In Darkness Bound by Fiondil
Tari · 2 May 2011 · Chapter 61: Preparations for Departure
As I believe I have said before, Fëanáro has lost all sense of reality. It's bad enough that he is going to his own doom without taking others with him. What an ego he has. Can't wait to see what the Valar have planned next.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. It is unfortunate that he took so many with him and that is the real tragedy. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
6336 · 2 May 2011 · Chapter 70: The Road North
Things just keep getting darker and darker. Liked the parenting bit, a bit along the lines of 'What were you thinking, were you thinking?' I was not aware that Artanis was involved in the kin-slaying, was that why the Valar refused to allow her to return to Aman? I thought that might have been how Ezilmiril got involved in the March, being too scared to return with out her Atar. Now to see just what Namo has to say, as if we did not know! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, Artanis joined with her Telerin kin against Feanaro and that is the primary reason for her not being allowed to return to Aman with the others. And that's how Ezelmiril gets sucked into the whole mess without realizing what is happening. Of course, if it hadn't been for that, Sador would never have been born and where would Finrod and Glofindel, never mind the people of Tol Eressea, be without him? *grin* Next chapter will be the final "canon" chapter, other than seeing Arafinwe return to Aman. After this we'll be dealing with what might have happened in Aman once the Noldor left. After all, Ingwe is still missing.... Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Erulisse (one L) · 30 April 2011 · Chapter 69: A Deathness of Swans
My bad. That should teach me to not read so early in the morning, or at least not until I have had a chance to wake my brain. Apologies for the name mix-up extended along with a red rose.... - Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Apology accepted. And the confusion is understandable considering how close many of the names look and sound. Tolkien didn't do us any favors with all those "Fin-guys" as a friend puts it. LOL! Thanks for the rose.
Erulisse (one L) · 30 April 2011 · Chapter 69: A Deathness of Swans
I knew you would handle Alqualonde well, and you did. I stumbled a bit because you have Turukano participating in the Alqualonde bloodbath, when it is most often stated that his group was third on the scene and stayed back from the fray. However, I grabbed my Sil and took a quick search and nothing specifically states that, so your version is not incorrect, just your version, and it holds as much veracity as anyone else's interpretations. I remembered Laurefindil's amme from your previous story, and have always loved how you brought him into this tragedy. As always, I am amazed by your style and ability to tell a tale that we all know with such individual focus. You make all of us feel for the individuals who are involved in the fray rather than just thinking about this horrific part of Elven history from an outsider's viewpoint. Well done. - Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. I'm not sure where you get the idea that Turucáno is participating in the Kinslaying. Perhaps you are confusing him with Turcufinwë who is mentioned as fighting against three Teleri in the paragraph before we see Laurefindil and his ammë. There, Laurefindil specifically acknowledges that he is in violation of his oath to Turucáno so supposedly he's wandered off without his lord's permission while the rest of Turucáno's people stay back from the fray. I've been very careful to make sure that the characters are acting as dictated by canon and no one is fighting who shouldn't be. That being said, I appreciate your comments concerning my style and ability to tell a tale with individual focus, especially when dealing with scenes with which we are all familiar, perhaps too familiar. That's why I tend to focus on individuals caught up in what is going on, trying to bring it down to a more personal level and showing people moved by forces beyond their ability to control. I think in this manner it makes these rather epic scenes more real to the reader. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Ellynn · 29 April 2011 · Chapter 69: A Deathness of Swans
For quite some time now, I (we all) knew this was coming. I was afraid of this moment - not because of blood, as I have no problem with graphic violence - but because of pain I knew it would bring. And now it happened. :( Well written!
Author's reply
And it was a chapter I dreaded to have to write but knew it had to be written. I'm grateful to know that you found it well written, Ellynn. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
6336 · 29 April 2011 · Chapter 69: A Deathness of Swans
A very powerfull, very sad chapter. Feanor is truely mad. Namo is going to be so busy now, so is Eonwe. I am a little tired, I was up watching the Royal Wedding this morning, what a contrast to this, a bright new beginning for them and a dark ending for the Elves of Alqualonde. Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, I imagine both Námo and Eönwë are very busy at this moment. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 29 April 2011 · Chapter 69: A Deathness of Swans
Oh, I knew this was coming, and I was prepared for the tales told by the earlier stories that mentioned them...I wonder what will come of Olwe's oath, though? Will he and Findarato after his inyo's rebirth, or perhaps he and Arafinwe after his return, have to have words about that? (*remembers Finda's confrontation with the Valar over his rather similar...I think...oath*) Perhaps the enormity of it hasn't truly hit me, as I'm coming to this chapter after a night at my gwathel Michelle's house watching the Royal Wedding. (The new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a splendid pair, Atto...did you see? The dress was lovely. And Kate didn't mix up her husband's names, unlike Diana who did :) It all went so well. I don't remember actually falling asleep but I must have at some point. I missed the kiss, and the actual giving of titles. I found out what the title was later.) Well, anyway, I found Olwe and Lirille's reactions...especially to Falmaron's demise (and Olwe's canon reaction to the demand for the swanships) very, very realistic and believable (as always) and those struck me as so powerful, even if I am too tired to be hit by strong emotions about much else. I was struck by the overall sadness and depth to each character here, though. Four last words to comment: Poor Finda. Poor Glorfi. Tye-melin, Atto...looking forward to Monday! Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I'm sure Olwë will have to deal with a lot of things, including the ramifications of his oath, though it really isn't very similar to Findaráto's, nor does it truly invoke the Valar, only Námo. At any rate, I'm glad to know you found the reactions of the characters to the situation to be very realistic and believable. And no, I didn't watch the royal wedding. I did see Diana and Charles' wedding and frankly, when you've seen one royal wedding, you've seen them all. *sly grin* Thanks for taking the time to read and review, Kaylee. I quite appreciate it.
Sunny · 29 April 2011 · Chapter 69: A Deathness of Swans
No wonder Eällindo or Olwë did not recognize the look in Fëanáro's eyes - living in Valinor as they did, they wouldn't be likely to have encounter anybody who was batsh*it crazy, as Fëanáro is right now. It won't surprise me if they encounter some gentler "cousins" of that madness among the survivors of this first kinslaying, though. At least Fëanáro was recognized as being dangerous, but none would have guessed just how dangerous. Námo is getting a workout here, and I can't imagine he is happy about that.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. No, I don't imagine too many Elves would have recognized madness when they saw it in someone. I'm sure many of the Telerin survivors will suffer various forms of madness borne from extreme grief. It will take a long time for them to recover and perhaps some will end up in Lórien for treatment. And no, I can't imagine Námo being at all happy with any of the Elves right about now. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
Tari · 26 April 2011 · Chapter 60: After the Coronation
How can anyone who thinks they can best Melkor not be mad? Even given the little power he has left, he is still more powerful than the strongest elf. Melkor is not the only one who has lost his grip.
Author's reply
Very true, Tari. Obviously Feanor isn't playing with a full deck, as they say. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Aiwen · 25 April 2011 · Chapter 68: The Faring Forth
Ingwion's situation at the end of the chapter hurts and is described movingly. Very good chapter.
Author's reply
Hi Aiwen. I'm glad you liked the chapter, especially Ingwion's situation at the end and and that you found it very moving. I appreciate you taking the time to read and review and letting me know. Thanks.
ellie · 25 April 2011 · Chapter 68: The Faring Forth
I have to admit this is probably my favorite chapter of the whole story. The power, the promise, the fear and determination, the anger, the resolve, the affirmation, the persistence, the partings in which none can possibly fathom the true depth of severence... all so very powerfully yet simply portrayed. And to be able to read about the lives afterward of so many of these folks later on. It is just...wow. wow.
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. I guess this chapter had it all, doesn't it. Glad it's your favorite of the whole story; it's one of mine as well. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I really appreciate it.
6336 · 25 April 2011 · Chapter 68: The Faring Forth
Well they're off, now for Anaire and Earwen to pick up the peices for those who are left. Feanor is an arrogant S.O.B. isn't he, he really has not thought this through, he is so hot to revenge his father and retreve to Silmarills, though I wonder if this is just a convinient excuse to leave Aman? I did like the way you send off all the people we know from E.I. I and II, and it explains how come Ezilmeril left, did dhe get swept up in the madness or was she afraid to come home with out her Atto? Finderato, should have taken the bow and left the harp, kiddo, you will need one more than the other. Poor Ingwion you just want to give him a hug and tell him it will be alright, but it won't will it, not for many, many years and much heart ache. Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, they're off. We will see eventually what happens when Arafinwë returns to Tirion and Eärwen's reaction. I'm glad you liked how this chapter went. I had to scour my other stories to see where anyone mentioned the Faring Forth so I could put them in this chapter. *grin* I think Findaráto should have taken the bow, too, but I guess he felt the harp was more important. And of course we know that Ingwion survives, though just barely. I'm afraid he must wait a millennium for healing like many others. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Erulisse (one L) · 25 April 2011 · Chapter 68: The Faring Forth
**Such hurt at the least I will do to the Foe of the Valar that even the mighty in the Rithil-Anamo shall wonder to hear of it. Yea, in the end they shall follow me. Namárië!"** And Feanaro is correct in his prophecy, as much as Eonwe is correct in his words. The Valar will indeed follow him in the end, and they are the ones who will lay waste to Morgoth and his lands. Through their coming will the lay of the Silmarils come to its bitter conclusion. I loved this chapter. So many names and leavetakings that I remember from other stories of yours over the years. So many hearts breaking while the Noldo leave Tirion to enter an unknown future. - Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Yes, prophecies do have a way of coming true though not necessarily in the way they are originally understood, as we see here. I'm glad you loved this chapter, Erulisse. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 24 April 2011 · Chapter 67: Persuasion Unavailing
Well, now things have been getting even more complicated, Atto, lol! I can't wait to see what happens next (yes, yes, I know, I only have to wait until the morning). I suppose this has happened to many other ellith besides Amarie already. Poor girl, now I understand her attitude in EI much better (and I can see I'm not the only one) Hopefully tomorrow's chapter will be brighter, though considering the way the story is turning, I very much doubt it. I do know you won't let me be disappointed, though; that's one thing your writing's never done, let me down. I hope you had a joyous and blessed Easter, Atar Fiondil. Tye-melin! Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Yes, things are becoming more complicated and we see in this chapter a microcosm of what is no doubt occurring throughout Tirion as households are torn part by these events. I'm glad you understand Amarië better now. Certainly that was one goal of this chapter. But I'm afraid that the story only gets darker from here on out, though I promise you, if not a completely happy ending, then hopefully a satisfying one. And I'm glad to know that my writing never disappoints. That is very gratifying. Thanks for reading and reviewing and I hope you had a joyous and blessed Easter, as well. Tye-melin!
Larner · 24 April 2011 · Chapter 67: Persuasion Unavailing
But, in the end, no one other than he could accomplish what he did in the outer world. He did rightly at the time, at least. Alas for the sorrow he left behind, however, ere he returned via the Halls of Mandos.
Author's reply
Very true, Larner. None other could have done what he did in the Outer World, but we see here in this chapter a microcosm of similiar scenes taking place throughout Tirion at this time as families are torn asunder by what is happening. And for many, as with Finrod and Amarië, reunions will only be by way of Mandos. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Erulisse (one L) · 23 April 2011 · Chapter 67: Persuasion Unavailing
Oh, this is tragic. And this scene, in many aspects, has been repeated in rooms throughout Tirion. The Finweans are leaving and a tithe will stay, but many of that tithe will be female. The women will find their strength through this, and I suspect that Elvish society will never be the same after the Darkness. Finrod has always been a character of honor and I'm sure it broke his heart to go back on his word and dissolve the betrothal. It will be many long yeni before they will meet again, but they were made for each other and nobody else. It didn't matter whether they dissolved the betrothal or not, there is only one parther for each of them. So the weapons and foodstuffs are packed and the journey is to begin. I'm not sure how far you will follow them before switching back to Aman, but it's been a great ride so far. - Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. You are right about Finrod and Amarië being made for each other and nobody else and, of course, once he returns to Aman and all they eventually do marry. As for how far we will follow the Noldor, we will actually follow them to the point where Arafinwë makes the decision to turn back. From there on, we'll be concentrating solely on the Elves of Aman and what they experienced during the Darkening, especially the Vanyar (Ingwë is still missing, after all). Glad to know you've been enjoying the story. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
ninqwestilmen · 22 April 2011 · Chapter 67: Persuasion Unavailing
Emotions have run high here, yet each remains resolved to their own chosen path and opinion. The presentation is so true to life and flows wonderfully from one conversation to another. A technically beautiful chapter :) I understand Amarie of EI a whole lot better now, why she acted as she did, and how deep her own hurt had run. This chapter has given me some compassion for her and I guess thats a good thing ;) Can't wait till Monday
Author's reply
Hi Ninqwestilmen. I'm glad this chapter has helped you to understand Amarië in EI better and has allowed you to feel some compassion for her. I think that when this story is complete, some readers may go back to re-read EI with a whole new understanding of why people acted as they did given their history. And I'm glad you found the presentation of everyone's emotions and such so true to life. Thank you for letting me know and thank you also for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
6336 · 22 April 2011 · Chapter 67: Persuasion Unavailing
Melkor did his work too well. Poor Amarie, poor Finderato, poor Noldor! Just what are the Valar doing during all this, not that there is a lot they can do, events have been set in motion that will not have their ending until the Remaking. Waiting till Monday! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, Lynda, poor everyone. And unfortunately, the Valar are not able to do much of anything at this moment and actually they are concentrating more on salvaging what they can of the Trees so they can make the Sun and Moon. That really is their priorty right now. Unfortunately they are just innocent enough (or clueless enough) that they won't realize just how dangerous the situation with the Noldor really is until the Kinslaying. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny · 22 April 2011 · Chapter 67: Persuasion Unavailing
No wonder Ingwion loses his mind for a time. First he loses his gwador, then he loses his twin. And in addition there were probably a number of harrowing incidents happening at the time in addition to the death of the trees - Ingwion said in EI that there had been fighting happening in Valinor, and I don't think Ingoldo feared Ingwion for no reason. And nor Findaráto is on his way to his meetings with Beor, Barahir and Beren...
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, Ingwion suffers greatly as we will see eventually and we will see why it is that Ingoldo feared Ingwion. And Findaráto is well on his way to fulfill his destiny, though neither he nor anyone else realizes this yet. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Erulisse (one L) · 21 April 2011 · Chapter 66: Plots and Counterplots
Amarie usually comes across as an indecisive and rather wishy-washy person, but here you have portrayed her as a decisive person, well worth Finrod's pledge. I'm a little off with the Maiar so much at the beck and call of the elves, but it is a time of turbulence and I can see it as a possibility. That said, I hope she's a good rider and that the horses won't have difficulty escaping the guards coming after them, especially since one is carrying two people. I can't wait for the next chapter, tomorrow morning. - Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. Well, actually, the Maiar are doing what they were created to do: be servants, both to the Valar and the Eldar. And really, this is the only instance that I recall where we even see the Maiar at the 'beck and call' (as you put it) of any Elf. And Manwë did tell Ingwë that he would have Olórin keep a special watch on Ingwion. It's possible that Olórin interpreted his orders a bit more broadly than he should have (a hint of the Gandalf persona coming through, perhaps *grin*). We will see in the next chapter what happens to Amarië and how things turn out for her. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Erulisse (one L) · 21 April 2011 · Chapter 65: Ingwë Alone
--The questions themselves were general in nature, intent on ascertaining the mood of the spectators and their reactions to the Oath rather than anything specific pertaining to it. The council meeting to which Ingwë was privy also was of interest to the Valar and they spent much time going over the details of what was said and, more importantly, what was not said.-- It is often said that the Valar simply underestimated the reactions of the followers of Feanor and the Noldor in general, thus leading to the exodus of them from Arda and the journey to Middle Earth. So, they are aware of the Oath (and of course they would be because Eonwe would have documented it) but they are trying to figure out their best guesses about what will happen next. They didn't guess very well, even using Igwe's first-hand report. And then there is Ingoldo. --So, he was a prisoner. Ingoldo’s prisoner to be precise. He could guess the reason why and felt himself growing angrier by the minute, both at himself for his naiveté and Ingoldo for his daring.-- You have stated that there are 1000 years between the events of these days and those of EI, yet it seems to me that having once had his brother act in such a fashion, Ingwe would be highly unlikely to afford his brother a position of any trust within his government again, no matter how much time had elapsed. Of course I love your take on this period of history. We're almost past canon and into new ground and I'm sure your interpretation will be highly researched and well worth reading. Sorry for the delay in my reviews of these last two chapters, RL got in my way :-) - Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse, The Valar constantly state, at least in my stories, that because they had nothing to do with the creation of Elves and Men, that we are a mystery to them and they don't always 'get' it where we (or Elves) are concerned. Certainly, this is one such instance, but I think also that they pretty much painted themselves into a corner where Fëanáro was concerned, afraid to do anything for fear of having his accusations against them prove true. As for Ingoldo... of course, when I wrote Elf, Interrupted, this story was nowhere near my horizon. I only knew that Ingoldo feared Ingwion but did not really know why. We will see why in this story. However, if you re-read Elf, Interrupted, you will notice that I never say that Ingoldo has any particular role in Ingwë's government, only that his wife does, so perhaps he's merely a hanger-on or he's been given some minor role to keep him busy and out of Ingwë's hair. At any rate, even for Elves, a thousand years is long enough and perhaps Ingwë was willing to give his brother a second chance. Hopefully, you will like both how I continue handling the canon aspects of this story and what I do afterwards. I don't think too many people will be expecting what follows. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. And not to worry. Review when you can. I appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Larner · 19 April 2011 · Chapter 66: Plots and Counterplots
Ah, glad that Olorin is in his way a party to the escape! Now--for someone to realise Ingwe has been abducted and to find him!
Author's reply
Hi Larner. Yes, Olórin plays a small part in this little conspiracy. *grin* We wil eventually get to Ingwë, but at the moment we'll be seeing what happens with the Noldor as they continue to ready themselves for their big departure. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I quite appreciate it.
Larner · 19 April 2011 · Chapter 65: Ingwë Alone
Blast Ingoldo and his envy of his brother's vaunted power! A true king is one who offers power to his people, not one who joys in exercising power OVER others, a fact Ingoldo cannot fathom. Bumps on heads and drugged drink--not a good combination.
Author's reply
Very true, Larner, and Ingolod never seems to learn that particular lesson, does he. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Aiwen · 19 April 2011 · Chapter 66: Plots and Counterplots
Nice to see what Amarie is up to, and to see her taking decisive action.
Author's reply
Hi Aiwen. I'm glad you like Amarië. Even though her efforts prove ultimately useless, you have to admire her initiative here. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Ellynn · 18 April 2011 · Chapter 66: Plots and Counterplots
Now, this is really cruel to your readers! From one cliffhanger to another. *drama* Can't wait for Friday! :)))
Author's reply
Sorry, Ellynn, but that's how the story is writing itself. I have a number of threads to deal with and some of them will eventually join; you just have to be patient. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.