6336
· 6 October 2011
· Chapter 37: The Cost of Friendship
Well, you had me going for a while, it wasn't Finrod 'cause he had other elves with him, I just could not think of the darn guys name! I need to make a chart, so I can keep track of who's who!
Very nicely done, I take it he has not been'Judged' yet since he still has memories he can remember?
Huggs from a slightly soggy, San Diego,
Lynda
Now let's see if this will post I.E. has been a little weird this morning, maybe the rain we had last night?
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. It's interesting that some people knew right away who the Elf was and others had to read a bit further on to find out. A chart is very handy to have, that's for sure. And yes, this takes place before Beleg's Judgment. Námo is letting Beleg sleep away the shock of dying as he did, much the way he had Glorfindel sleep before his Judgment.
Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I really appreciate it.
Sunny
· 6 October 2011
· Chapter 37: The Cost of Friendship
A beautiful story! What happened to Beleg was a horrible tragedy - for him, but also for Túrin - they were dear friends, after all.
Author's reply
Thanks, Sunny. It was indeed a horrible tragedy and one of the saddest moments in all the Silmarillion, I think. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Rhyselle
· 6 October 2011
· Chapter 37: The Cost of Friendship
*sniffle* This was just beautiful. Heartbreaking, but beautifully written.
I just wanted to hug Beleg (I figured out it was him quite early in the piece), but since I can't, I'm glad that he has Lord Namo to console him.
One day, I'd love to see your take on when Turim is brought forth to finally defeat Morgoth for all eternity, and his reunion with Beleg. (I just can't believe that when Arda ends, that Eru Iluvatar would not renew his Firstborn Children!)
Thanks for this wonderful addition to the Tales.
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. I'm glad you liked this little vignette. Beleg is indeed lucky to have someone like Námo there to comfort him. I hope the same will be true for us when the time comes.
You never know. I may just write about that someday if the Muse desires it. Like you, I can't believe Atar would not renew his Firstborn Children either.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Fantasia
· 6 October 2011
· Chapter 37: The Cost of Friendship
Beleg and Turin story is so tragic, it is really a very costing frienship...
You are working overtime, Fiondil, I'm not complaining, no.
Thank you.
I can't wait for tomorrow....
Author's reply
It is a very tragic story, Fantasia. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 6 October 2011
· Chapter 37: The Cost of Friendship
Ok, Atto, you led me in circles with this one...
At the beginning, with the summary, I immediately thought of Legolas...
(I thought maybe he'd been thrown in prison for something, what with the opening lines.)
Then after a bit longer, I thought it might be Finrod in the dungeons, trying to think of Beren's name, though why he'd forget it I don't know.
Then I realized he was dead because you said so, but I still thought he was Finrod...
And then the "he had died by his friend's hand" finally got the reality into me. Beleg Cúthalion. Which reminded me of "Turindil" from Elf, Interrupted...
Thank you, Atto, for this beautiful tale, even though I was confused by it at first. When all the pieces came together, I could appreciate it as a whole, and your writing, as usual, is exquisite. (Second place, btw? Who got first, I wonder?)
Tye-melin tenn' Ambar-metta,
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Well, it's okay to be confused as to the identity of the Elf. It means I did my job right. *grin*
I'm glad you enjoyed the tale in spite of your confusion. Thanks for reading and reviewing. Tye-melin.
Laikwalâssê
· 6 October 2011
· Chapter 37: The Cost of Friendship
I always considered this scene as the most sad in the SIL. Poor Beleg and poor Turin. You made me swallow again. How wonderful described. Thank you. Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. You and me both. I think the first time I read it, I was nearly in tears. Glad you liked this. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
6336
· 9 September 2011
· Chapter 11: Beyond the Galvorn Door
Just reread this, again, and having a quite sniffle over it.
Mercy is so very hard to accept isn't it, it must be like having your feet knocked out from under you and not being able to understand why?
I am always finding interesting little nooks and crannies in your stories, every time I read them, again and again!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Mercy is, I think, more terrifying than punishment, especially when mercy is undeserved (or is thought to be undeserved). A number of people have told me they often find some new facet of my stories when they re-read them that did not catch their eyes in a previous reading. I've always thought that was the sign of a good story, which is what I like about Tolkien's stories: they can be read over and over again and you're always finding something new.
Thanks for re-reading and re-reviewing. I appreciate you taking the time to do so.
pnzrmkv
· 8 September 2011
· Chapter 18: The Blue Wizards’ Dilemma
Wonderful possible scenario for what happened to the two wizards. Your imagining fill in the blanks Tolkien left with believable plausibility . I have read The Wars of the Valar and am following In Darkness Bound as well as A Long Expected Wedding eagerly awaiting each chapter. Thank you for submitting your stories in a free forum,without which I would not have access to such a rich source of Middle Earth fiction. I'm a relative late comer to Tolkiens writing but this site particularly,through its fan submissions,have only fueled my desire to learn more about Tolkien and his work. The first half of my life has been spent studying non-fiction until I got hooked by the films. After reading a wiki bio on Tolkien I checked out The Silmarillion from the library and have been reading everything about Middle Earth since. Sorry for the long review,I've been meaning to leave one for a while but not such a windy one. Anyway,thanks again.
Author's reply
Hi pnzrmkv. I'm so glad you found this site and that you enjoy my stories. Tolkien is a rich source that is virtually endless and the more I read and study his writings, the more I find there that I didn't see previously. And I love 'filling in the blanks' that Tolkien left, this story being one of them. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it very much. (And I actually like long reviews, so no worries there. *grin*)
Sunny
· 8 September 2011
· Chapter 36: Mid-Summer Reflections
I suppose Glorfindel has been asked so many times about Gondolin, abpout dying, and about Mandos and being Reborn that he has that "bite the head off the questioner" reflex down to an art.
A nice overview of the differences between the midsummer celebrations in the different realms. And the similarities. ;-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I suspect you are right about Glorfindel. I think you could almost see him calculating the risk of taking the Dwarf's head off in front of everyone and then deciding it wasn't worth it. *grin* Glad you enjoyed this one. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
I resign myself to never being in first place for ALEC because you write so exceptionally well:-) And, since I always end up voting for your piece, I guess I am one who is directly responsible for that First Place also - LOL. I really liked this comparison between differing Mid-Summer celebrations. Your usual excellent work.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. Oh, please don't do that. I don't always compete and I don't always win when I do, so there's always hope. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Atto,
First place!! Well, of course, who else =) Although I'm sure the tales yours competed against were full worthy and did well. I'm not sure who else you competed with, so if you have any recommendations I'd like to see *grin*
I *love* that hymn, and I recognized it instantly - now, if you'd translated it in Quenya or something I *might* have found it slightly harder. Go on now, I dare you, Atarinya. *amused*
I loved, loved loved the various depictions of Midsummer...but of course I KNEW mentioning it to Glorfi was a BAD IDEA (understatement of the yen?!) Of course they didn't know that! Well except those who know him well, but they didn't say it!
You know, I wonder about those who fought on Sauron's side? Because didn't Tolkien say (somewhere??) something like "every race fought on both sides except orcs"? That means Men, Elves, and Dwarves were on Sauron's side, too...Elves?! Well...
Hmm...
*throws plotbunny at Atarinya and hides behind Glorfindel*
Tye-melin,
Kaylee!!!
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. All the stories were very good and some have been reposted here and elsewhere but you can go to the ALEC site directly and read them for yourselves.
As for your question about who was on Sauron's side, you have the quote somewhat mangled. It was "every race fought on both sides except Elves". Of course, the implication of that statement is that there were Orcs fighting for the Alliance, which is patently untrue, but I think Tolkien meant, "every FREE race", i.e. Elves, Men and Dwarves, since Orc were always considered slaves (Hobbits had not yet appeared on the scene so they don't count).
Anywya, I'm glad you enjoyed this story. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Ellynn
· 8 September 2011
· Chapter 36: Mid-Summer Reflections
Lovely little story. I like how you describe them sharing their experiences and memories.
Author's reply
Hi Ellyn. Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed this story.
Larner
· 7 September 2011
· Chapter 36: Mid-Summer Reflections
I certainly recognized "Old 100" (for its number in the 1921 Hymnal) and rejoiced to see it--and to be able to sing it, too! Glorfindel's cryptic description of how those of Gondolin celebrated Midsummer is quite telling.
Thanks for this one!
Larner
· 7 September 2011
· Chapter 35: The Young Mortal’s Guide to Trees
Poor little kid! Not everything needs to be presented as a lesson!
Author's reply
You bet, Larner. I think the Twins learned a lesson of their own on that little trip. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
6336
· 7 September 2011
· Chapter 36: Mid-Summer Reflections
We need to bring back Mid Year celebrations, any excuse for a party in these troubled times !
Hm, yes, 'Gondolin' and 'Midyears Day' is not a good combination of subjects around Glorfindel, neither is 'Balrogs'!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I think you're right about that. I know some people celebrate "Leon Day" (25 June; halfway between two Noels). Perhaps we should make it a national holiday. LOL! Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Cairistiona
· 18 August 2011
· Chapter 35: The Young Mortal’s Guide to Trees
How much do I love it that you worked an Osage-orange tree into Middle-earth! They're native to my area and ubiquitous to every fence row around nearly every pasture; there's even a town named after them, Bois D'Arc. Just don't sit under one while you and your half-Elven friends have a picnic, or you might get knocked silly from one of the falling fruits!
What a fun little tale... I greatly enjoyed it.
Author's reply
Hey, Cairistiona. I'm glad you enjoyed this little tale. The Osage-orange tree isn't native to my part of the country, but it can be found there. It seems to thrive just about everywhere. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I really appreciate it.
Sunny
· 18 August 2011
· Chapter 35: The Young Mortal’s Guide to Trees
It looks as if having The Twins as Big Brothers isn't easy. Either they take over the play (like in _Childe Estel to the Dark Tower Came_) or they start making the fun into lessons! :-D
I also see that Glorfy hasn't yet acknowledged that surprises can be nice - not when even little Estel knows how much he hates them!
The wood of osage orange also is a yellow color with a very nice grain, and is well suited to hairtoys! :-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Having big brothers is never easy. As you say, they're either trying to take over your play or ruining your fun completely. Oh well.... hopefully after this, they'll know better.
And Glorfy is Glorfy, but I think he rather liked this particular surprise.
The Osage-orange tree is quite versatile in its uses, there's no doubt.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
bookwormfaith
· 18 August 2011
· Chapter 35: The Young Mortal’s Guide to Trees
asdkjhadl Lil!Estel is so precious!
...yeah, sorry I have nothing coherant to offer beyond that *ashamed*
Author's reply
Thanks, bookwormfaith. I'm glad you enjoyed the story.
harrowcat
· 18 August 2011
· Chapter 35: The Young Mortal’s Guide to Trees
I really enjoyed the lesson Fiondil. Estel's complaint may have been legitimate but must have really hurt. The final use of a tree was pure fun. I wonder what the tree thought!
Author's reply
Hi Harrowcat. I'm sure the Twins forgave their little brother. I have no idea what the tree thought. Glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Laikwalâssê
· 18 August 2011
· Chapter 35: The Young Mortal’s Guide to Trees
poor Estel. He´s absolutely right. A picnic is supposed to be fun and no lesson! I liked this story very much. Trees I´ve never heard of in german much less in english..*g*. Nonetheless delighful, as ever. Thank you. Lai
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed the story, Lai. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Erulisse (one L)
· 17 August 2011
· Chapter 35: The Young Mortal’s Guide to Trees
"Caigordof: ‘Hedge-apple’: Osage-orange (Maclura pamifera), has thorny branches and has often been used as a hedge as well as a windbreak, hence its colloquial name. It bears a yellow-green fruit that gives off a pleasant, mild odor, but it is inedible, except for the seeds. The yellow-orange wood is used for tool handles, treenails and fence posts. The straight-grained osage timber (most of it is knotty and twisted) makes a very good bow."
As weavers, the ladies of Elrond's household would also be well aware of the beautiful color yielded by Osage Orange as a dye. It makes one of my favorite natural dye materials and I always love it when my woodworking friends save up their extra bits for my use.
A fun story and wonderful nature lesson. As always, your linguistic skills just stun me.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi, Erulisse.I decided not to put in *everything* for which many of these trees can be put to use, just ones that I thought would be relevant for the Twins and Estel. Making dyes for wool would not be one of those uses. *grin*
As for my linguistic skills... I am far from fluent and I had to choose those trees that I could either put into Sindarin because Tolkien already did or had names that could be translated into Sindarin based on what we know of the language. It's not easy and some tree names just cannot be translated well into Sindarin and even though I would liked to have used them in the story, I didn't for that very reason.
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed this story. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
shirebound
· 17 August 2011
· Chapter 35: The Young Mortal’s Guide to Trees
What a delightful walk/lesson! I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
Author's reply
Thanks, Shirebound. I appreciate you letting me know how much you enjoyed this.
6336
· 17 August 2011
· Chapter 35: The Young Mortal’s Guide to Trees
Well, that's what brothers are for, isn't it, to entertain younger brothers, not to give biology lessons!
I do hope Glorfy likes his surprise.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yep, that's what (older) brothers are for. *grin* I'm sure Glorfy loved his surprise. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 21 June 2011
· Chapter 34: On the Naming of Names
And I can so imagine young Aragorn having this exact conversation! And to misspell that one name out of them all? Heh! Love this situation!
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I'm glad you enjoyed this. It's a typical conversation, I think, in many households with children wondering why they've been given a particular name, so I didn't see why Estel wouldn't wonder as well.
Cairistiona
· 20 June 2011
· Chapter 34: On the Naming of Names
I have often wondered if Aragorn disliked the name "Estel" when he was a boy, and always suspected he might have. *g* Excellent father-son moment and I love that of all names, Estel misspelled Aragorn. Terrific!
Author's reply
Hi Cairitiona. Most people whom I've asked hate their names and wish they were named something else (myself included), and I figured it that sentiment might hold true even in Middle-earth. *grin* And I just had to have him misspell his own name. Lord knows *I've* misspelled it often enough. LOL! Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.