Agape4Gondor · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 19: Approaching Storm
I love seeing Thurin's growth. Your use of tension drives me mad. I'm already biting my nails.
Author's reply
Sorry about that, Agape. *grin*
The Journey Home by Fiondil
Reviews (648)
Agape4Gondor · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 18: Insights
What a beautiful and tender chapter. I love the stones. Maglor's realization that the Valar care for all. Broke my heart.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you found this to be a beautiful and tender chapter, Agape. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
obsidianj · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 19: Approaching Storm
Arthad was his brother? What a horrible tragedy. Watching his brother die and be left alone through the ages. No wonder he nearly lost his mind. But it seems he is starting to heal. Some of his moves like his withdrawal from everyone reminds me of the way Maglor acted at first. I wonder that at least he doesn't recognize this need to be alone when suddenly confronted with so many people. As much as Thurin probably likes to have other people around, he has to adjust to being in a crowd again. And now comes a storm... obviously a bad one and out of season... I just hope that Damrod and Ragnor find shelter and have enough to eat to weather the storm.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. It is very horrible and we can see why Thurin is as he is, but he is well on the road to being healed. Of course, having been alone for so long and then being surrounded by people had to be nerve-wracking to say the least and it is very similar to how Maglor felt at first, though at least Maglor had some contact with others, even if only Mortals. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Larner · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
What a thing to find! Is it the one Maedhros took down into the earth, or the one thrown by Maglor himself out into the sea? At least he can fulfill his oath to bring one back, I suppose. And now we know this strange young Elf's name, if not his family.
Author's reply
This Silmaril would be Maglor's since, once the waters of the oceans retreated, it would be uncovered. We'll learn more about it later and what purpose it has for Maglor. Thanks for commenting, Larner. I appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Larner · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 19: Approaching Storm
At last Thurin is coming into his own as a member of the community, and recognizes he is adding to it. Always good to know you are appreciated!
Author's reply
Definitely , Larner. Knowing you belong is a great feeling for anyone. Maglor has learn that, as well. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Larner · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 18: Insights
Someone else named "Hope," eh? And hope dies when these creatures come around. Most interesting!
Author's reply
Actually, the first element of the name _ar_ means "royal, noble". Not sure about the rest. Thurin may not be pronouncing it correctly at this time. It might be something like _Arthand_ "noble shield". We'll have to see. Thanks for commenting, Larner.
curiouswombat · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
Oh wow! Now that is a stunning last line for an exciting chapter!
Author's reply
I'm glad you think so, curiouswombat. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Laer · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
Wow, one of the jewels were found. :( Poor Maglor. Arthalion, wonder if he will open his mind up more for them. Maybe it is what the Vala wants. For both of them to face what they feel is the biggest form of evil. deer and fish instead of goat. That will help them keep their tummies filled.
Author's reply
Hi laer. We'll have to see how Arthalion acts towards everyone else now and I think you may be correct about both Arthalion and Maglor needing to face what they feel is the biggest form of evil for them. And at least they get a little variety in their diet. That should make them all happy. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
someone · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
I did wonder at some point what Maglor would do, if he found a silmaril now (as the sea leved was lower, it could be on dry land somewhere), but couldn't even imagine that you would actually do that! That's cruel for Maglor, it seems that he can never be free from those jewels. '“You hate me now,” Thurin protested. “I bad. I not good. Maglor good.--' It seems that either Thurin has never learnt history or he has forgotten much, if he thinks Maglor could judge him for killing another elf! This solves at least the problem I was thinking of earlier, about Thurin having some sort of crisis when his new closest friend turns out to be a kinslayer. I still don't understand how a big cat could be so poisonous, though. (Should I go looking for answer to that from the previous replies for reviews?) I know I haven't reviewed this story before, but I'd like you to know that I've enjoyed every chapter and they have brought post-ice age time more alive than nearly anything I have read before.
Author's reply
Hi someone. I'm glad that you've been enjoying this story and that I've been able to bring the post-ice age time more alive than anythign you've read before. It's been a labor of love, for sure, and I've had a lot of fun imagining what Middle-earth might have looked like during an ice age. Thurin/Arthalion, of course, only knows Maglor in the present and most likely has not recovered any memories of the past and stories about Maglor, so he sees his new friend as 'good' and himself as 'bad'. At this point in time, he's very much like a child with his black-and-white worldview. As for the cats being poisonous,there are plenty of animals in our world that are considered poisonous to eat. These creatures are distant descendents of the big cats that Glorfindel encounterd in Valinor (see Elf, Interrupted, Book Two), where Oromë says their meat is not good to eat and leaves it at that and no doubt the Maiar were able to cure the fur so it did not stink for the cloaks that Glorfindel wished to have made for his brothers. Of course, the Harthadrim knowing nothing about any of this, only what effect these creatures have on them and they simply can't tolerate touching them. I hope that clears things up a bit for you. I'm glad you took the time to review and I look forward to seeing any other reviews from you when you can leave one. Thanks.
Sunny · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
Well, well, well, you weren't pulling any punches with the surprises in this chapter, O Cliffie King! First, we learned more about Thurin - I mean Arthalion. So he had to kill his own brother because of the way he was suffering after he had eaten the poisonous cat meat. No wonder Arthalion went insane, and it also makes his reaction to the cat carcasses very logical. It looks as if Arthalion is on his way towards healing, at least, but I'd guess he has still a way to go. Knowing that he is still accepted by the Harthadrim (and especially Maglor) will help in his healing. And then - a Silmaril! Just seeing it is clearly bringing Maglor's ... issues ... to the surface. And it will be interesting to see how he will deal with that. It will also be interesting to see what other kinds of effects the Silmaril may have - like with the cat-things: Will they be attracted by the presence of the Silmaril, or will the be repelled by it? But why isn't it glowing? Did somebody toggle the "off" button?
Author's reply
Well, being a Silmaril, I just assumed it was always shining to some degree or another and didn't think it was necessary to state the obvious. *grin* And no, no punches. And Arthalion can't have better people to help him heal than the Harthadrim and Maglor, as we will see. And we'll see what effect the Silmaril has both on Maglor and the others as the story continues. Thanks for leaving a comment, Sunny. I very much appreciate it.
6336 · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
Two down, one to go! Lynda
Author's reply
If you mean the Silmarils, we won't be seeing the third, as it is deep in the earth somewhere and, of course, Eárendil's is inaccessible. Just dealing with one Silmaril will be tricky, as we will see. They certainly don't need another.
6336 · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
Duh!? Arthalion killed his own brother!? And now a Silmaril!? Oh, Sweet Eru! Am speechless! Waiting, with all patience for Monday and my nails are too short to gnaw on! Ratts! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
A double whamy, that's for sure, Lynda. We'll see how things progress from here on out. This story isn't over with by a long shot, I promise. Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it. And hang in there, Monday isn't that far away. Hugs back.
Larner · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 17: Taming
Well, they are making headway, at least. The Mother Look I know well from working with both my own kids and many of my students, and even a few of my adult disabled clients.
Author's reply
I think we are all acquainted with the Mother Look, Larner. LOL! And they are making some headway but there is more to do before Thurin has fully claimed himself. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Fantasia · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
Poor Thurin, that was a terrible experience. And yes, he had been punished enough and it is a very valid reason to go insane. That horrible experience has happened a lot on the wilds, and worst too, don't you remember the Chilean soccer team that was lost on the Andes? they had to resort to cannibalism in order to survive. It is such a terrible story, but a real surviving story, disturbing, but that is real life. A lot of people were condemning them without even understanding how hard were for them and how they have to live with the guilt. Now, after so many years, public opinion has been more benevolent to them. Well, you really like to complicate things, the Silmaril. Poor Maglor, I can feel his pain. But, it could be the instrument to find the way home. You are so good Fiondil, you really should be writing an original story. No that I want you to stop writing fanfics, but.... well, you know what I mean....
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Yes, poor Thurin, indeed. And your example is very apt, as would be reference to the Donner Party in the 19th century in this very country. Sometimes people are driven by circumstances beyond their control to do things they normally would never do and they should only be pitied, not condemned, for who can truly say how any of us would act in similar circumstances. And you are probably closer to the truth about the Silmaril than you know, Fantasia. We'll have to see how things go. As for writing an original story, while the idea does have its lure, it would mean giving up writing fanfic (can't really do both at the same time as I don't have that kind of free time) and I'm having too much fun with fanfic. Besides, writing an orignal story would be WORK and I write fanfic for fun and relaxation. Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
bookworm · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
OOOH PLOT TWIST ... no sorry I can't be more coherent than that right now. EEEEEEEE
Author's reply
That's okay, bookworm. You're in good company, at least. LOL!
Kevana · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
My head after reading this chapter: http://tinyurl.com/cgmqsu9 You were not joking about needing a cushion for the cliff. Gah! I can't even formulate a proper review. Blown awaaaay. This just hit an entirely new level of tragedy. Oh Arthalion, honey. I'm just speechless at what he faced, and Arthad... there's just not words. On the other hand what I wouldn't give to see the look on Maglor's face. Bravo, Fiondil, seriously.
Author's reply
Love the image the photo evokes, Kevana. I imagine others feel the same way. And I'm with you about seeing Maglor's expression. It must have absolutely priceless. *grin* Thanks for (attempting) to review. I appreciate it.
njomo · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
"What!!" I can hear the collective shout loud and clear! Well done. I suppose we should not be surprised, considering the story is, in large part, about Maglor. At least we've only three days to wait to learn more. Btw, I think this has to be the king of cliffhangers. Tops any of your previous ones, IMHO!
Author's reply
Hi njomo. I figured that if Maglor was in the story, the Silmaril had to show up at some point. Luckily, with the ice age locking up all the oceans, it was easy enough to retrieve. *grin* We'll see what Maglor does with it soon enough. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciate.
Kevana · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
WHAT? But...it... And Arthalion... ... what?!? I, you, it... FIONDIL. *wordless flailing*
Author's reply
LOL!
UTfrog · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
That was about as shocking as anything I have read! Where are you going with? Bound to be interesting. I am glad the hunters and everyone else made it back safely.
Author's reply
As to where I'm going with this, only time will tell, UTfrog, but I promise, it will all make sense before the end. Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
shirebound · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
Oh my goodness, one unexpected twist after another! Arthalion has truly found friends who can comfort and heal him, body and spirit.
Author's reply
Indeed, shirebound. And Arthalion is very lucky to have the Harthadrim with him at this time. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.
Ilya · 12 April 2013 · Chapter 20: Hunkering Down
Poor Thurin- sorry, Arthalion's story was so sad! Imagine having to lose a brother like that.....no wonder he reverted to the mentality of a child. Come to think of it, it seems a bit like what Namo did in The Wars of the Valar, after he was rescued from Melkor. And a silmaril?! Where in blazes did that come from?! Unless it found its way out of the Sea (possibly with Someone's help) when the Ice Age set in?
Author's reply
Hi Ilya. Yes, it is very sad. We'll learn more about the Silmaril in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Laer · 10 April 2013 · Chapter 19: Approaching Storm
Wow, so Arthad is his brother and died a nasty death. Poor Thurin such a sad story, but I can't help but wonder what all else we will find out now that he is talking to more than just Maglor. Skanking Cats. Hope they kill them and not hurt any of the elves. :( So now we have to figure out what the stones are for, as they have to be for something. Thurin seems to feel they are needed. hmmmmmm or are they just pretty? Snow storm is a commin' and it don't sound good. I wonder if this is part of the Vala's plan. It will give them time to help Thurin to find himself again before he goes to the west with them.
Author's reply
Hi Laer. It is a sad story and unfortunately there is more to it and we will learn about it soon enough now that Thurin is being more vocal. As for the stones, that remains to be seen. As Maglor points out, there's nothing pretty about them, they're just ordinary stones. And the storm is probably just a storm, a natural occurence in the midst of an ice age. Anyway, I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. Thanks.
Kevana · 9 April 2013 · Chapter 19: Approaching Storm
Augh, it was his brother. :( What a horrible, horrible thing to go through. Not only did he have to watch his brother die, unable to help or to call for any help, but then to be left alone for who knows how long afterwards. How absolutely terrifying. Perhaps some of his loss of self was as much due to his suffering that as just being alone for ages and ages. Whatever the case, I'm rooting for Thurin to make it Aman and reunite with his family now more than ever. Maybe Thurin could take his brother some "pwetties." Perhaps he is interested in starting a rock collection? LOL, kidding. Curious to see what these stones are and why he keeps giving them to people. He's certainly sharper than some might expect, noticing that Maglor keeps the rocks. He seems to have reached a big turning point, I hope his recovery keeps going well. Yet after all there is an approaching storm. *Dun dun duuuun!* And a little lagniappe. I think I need my own Uruk-Hai scimitar now. http://tinyurl.com/cxwl54d Have a great week, -Kevana
Author's reply
Very horrible, and we haven't heard all the details yet. Trust me, there's more, as we will shortly see. Thurin is definitely to be pitied for what he has suffered. I'm glad you're rooting for him to make it to Aman. He deserves to see that his brother is well and happy now. And, as Maglor points out, he may be mind-damaged but he's not blind or stupid. At any rate, a storm is indeed approaching. We'll see how they handle it in the next chapter. Yeah, a Uruk-Hai scimitar can be handy. LOL! Thanks for taking the time to comment, Kevana. Have a great week yourself.
bookworm · 8 April 2013 · Chapter 19: Approaching Storm
Oh Thurin is talking! That's good to see. And ouch, those revelations of Arthad... One does have to wonder about those cat-things... He's starting to be less the child and more a responsible adult I see! And now a storm, to shake things up. Oh dear! Looking forwards to the next chapter, as always!
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. Yes, Thurin is beginning to reclaim himself. Having Maglor and the others around is helping. And we'll see how they all fare in the storm and what comes of it. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Sunny · 8 April 2013 · Chapter 19: Approaching Storm
So even the pelts of the cat-things was unusable? *raises eyebrow at author* It makes me wonder if these are the same breed as the ones Glorfindel encountered, since he had made cloaks from that fur made for his brothers. But then, since it actually was Maiar who did the making, they might have dealt with any problems. So Neldorion managed to winkle out of Thurin that Arthad was his brother. How horrible for Thurin, having to see his brother die like that, and then being alone for who knows how long. I see that the other Elves asking about the weather patterns in the area - since Thurin clearly is the "local expert" and then asking him to carry a message to return to the tower to those Elves working at the spring has a good effect on him. These little things seems to have let him know that he can contribute, too!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. They are probably very distant descendents of those cats and obviously their evil has permeated everything about them, but I suspect you may be right about the Maiar fixing the pelts and removing their stink. And having the others consult Thurin and ask him to carry messages and all will certainly help him integrate himself more firmly into this particular elven society and foster his healing. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's greatly appreciated.