6336
· 8 April 2013
· Chapter 19: Approaching Storm
Arthad was his brother, oh, Eru and what a way for him to go,and there was nothing poor Thurin could do but watch. Eru does draw some very crooked lines at times.
There was something of a breakthrough though and Thurin is finding ways he can be helpfull, commenting on the coming storm being one of them, I hope Ragnor and the group from the camp make it to the hills in time to find shelter.
Off to the Dentist, again!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, it's very tragic, Lynda, and Eru does indeed draw straight with very crooked lines. At least Thurin has had a breakthrough and he has begun to realize that he can be helpful and be a contributing member of the group, which should go a long way toward his ultimate healing. Hope the trip to the dentist wasn't too bad. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review first. I appreciate it. Lots of hugs.
Ellynn
· 8 April 2013
· Chapter 19: Approaching Storm
I'll repeat Cairistiona's words - really great tension-building - I can feel the storm coming.
Author's reply
Glad to hear you think so, Ellynn. Tbanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Fantasia
· 8 April 2013
· Chapter 19: Approaching Storm
Neldorion is the wisest elf around, no doubt. And Thurin is coming out of his shell!...his brother, how sad. And now a storm, a very bad one. Isn't it Friday yet?
Author's reply
He's very wise and sympathetic enough to encourage Thurin to come out of his shell even more. Sorry, Friday is still several days away, Fantasia. You'll just have to hang in there until then. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Cairistiona
· 8 April 2013
· Chapter 19: Approaching Storm
Lots of good tension-building in this chapter--nothing like a horrible storm looming on the horizon to ratchet up the suspense. I loved the breakthrough with Thurin... so now we know a little more of the tragedy that beset him, and I like how after initially withdrawing more, sharing the details seems to have done something good for him. The way he accepted the responsibility of getting the others to the tower made me feel like a proud mother! (Yeah, like I had anything to do with it, but he's bringing out my mothering instincts full force.) Now to hope the rest of the Elves can find shelter in the hills. That will be a big worry for all of us as we wait for the next chapter!
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. I'm so glad you found the level of tension-building appropriate. Hopefully by sharing the details, even if to one person, will help Thurin to come to terms with what happened and begin to heal. And Denethor asking him to help round up people and warn them of the storm is a wise move on his part as it shows Thurin that he is a valued member of the group and expected to "pull his weight". That has to help boost his self-esteem. We'll see how the others making their way from Mithlond fare in the next chapter and learn why they are returning so early. THanks for taking the time to read and review. I really appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 8 April 2013
· Chapter 19: Approaching Storm
We are finally having a beautiful spring day and now I have to worry about about our friends in the storm. Thanks.
Author's reply
Well, unfortunately, it's heading for winter for these folks. We'll see how they all fare with the storm soon enough. Thanks for reviewing, UTfrog. It's much appreciated.
shirebound
· 8 April 2013
· Chapter 19: Approaching Storm
Thurin's ability to communicate is coming back nicely. Hopefully he'll have good memories to hold onto as well as the sad ones.
Author's reply
Hopefully, but that remains to be seen. Thanks for commenting, shirebound. I appreciate it.
Kevana
· 6 April 2013
· Chapter 18: Insights
So he had a companion of some type! It’s amazing if they managed to kill one of those cats, though apparently it didn't end well. Glad he was able to remember and express that before anyone tried grilled monster cat o' doom. Seems like that is quite a breakthrough.
-Kevana
Author's reply
No, it didn't end well, and we see how it ended even worse for Thurin. At least his companion was no longer in pain and was safely in Mandos' hands and probably was even reborn by now, but Thurin has had to live with what happened and that has proven too much for him. Now that he is with the Harthadrim, though, he can come to terms with it and begin to heal, as we will see. Thanks for leaving a comment, Kevana. It's much appreciated.
Laer
· 6 April 2013
· Chapter 18: Insights
Glad they know that they were not only sent for Maglor, but also Thurin. Wow, so his only companion died from the big cat meat. :( I think to see them die what was more than likely a slow and painful death would have been too much for one of the elder. :(
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Yes, it is nice to know that the Valar were attempting to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. We'll learn more about the death of Thurin's companion soon enough when Thurin is able to communicate more. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 6 April 2013
· Chapter 18: Insights
Thurin is making slow progress and nothing like a little crisis to break through some barriers. Aren't they lucky that they found Thurin? Or they would have learned the hard way that these cats are not good to eat. Although, I wonder why.
And what are these stones Thurin keeps gifting people with? It must have a significance that it is always the same type of stone.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Sometimes it takes a crisis to break through. And they are very lucky. As for the stones, we'll learn about them eventually, though its significance may not be completely explained even by Thurin. Thanks for commenting. It's appreciated.
obsidianj
· 6 April 2013
· Chapter 17: Taming
That was a breakthrough. Thurin obviously is able to make a connection between the sounds Maglor and Gloredhel make and his desired dinner. Interesting that he says Maglor's name and not Gloredhel's. Maybe because Maglor is easier to say? Or is Gloredhel more intimidating with her "angry nana" look? Project "Thurin" will give them plenty to do/think about during the winter month. But they can't all just hover over the poor ellon. They need some other projects. Do elves play cards or dice? They need some toys for when they can't go out.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Well, it's not that he's never had language, only that he has forgotten what it is with no one else to talk to. Now, however, there is a reconnection and he is remembering what language is for. He should be able to communicate more fully in a short period of time.
And certainly the others will have more than enough to do even in the middle of winter besides helping with Thurin.
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
curiouswombat
· 5 April 2013
· Chapter 18: Insights
I, too, was thinking that Thurin was as much a lost soul as Maglor.
As for melting the snow - it takes an awful lot of snow to make a small amount of water - I hope, for them, that the aqueduct works!
Author's reply
Lost in a different way, but lost nonetheless. And while it takes a lot of snow to make water, they have more than enough of it, so even if the aqueduct doesn't quite work, I doubt they'll suffer too much. *grin* Thanks for reviewing, curiouswombat. I appreciate it.
Fantasia
· 5 April 2013
· Chapter 18: Insights
Well, it is indeed a mercy that they sent them to Thurin. And it is good for Maglor, to know that he is not the only one needing a rescue. Poor Thurin, to have your only companion die and be alone for who knows how long.
Hopefully, they won't be there for centuries, if anything, when the ice melt it will be terrible, it will wipe a lot of land and re shape the Earth's surface.
The hair stroking is quite funny, poor Maglor.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. A mercy indeed and I think Maglor is almost relieved that he isn't necessarily the only one needing rescuing. As for waiting for centuries before they can sail, that remains to be seen. Thanks for leaving a review. I really appreciate it.
Cairistiona
· 5 April 2013
· Chapter 18: Insights
Oh wow, what a breakthrough, and fortuitously timed so that none of the other Elves get sick from eating the cats. This slow unfolding of the mystery of Thurin is so fascinating and heart-warming to read, though I know there's bound to be a tale of much woe whenever Thurin reaches the point where he can share his story fully with them. I loved the "frisson of something that was not quite fear but was closer to awe" Maglor felt... I felt that same sort of thing, reading this and realizing there's more that the Valar wished than just Maglor's rescue. They're good folk, those Valar. *g* Terrific chapter.
Author's reply
Very fortuitous, Cairistiona, but at the same time, very sad, knowing something of what Thurin endured. And I am glad you felt that same frisson of "not quite fear but closer to awe" that Maglor felt. The Valar are good folk, indeed. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter so much. Thanks for taking the time read and review. I appreciate it.
shirebound
· 5 April 2013
· Chapter 18: Insights
“The Belain have mercy.”
“They did,” Glóredhel stated categorically as she sat beside Thurin, stroking his hair. “They sent us, didn’t they?”
Maglor felt a frisson of something that was not quite fear but was closer to awe at the implications of the elleth’s words as he came to the conclusion that perhaps he had not been the only one the Valar had wanted Denethor’s people to save.
What an interesting insight for him. Poor Thurin has been through something terrible, hasn't he?
Author's reply
A very interesting insight, Shirebound, and very true. And yes, Thurin has been through something terrible and we will learn more details about that soon enough. Thanks for your comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Celeth
· 5 April 2013
· Chapter 18: Insights
How sad for Thurin to watch his companion, maybe a close friend or even family, die from food poisoning (?). But it's good that he has progressed far enough to be able to speak so the others can understand what he is saying and even get a glimpse into his mysterious past. Indeed I agree that Maglor wasn't the only one the Belain intended to save.
So, right now it looks like they will be staying there for some time, if they have to wait for the glaciers to recede and the trees to grow to be used for shipbuilding. Then again when one is immortal, what's a few centuries? It will give them time to grow closer to each other, and for Maglor and Thurin's therapy program to continue. Maybe even time for some of their companions to catch up with them? I don't suppose that's a possibility, although I still wonder about them sometime. But I keep tellin myself that probably those who stayed behind were the ones who never left Middle-earth and went on to Elf Academy.
Thanks for the new chapter. I'm already looking forward to the next one.
Author's reply
Yes, very sad and we will learn soon what Thurin's relationship with the dead ellon is. And, as you say, if you're immortal, what's a few centuries? It would certainly give them all time to grow closer together and become more like "family", especially Maglor and Thurin. Thanks for your comments, Celeth. They're much appreciated.
Sunny
· 5 April 2013
· Chapter 18: Insights
Good to see that Thurin is making progress. And having fewer people around wouldn't be so overwhelming for someone who has been alone for long enough that he has reverted to an almost animalistic state. And having the other Elves interact with Thurin would ensure that he won't be completely dependent on Maglor and Gloredhel.
The situation with the cats must have been the real breakthrough with Thurin in this chapter, though. And here we have learned a small piece of his history, too. Not a pleasant one, but one that can begin to give an explanation for why he is in this state. For an immortal it must have been truly horrifying to see his friend sicken and die. And it figures that the critters would be poisonous to eat.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. The cats were certainly a breakthrough for Thurin. We will learn more about the one who died eventually and what he meant to Thurin. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog
· 5 April 2013
· Chapter 18: Insights
Poor Thurin! Being left alone like that is terrible. Enjoying your continued character development. Will we ever learn if there is significance to the colors of the rocks Thurin collects? Thank you.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I'm glad you are enjoying the continued character development. And we will learn something about the significance of the colors of the rocks Thurin is collecting, though it won't be completely explained, since not even Thurin will know for sure. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. Have a great weekend!
Fadesintothewest
· 5 April 2013
· Chapter 17: Taming
Yes, Thurin! It is fitting to have Maglor lead this elf back to himself as it were, for he too was lost. Such a sad story!
Author's reply
Yes, it is fitting, Fades. And while parts of this story is sad, I promise it does have a happy ending. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kevana
· 4 April 2013
· Chapter 17: Taming
He hasn't heard laughter in so long. For some reason that makes it even worse.
I wonder if Glóredhel is naturally quiet or if she's wrestling with some demons of her own, not unlike Maglor himself, and now Thurin. They make a good little family together with the rest of the Harthadrim. You show that tantrum-throwing overgrown elfling who's boss, Nana Glóredhel. :3
Dangerous cats prowling about, no doubt blizzards on the way, and a somewhat panicky Elf who isn't used to be shut in with others during cold spells. This is going to be one interesting winter!
*grin* I'm finally caught up now, and just in time for tomorrow's chapter. Great work as always, Fiondil. Tons of emotion and development in these last few chapters in particular. I have my spot at the edge of the cliff picked out just in case I need it tomorrow.
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. It should be a very interesting winter for everyone and we will see how everyone copes, especially Maglor and Thurin. I think Glóredhel is naturally quiet but who can say. Like Maglor, she doesn't like to talk about herself much.
And you might want to bring a cushion with you when you sit on the cliff's edge so you're more comfortable as you may be there more often than you think. *grin*
Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Kevana
· 4 April 2013
· Chapter 16: Discussions
Thurin remembered singing and Maglor sang.
Maglor. Sang.
I'm not crying, it's just raining on my face.
-Kevana
Author's reply
Of course Maglor would insist that he wasn't really singing; it was just a stupid lullaby after all, not what he would call real singing, but it must've been a treat to hear, nonetheless. Maybe now he'll be more willing to sing real songs. We'll hae to see.
Thanks, Kevana.
Kevana
· 4 April 2013
· Chapter 15: A New Companion
How long do you have to be alone to forget how to speak? That's frightening and heartbreaking. It's amazing Thurin is even alive. You'd think most Elves in such straits would have faded. It's like Thurin went in completely the opposite direction, doing anything to survive, even losing parts of himself in the bargain. I'm sure it'll take time for them to get a story out of him, if they ever do at all, but I have to wonder at the things he must have seen and done in all those years. I don't doubt such isolation would drive most mad. Though, on that note, who better to help Thurin recover than Maglor, who's known ages of isolation of a different sort?
Poor baby. :(
On a lighter note it wouldn't surprise me if Elves have built-in detangler in their hair, LOL. It seems like the kind of thing they'd have. You cannot tell me they could go around frolicking through the woods with long, flowing locks without getting their hair stuck full of twigs and dirt otherwise. (Looking at you, Legolas.)
-Kevana
Author's reply
It is frightening and heartbreaking to think how long Thurin has been isolated from elven society slowly losing parts of himself. It will take a little time to learn his story but we will learn it, never fear.
And elvish built-in detangler sounds about right. LOL!
Thanks for reviewing, Kevana. I appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor
· 4 April 2013
· Chapter 17: Taming
These have been riveting chapters!
Author's reply
I'm glad you found them so, Agape. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
6336
· 3 April 2013
· Chapter 15: A New Companion
A good job they did not give Thurin too much to eat to start with, otherwise it might have come right back up.
Sunny is spot on with the long hair care tips, I am sure the Elves have some concoction they use to keep tangles under control, having had all the time they have had to come up with something.
I wonder how long Thurin has been without clothes, since he seems to be O.K. with wearing them?
Slowly catching up with reviews.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I'm sure the Elves have figured out how to deal with long hair and I think their hair might have been different from those of most mortals so perhaps the tangles weren't quite so bad. At any rate, I don't know how long THurin's been without clothes, but apparently he's quite happy wearing them now (and probably warmer *grin*).
Thanks for taking the time to review. I appreciate it.
Tari
· 3 April 2013
· Chapter 17: Taming
I'm still reading and loving this story. Poor Thurin, who knows almost nothing. What horror has driven him to this state?
Author's reply
Hi Tari. Yes, poor Thurin. We'll find out soon what drove him to this state. I'm glad to hear you're still reading and enjoying this story. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. I really appreciate it.
Laer
· 2 April 2013
· Chapter 17: Taming
LOL love the "angry nana look" Sounds like she may have had some dealings with young ones before. Got to love the 'break through' moment with or without the look she gave. It is a start, to what might be a very long road. Elbereth hmmmm. Perhaps Thurin was once a high elf? Or at least studied /trained with one.
Great update as always Fiondil. I bow to you once more. :)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. It is a start, and there will probably be set backs, but eventually, Thurin will find himself and be able to tell the others his story, which we will learn soon enough. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.