Baggins Babe
· 4 December 2010
· Chapter 26: Lament for a Dying Son
I read this the other morning and had to stop because it made me cry and I was about to go to work. This was such a beautiful story and Thorongil so compassionate. I felt dreadfully sorry for the poor lad when he said he 'wasn't a very good raiser' and I'm glad he felt he was loved and comforted as he died. Certainly no-one should have to die alone in the rain.
Thank you for such a wonderful glimpse of the Ranger who would be King - if only all leaders were as wise.
Author's reply
Hello Baggins Babe. That this story made you cry is the whole point and, of course, the whole point of the challenge was to show an 'enemy' as a sympathetic character. Believe me, I was tearing up even as I was writing this. And I agree with you -- would that our own leaders were as compassionate and wise as Aragorn. In spite of the tears, I am glad you found this to be such a beautiful story. Thank you for letting me know. I greatly appreciate it.
Tari
· 3 December 2010
· Chapter 26: Lament for a Dying Son
I can see why you won first prize. This is very touching and beautifully written and shows why Thorongil became such an awesome king. He has a heart of gold.
Author's reply
Thank you, Tari. I'm glad you enjoyed this tale. And yes, Thorongil does have a heart of gold. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Larner
· 2 December 2010
· Chapter 26: Lament for a Dying Son
Alas for the boy, but I am so glad it was Thorongil who was there as he died. Yes, a terrible thing to die alone and in the rain.
Author's reply
He was very fortunate that it was Thorongil who was there to comfort him in his final moments, believing that he was still loved even if he wasn't 'a very good raider'. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Larner. I really appreciate it.
Radbooks
· 1 December 2010
· Chapter 26: Lament for a Dying Son
I really enjoyed this story, I like the way you told it in flashbacks. Nicely done!! :)
Author's reply
Hi, Radbooks. Thanks for letting me know how much you enjoyed this. I really appreciate it.
Fantasia
· 1 December 2010
· Chapter 26: Lament for a Dying Son
Fiondil, once again, you made me cry. I think that I should stop reading you at work, because I don't know what to say when my co-workers see me crying, unless that they think the SPC analysis make me cry (well, they do)
Beautiful story, war is such a mess, there is always two sides, two stories, love ones in both sides and so much pain, and it is never ending because each new generation wants to advange the older one, if we can only follow God and love intead of hate each other.
Thank you, it is perfect.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. I so glad you enjoyed this story, even if it did make you cry (which is what is was supposed to do *grin*). Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 1 December 2010
· Chapter 26: Lament for a Dying Son
Oh...this was so very sad! You have me crying. What a way to start off December...Happy December, by the way. *hugs* (Dare I ask if there's an Elf Academy sequel in the works?)
I'm so glad Thorongil was there for the dying boy, and that he taught Adrahil such an important lesson. Enemy side or not, he was just a child.
Ni-zira, Attô. *hugs* (I have yet to figure out "Fiondil" in Adûnaic...)
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. A very sad tale, indeed, and I'm afraid it would be sad no matter what time of the year it was. Thorongil is very compassionate, having learned it from the Elves, and Adrahil needed that lesson.
As for a sequel to Elf Academy, I'm afraid I'm not working on one at the moment as I'm still busy with Darkness, but you never know. Perhaps for next winter. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Kaylee. Ni-zira. (And probably the closest to Fiondil "hawk-friend" in Adûnaic would be _Narûkzîr_ "eagle-friend", as we have no word for 'hawk' in Adûnaic.)
6336
· 1 December 2010
· Chapter 26: Lament for a Dying Son
Bittersweet, so very bittersweet.
No one should have to die alone.
Lynda
Author's reply
And hopefully no one truly does, Lynda.
Rhyselle
· 1 December 2010
· Chapter 26: Lament for a Dying Son
Oh, that was so terribly sad.
I admit that I had a hunch that the one who identified himself as Zimrathor's father was probably Thorongil... couldn't really say why, but that semi-foreknowledge didn't spoil the tale at all.
You did a good job on this, Fiondil. I'm still sniffling a bit.
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. Well, given that the story was originally written for Teitho in which Aragorn and/or Legolas need to appear in some fashion, it stands to reason you would suspect that it was actually Aragorn who was comforting the boy. *grin* At any rate, I'm glad you enjoyed this in spite of the sadness of the topic. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Ellynn
· 1 December 2010
· Chapter 26: Lament for a Dying Son
Such a sad and touching story. Beautifully written. This was one of my favorites, you got one of my votes.
Author's reply
Hi Ellynn. I'm glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for letting me know. I greatly appreciate it.
galathil
· 1 December 2010
· Chapter 26: Lament for a Dying Son
If my son died in battle I hope someone was with him at the time.
This is beautiful.
Galathil
Author's reply
Hello Galathil. I am sure that is every parent's hope as well. Glad you liked this tale. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Erulisse (one L)
· 1 December 2010
· Chapter 26: Lament for a Dying Son
After I finished weeping for the loss of life, I was able to concentrate more fully on the beautiful tale you have told here. And you are so right - nobody should die alone and unmarked. Compassion is a human trait that we use all too infrequently. This was a lesson well learned by the Prince of Dol Amroth.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
It is a lesson we should all learn, Erulisse. In spite of the tears, I'm glad you enjoyed this story. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Tari
· 22 November 2010
· Chapter 25: Moving On
Glorfindel has it right. People are more important than things. This was a good lesson for the twins. I don't recall Tolkien saying what happend to them, but I always hoped they sailed to the Undying Lands.
Author's reply
Very true, Tari. People are more important than things. Tolkien never tells us what the ultimate fate of the sons of Elrond was and some writers have them never sailing but still immortal while others have them going to the Undying Lands. I personally like to think that at some point they did sail. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 20 November 2010
· Chapter 25: Moving On
I rejoice that he brings with him the two objects he treasures most, ready to release them to those with the stronger claim! Lovely, and love the warrior rabbit! Errol appears to have yet another incarnation! Heh! Rolling on the floor like elflings as they were! Tsk!
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this little story, Larner. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Erulisse
· 19 November 2010
· Chapter 25: Moving On
Glorfindel has the right of it - items are merely items, but people are worth all. A pleasure to read this again.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi, Erulisse. I'm glad you enjoyed this story as much the second time around as the first. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny
· 18 November 2010
· Chapter 25: Moving On
A really charming story, Fiondil!
Life - and death - certainly has taught Glorfindel what the _really_ important things are. And as he said, he will bring those. Though there will probably also be a few other keepsakes as well.
Hopefully Glorfindel's advice will help the twins to be able to sort out the more important little trinkets.
And it certainly won't surprise me if Glorfi is stuffed into a corner of Elrohir's pack!
Author's reply
Thank you, Sunny. I'm glad you enjoyed this. And I'm sure that Glorfi will find its way into someone's pack before they leave. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Fantasia
· 18 November 2010
· Chapter 25: Moving On
Beautiful....when I left my country, I was unable to bring anything to USA, we were political refugees and came to this country literally with our clothes only. We left everything, I still cry over my family pictures, my toys, my letters, my childhood treasures, but the most terrible thing is that I left my parents behind, my family, my friends, my home. Those are the thing that you can never replace. Even now, when all my family is here, it hurt a lot to think about that. My dad and father in law passed away just shortly after we left (my brother, my sister in law, my husband and me). We couldn't say goodbye and we had never visited their resting place. Luckily the rest of the family is now with us and I thanks God and this great country every single day for the privilege of having them, even for the fights that we have as a family. Thanks Fiondil for this wonderful tale, it made me very emotional, but I always get very sentimental in this time of the year, I'm really a mess until New year.
Author's reply
Fantasia, your account is so moving and I'm touched that you would share this with me and my readers. I've never been a refugee, but I gave up a comfortable lifestyle, my home and car and 99% of my possessions and traveled to China with only 2 bags containing everything I owned to teach English. When you have that kind of experience you learn what's truly important in life and thankful for what you do have. This story, fluffy as it is, still conveys that message very clearly, I think, and I am so glad that it touched you as it did. Thank you again for sharing your story and for reading and reviewing this one. I appreciate it more than words can adequately express.
Parmalokwen
· 17 November 2010
· Chapter 25: Moving On
Cute! I can easily believe that immortals would tend to accumulate a LOT of stuff.
Author's reply
Hi, Parmalokwen. This really is just a piece of fluff, but fluff with a message. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 17 November 2010
· Chapter 25: Moving On
Oh, how could the Twins leave Glorfi behind, if they don't bring anything else they have to bring Glorfi!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
I'm sure they will, Lynda. It's too cute to leave behind, and I have a feeling that if they did leave it behind, Glorfindel will find a way to bring it along himself. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Larner
· 30 October 2010
· Chapter 24: Labyrinth Time
Obviously a needed meeting between the two of them, and I rejoice that they are granted it.
Most interesting, particularly as apparently the timelessness of Lothlorien made it difficult to perceive the Moon when the Fellowship came there. I always found the discussion on the Anduin regarding the Moon phases coming full turn while they were inside the Golden Wood to be most fascinating, actually. But to have the Moon shine on the labyrinth there is most appropriate.
Author's reply
While there might have been a sense of timelessness in Lothlorien, Larner, that doesn't mean that time itself did not exist and perhaps the Fellowship, or at least the Hobbits, were too weary at first to pay much attention. *grin* Certainly Aragorn was not confused by the Moon's appearance when they left the Golden Wood, so I imagine that he, at least, having been raised by Elves and having spent some time in Lothlorien, was aware of the time passing.
At any rate, I'm glad you enjoyed this story. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny
· 29 October 2010
· Chapter 24: Labyrinth Time
So ... Namo is not the only one among the Valar who has a thing for mazes, it seems!
The little bit with Huan was really amusing!
It is reasonable that Aragorn doesn't want to tell Beren what lies in store for them - but I wonder a bit at just how he chose to present himself to Beren. Was that perhaps because of the meaning of his childhood name?
And at the last, Námo is being teased about his favorite color. Again. :-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. No, Irmo and Namo are both maze-freaks among the Valar. *grin* I'm glad you liked the bit about Huan and found it amuseing.
As for how Aragorn chose to present himself to Beren, I imagine introducing himself with his childhood name gave him an out. He didn't really have to explain just who he was and what he was about. And of course, when Beren tells Luthien that he saw "Hope" there was a double meaning to his words, though Luthien would only be aware of one meaning, unless Beren told her everything.
And yes, Namo is constantly being teased about his sartorial decisions. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Sunny. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Estelcontar
· 28 October 2010
· Chapter 24: Labyrinth Time
A very fascinating story. I really enjoyed your version of a meeting between Beren and Aragorn, and the idea of one helping the other to overcome each other's misgivings.
Beren's final reply to Lúthien was perfection itself.
Author's reply
Hello Estelcontar. Thank you. I am very glad you enjoyed this story and I thought Beren's reply to Lúthien was pretty clever, myself. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
Ainu Laire
· 27 October 2010
· Chapter 24: Labyrinth Time
I was given the link by a friend, and glad I am that she linked it! This was wonderful, and truly a great meeting between the two. I always believed that Aragorn and Beren would have been good friends if they lived in the same time period... they are very much alike. Having them meet together, what a great idea!
Author's reply
Hi Ainu Laire. I'm glad your friend sent you the link, too, and I am glad you enjoyed the story. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.And I think they would have been good friends, too, if they had lived in the same time period.
6336
· 27 October 2010
· Chapter 21: Breath of Arda
Reading the reviews for this particular story and got to wondering who consoles Nienna? She is running around helping everybody else, who, other than Atar of course, consoles her?
Marvelous what pain meds, even Tylenol will do for you!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
I imagine that Namo and Irmo console her as siblings should, and when that doesn't work, she probably goes to Vaire and Este. An interesting question, though, Lynda, and possibly a plot bunny in the making. *grin*
eiluj
· 27 October 2010
· Chapter 24: Labyrinth Time
Oh, very good indeed!
From the beginning I was expecting Beren to show up in one of the labyrinths in Aman.
Then when the story shifted to Aragorn and Arwen, I began to wonder if Aragorn and Beren would be transported from one maze to another, and how the resulting conversations (Aragorn with Lúthien, Beren with Arwen) might go. But Aragorn and Beren speaking made much more sense.
Aragorn was very wise in what he did and didn't say. And that name -- Estel -- is always useful to fanfic writers!
"They will think when Lúthien comes and begs for Beren’s return and I grant it, it will be only because it will be her song that moves me and not because Atar wills this destiny for them." -- An interesting distinction. But also, of course, true.
And in the end, it always comes down to Námo's wardrobe....
Author's reply
Hello Eiluj. Having Beren speak to Arwen and Aragorn speak to Lúthien would certainly have been interesting but I felt that these two Men needed to speak with one another, and of course the message that each received from the other was exactly what they needed to hear. 'Estel' is indeed always useful.
And it's always about Námo's wardrobe, isn't it? *grin*
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to do so.
rick
· 27 October 2010
· Chapter 24: Labyrinth Time
Shades of Amber! Good story, though. I'm glad you let Beren & Aragorn talk - nothing like a different perspective for clarification.
Author's reply
Yeah, yeah, I know, but it was so much fun to write. *LOL* Glad you enjoyed this one, Rick. Thanks for letting me know.