obsidianj
· 20 November 2011
· Chapter 115: Ingwion Furioso
Ouch! This is a hard chapter to read. Somehow this grabbed me more than the previous chapter. I knew Ingalaure would die, but to see the grief and what his death does to Ingwion and his parents is even harder to read.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. And as hard as it was to read it was harder for me to write. And I think this chapter grabbed a lot of people, because, like you, they knew Ingalaurë would die at some point and were somewhat prepared for it but not necessarily for the aftermath. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 20 November 2011
· Chapter 114: A Collision of Fates
We knew it was coming. And in some regard I'm glad this part is over with, but I morn for Ingalaure. He was no match for Ingoldo. I knew Ingoldo fell far from grace, but organizing the murder of his nephew...? If Ingalaure had stepped through that doorway, he would have been skewered... Ihgoldo has much to answer for.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. There is much to mourn here. And while he was no match for Ingoldo Ingalaurë did his best to do what was right and that is all that really matters in the end. As for Ingoldo's machinations, we will see eventually how that all is explained and how he pays for it. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I much appreciate it.
Author Reply: Hi obsidianj. There is much to mourn here. And while he was no match for Ingoldo Ingalaurë did his best to do what was right and that is all that really matters in the end. As for Ingoldo's machinations, we will see eventually how that all is explained and how he pays for it. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I much appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor
· 20 November 2011
· Chapter 127: Return to Tirion
I think they are smart getting this over and done with. Ingwion is still in distress and needs quiet and stability. As for the Maiar -- nice touch.
Author's reply
Hi Agape. Well, now that the crisis with Ingoldo is done and over with Arafinwë has no real excuse to linger in Vanyamar. Ingwion will do well enough as we know, but you're right that the sooner he hies himself to Lórien, the better. Glad you liked the Maiar. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 18 November 2011
· Chapter 127: Return to Tirion
I can understand why Arafinwe would want to get the coronation over and done with, then he and Earwen can start to try and get things back to normal, or as normal as they can. Life goes on and people still need to clean the bathrooms and feed the cat! Do they have cats in Aman, I know they have dogs?
I hadn't thought of Arafinwe having to declare an heir, but with all his children gone and presumably not coming back he would need to do so.
So that's where the fostering program came from, not a bad idea when you think of it. One forgets just how old Elves are and how slow they are to age in certain respects.
On to Tirion and the coronation!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. If they have dogs, I'm sure they have cats, though Tolkien didn't seem to care for them, but being a cat lover myself I can't imagine there NOT being cats in Aman.*grin*
And this is where the fostering program originated, the same one Glorfindel experienced in "Elf, Interrupted".
Next chapter will indeed be the coronation and then there will be one more chapter after that to wrap things up.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny
· 18 November 2011
· Chapter 127: Return to Tirion
Quite a surprise for Intarion - being named as haryon to the Noldoran! And since he stayed for a while in Tirion, and his presence there was so helpful in getting the remaining Noldor out of their collective gloom, it does make sense.
Now, I feel that I really need to nitpick the discussion of ages here in this chapter. They look as if the numbers are in years of the sun when the sun has not yet risen! I would suggest you replace the numbers with something that would make sense in relation to years of the Trees, or take out the numbers altogether.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. You're right about the ages and I used 'sun year's for clarity but as you will see, I've changed them into Valian years for consistency. Thanks for pointing out the discrepancy and thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Tari
· 16 November 2011
· Chapter 119: Return to Vanyamar
This is getting down right scary. I hope someone intervenes before it is too late. Revenge is never the answer and only causes more problems.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. Yes, Ingwion is pretty scary here. Right now Ingwion isn't in his right mind and revenge is all that drives him at this point. We'll see how it turns out in the next chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor
· 15 November 2011
· Chapter 126: Moonrise
Glad for the wisdom of Ingwe. And for the respite. It's about time. Hope all goes well with Arafinwe's crowning -- Yeah right!!! Especially if Ingwion is invited!
Thanks for another great chapter. I'm glad you let your readers breathe.
Author's reply
Hi Agape. I do allow my readers to breathe whenever they wish. LOL! But you are correct that the angsty parts are pretty much over with. We'll see how Arafinwë's coronation goes. That will be the subject of the rest of the story. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Laikwalâssê
· 15 November 2011
· Chapter 125: Picking Up the Pieces
I long wondered when Ingwe´s restraint would snap and...it happened. I can so sympathize with him - High King or not: he´s also only a father and husband and much weights on his shoulders. I had nearly forgotten about the rising of the moon. It was beautiful described. Thank you. Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. Well, Ingwe's held out longer than I expected so his blowup was long overdue. Glad you liked the description of the moon rising. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 15 November 2011
· Chapter 126: Moonrise
Reassurance and hope returned--what has been needed is now given in tangible form. Now, to see the King returned to Tirion as has happened with the Vanyar.
Author's reply
Very true, Larner. Hope has indeed returned in tangible form. The rest of the story will deal with Arafinwe returning to Tirion to be crowned. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's very much appreciated.
Larner
· 15 November 2011
· Chapter 125: Picking Up the Pieces
And for the first time, the moon rises. At least all now have true reason to rejoice, after the recent trials and tribulations. And Ingwion accepts that he needs help, as do they all.
Author's reply
Yes, a good reason to rejoice, Larner, for Light has returned to the world, if not in a manner any expected. And Ingwion realizing he needs help is the first step towards his eventual healing. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Siiw
· 14 November 2011
· Chapter 125: Picking Up the Pieces
Oops, I had forgotten about that. Of course, that was what they had already been celebrating. *I really need to get that book back from my brother soon ;)*
The same day as this chapter was posted, I had a conversation in a chatroom with a rather rude person from USA, who used words like "ignorant" and "third world village" against me for not knowing his American holidays. For him, his country was the whole world and the idea of other civilized countries was unthinkable. I am afraid that it influenced most other things I wrote that day. :(
Author's reply
Hi Siiw. It does help to have a copy of the Silm on hand. *grin* I'm glad that my explanation cleared things up for you.
As for the chatperson... sorry you were subjected to the "Ugly-American syndrome". That was certainly uncalled for on the person's part and very rude. Some people have no manners. If anyone was ignorant it was him/her.
Sunny
· 14 November 2011
· Chapter 126: Moonrise
Good to see that the moonrise had such a positive effect on Ingwion! He has a really long way to go before he is healed, but he has at least started on that road now. And let us also hope that Lórien won't be too badly damaged by his and his guardians' antics. ;-)
I really love Arafinwë's guess about how the Moon will be named! and I am sure those loremasters he is thinking about will grumble and fume about how their perfect name is ignored in favor of the name from who-knows-where.
I think Arafinwë's ideas about his coronation ceremony are good ones - and will both cement the remaining Noldors' loyalty towards him, and help with their healing. And Arafinwë is definitely not going to pull a stunt like Fëanor did, when he made everybody think that he was going to swear his fealty to Ingwë, but instead swore quite another oath.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, it looks as if Isil's light has had a positive affect on poor Ingwion, though he still has a way to go before he's oompletely healed.
As for the naming of the Moon... we'll see how that comes about in the next chapter. *grin*
And we'll be seeing Arafinwë's coronation in the chapter after next. This story, sadly, is coming to its natural end, so enjoy these last few chapters. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
6336
· 14 November 2011
· Chapter 126: Moonrise
Ah, evrything that was undone is coming right again!
Very nice, a sweet, gentle chapter after all the angst we have been through lately.
Just as well Ingwion is going with Ingwe, 'cause I don't think Vanyamar would be standing if he left him there with Manveru and Erunaro to play with!
Now to launch Anar and switch the rotation, which will be some trick, I must admit.
By the way how come Arda had tides with out Ithil to cause them?
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Almost everything is coming right again. Some things will never be the same, of course, but that's the way life is, even for the Eldar and the Valar. The rest of the chapters will be angst-free as we wind up this tale.
As for the tides... there haven't been any to date.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Fantasia
· 11 November 2011
· Chapter 125: Picking Up the Pieces
In the first section of the chapter, I wanted to take Ingwion away from everybody, they are all crazy...Sometimes survivors have the hardesr part of the deal. Ingwion is so depressed, poor guy.
And the sun is coming! the light! help for the healing.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. You're correct about Ingwion, but we know he eventually heals; it's just going to take time.
And no, not the sun, yet.... go back and re-read the Silmarillion (chapter 11). *grin*
Thanks for taking the time to read and review. It's much appreciated.
6336
· 11 November 2011
· Chapter 125: Picking Up the Pieces
I take it Ithil has been launched.
It was about time Ingwe had his hissy fit, I hope he feels better for it, sometimes you just have to break china, or something!
Ingwion is finally coming to realise there is someting wrong with him and that he needs help, a step in the right direction for him.
I liked the idea of the public apology and ball, something Ingwe is able to do to appeal to his people for forgivness for his actions, necessasary though they were.
I really need to have a chat with your Muse, this penchant he has for cliffiees is starting to get out of hand!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. You guessed right. *grin*
I'm sure Ingwë is feeling much better now and Ingwion is beginning to realize he needs help and, as you say, that's a step in the right direction.
I'm glad you liked the public apology and the idea of a ball.
And sorry about the cliffie, but sometimes they are unavoidable, otherwise the chapters would just get too long and unwieldly.
Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Agape4Gondor
· 11 November 2011
· Chapter 125: Picking Up the Pieces
That palace is in such need of a full blown company of councellors it isn't funny!!!
My heart breaks for them all. But especially for Ingwion.
And---I could smack the Valar upside the head for not warning the Elves about what was coming. Sometimes, and I hesitate to say it, they are fools incarnate.
Author's reply
Hi Agape. Too right, love. LOL! Unfortunately, I don't think there is a Guild of Grief Counselors in Valinor. They'll just have to work it out for themselves.
As for the Valar not warning the Elves.... I think they decided that trying to explain ahead of time would be pointless because the poor dears had no real frame of reference for what was to come. And the Valar do like to surprise the Elves every once in a while. A nasty trait of which we are all guilty. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's very much appreciated.
Siiw
· 11 November 2011
· Chapter 125: Picking Up the Pieces
Anyone can lose it, apparently, when the stress reaches a certain level. When somebody who has always been a voice of reason goes off like this, it is plain scary to read. *shivers* They need a long, good vacation, all of them!
One minor thing: When Arafinwe starts talking about giving thanks, it makes me think of the american holiday of thanksgiving, which is around now I think? It broke the illusion for a moment, and made me feel I was reading something written by an american instead of an elf. ;p Maybe it is the association that we eurpoeans have.
Author's reply
Hi Siiw. Yes, Ingwë was overdue for a blowup and if they had the concept of a vacation I'm sure they would all be booking flights by now. *grin*
As for your question about Arafinwë talking about giving thanks... It's really just an accident of posting that this particular chapter comes near the time of the American Thanksgiving (and it's not exclusively an American thing; the Canadians have their own Thanksgiving Day in October), but had I started posting this story earlier or later than I did, this chapter would've been posted in a completely different month and perhaps the connection wouldn't have been as clear for you.
At any rate, I find it odd that you would think that Elves would not have a concept of giving thanks in the manner which is described here by Arafinwë. Tolkien even gives us a Quenya word _Eruhantalë_ 'Thanksgiving to Eru', which, admittedly is a Númenórean festival, but since they had a long association with the Elves of Tol Eressëa, it's not inconvceivable that they borrowed the festival from the Elves. In the Silmarillion (chapter 8) it says: 'Therefore Yavanna set times for the flowering and the ripening of all things that grew in Valinor; and at each first gathering of fruits Manwë made a high feast for the praising of Eru...."
This was the festival that the Elves, Valar and Maiar were celebrating when the Trees were destroyed. So, the idea of giving thanks in that manner was already a part of their culture.
I hope this clears things up for you. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Sunny
· 11 November 2011
· Chapter 125: Picking Up the Pieces
Excellent timing for that ball! I suppose it will be remembered as the Moonrise Ball, or some such.
Alternatively, how nice of the Valar to provide such an innovative light show for the ball! ;-)
I feel sorry for Ingwion at the ball - he is back in depressed mode there, and feels that he is unloved and completely unloveable. though I suspect his moods are going to be a roller-coaster for quite a while
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Isn't it, though? Although the Elves weren't aware of it. Ingwion is indeed depressed and his emotions and moods will be going back and forth for a while until he can find his equilibrium and peace again. It will come, but not immediately. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Laikwalâssê
· 9 November 2011
· Chapter 124: The High King’s Justice
now I´ve finally found the time to review. Sorry for the delay. Namo´s reaction was...well..unexpected and funny. Ingwe reacted really a bit naive in giving his son a sword and I could follow Ingoldo´s explanation that Ingwe should have cared more for his own people, BUT the punishment is to soft, some years in the mines had done him some good, regarding all the grief he caused, but that´s only my opinion. I´m glad this sorry affair is settled and hope the Valar can help poor Ingwion in some way. Can´t wait for the next capter.
Author's reply
Hi Lai. Finally, someone who actually noticed how funny Námo was in this! Ingwë and everyone else is still very naive about things. And Ingoldo's punishment may be considered soft, but as Ingwë pointed out, his nobles would have objected to one of their own being sent to the mines, though I agree with you that that is what should've happened. I'm sure the Valar will do all they can to help Ingwion regain his equilibrium though it won't happen overnight as well we know.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Lai. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 9 November 2011
· Chapter 124: The High King’s Justice
Fitting, although Ingoldo and Tulcaner could possibly figure out how to build a boat to escape. Glad Ingwion's plots were nipped in the bud, though. And love Namo's appearance in Manwe and Varda's residence.
Author's reply
You're proably right about that, Larner, assuming anyone is foolish enough to give them the tools they need to build one and assuming they even know how. *grin* I'm glad you enjoyed Námo in this. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Author Reply: You're proably right about that, Larner, assuming anyone is foolish enough to give them the tools they need to build one and assuming they even know how. *grin* I'm glad you enjoyed Námo in this. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Tari
· 8 November 2011
· Chapter 114: A Collision of Fates
OH, NO!!!! It should have been Ingoldo that fell off the tower, not Ingil. This is so tragic. His brother will be devastated.
Author's reply
Unfortunately, it wasn't, and we all knew this was coming. And we'll see just how devastated Ingwion is in subsequent chapters. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Tari. I appreciate it very much.
bookworm
· 7 November 2011
· Chapter 124: The High King’s Justice
Poor Ingwion. Recovery is going to be long and hard, I'd guess. (poor impulse control - check. homicidal thoughts/actions - check. suicidal actions - check. alterations in eating patterns - check. Man, he ticks a lot of boxes...) I'd feel sorry for Ingoldo (prolonged camping trip with no mod cons...poor noble) except well...it's Ingoldo...(...has anyone thought to treat Ingoldo for mental illness yet because some of that reasoning is a bit...suspect) Ingwe is being remarkably fair to everyone considering the circumstances though.
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. Ingwion is going to need a lot of care, that's for sure. And Ingoldo... well, as you point out, it's Ingoldo. *grin* I'm glad you think Ingwë has been fair with everyone, even his brother. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 7 November 2011
· Chapter 124: The High King’s Justice
Yep, I could see Vaire being a little upset with Namo, do you know how expensive good silk velvet is and how complex it is to make? She would be one pissed Valier!
Well, I think the trial went very well, I still don't trust Ingwion not to find a way to get to Ratty in some way or other and I don't think Mrs Ratty is as innocent as she makes out.
Let's hope Tulcaner is a half way decent cook 'cause I don't think Ratty knows one end of a cooking pot from the other, he strikes me as the kind who will sit back and wait for some one to 'do' for him. I can't see Mrs Ratty going, I think Ratty would like her to stay behind to keep an eye on things for him.
Erunaro and Manveru need to keep a closer eye on Ingwion, will he be going to Lorien for treatment?
Now to get things sorted out in Vanyamar and see how things are going in Tirion and Alqualonde, we still have to see how Arafinwe's return to Tirion goes and also his coronation and how Aule has reworked the collar, and Ingwe and Elindis and their family still have to greive for Ingalure.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I'm glad you think the trial went well. And I'm sure they will be keeping a very close watch on Ingwion for some time yet. Manwe isn't about to call off his Maiar any time soon. I suspect Irmo will insist Ingwion come to Lorien for a little while to heal.
I hope Tulcaner can cook too or those two are going to be very unhappy. *grin*
And yes, now it's time to wrap things up and get Arafinwe crowned. That will be the focus for the last remaining chapters. We're almost done with this story.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Fantasia
· 7 November 2011
· Chapter 124: The High King’s Justice
Now I know why Tol Eressëa is having so much trouble, it is contaminated, If Ingoldo was there, he left part of his bad energy there....
Ingwion needs a lot of care. Everybody is out of their comfort zone, they all need help and learn about it.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. You may be right about Ingoldo contaminating Tol Eressëa with his presence. *grin* And Ingwion does need a lot of care, as do the others. We will see how things go as we wrap this story up. Thanks for reading and revieiwng. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny
· 7 November 2011
· Chapter 124: The High King’s Justice
No wonder Tulcaner was such a nasty character in EI - no therapy sessions for him, just an exile on Tol Eressea with Ingoldo!
I wasn't really worried about Námo - something more powerful than even the best forged steel would be needed to hurt him. Though seeing the Lord of Mandos skewered on Ingwion's sword would no doubt have been shocking for everybody. Including Ingwion himself. And seeing two Maiar squirm was no doubt an even more ... interesting ... experience. Presumably the two of them will be more watchful in the future.
Hopefully this will be a lesson for everybody. Don't let Ingwion near any sharp and pointy things when Ingoldo is around. Speaking of whom - perhaps he needs to go and change his breeches again? I think this just solidifies Ingwions status as a very, very dangerous person in Ingoldo's mind.
I think healing Ingwion is likely to be a long and difficult project for Irmo and Námo.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, Tulcaner didn't learn his lesson any better than Ingoldo. I suspect during their time of exile the fed each other's resentment and only faked repentance to get off the island.
Námo can certainly take of himself, and neither Ingwion nor any other Elf has any power to really harm him, but I'm sure it was a 9-day wonder nonetheless seeing Námo pulling the sword out of himself with no sign of blood. *grin*
And hopefully everyone will be extra careful to see that Ingwion doesn't play with sharp pointy things anytime in the near future. Of course, we see him carrying the High King's sword in "Elf, Interrupted" so apparently by that time (a millennium later) he's considered rehabilitated and safe around sharp pointy objects. And we see why Ingoldo is afraid of his nephew when he's not afraid of his brother.
We also know that it will take a long time before Irmo and Námo are done with healing Ingwion. He won't be completely healed until Finrod and Glorfindel show up to make life interesting for everyone. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.