Journey out of Darkness by Armariel
Larner · 22 May 2010 · Chapter 43: Choices and Castles
Love DOES appear to be in the air! And there is joy for all of them for the moment, and worthy work for each to do. Bless them all!
Author's reply
Love those peaceful interludes, don't you? Maybe it will work out....then again....hmmmmm well, we'll just see! Heheh.....
Larner · 22 May 2010 · Chapter 42: Surprise
So, the twins know of their sister born on Tol Eressea, do they? I am glad. And Meleth is found and reunited with Serilinn? I am glad she has some tie to the more innocent part of her childhood. And to be betrothed already--that is good, I think, although I grieve the brothers have both been drawn to her so. Now--on to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks to Sam's communication with Frodo, they know! Well, she isn't exactly betrothed, yet...but perhaps she considers herself so, in her mind. I think she has a crush on both the twins, the way young girls might be drawn to movie actors or rock stars or some such. Considering their family line and background and all, I'm thinking they must have been charismatic, mysterious, dashing, and drop-dead gorgeous! And tired of knocking women off with sticks. Serilinn's innocence and intelligence might well have proved a refreshingly potent combination for them. But she can't have them both, and both can't have her...... Thanks for the fb Larner! ~~~~~{~@
Larner · 16 May 2010 · Chapter 41: Memories and Mortality
Oh, dear--and just when he was beginning to warm toward the Elves! What a time to offer such a proposal!
Author's reply
Elladan's timing was a little off, admittedly. Greenjade is not going to be a happy daddy, for sure! Maybe some fur is gonna fly......we'll see! Thanks for being such a loyal commentator Larner! ~~~~~{~@
Larner · 9 May 2010 · Chapter 40: Escort
At least Lothiriel is coming out of her funk, and coming to appreciate the child she has. It will take time, but she will recover. I have a daughter--adopted. Learning I could not expect to bear a child full term was a great disappointment and grief. I am only glad for the children entrusted to me by others, step, adopted, foster, nieces, nephews, students, clients....
Author's reply
Those kids were all lucky to have you, I'm sure. It takes quite a person to mother other people's children. Seems Lothiriel needed a breath of fresh air around the place, and another child to help her accept things as they are and make the best of them. Now having done her part, that child can move on and so can the Queen. Thanks again for commenting Larner! ~~~~~~{~@
Antane · 3 May 2010 · Chapter 39: House of Joy
So healing is coming to others as well now. Very good. And I love the idea of a House of Joy being at Mordor. Who says you can't have two with the same name? *hugs Serilinn* Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Well, actually a House of Joy is, in this sense...*ahem*...a house of Ill Repute...and one could well appear in Mordor, since weeds will spring in the most well-tended garden. But yes, perhaps the name could grace a very nice and reputable inn, or dwelling perhaps. And yes, our Travelers, particularly Serilinn, have brought the sunlight into Meduseld and shaken the Queen out of her postpartum depression, so they did indeed made a house of joy of it! But they might not want to let her go now....... blessings & cheer Armariel~~~~~{~@
Larner · 2 May 2010 · Chapter 39: House of Joy
It appears that the Queen is mourning for the daughter she will never bear her husband at this time. I know precisely how she feels!
Author's reply
I had thought "postpartum depression" but I dare say her wish for a daughter and inability to bear one is very much a factor in it. It would be a nearly ideal home for Serilinn but somehow, I don't think she's likely to go for it.... I'm sorry you have that sort of knowledge Larner! Any girl would have been greatly privileged to have you for her mother, I'm sure! *hugs* ~~~~~{~@
Larner · 26 April 2010 · Chapter 38: Swans and Crows
Baggins at this point in time is indeed a name to aspire to. I rejoice they have found family in one another!
Author's reply
A regular little fellowship, what?:)
Antane · 25 April 2010 · Chapter 37: On the Road
So Serilinn is planning the Mordor Extreme Makeover, huh? Good for her and indeed Sam would not recognize the place. I like her optimism and determination. You go, girl! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Mordor Extreme Makeover? LOLOL! Yeah, guess she thinks she's going to turn it into paradise overnight...these kids, gotta love 'em.....:) But I dare say she has the makings of a natural leader and organizer. Well, maybe Sam could even have a hand in it...it's a thought. If only Frodo could see it. Too bad cameras weren't invented yet. Or airplanes. Or computers......... Thanks again for commenting Antane! ~~~~~{~@
Larner · 24 April 2010 · Chapter 37: On the Road
Your skill with blankverse has continued to grow! Delightful!
Author's reply
Why, thank you:).....well, I'd thought Greenjade's song was far from being my best writing, but I figured since he was improvising, it might be better if it were somewhat unpolished. Guess he's inherited some of his mother's poetic gift, what? It's actually been a while since I've written a serious poem. Ought to get back into that. Haven't I been considering writing one for Gimli lately? Hmmm..... Well, now they're on the road again...let's just see what happens next! As always Larner, your feedback is much appreciated, and helpful. ~~~~~{~@
Larner · 24 April 2010 · Chapter 36: Lotus and Daisies
Wise of Pepper to decide to stay for his love. Silly lad!
Author's reply
Silly...unless his plan to leave was all a ruse to get his girl back;);)
Larner · 24 April 2010 · Chapter 35: Unchained
Definitely a dream of horror! May it prove a nightmare indeed!
Author's reply
Not absolutely sure whether we've truly seen the last of Gaergath or not...Time will tell, I suppose!
Larner · 24 April 2010 · Chapter 34: Hunting
I'm so glad they found Engelbain's mother! Now, to get help with the stone and do what they came to do, and free the district of its horrors.
Author's reply
Ahhh you're back! Having computer problems again? Hope it wasn't anything worse! Eglenbain's mother will be very glad to get her baby back! Thanks for commenting and it's good to see you back on track! ~~~~~{~@
Antane · 16 April 2010 · Chapter 36: Lotus and Daisies
Man, you have been busy! And now I am finally caught up. Love that Smeagol et al got to see Frodo happy. :) Love the Entling - too cute! And what a marvel that it was found. Like Serilinn too. That Radagast recognized the voice of Morgoth, instead of Darkfin, was interesting. I hope Greenjade continues to heal. I wonder if Frodo himself was reached by such lies, but he learned the truth about himself in the West. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, an entire part II;) Not really sure where that entling came from, myself. Somehow the critter just snuck up on me. I thought, well, never read a story yet that had one in it--there may be some out there, but I haven't seen them. Through the actions of the Entwife, Greenjade learns a bit of humility, and comes to the realization that sometimes he needs to lean on others for help sometimes, and that if his heart is right, it will come unbidden. I think Frodo learned much the same thing. Greenjade will continue to grow and develop as a person (although I'm sure he'll never become boringly perfect;)) Serilinn brings out his best side both through her wisdom and her vulnerability. I think maybe I'm starting to see a sort of pattern: Smeagol represents instinct, Radagast is reason, Greenjade passion, Serilinn conscience. Which of course is an oversimplification, but it's a sort of foundation, at least. In my universe, Frodo indeed was influenced by such lies, as he tells many of those who confide in him. I think there is justification for this, since Tolkien said he was plagued by feelings of failure, and in my stories he comes to realize that this was the doing of the Enemy. Thanks for commenting Antane! blessings & cheer Armariel ~~~~~{~@
Larner · 7 April 2010 · Chapter 33: Gaergath
What a relationship to even contemplate! I don't blame her! Sounds like Pippin, doesn't she? And I feel sorry for Cammie, but not too sorry. As for her family--well, what can one say? They are not the kind who will ever understand, I fear. Glad the Molotov cocktails worked.
Author's reply
Hillbilly molotov cocktails LOL.....or redneck ones. Or Cajun. Who knew? I was thinking what if a young person found out that Hitler or Stalin or Saddam Hussein had been his/her ancestor...how would s/he feel? I think if it were myself, I would want to set out to live down the name, any way I could. Even if no one else knew of my lineage. So I figured this was what Serilinn would want to do, on realizing the possibility/probability of her being Sauron's granddaughter. Maybe she does sound a little like Pippin--I was thinking Sam, insisting on going off to Mordor along with his master and refusing to be left behind...but perhaps also Pippin and Merry, insisting on accompanying Frodo and threatening to follow him like hounds if he tried to leave them behind. The Widdicombs are a bit on the thick side, in more ways than just the physical...but they might surprise us yet, who knows? Thanks for the comments as always Larner! ~~~~~{~@
Larner · 4 April 2010 · Chapter 32: News Day
Those who bring ill news are often treated as if they are themselves the evil. Now--to drive off the vampires! Evil cliffie....
Author's reply
Yes, bad bad cliffie! But I'll try to get another chappie in soon............;)
Larner · 29 March 2010 · Chapter 31: On the Wagon
I'm glad that Darkfin's predictions proved false. Now, to find out what will happen in the future as they travel south. Greenjade is better, but not fully shut of Darkfin. Darkfin may always be a part of what Greenjade becomes, but doesn't need to be his future as he is his past. Thought provoking. And love the title!
Author's reply
Glad the title works; I worried a little that it might be too "cute." Was going to call it just "The Wagon", then thought, no, that's dull, work on it a bit. "Darkfin may always be a part of what Greenjade becomes, but doesn't need to be his future as he is his past." Wonderful--hope you don't mind if I use that sometime. I'll credit you in a footnote, if I do. Thanks once more for the FB--I do so appreciate it! ~~~~~{~@
Larner · 29 March 2010 · Chapter 30: Conjoinment
Interesting that he now experiences what Smeagol knew for so long. But where Smeagol and Gollum at the time shared the same self-centered, evil nature in many ways, he and Darkfin no longer are on the same wavelength. Poor lad! At least he has one who knows compassion and who brings out the best in him with him at the time. And love the thought of the Entling walking out into the hallway in search of companionship! Heh!
Author's reply
Yes, I thought of Smeagol/Gollum first off. Was going to say something about it in the chapter, but thought better of it. (It was getting too long anyway.) Yes, Darkfin and Greenjade are two different entities. I think of the episode of Smallville in which Lex Luthor, future villain of the Superman mythology who starts out on the show as a good guy, gets hold of some kryptonite which causes him to split into two identical men, good Lex and bad Lex, and eventually they fuse back into one. The evil twin continually taunts the good double, nearly kills him, and finally proclaims "I am the real Lex Luthor!" Greenjade's doppelganger, however, is the "bad" part of his conscience, of course--Serilinn being the higher part who could lead him to peace and joy. The entling might give a whole new meaning to the concept of house plants.;) ~~~~~{~@
Larner · 21 March 2010 · Chapter 29: The Widdicombs
Is the owl the scout for the vampires, then? Seems that Radagast needs to have a talk with it.
Author's reply
It's no ordinary owl, I've a feeling......;) Maybe he will...hmmmmmmmm............. ~~~~~{~@
Larner · 18 March 2010 · Chapter 28: Eglenbein
Now, how on earth did an entling get lost in this area, I wonder? Love Radagast's and Greenjade's concerns about possibly having picked up pieces of the mother and used them for mundane things like dolls and fires! And love the lullaby. Now, to see the poor thing taken south and possibly given into the care of the Ents!
Author's reply
We'll find out soon enough, if the muse will prove cooperative! Now if they can just find its parents and dodge Gaergath (splendid name for a villain, isn't it? I think so:))at the same time...but I'm guessing Serilinn will have a very hard time parting with it. Who couldn't love a baby ent?:) Not sure where the idea of finding one came from, just sneaked up on me..... Thanks once more for commenting Larner! Appreciated as always! ~~~~~~{~@
Larner · 14 March 2010 · Chapter 27: Feathers and Frogs
How beautiful that the three of these damaged souls remain open to beauty and delight, and are willing to add to the joy of others as they can.
Author's reply
I think they'll bring out the best in each other, in time to come.:)
Larner · 9 March 2010 · Chapter 26: Serilinn
I rejoice they find peace with one another's company, although I regret that Smeagol stole the locket. Now good comes even of the theft, however. Now, to make things right!
Author's reply
After 500 years as a jewelry junkie, it's not likely he'll be cured overnight! But maybe he's learned his lesson finally, and yes, some good comes of it. And now for the next chappie............. ~~~~~{~@
Larner · 27 February 2010 · Chapter 25: Silver
A fascinating tale, then! I certainly hope the stuff Radagast uses on it fully extracts the poison--we don't want Greenjade going bad again, or becoming a vampire himself! Have you read the latest Terry Pratchett books? It appears that in order to conserve mass his vampires turn into flocks of bats! I had a good deal of fun imagining that! Heh! Now--to continue the healing of Serilinn.
Author's reply
I have a book by Terry Pratchett--can't remember the title--but haven't read it, couldn't seem to get into it somehow. Had nothing to do with vampires, as far as I know. I've heard of them turning into bats since I was a kid, but since that seemed a bit cliché I decided to AU it a bit and turn them into big black birds instead. Then I was researching Sauron and came across the name Thuringwethil (hope I spelled that right!) Seems she could turn into a bat and was probably one of the Maiar once, and I thought maybe she was the mother of all vampires, and threw in the part about Sauron being her lover--I'd originally planned to have him the creator of vampires when I came across that bit! Well!! I shamelessly cribbed the bit about the silver from the True Blood series...in that show it seems silver is vampire kryptonite, and I thought the mithril silver might be even more powerful in bringing them down. I also liked the thought of leftover orcs being turned, promised their beauty and power back and so forth. I'm not keen on the modern tendency to romanticize vampires overmuch, and prefer to keep them scary and a bit disgusting, rather than sexy and seductive. Well, seems the Travelers have another member now! And I doubt we've seen the last of the vamps yet! ~~~~~{~@
Larner · 25 February 2010 · Chapter 24: Hunger
ME version of vampires? Hurry, Radagast! Hurry! And I'm glad all got to see Frodo happy and dancing!
Author's reply
WEllllllllllllllll.....they had to start somewhere, yes?;) Baaaad me to end on a nasty cliffie...but I'll try to get the next chappie up by tonight if not sooner......... Thanks for commenting Larner! ~~~~~{~@
Larner · 17 February 2010 · Chapter 23: Lost
I'm so glad he got to see Frodo, and that Frodo was so aligned to Joy! How wonderful! The argument with Morgoth was wonderful--it seems that he has learned his lesson. But who are these strangers?
Author's reply
We'll see, my preciousss............soon, I hope........:D ~~~~~{~@
Antane · 14 February 2010 · Chapter 23: Lost
I'm glad that Greenjade is continuing his journey toward the Light and that he has seen his step-father. :) See you on the other side of Lent for I won't be reading until after Easter. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Makes me glad to be protestant.;) Thanks for commenting and as I say to my bff, see ya when I see ya!:):):):) ~~~~~{~@