Cairistiona
· 19 April 2013
· Chapter 22: Return to Mithlond
I do wonder what compelled the Elven brothers to collect all the treasure. And some of it may be from Gondor... that has my curiosity well and truly piqued. It's good to see Arthalion becoming more himself with each passing moment, though the thought of him talking to his dead brother is heartbreaking. And Maglor... I do wonder (and by "wonder", read: I'M DYING HERE, WHAT WHAT WHAT!!!!???) what's coming with him and the Silmaril.
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. We may never know what compelled them to collect all the treausre or we may learn only part of the answer, only time will tell. As for Maglor and the Silmaril, that will take up a good portion of the rest the story soon enough, so just be patient and all will be revealed in time. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
shirebound
· 19 April 2013
· Chapter 22: Return to Mithlond
So sad. All the riches of a king, yet nothing could buy back the life of his brother, or ease his loneliness.
Author's reply
Very true, Shirebound. A lesson for us all. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate you taking the time to do so.
someone
· 19 April 2013
· Chapter 22: Return to Mithlond
Why do I get the idea that Elros and Elrond were not the easiest children to raise? *grin*
Arthalion is a very rich elf if they are going to drag all that "junk" to Valinor. Perhaps they can use the riches to start new lives there? Arthalion doesn't sound the type of person who would want to keep it all himself. Actually, now that he's sane again, he seems to be a very nice elf.
“Gil-galad’s palace still looks like a heap of stones and that wall over there hasn’t gotten any higher.” Either Maglor hasn't seen Mithlond since it was being built or he doesn't think much of the local architecture. *grin*
Author's reply
Hi someone. You forget that Maglor was in Mithlond only a week or so before so his statement is said solely in jest, showing that he still has a sense of humor. I'm glad you like Arthalion. We'll find out what they end up doing with all the treasure eventually. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
galathil
· 19 April 2013
· Chapter 22: Return to Mithlond
Hi Fiondil,loving the story, I like this chapter.One question, the box from Gondor does it contain the Aragorn's Wing Crown, Ring and Arwen's Crown.I think it would be rather neat if they where returned to Elrond and Celebrain. "Just a thought". I hope that Arthalion, after saying goodbye to his brother,finally finds peace and healing.With the help of his friends I'm sure he will. LOL Galathil
PS The other elves that didn't want to make the journey in the first place, do they change their minds and beat them to Valinor.Thought I ask.You just never know where your stories end up.
Author's reply
Hi Galathil. As far as I know the box from Gondor doesn't contain the crown jewels, just loose gems and such. As for the other elves, we might learn something more about them by the end of the story. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I really appreciate it.
Sunny
· 19 April 2013
· Chapter 22: Return to Mithlond
I wonder why Arthad was so focused on collecting all that bling - it somehow doesn't seem to be the Elvish thing to do. The Silmaril is a bit different, for all that it is one of the blingiest things that ever sparkled. But Arthad's comment that one particular chest of jewels was important makes me wonder if perhaps there might not be some ... special ... items hidden among the jewels and gold. Though I really agree with Arthalion about how useful they are - silver gold is too soft to be useful in making tools or weapons. It will be interesting to see what is found when they go through the stuff in the cave
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. We may never know the answer to that, since Arthalion doesn't seem to know or remember. Apparently, though, Arthad didn't become obsessed wtih collecting the bling until after he head found the Silmaril, so who can really say? As for what else they find, and if any of it is of use to them, that remains to be seen. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
Celeth
· 19 April 2013
· Chapter 22: Return to Mithlond
So, it turns out Arthalion is rich enough to buy a kingdom or three! But I found this chapter very sad for Arthalion. So sad to recall his brother's death, his years of despair and loneliness, and especially how sad it must be to think that when it seems that all that Arthad had been preparing for (in gathering treasures) finally comes, his brother is no longer there to enjoy it. Well, as you say in EI, in Mandos he plays and sings and dances in the Light, and knows only joy, so I hope Arthalion can take comfort in that. Too bad Glorfindel is not there to assure him of this in the same way that he assured Lirulin once. But I am glad that Arthalion is maturing fast, and is able to tell his story now and at least recall and face his memories with the help of the group, especially Maglor and Gloredhel.
Since Maglor doesn't want to return to the south to buy a ship with their treasure, I wonder how they will eventually reach Dor Rodyn. But I am willing to wait for the rest of their story to unfold, because each chapter becomes more and more exciting. I also wonder what will become of the Silmaril and how Maglor will eventually make peace with it and his memories.
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. It is very sad for Arthalion having to recall his brother's death and his years and possibly centuries of loneliness and despair. As for how they reach Dor Rodyn and what Maglor does with the Silmaril, that will be revealed eventually, I promise. We still have another two months or so before we reach the end of the story, so sit back and enjoy. Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate you doing so.
UTfrog
· 19 April 2013
· Chapter 22: Return to Mithlond
I love jewelry and can only imagine what beauties were in the cave. Still, Arthalion was correct. It is all junk! You cannot eat it or sleep on it. Good advice. Thanks for another great chapter.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Tari
· 16 April 2013
· Chapter 21: Opening Old Wounds
Arthalion follow Ragnor and knows where the Silmaril is buried! I fear nothing good will come from that.
Author's reply
We'll have to see, Tari. Arthalion has been in possession of the Silmaril for a long time but he doesn't consider it his. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kevana
· 15 April 2013
· Chapter 21: Opening Old Wounds
Poor Maglor, thinking everything is a test. Perhaps but more likely only one of his own devising. I hope he feels he passed. He had the thing and turned it down, faced it and set it aside. I look forward to the guy being able to do so in his heart as well. Good for you, Maglor. Though I get the feeling it's going to be a very long winter...
Sigh, Fëanor, you and your shiny, radioactive rocks. You couldn't have taken up basket weaving instead, now could you? *hides from furious Elves*
You have quite the story going on here, Fiondil! I mean really, the minute things start getting peaceful you throw something at us - an Elf, an evil mutant cat, a Silmaril... I hope I can duck in time if the next surprise is a ship. *grin* You're keeping me guessing and I love it.
And hey, I guess I was right, they did have a "rock collection." LOL.
It was especially nice to get my head out of the real world today for a few minutes. The darkness will not win but Lord, does it seem endless sometimes. Hoping you aren't in Boston or have loved ones there (same to all the other reviewers too).
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Well, of course everything is a test, didn't you know that? *grin* It's going to be a very long winter for them all, as we will see, and not necessarily just because of the Silmaril.
I'm glad I was able to get your head out of the real world for a few minutes with this chapter. And I agree, it does seem like the Darkness is endless sometimes and there's not enough Light to counter it. I don't live in Boston and don't have any loved ones there thank Eru, but my heart goes out to everyone who does.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time in the middle of all this craziness to read and leave a review. It's very much appreciated.
6336
· 15 April 2013
· Chapter 21: Opening Old Wounds
I think that as Erendille needed the Silmaril to find Aman so will the Harthadrim. Denethor is right, throwing away the Silmaril is not the same thing as renouncing the Oath. (Still think Nardanel should have hauled off and swatted Feanor when she heard about it! It might have made some of his sons think twice.)
Still trying to figure out what is going on with this poor old world, people are getting crazier and stupider by the minute, referance North Korera and now Boston!)
Waiting for Friday,
Many Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Well, as I've been telling all the other reviewers, we'll just have to wait and see what Maglor does with the Silmaril and what role it plays in getting them to Aman. Denethor is very wise, wiser than he realizes.
Yes, the world is getting crazier. When something like this happens, I am glad my mom is no longer alive; it would break her heart to see such tragedy.
Anyway, thanks for reviewing. Many hugs back.
ainisarie
· 15 April 2013
· Chapter 21: Opening Old Wounds
Is Earendil still sailing around up there? Maybe they should use theirs to flash an SOS or something. :) Seriously, though, I do suspect the jewel will have much to do with their getting home. Somehow. And I'm glad to see Arthalion is getting better.
Author's reply
Hi ainisarie. That's not a bad idea. Too bad Morse Code hasn't been invented yet. LOL! Seriously, though, the Silmaril will prove very important in getting them home though not necessarily in a way that most would think. We'll have to wait and see. And it is nice to see Arthalion getting better. He will prove to be very good for Maglor, as we will see. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's very much appreciated.
Laer
· 15 April 2013
· Chapter 21: Opening Old Wounds
Arthalion is wise. I am glad he knows and that he is letting Maglor decide for himself if this something he should do or not. I hope he will forsake his oath to those skanking stones. He needs to forgive himself so that he can be forgiven. Sorry. I know it is rather preachy; but this bombing has me a little beside myself. :(
Author's reply
That's quite understandable, Laer. A terrible tragedy. The world seems to grow more and more insane with every passing moment.
Anyway, we will see what Maglor decides to do and how he decides to do it. The success of the Harthadrim reaching Valinor hinges on this, as we will see. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review in spite of what is happening elsewhere. I appreciate it more than words can express.
Fantasia
· 15 April 2013
· Chapter 21: Opening Old Wounds
Poor Maglor, I wish that I can tell him how sorry I'm about his fate, no pity, no really.
Arthalion is becoming himself day by day. Good.
And yes, I guess that made sense that the Silmaril is there for a reason, beside testing poor Maglor.
And I know that maybe I'm wrong and for sure you have a better explanation, but the Valars seemed a little cruel to me leaving Arthalion on his own for so long because they needed someone to take care of the Silmaril.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Maglor is easy to feel sorry and pity for, especially now. And yes, Arthalion is beginning to reclaim himself. I don't think that the Valar left Arthalion on his own on purpose, just that until the Harthadrim arrived, no one else came and for some reason Arthalion wouldn't leave Mithlond and return to wherever he and Arthad orginally came from. I'm sure they wanted nothing more than to help him but they had to wait until the Harthadrim came to do so.
Anyway, I appreciate you leaving a review. Thanks.
Sunny
· 15 April 2013
· Chapter 21: Opening Old Wounds
So now Fate - or whoever - has conspired to plant Maglor's Issues - the Oath and the Silmaril - squarely in front of him, and they are clearly not going anywhere. Yes, Denethor had Ragnor go and hide the Silmaril so that it - and the attendant stresses - isn't planted right in front of Maglor's nose all the time, so that should let him have some room to deal with it. And I'd guess that he will at least have all winter to perhaps come to terms with the problem. The other Harthadrim will offer moral support, I think, and none of them seem inclined to dispute his claim on the thing.
It shall be interesting to see what Maglor will decide to do.
Author's reply
And very forcefully, too, I might add. The Silmaril has been at the center of all that Maglor has done and been since before leaving Aman and, as Denethor points out, just because he threw the Silmaril away doesn't necessarily mean he renounced the Oath. So we will see what he decides to do about it all. Thanks for reviewing, Sunny. It's very much appreciated.
Cairistiona
· 15 April 2013
· Chapter 21: Opening Old Wounds
Very nice chapter. I like how it looks like Thurin, er, I mean Arthalion, might be returning the favor to Maglor by helping him through this next stage in his journey. I can't help but think about the daily litany of forgiveness that Maglor kept at the beginning of the story... Maglor's journey home seems to center so much around the idea of cleansing and forgiveness. The Silmaril was at the center of all the strife, so perhaps now it will be the center of his finally finding peace. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. You may be right about the role which the Silmaril will play in Maglor cleansing himself and seeking forgiveness. We will see in what way he deals with this soon enough. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate.
shirebound
· 15 April 2013
· Chapter 21: Opening Old Wounds
I think if the Belain wanted you dead, they would have cheerfully arranged matters to accommodate you
Such delightful humor in the midst of such a serious experience. Very hobbity. :)
What a rich and interesting story.
Author's reply
It is rather bobbity, isn't it? I'm glad you are finding this a rich and interesting story, Shirebound. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor
· 15 April 2013
· Chapter 21: Opening Old Wounds
The story is so intense, I can only respond with a Wow!
Author's reply
Music to my ears, Agape. Thanks.
bookworm
· 15 April 2013
· Chapter 21: Opening Old Wounds
;A; Oh Maglor... I am glad Denethor came to sit with him, poor ellon needs all the hugs in the world right now. And Arthalion is less and less Thurin surprisingly quickly! Then again, he has good motivation, and elves heal quickly. But once again the question of how they are actually going to GET to Aman comes up... Presumably they will need the Silmaril? Earendil couldn't find it without one after all... poor Maglor!
Author's reply
We'll see how that question is answered eventually, Bookworm. Whether or not the Silmaril plays a part in their getting to Aman remains to be seen. Thanks for leaving a comment. I very much appreciate it.
Larner
· 15 April 2013
· Chapter 21: Opening Old Wounds
If he accepts it now, then he is not taking it from others reluctant to give it to him, and he is accepting it as the gift it was meant to be. And perhaps he will find himself willing and able to pass it on to others for proper, community usage when they return to Aman as I believe it was originally intended by the One who inspired the crafting of the three. I do hope they find the means to make that journey soon!
Author's reply
That's true, but I think there's more involved than that, and, of course, he doesn't want to take it or have anything to do with it. As for what purpose it will serve the community, we will just have to see. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. It's much appreciated.
Celeth
· 15 April 2013
· Chapter 21: Opening Old Wounds
Just when I thought this story had enough excitement to go on with, another thrilling surprise (or even three) comes up! So even Arthad foresaw the coming of Maglor to reclaim the Silmaril. It loooks like this will be the key, or one of the keys, for them to reach the Blessed Realm, just like the other one helped Earendil and Elwing on their journey to seek the Valar's help.
I thought Maglor was going to "nurse" Thurin thru the winter, too, but it looks like it might be Arthalion who will be helping Maglor along. Its going to be a long wait for Friday...
Author's reply
Hey! A thrill a minute! LOL! I don't know if Arthad foresaw Maglor's coming or was simply inspired, but obviously more than just coincidence is at play here. The Silmaril is a key but in what form remains to be seen. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 15 April 2013
· Chapter 21: Opening Old Wounds
Interesting chapter. We learned a great deal more about Arthalion which is good. Maglor is such a sympathetic character now. If his renouncment of the silmaril stands surely the Valar will help them find a way home.
Author's reply
I'm glad you find Maglor to be a sympathetic character, UTfrog. And we'll see what he ends up doing with the Silmaril eventually. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Celeth
· 15 April 2013
· Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
How sad for Thurin - Arthalion - to have to have to watch his brother suffer that way, and then have to deliver the mercy stroke himself. No wonder he reacted the way he did when they brought the carcasses in last time.
Its nice to know that he is already integrating himself into the community, already doing his part. I'm also happy that they understood and accepted him even after they learned what he had to do. Its a close-knit and compassionate community, and one couldn't wish for a better support group.
But about the Silmaril! Where could it have come from? One is with Earendil, and the other two were lost after the War of Wrath. Which one could this be and how did Thurin come by it? Such a lot of questions. Its a good thing Arthalion can now talk and communicate with the others!
Author's reply
Yes, it's very sad, Celeth, but at least he is with people who are sympathetic and willing to understand what he must have endured.
As for the Silmaril and what it means for Maglor... we will learn about that soon enough.
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 13 April 2013
· Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
What?!? A Silmaril? This chapter had some unexpected surprises. No wonder Ragnor got back as fast as he could. First discovering the murdered elf... Just curious, how do you distinguish between a mortal and an elf when only skeletons remain? And then the Silmaril... Shows you again, throwing something into a river or the ocean doesn't mean it is lost forever. Now Maglor has to face his personal demons. Poor Arthalion, being forced/coerced to kill his own brother*shudder*, even more reason to lose his mind. But he makes progress, at least he got his name back.
What was that about coincidences? Is it the plan of the Valar that all unresolved issues will be addressed before they get to Aman?
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Concerning your question about how one tells between a mortal and an elf when there are only skeletal remains, one cannot, unless the remains are mummified or there is some other evidence showing that it is an elf and not a mortal. Obviously, Ragnor must have had some evidence that the body found was definitielythat of an elf or he would have said differently.
At any rate, you are correct that throwing something into the ocean or a river doesn't necessarily mean it's lost forever. We will see what the consequences of the Silmaril being recovered will be for Maglor. Certainly it looks as if the Valar want certain unresolved issued addressed before these people are allowed to come to Aman. We'll have to see how true your supposition is.
Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 13 April 2013
· Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
Atto,
Just so you know, I have read and loved every chapter so far. This story has sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions, and every cliffie has made me sputter and whine to myself 'but...but...IT IS TOO LONG UNTIL THE NEXT CHAPTER!' (yes, unlike Glorfi, I can admit it when I whine LOL!) But finally I managed to think out a proper review - at twenty minutes to midnight, on the chapter that I should be least coherent at reviewing, judging by the general consensus!
I love Thurin - ahem - Arthalion and I feel sorry for him, with what his brother went through. I'm wondering just who they are, of what clan and how old, that he doesn't know Maglor's story - or doesn't remember?
And speaking of Maglor...the Silmaril. I'm guessing it'd have to be the one Maglor seized, since Maedhros' went into the earth with him and the other one is...um, otherwise occupied. No wonder his burned hand twitched, it must be taunting him, going 'ha ha, you thought you got rid of me but...'
Just...SILMARIL.
*lets self go incoherent now and sputters at Atarinya*
SILMARIL. WHAT.
WHY.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!
*worries for Maglor and Arthalion and all of them*
Oh, and why didn't...was it Ragnor? ever build that flet, if he stayed in the tree so long??
Sorry for not reviewing for ages, but I have been keeping up here and loving it to distraction (and frustration O Cliffie King, Atto.)
Oh well, you should have seen ME when my internet was broken! I was as crazy as I'm sure Maglor will be now...
Now I won't be able to sleep and I have to be up at 7!! It is YOUR fault! :P But I love you anyway!
Tye-melin,
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I'm glad ýou're still reading and enjoying this story. As for what I'm doing, you'll find out soon enough. *grin* More than likely, Arthalion just doesn't remember about Maglor at this stage. And I don't know why Denethor (not Ragnor) didn't buld a flet. Perhaps he didn't want to leave any evidence of someone spying on the Mortals. The tree had to be close enough to the mortal village for him to spy on them and building a flet would've been loud, if nothing else. *grin* Anyway, thanks for reviewing. It's very much appreciated.
Agape4Gondor
· 12 April 2013
· Chapter 20: Hunkering Down