Twice Blessed by MJ

Reviews (48)

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Raven Devil · 1 May 2020 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16

I can't describe how much I love this story, I am willing to wait patiently for the next chapter even though it's been 9 years!!...... I am suffering.....

mystarlight · 31 July 2018 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1

I really love your story thank you for writing and sharing. Hope you will update one day.

NotACat · 16 April 2015 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Just a quick note to say how much I'm enjoying this so far, in the hope that you might be able to continue it at some point. I am much enjoying No Greater Love, and I've noticed that there is no mention (up to where I have read so far, anyway) of the events in this story. Is this part of the reason you stumbled: that you need to wrap this up neatly enough that the ripples would have smoothed over by the time the next story comes about?

Dreamflower · 18 January 2011 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Oh my! I picked a good time to get to read this! The intrigue is just boiling over! I have to say, your character of Aranayel is very interesting. Villains often are. Her plots and plans so far have not gone quite as I imagined them as I read. Congratulations to you for putting twists in that I could not possibly foresee. I still have one fear/suspicion of a particular something she might do, but that is lessening with each chapter, as her actions seem to move in a different direction. I just love Frodo in this. He's sharp as a tack, and getting a chance to display both his intelligence and his innate hobbity understanding of things. Aranayel is not really that far off from Lobelia: wanting the admiration of others without being willing to put in the effort needed to make it the admiration of something real. I also love your character of Vanyalos. He's proving to be as stout a friend to Gandalf as any could possibly be. He reminds me a good deal of Merry-- loyal and good-hearted, but also possessed of foresight and the ability to carry out benign conspiracies for another's own good! And I also like Gandalf/Olorin, who possesses a wisdom he did not in his youth, but still possesses a good heart and the willingness to forgive and to show compassion even where not deserved. It shows that in his advice to Frodo to show pity to Gollum, he was only preaching what he practiced himself. However, I have a fear that Aranayel is about to test that good nature of his to the utmost. And I also have a feeling that she is going to pull disaster down on more heads than Gandalf's in her efforts to gain her "place" as she sees it. I look forward very much to seeing more of this! I do hope there is a lot of it yet to come-- I love a "long read"!

Larner · 16 January 2011 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16

It appears she does indeed remain the schemer. Alas that this is so! But Frodo has her number, I do believe....

Larner · 12 January 2011 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15

At least he begins to heal indeed, and it is indeed time for that to happen. And the realization he is beloved by a Maia ought to give Aranayel a good deal of pause! Most interesting!

Larner · 11 January 2011 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14

It does appear that Lindarine needs to weep away his grief and loss so as to better embrace what is come in the now.

Erulisse (one L) · 3 January 2011 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15

MJ - What a wonderful start to the year. A new year for your readers, and a new life for Lindarine and Helyanwe. My curiosity is piqued, though, for the causative actions of one small Hobbit. There were several things in this chapter that brought me to thoughtful looks back at my own personal self-pity days as well as those climbs out of the well that I was able to make with the help of friends and loved ones, thank the Powers. The chapter rang true to me, and I will read it again because there was much to learn in it. Happy New Year and here's hoping that 2011 is a delicious year for you to look back upon in years to come. - Erulisse (one L)

AzureSkye · 3 January 2011 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15

Is that the reason Olorin is so upset with Manwe? Because he was forced to choose between what his heart desired and returning to help his friends? Hmm....Well, there's probably more to it than that. Lindarine and Helyanwe was completely unexpected. I'm still thinking through all the ramifications, but the twins will like it I think. I always felt they saw her as a mother figure. Turgon seems mildly....um, interfering, but more mischievously than hurtfully. Like a grinning, mischievous 12 year old. And now I'm quite curious as to Frodo....I did notice the glance Turgon gave him, but nothing seemed to come of it......:) I guess that just means I can hardly wait for the next chapter!

AzureSkye · 30 December 2010 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Oh, I do hope Lindarinë can find healing. I do so want a happy ending for the twins, and I think family is part of that. Well, hopefully they can all find healing together. :) Aranayel's reaction to Glamdring was not what I was expecting, was it just that Olorin was being honored by Turgon or is there something with the sword? I had the odd picture of her picking it up and skewering Olorin with it, but I don't thing she's *that* blunt. I quite liked your interpretation of Turgon, I think this is the first fic I've read that had him re-born in it. And Frodo is of course in his element. And I loved the inscription on Glamdring. And I'm rambling now, so I'm going to stop.

Erulisse (one L) · 30 December 2010 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13

MJ - So....Turgon, is it? I love this twist. But then, that is what you excel at - twists and turns in plot and storyline. I hope you are feeling better now. I appreciate your responses to my reviews and queries and I have printed out and will attempt to play the music that you pointed out to me. It's been a while since I worked with printed music so I think it's about time I get my hand back into it. Have a safe and happy New Year... - Erulisse (one L)

Aiwen · 29 December 2010 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Hope you feel better soon. Stomach flu is nasty.

Larner · 28 December 2010 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Aha--it is the glory of Gondolin he recalls, and the pride and joy of its lord! And it is an ancestor of Aragorn himself through Idril his daughter that he sees--one who might well wish to know of the issue he has remaining within Endore! Excellent!

curiouswombat · 28 December 2010 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13

So sorry to hear that you've been ill - do take your time to recover - we'll be waiting when you and the muse are ready.

AzureSkye · 28 December 2010 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Well, I think this is the first story I've ever seen with a re-born Turgon in it. I was personally thinking it was Earendil or Ecthelion, both of whom would stay with Glorfindel. Of course Earendil wouldn't work now that I think more about it, and Ecthelion may still be part of that group. I do think Frodo is stronger than the Maiar think, if Aranayel tries to use him as a pawn I think she'd fail. Well, I can't wait for the next bit, and to see how you display Turgon! Hope you feel better soon!

FantasyFan · 27 December 2010 · Chapter 11: Chapter 11

It's good to be reminded that Frodo has plenty of experience dealing with unpleasant people, both the Sackville-Bagginses and unwanted female attention. And, as Ványalos say, he has both wit and wisdom. He very well could become the secret weapon of this plan, since as he is both a mortal and small, he is likely to be underestimated. And I am afraid that Ványalos' hopes to avoid an open war may come true, but only because I think this is going to be a very sneaky guerrila war instead.

Erulisse (one L) · 27 December 2010 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12

MJ - I consider this chapter to be a lovely Christmas gift, for the music and song indeed are. Is there anywhere that has the sheet music written for this lovely tune? I am rusty on transcription, although I might have to attempt it if there is no written form. My memory for music is not as crisp as it was when I was younger (one of many things that are not as crisp anymore ), but I would like to remember this song and see what instruments I can play it on. Aranayel is certainly biding her time. But I imagine her patience will not last much longer. She will find what she believes to be an opening and attempt to exploit it soon. In the meantime I am pleased that the children are living with Olorin and Frodo and think that the four of them will find healing in each other's company. Thanks again. I, as ever, am looking forward to the next chapter of this delightful story. - Erulisse (one L)

Author's reply

If you only want the tune (I never got around to doing a guitar reduction with the chords, though it wouldn't be that difficult if I fired up the computer with my Sibelius program on it), you can find the sheet music in a PDF on my website's MIDI songs page, http://mj-holmes.com/Settings.htm. Just scroll down to the original songs section. There will be a link for the sheet music for this song. There's also a MIDI recording (no sheet music, though) for "A Midsummer's Dance" from chapter two (again, it only sounds okay if you have a halfway decent sound card). Enjoy! As for Aránayel... She's got a little bit farther to go before things really hit the fan. There are still a few surprises in store— and how she will feel about them... Well, we shall see. :)

Larner · 26 December 2010 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12

In spite of how hard he tries to draw attention away from himself, Olorin must hear himself praised before her, which is uncomfortable in that it is recognized it but raises her envy of him, but does make it more important to her to keep her temper under control. At least she rests in another abode, even if it is not at her own choosing.

Larner · 24 December 2010 · Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Ah, but our Frodo is capable of being devious when it is necessary, definitely a skill to cultivate when one must deal with the likes of the S-Bs and Aranayel's of this world! Excellent that plans have already been laid, and she will find herself politely stymied no matter what she tries! Heh!

AzureSkye · 23 December 2010 · Chapter 11: Chapter 11

GO FRODO!! I think this will work nicely. Well this would be the second Maia Frodo's taking on, I hope this one doesn't with as much carnage. If Aranayel was more open I would hope Frodo could show her that it's not always might that wins the day....But I don't think she'll learn that. I personally think she'll under estimate him....She should go ask Sauron how well that works. Well, the stage is set, now to see how it all plays out. I do think Frodo and Olorin will be able to help the twins. Frodo can relate to losing his parents and the trauma they faced, and Olorin's simply, well, Olorin, and thus awesome. I think I'm most interested to see how Aranayel reacts to finding out where she's staying though....It was a wonderful chapter, and I cant wait for the next!

Larner · 23 December 2010 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Ah! Caught up at last. So, Aiwendil's brother has sent warning already, has he? Forewarned is forearmed. And I suspect Aranayel will soon learn whatever lesson she's been sent to learn, and Olorin's heart will be eased by it. Glad they're keeping him equally in the dark. Awaiting the next chapter now!

Larner · 22 December 2010 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

I was wondering when Miss Priss would be mentioned. And now she is seen not for her own person but as Olorin's companion, which must be another blow to her pride. Silly girl!

Larner · 22 December 2010 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8

I think he answered her pettiness quite well, actually. And I think that, in the same situation, I, too, would prefer the night in the rain by the water rather than to spend it in company with her childish tantrums. She could have done as he did had she tried!

Larner · 22 December 2010 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7

I'm glad he teaches them that song. And Aranayel doesn't appear to have earned much respect in Nienna's house from her peers, does she?

Larner · 22 December 2010 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6

So, she continues to be as petty as always? I suspect that she and Frodo are going to come to--well, not blows, precisely, but something near enough to them before all is said and done. And perhaps she needs to reflect on just how similar she is in many ways to Curumo!