Larner
· 10 October 2009
· Chapter 17: October 9th
Ah, yes--beautiful--and I'm glad I could get caught up tonight, just as you've finished it. Thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you very much for all your reviews Larner! I'm glad that you liked the story!
Mirach
Larner
· 10 October 2009
· Chapter 16: October 8th
I, too, rejoice that they all share this tale; all know that Earendil was there for all of them!
Very nice!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad that you rejoice with them!
Larner
· 10 October 2009
· Chapter 15: October 7th
What a proper awakening. He remembers the moment of despair, but spares them the realization. But at least he knows how hard they sought him, and all rejoice in this reunion.
Author's reply
It wouldn't be Aragorn if he wouldn't spare others if he can... Yes, all of them are together now, with Earendil watching them from above - a true family reunion! At least until Aragorn's leg is healed and he will have to leave again, but that will take some time...
Larner
· 10 October 2009
· Chapter 14: October 6th
The image of the two of them resting together--that is beautiful! Oh, how beautiful. And this time Earendil hears them--perhaps a gift from Este.... He, too, needs a bit of healing, I suspect.
Author's reply
It can be a gift from Este, yes... But he had several thousands of years to learn reading from lips, too =)
RS
· 9 October 2009
· Chapter 17: October 9th
Hi Mirach
I'm so sad to see this story end. I haven't had a chance to review all chapters (had to recover from my heart palpitations!) but, rest assured, my computer was turned on every day to just get to your updates. I love your writing. Every single chapter had it's own emotion. I'm so glad that there might be a sequal to this. I can't wait.
Author's reply
Thank you RS, I'm very glad that you have been reading, and thank you for all your reviews!
Inzilbeth
· 9 October 2009
· Chapter 17: October 9th
This has been a wonderful tale, Mirach, I do congratulate you. I feel sure it must be completely unique and yet you've managed to weave so much that is familiar into it. I loved your take on Aragorn and Elrond's relationship and it was fascinating to read how Earendil viewed them both. And like all the best fan fiction, you've succeeded in making, at least this reader, think about long known facts in a different light. It had never occured to me until I read this that it was actually the actions of Dunedain, and Earendil's descendents in particular, who caused the flat world to be made round. Obvious, I know, but I'd never phrased it like that in my mind before. And how interesting to consider the different responses of the Valar in tackling the two biggest bad guys in M-e's history. With hindsight, they were right, but it does seem a strange thing that the Valar only sent five Istari to take on Sauron yet they send the entire host of Valinor to defeat Morgoth! It's little gems like these that helped to set this story apart - that and the great writing and brilliant characterisation!
I so hope you write a sequel. I'm looking forward to it already!
Author's reply
Thank you very much or all your reviews Inzilbeth! I'm really glad that you enjoyed the story, I think I'll never be able to read Tolkien's book without an occasional thought "what did Earendil think when he saw it?" =) And I'm glad that you liked my/Earendil's thoughts about Valar and, well, life in M-e in general... I just thought how strange it had to be to watch from above as the flat world is changing to a round one...
curiouswombat
· 9 October 2009
· Chapter 17: October 9th
Thank you for this - a fascinating idea beautifully carried out.
Author's reply
Thank you too, and I'm glad that you enjoyed it!
Dreamflower
· 9 October 2009
· Chapter 17: October 9th
This has been a truly beautiful tale! And I will imagine the joyful reunion in the West, when Earendil can finally embrace his son.
Marvelous! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Author's reply
Thank you for your reviews, I'm glad that you enjoyed the story!
Cairistiona
· 9 October 2009
· Chapter 17: October 9th
Ohhhh, I like the sound of a possible sequel! *sends carrots to feed the plot bunny*
Excellent ending to this story. The thoughtful tone, and indeed, the thoughts themselves, are so right. I especially was touched by his musings on the bittersweet reunion with Elrond. If there's one thing I wish I could change about Tolkien's legendarium, it would be to let the Elves and Men be united before the ending of the world. It's almost unbearably sad to me that they have to be sundered so completely after this life. But at least Elrond will have Earendil there to comfort him.
*sigh* As I feared, it's a bit bittersweet, having this story come to an end. But I look forward to whatever you have in mind for your next story!
Author's reply
Thank you very much for all your reviews during this story! I will miss posting it too... But in the next occassion I will speak with Eärendil, and maybe he will tell me more of his stories. We are collegues, you know? Mirach is a star in Andromeda on the northern sky ;)
Inzilbeth
· 8 October 2009
· Chapter 16: October 8th
I'm seriously in awe of your writing here and I think this is my favourite chapter so far. And that's a most interesting question you've raised there about whether Estel was named after Gil-estel. Within the context of the story, he probably was, but I'm not so certain the names evolved that way. Even though Earendil was one of the earliest characters created, the name Gil-estel doesn't appear until 'The War of the Jewels' and then it's the third invention after Gil-Orrain and Gil-Amdir. And 'Estel' of course was initially 'Amin' in the early draft of the 'Tale of Aragorn and Arwen', so who can say which came first! But never mind my pedantic and completely irrelevant ramblings, all that matters is that this is a truly brilliant chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you very much, I'm glad that you liked it! Thank you for the explanation of ethymology, I didn't know that! I always like to learn something new about Aragorn =) So I know that the name didn't evolve this way now, but still I find it a strange coincidence, and I think that Tolkien was aware of it too, when he decided on the final form of both names.
Elflingimp
· 8 October 2009
· Chapter 16: October 8th
Somewhere there should be a reward for this story, it is so very beautiful and original, never have I read another story like this, thankyou for sharing it. Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
*blushing* oh, thank you very much! It's reward enough that you like it! There will be one more chapter tomorrow, and then it ends and I will really miss it, I think...
Cairistiona
· 8 October 2009
· Chapter 16: October 8th
Another stunningly beautiful chapter--quiet, full of wonder and self discovery for Earendil. I think we can all relate to his worry that he isn't doing enough, isn't doing what he's supposed to. Doubt that we've made the wrong choices plague most of us, and it's good that Earendil at last sees the purpose to his life. It touches a bit on that "free will" vs "pre-ordained" debate... Earendil chose to sail when he did but at the same time, it's as thought Iluvatar knew that Earendil's light would be a beacon of hope sorely needed during these dark times. Very thought-provoking chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you! It seems that as the story progresses, I'm getting through angst and hurt/comfort to reflections... I'm glad that you enjoy this part, too. And yes, the great "free will" vs "pre-ordained" debate... it's interesting that you mention it, because there will be more about it tomorrow ;)
Dreamflower
· 7 October 2009
· Chapter 15: October 7th
This was marvelous. I love the little trick that Glorfindel played! And it was so good to see his brothers reunited with him.
Author's reply
Thank you! Glorfindel is glad that you liked it =) The twins are too occupied in this moment to care if you liked them in this chapter or not, but I'm very glad that you did! =)
Dreamflower
· 7 October 2009
· Chapter 14: October 6th
Oh, it's just lovely to see Elrond tending his son, and Earendil's distant encouragement. I like that Earendil is beginning to believe he's making a difference.
And I liked his thoughts about Glorfindel, as well.
Author's reply
Eärendil likes it too, I think =)
Inzilbeth
· 7 October 2009
· Chapter 15: October 7th
Ah, a very welcome spot of humour there. The twins deserved that! But I love the last paragraph best of all. Yes, how like Aragorn to keep this to himself and so spare the feelings of others.
Author's reply
I'm glad that the humour was welcome, they just caled for it in their gloominess =) And Aragorn is Aragorn, and that is the reason why Eärendil came to love him after just a few days of watching... Thank you for the review!
Cairistiona
· 7 October 2009
· Chapter 15: October 7th
Oh this was lovely, absolutely lovely. All the wonderful care the three "E's" are giving Aragorn, and now he's finally awake and aware and smiling, however weakly. And eating! That's always a good sign. And noble and selfless in not letting the twins know how close he came... that's vintage Aragorn. *hugs Ranger*
Especially loved this line: "You are like an echo of Elros’ and Elendil’s voice, like a kingly blade that was tried by the fire, and reforged for great deeds."
Wonderful stuff. I'll be sad when it ends!
Author's reply
Vintage Aragorn 2986, lol. But you will have to fight your way through three "El's" to hug him in this moment, they are quite protective =) Thank you very much for your review, the story is nearing its end indeed, and I admit that I'll be sad too...
Inzilbeth
· 6 October 2009
· Chapter 14: October 6th
At least, peace for both fathers and both sons. A wonderful, warm chapter, Mirach.
Author's reply
Both fathers, both sons (which makes three together), and several readers... Interesting maths! =) Thank you very much, after the many days of cold you all deserve a warm chapter, I think!
Cairistiona
· 6 October 2009
· Chapter 14: October 6th
That huge whooshing sound that you heard was me, sighing finally in great relief as Estel slips into peaceful sleep in the arms of his Ada. Wonderfully done--a chapter full of so many warm moments. Loved it!
Author's reply
I wondered what was the sound, now I know it :D I love that moment of relief after the suffering, I was looking forward to posting this chapter since the beginning of the story!
Thank you for the review!
Cairistiona
· 6 October 2009
· Chapter 11: October 3rd
The cavalry is coming at last!!! Go, Elrond!!
Author's reply
*sounds the trumpets*
Cairistiona
· 6 October 2009
· Chapter 13: October 5th
Awwww.... "Adar..." I love that! (I seem to be using "love" a lot with these last two chapters).
Such good insights into fatherhood and its difficulties, especially with these two, who had such unique challenges to overcome. I love the description of the sadness in Elrond's eyes. I've always seen Elrond as that way... content and joyful but with a deep sadness nonetheless. I don't think an immortal Half-elf could *not* be sad, after forming close bonds over so many, many long years with mortals (I doubt Estel was the only only Man Elrond found himself loving, although I do think that he was the only Man Elrond took to as a son). Really a fascinating and moving chapter.
Author's reply
So here are the soft blankets and his Ada, finally! And besides that, a reflexion on fatherhood... I'm glad that you like the way how I interpeted their relationship, and the bond between them!
Cairistiona
· 6 October 2009
· Chapter 12: October 4th
I absolutely love that it isn't until Earendil seeks forgiveness that he is finally allowed to help. And I love that Elrond is the one to find Aragorn at last. And finally, I love love love love LOVE how Elrond holds and warms and comforts our poor Ranger. Sooooooo fatherly and compassionate and loving.
*heaves very contented sigh*
Author's reply
Oooh, a lot of love in this review, thank you very much!
Larner
· 5 October 2009
· Chapter 13: October 5th
Knowing we are not alone is so important! Love this chapter particularly for that. Neither son is alone this night!
Author's reply
Thank you! You know, the first draft title of this story was "You Are Not Alone", so you are perfectly right!
Inzilbeth
· 5 October 2009
· Chapter 13: October 5th
Ah, that was wonderful, especially the last line where Elrong looks to his own father for comfort. What a relief though that Aragorn is now safe in Rivendell, even if he isn't out of the woods yet.
Author's reply
Thank you! A relief for me, too... During the previous days, I was really looking forwards to finally get to these chapters where Aragorn is finally safe =)
Dreamflower
· 5 October 2009
· Chapter 13: October 5th
What a scene! I watch with Earendil, and see Elrond attending on his youngest son, his mortal son. It's a scene of love and sacrifice, beautifully written!
Author's reply
Thank you! I must say that I love this scene too, and I really enjoyed writing it =)
Inzilbeth
· 4 October 2009
· Chapter 12: October 4th
Oh bravo, bravo! Well I don't know about Elrond, but I had tears in my eyes reading that! And it was quite brilliant to have Earendil guide Elrond in the way he did. I had to quickly check that wasn't the last chapter and I'm very relieved to know there is still more to come.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you! *bows*
No, this is not the last chapter, there are still things to do and words to say.