! We wantsss more, precioussss, we wantss more very much! I'd so love to see Maglor return to Valinor and particularly see Elrond again! Please? Pretty please? *big puppy eyes*
Author's reply
Of course the beginning was depressing... he wanted to die, after all. *grin* But thankfully, Someone else decided on a different fate for Maglor. Anyway, it looks as if those who have reviewed so far all want a continuation of the story so we'll see what the Muse dreams up. You know me, I never do the expected when it comes to writing about Elves. *lol*
lyncarol333
· 17 April 2009
· Chapter 60: ALONE: Out of Options
Thank you for this wonderful tale, but you have left me with so many unanswered, questions.
Did they find the Straight Road? Did they find Valinor?
Author's reply
Ah... well, I leave it to you and the other readers to decide, though my beta warned me that the story was not finished and perhaps I should consider expanding it into a multi-chaptered tale. Perhaps if enough people clamor for more of the tale, I will do so. We'll see. I'm glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for letting me know.
there's a lot of things i wasn't familiar with in this story, but everytime I read what you write, you always sound like Tolkien. I think you're a great storyteller, or maybe a taleweaver (I think Im killing English here by trying to sound thoughtful)
The Silmarillion was a little hard for me to make through, but I suceeded twice. Now I'm trying to rembmer all the different Elvish names for the elves since they're all different in Quenya and Sindarin. I didn't read the other books (History of Middle Earth) but after this I think I'll b ready to read them with more understanding thanks to you
Author's reply
Well, I'm not sure if I sound like Tolkien, but I do try to keep in canon. The Silmarillion is hard for everyone to read but it is worth reading. Trying to keep track of all the names is of course an issue with everyone. The Histories are also interesting reads but not necessarily for everyone unless they have a specific interest in some aspect of Tolkien's Legendarium. At any rate, I'm glad that I have been able to help you to understand Tolkien's world a bit more through my own tales. Thanks for letting me know.
He had no words for what he was seeing. He saw colors that he never knew existed, for in the dark beneath the stars, most colors were muted to shades of grey, white and black.
"Wh-where are the stars?" Elwë asked in a quavering voice.
This is very lovely and wonderful. It's fascinating to be 'present' as the Eldar invent their language, and the Valar meet their long-awaited Children.
Author's reply
Oh Shirebound, thank you so very much. I'm so glad you enjoyed this. I always wondered what it must have been like for both the Eldar and the Valar to meet like this. The Valar must have been so nervous, wondering if their offer for the Children to come to Aman would be rejected. How relieved they must have been when the three Elves voiced their desire to bring their people to Aman to live in the Light of the Trees.
What an experience for the three ellyn - first the long journey into unknown territory, and then the shock of the Two Trees! After living only under starlight for so long, the difference in light must have been extreme. But I can imagine the awe at discovering all these new colours.
*grin* You know, I am quite thankful that Ingeë and the others had so many problems with Valarin that they rendered the names into Quenya. That makes things easier for me, too!
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. I'm sure many people are grateful that the Elves were able to render Valarin names into Quenya. *grin*
As I was writing this story, it suddenly occurred to me that upon entering Aman and being confronted with the Light of the Two Trees when all they've known for nearly 400 years is the dim light of the stars, the Elves were not going to just shrug and say, 'Oh, lovely'; they were going to freak. And no amount of explanation prior to the experience was ever going to prepare them. I imagine that when the rest of the Elves reached Aman, Ingwë and Finwë took pains to introduce their people a few at a time, otherwise there would probably have been a great deal of panic and a mass exodus back to Middle-earth. *grin*
I really enjoyed this glimpse of what it might have been like for the three elves to come to Aman. It never occurred to me that they must have been totally 'blinded by the light'! *grin* I like that you had Elwe hang back the most, foreshadowing his later decision not to return to Aman. The interactions between elves and Valar were wonderful... seeing the impressions of both sides was a nice treat! Thanks so much.
Author's reply
Hi Radbooks. I'm glad you enjoyed this glimpse of what it must have been like for these three Elves to come to Aman. They were indeed 'blinded by the light!' but not for very long. *grin* And Elwë... I always felt sorry for him, never getting back to Aman, for I know how much he yearned to see the Two Trees again. Of course, he did eventually come to Aman the 'hard way' *grin* so I guess it worked out in the end. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
I absolutely loved this chapter! It´s one of my favourites so far.
I had always wondered what the first meeting between the three elven kings and the Valar would have been like and you rendered it beautifully!
For some reason it never occured to me that the light of the two trees would hurt the elves eyes the first time they saw them...though it´s pretty obvious if you stop to think about it.
I couldn´t help but smile when Ingwe stumbled over the Valarin words: I don´t think anyone could have done better (I know I nearly broke my tongue when I tried to pronounce the Valarin names of the trees).
Already looking forward to the future chapters!
Greetings, Thalanee
Author's reply
Hi Thalanee. I'm so pleased that this is one of your favorites of my Tapestry stories. Thank you for letting me know. I don't think too many people have thought about how the Light of the Two Trees might affect those who have known only the light of the stars. It must have been frightening and of course no amount of explanation would have prepared them for it, which is why Oromë decided not to say anything. And those Valarin name are real jawbreakers, aren't they, so I'm not surprised that the Elves decided to shorten them up a bit. It certainly makes it easier for us as well. *grin*
I really enjoyed this, and the CARP should just go read someone else's fics if s/he doesn't like your style. It's not as if you (or anyone else s/he snipes) are going to change the way you write. *I* most certainly like the way this is written. :)
In particular, I love the characterizations of Ingwe, Elwe and Finwe. In them we can see the basis of what they become, and I particularly like the differences in their reactions to the Trees. :)
Now, however, you have me thinking about what is going on for Olwe back in Cuivienen... Hmmmm. Maybe my muse hasn't disappeared on me after all...
Like most of the other reviewers, I enjoyed the mangling of the names, and it was a great way to explain the names that the Eldar have for the Powers. I must admit, for me, even though I'm still hopeless on the grammar, the pronunciation of Quenya is much easier than Valian words.
Well done!
Author's reply
Thanks, Rhyselle. I really don't mind negative reviews but I find it very annoying that the person is too cowardly to sign their reviews. I get the feeling that whoever the person is s/he is a former friend who just likes to snipe at me from the safety of anonyminty. It's not only cowardly but very immature.
Anyway, I'm glad you liked how I wrote this and the characters of the three Elves. They are less than 400 hundred years old and are so very young. Everything is still new to them.
And I'm with you with the Quenya... much easier to pronounce than the Valarin words. *lol* Apparently the Valar agreed. Tolkien states that not only did they adopt Quenya early on in order to communicate with the Elves but used it amongst themselves in their daily speech with one another rather than speaking Valarin.
I've been wondering for a while... What does amaranthine mean? It is very interesting seeing Ingwe, Finwe, and Olwe together in the same place.
Author's reply
Well, you could always look the word up in a dictionary, *grin* but to save you the trouble, amaranthine has two basic meanings. It is used to describe a purplish color and it also means 'unfading, everlasting, undying'. The word comes from 'amaranth', a poetic word from the 16th century describing an imaginary flower whose blooms were said to never fade. This is the primary meaning I use when describing Námo's eyes, but also the first meaning is applicable because in my tale "Wars of the Valar" I describe Námo's aura as being violet or purple. Perhaps some of that 'leaks out' through his eyes even though his eye color is slate grey. They may appear purplish in some lights.
Ooh, how wonderful! A moment so much filled with awe, joy and childlike innocence. Thank you so much for writing such a delightful liitle tale, Fiondil. And I suppose you would know by now that I do speak my mind and when I have something to say, I'm doing just that, even if my opinion could be...unusual, to say the least.(by the way, I didn't forget about Beren, but...later "grin")So, when I tell you that your story is making us yearn for that better world we all know it must be somewhere, for finally meeting beings which we all have felt around us at some point in our lives and for having our innocence restored to us, you may do well and believe me, is that clear? "grin"
I appreciate greatly your efort to share with us your knowledge of Tolkien's languages, especially old Quenya and I have enjoyed very much both the wording and the footnotes. Thank you for that too.
However, as joyful as this story is, the underlying pang of sorrow and pain is also clear to perceive. I personally have ever approved the Valar's decision to summon the Quendi to live with them in Aman and in my opinion, this particular action wasn't a mistake. Orome', Irmo' and Este's care for the young Elves is beyond moving.
Well, a somewhat fitting choice for the Good Friday, I suppose. "smile" Eternal Light, from the blooming Trees, indeed. And yet...someday, this Light will shine brighter than now, brighter than ever, and Arda in its entireness will be bathed in this Light. That day, even the depths of Namo's amaranthine eyes will stop holding any trace of pain. "sigh" Until that day, then.
Again, thank you and Easter full of blessings.
Author's reply
You're welcome, Sitara. I'm glad you found this to your liking. I think many Tolkien fans dream of the Two Trees and wish they could see them for real. I tried to capture (as well as I could) the sense of awe and delight the three Elves must have experienced when brought before the Trees. They must have been an awesome sight. I'm pleased that you appreciate the use of the older forms of Quenya. I wanted to give this tale a sense of an even more remote time than the Third Age is for us.
Thank you for your kind review and may you have a blessed Easter as well.
I was hoping this story would somehow be better than it is. It's just so flat and joyless and feels more like someone trying to show off their ability to write archaic language and their knowledge of Tolkien's languages than someone trying to tell a story. It's like I can't connect with the characters no matter how much I want to, and that leaves it lacking for me.
Author's reply
I'm sorry you feel that way and of course you're free to do so. I can't help wonder though why you feel the need to be anonymous in your review. What are you hiding or what are you afraid of? Do you really feel a burning need to leave only negative reviews? What do you gain from it other than the satisfaction of having written one without offering anything constructive.
As for the archaic language, it has nothing to do with showing off but to provide an ambiance of the times, i.e. the early period of the Elves when they are still experimenting with their language. Would you criticize me if I were writing something that takes place in the time of Shakespeare, for instance, and used idioms of that time period rather than modern slang?
*eyes shine* Oh, meldonya, this was absolutely wonderful! I think my favorite part was the butchering of the Valar's names. *snicker* Loved their reactions to the Two Trees, too. But alas for Elwe, for we know he shall not return to this peace and joy save by way of Mandos. And that tale has already been written.
(Now can we have Turgon's turn? *turns innocent eyes on Fiondil* *grin*)
A perfect tale for Good Friday! Alaita Eru!
~Kaylee!
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I thought the mangling of the Valar's names was fun and sort of shows how they took the Valarin names and turned them into something closer to their own language. And I'm glad you think this is a perfect tale for Good Friday. Thanks.
As for Turgon.... that remains to be seen. *grin*
So that is how Orome brought the Elda to Aman, considering how long it took the Exiles going the other way, I think I would have apreciated any help the Maya could give me to cut the journey short!
I wonder how differantly things would have worked out if the Valar had not brought the Elda to Aman, Melkor would still have been the nasty piece of work he was, so I don't think things would have been much differant, Namo would have been a lot buisier though!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Things might have been somewhat different but perhaps not. THere's no way to know, unfortunately. But I think you are correct that Námo would have been a lot busier than he was.
Ces
· 10 April 2009
· Chapter 59: WONDER: Cal' Oira
I feel like I've seen a slice of Heaven. Thank you.
Ces