Journey out of Darkness by Armariel

Reviews (83)

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Lady Forlong · 29 September 2025 · Chapter 9999: Evenstar

It's probably too late to comment on this story, but just in case you're still watching, I just have to say that it's such a beautiful story. The ending was bittersweet, but I'm so glad that so many of them got to go "home." I have one question though. How did all those orcs get changed back into Elves?

Author's reply

Hi Lady Forlong! I just now saw your message. Didn't get notified as I used to when I got a new one. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. I think it's my own favorite of all my LOTR fics. As to the orcs/Elves, I read somewhere that Tolkien had written that perhaps the orcs could be purified in Mandos, the underworld, and sent back to Middle Earth as Elves once more. Just something he pondered doing; I don't think he ever actually wrote it. But...*I* did! I like taking ideas no one else thought to work with and writing them myself. I don't write LOTR fanfiction or poetry any more, but I took a notion to look back on some of my old things, and coming across your comment was a sweet surprise. I write original books now, under the name RoZita Howard Berry. They can be accessed on Amazon dot com. They have little, if anything, to do with Tolkien, but he's sometimes referenced in them. Blessings and cheer, Armariel/RoZita ~~~~{~@

TiffanyGray · 25 April 2020 · Chapter 9999: Evenstar

This was a beautiful story, so well written. Greenjade is an amazing character you created, as are all of your characters. As the biggest Smeagol fan, I really love that he was given a second chance and found the redemption he deserved. Still, his death broke my heart, but it was so beautifully written. It was a peaceful passing, and he died happy and loved by many whom he loved in return. Amazing story. Just beautiful! Made me cry. Tiffany

Author's reply

Hi Tiffany! I never saw this until just now. I'm usually notified when I get a review. This time, I wasn't, or if I was, somehow I missed seeing it. It was a lovely surprise. Thanks so much for your kind words, they're a delight to me. I think this is my own favorite of all my LOTR fanfics. So glad you loved it, and hope you'll look back on it once in a while. Thanks once again, and God bless! ~~~~{~@ Armariel/RoZita

Larner · 19 September 2010 · Chapter 99999: Index of Original Characters

And thanks for this, too!

Author's reply

Most welcome! It's a good thing to have a list like this accompanying a long story, I've come to find..... ~~~~~{~@

Larner · 19 September 2010 · Chapter 9999: Evenstar

A perfect epilogue for this. And I rejoice that it is a daughter, and so reminiscent of her aunt! Now all rejoice that the memory of the daughter lost is given them. And I'm certain Frodo stood at Greenjade's shoulder to watch in joy at that moment! Thank you so!

Author's reply

Most welcome......I've long wished I could give Elrond and Celebrian back their daughter somehow and this was the closest I could come to doing so...especially since they won't be meeting any of Arwen's children either. So, now she'll live on through her niece, and who knows...it's fantasy, anything can happen, right?;) And perhaps Frodo did watch with Greenjade, at that...and his family and Elrond's and Galadriel's are joined through marriage! How cool is that? Odd too that Sauron's blood also is probably in the mix........ Thanks so for commenting Larner! ~~~~~{~@

Antane · 20 August 2010 · Chapter 58: Journey’s End

I love that song for Smeagol from the last chapter and how nice that Greenjade got back home at last. Was hoping to see Frodo but ah well... Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

I thought of squeezing him in somewhere, but it seemed a little redundant. Ah well, at least we got to see Sam.:) Thanks much for R&R'ing Antane! I always appreciate your comments.:):):) hugs Armariel ~~~~~~{~@

Antane · 20 August 2010 · Chapter 56: Frontwards and Backwards

Twins named Frodo and Sam (or the Elvish equivalent) - how cute! What else could they be called? :) Unless Merry and Pippin. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

Legolas and Gimli?;);)

Larner · 16 August 2010 · Chapter 57: Taking What is Given

I'm glad that Smeagol had a good and long and fulfilling life. I understand Meleth's fears for her husband and son; but it is the grief she accepted in marrying him. So, Garland came, too, eh? It does sound as if she has also had a wonderful life now! Yes, they are each taking what is given. And Bryseluthea is a flirt, is she? Oh, dear!

Author's reply

Yes, Smeagol's second death was the complete opposite of the first one, what? And Meleth did go into the union with her eyes open, although I doubt she was totally aware of what she was letting herself in for. Still, I don't think she would go back for a moment. And much as I would have liked to punish Garland a little, the muse had a different plan for her, it seems..... Bryseluthea *is* a bit of a flirt, but she has a heart of gold underneath it, I'm sure, and her feelings for Elrohir are sincere without a doubt. OK, one more chapter to go! What am I going to do now???? Thanks so much for keeping up and commenting Larner! ~~~~~{~@

Larner · 16 August 2010 · Chapter 56: Frontwards and Backwards

A lovely visit, but a sad end to the day. I'm sorry that Smeagol was uncomfortable with Sam, but it is understandable.

Author's reply

Yes....it can't be ALL joy, can it?

Antane · 13 August 2010 · Chapter 55: Moments of Moments

How nice that things are progressing so well for everyone! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

Great balls of fire, every time I think the next chapter is going to be the last, the muse raps me on the knuckles saying "Not yet!" Oh well! On to the next! LOL Thanks for commenting and keeping up Antane! ~~~~~{~@

Larner · 13 August 2010 · Chapter 55: Moments of Moments

I'm going to guess--Sam, Merry, and Pippin? Or maybe three Ents? Satisfying!

Author's reply

Heheh......we'll see.....soon, I hope! (I don't really think ents would be likely to go to Minas Tirith, do you?) I'm glad you find it satisfying:) ~~~~~{~@

Larner · 12 August 2010 · Chapter 54: The Thing Worth Having

So--many of those twisted by Morgoth and Sauron now are healed and have fought Sauron's former allies, have they? Excellent! And they now have lands that they are partly familiar with for their own? Very good. As for the now-dead Easterling--I hate to say he got what he deserved!

Larner · 12 August 2010 · Chapter 53: Chasing the Darkness

Alas that he was captured. I'm glad he turned down the opium. The Easterling was a beast.

Author's reply

Rather a nasty chap, wasn't he. More in that flask than just opium, I'm betting!

Antane · 17 July 2010 · Chapter 52: Fire on the Mountains

Radagast did what he could and much more than any else would have even thought of doing in giving some cheer, caring and hope to those who had never know it. It is not his fault that they could not take it all in just as Frodo did not fail with Smeagol when the tender buds he cultivated did not blossom, at least not on the way to the Fire. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

Still, his care will pay off, I've a feeling;) ~~~~~{~@

Larner · 15 July 2010 · Chapter 52: Fire on the Mountains

War? And just when Serilinn and Meleth seemed about to arrive! And with whom is this war to be waged?

Author's reply

I think somebody's got their sights on the mines.....;)

Larner · 15 July 2010 · Chapter 51: Something for Radagast

"And whatever it is that you do for these, the least of my brethren, you do for me." I love Radagast! Poor Tommy. Love the house that Greenjade built!

Author's reply

One of my favorite bible quotes.:) Yeah, poor fool Tommy, picking fights with orcs. He wasn't the brightest crayola in the box, was he? Should have left him behind. I may have watched a few too many episodes of "Extreme Makeover--Home Edition"! LOL But yes, Radagast deserves a new house. And Greenjade was just the one to build it for him! ~~~~{~@

Antane · 11 July 2010 · Chapter 51: Something for Radagast

A very interesting chapter. It was a blessed work that Radagast undertook and hopefully it will yield great results. It would be wonderful for the orcs to have some light in their lives for the first time. That took a lot of guts for Elladan to go among the kind that so brutalized his mother. I applaud him for that. Also I hope Elrond's words are true that the orcs will be able to return to their Elven state at a later time. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

Actually it was Elrohir (the angsty one;)) but yes, it was admirable of him to undertake it, I think. It will do him good, even if not the orcs, and perhaps it's too late for them, after all. As for Elrond's words coming true, Tolkien did say something about how the orcs might be purified in Mandos and sent back in their elven bodies.........well, we'll see:):) Thanks so much for your comments Antane! ~~~~~{~@

Antane · 27 June 2010 · Chapter 50: Calador

Caught up at very long last! I love the new name for Mordor, sounds Welsh to me, and so neat and I am glad that Smeagol is adjusting well to seeing it again as it and he continues to heal. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

Welsh? Hmmm maybe...I thought it sounded kinda spanish lol.... I dare say Smeagol will start to feel at home more and more as the land heals and flourishes. And may surprise us yet! Thanks for commenting Antane! ~~~~{~@

Antane · 27 June 2010 · Chapter 48: Life on the Moon

Nice to see some progress being made in reclaiming these dark lands for the light. And that the Tower is gone! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

And it's just the beginning. And good riddance to that tower! Nice to see you back again.:) ~~~~~{~@

Larner · 27 June 2010 · Chapter 50: Calador

To have to live separated from his family must be difficult, but I do believe it is better in the long run. Love the sound of Melleth's days, and Radagast's trees. To see that land flowering must have been such a blessing! As for the orcs--hmmm!

Author's reply

Oh, I imagine Greenjade is starting to think of it as his true home, since he is playing a large part in healing the land. And knowing he will be able to see his family from time to time is surely a big comfort to him, and something to motivate him and look forward to. As for the orcs.......well, we'll see........ Thanks for commenting Larner, as always! ~~~~{~@

Larner · 20 June 2010 · Chapter 49: Lifting the Veil

Frodo might not see Serilinn within this life, perhaps, but who knows what he might see within the Gardens, which stand outside of time? Heh! I am glad he and Anemone were granted this dream!

Author's reply

I'm rather glad too:D ~~~~~{~@

Larner · 19 June 2010 · Chapter 48: Life on the Moon

Ahh--a difficult time, but blessed in its way. Now, to see the land and people come alive due to the diligence of those come on the will of the Valar! And wonderful to see Gilglin thawing as she is. Love Radagast's advice to Serilinn!

Author's reply

A pity he won't be close enough to advise her more often, but perhaps Greenjade will learn from it as well. He will be put to the test, but the experience will be good for him, certainly, since he joined the army in order to not let himself get entirely spoiled and soft. And now for the Wedding........*ahem* Thanks always for commenting Larner! ~~~~~{~@

Larner · 19 June 2010 · Chapter 47: Ithilien

The leavetaking is sad, but necessary in its way. Alas they must part!

Author's reply

Yes, all must go their separate ways. But they will meet again....

Larner · 13 June 2010 · Chapter 46: Acceptance

There's always at least one potential bully and troublemaker about, isn't there? But I suspect Serilinn will take care of her efficiently enough! Heh! And her acquaintance with King and Queen and Elves can't hurt her any!

Author's reply

No, it can't...and I think Serilinn can hold her own although she's not used to being among young girls in large numbers and might do better with homeschooling. I doubt she's going to like being away from the people she has come to love. Then again, maybe she'll prove herself well and can only be an asset to the school. Well, soon it will be time for Greenjade and the others to depart for their final destiny.......... ~~~~{~@

Larner · 29 May 2010 · Chapter 45: Holly and Primrose

Hooray! Am so glad that Smeagol is enjoying himself so well by playng Black Peter! And it appears that Radagast has been taking lessons from Tom Bombadil. Heh! And love Serilinn's intention to be part of the proposal, as well as the indication some managed to appear surprised! Lovely!

Author's reply

It's just the role for Smeagol, what? LOL And Radagast is having a rhymin' good time now that he's traded the brown for red, if only for one night, and evidently rhyme fever is contagious!;) Might have known the lovers couldn't very well expect to keep their engagement a secret for very long, and of course Serilinn has to be in on everything............well, ALMOST everything! heheh Thanks for commenting Larner--we very much appreciates it! ~~~~~{~@

Larner · 26 May 2010 · Chapter 44: The Point of No Return

What an honor--to be called Frodo's son and to be blessed as he was! And love his poem!

Author's reply

An honor indeed. But will he believe he has truly earned it? Time will tell! And I had that song stuck in my head all morning..."Point of No Return" from Phantom of the Opera, that is............ Thanks as always for the comments!:):):):) ~~~~~{~@