Fantasia · 1 April 2013 · Chapter 17: Taming
They will have a very interesting winter. It won't be boring.
Author's reply
That it won't be, Fantasia.
The Journey Home by Fiondil
Reviews (648)
Celeth · 1 April 2013 · Chapter 17: Taming
So, round 1 goes to Gloredhel. That was very brave, confronting an armed savage (even if its only a rock, I suppose this was how Thurin hunted and defended himself all this time so I would guess he's good at throwing rocks); sorry, Thurin, but you have forgotten so much of yourself for so long that being an elf hardly counts at this stage. Congratulations to Team Maglor and Gloredhel for the breakthrough with Thurin. I love it that Thurin looks to Maglor for comfort, even if the gesture seems rather demanding and self-centered, so like a baby. I wonder if Thurin was separated from his parents when he was still a baby? But he remembered Elbereth last time...didn't Frodo identify Gildor and his companions as High Elves in the FOTR because they spoke the name of Elbereth? Could Thurin be one of the High Elves? If so, he really has fallen far. But not so far that the Valar could forsake him... I wonder what Ragnor and the others will find in his old haunts...so many things to look forward to in this story... I'm so happy to learn that this will take a long time yet…until the first week of July! That's just a week before my birthday, so I guess the end will be an advance birthday treat. And I'm already looking forward to that new story you are currently working on. And another volume of Elf Academy? I can't wait. I love the Glorfindel series, although I hope he doesn't get married too soon. I almost resented Helyanwe's coming with Finrod. Can't be helped, I suppose. New item on wish list: to read about that particular incident with Elrond and Elros that Maglor was reminiscing about…(and maybe Helyanwe can go back to Valinor, but I don't suppose there's any hope of that! hahaha)
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. Well, we know he must have been one of the High Elves simply because he remembers Elbereth. We'll learn more about him soon. Now that they've made a breakthrough, it should be easier for him to start communicating. As for what Rangor and the other explorers find, we'll learn fairly soon. As for Helyanwë... you mean you don't want Glorfindel to discover love and happiness? LOL! I promise there won't be any wedding bells for them in Elf Academy 3 and I doubt the focus of story will be the romance between these two or between Daeron and Melyanna, though we'll see something of them. Anyway, that's for the future and I'm not even concerning myself with that story yet. As for the story of Elrond and Elros trying to do in Maglor, that won't be in here but perhaps it will show up elsewhere. You just never know. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it very much.
Cairistiona · 1 April 2013 · Chapter 17: Taming
Ah, wonderful to see a breakthrough. I'm so curious as to how poor Thurin became so lost within himself. I have plenty of theories, of course, but I'll wait to see how it all plays out. The hair-stroking was so tender, and I loved the reference to Elros and Elrond's attempt at Elficide. Oh to hear the full story on that little incident!
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. We'll learn all about Thurin soon enough, I promise. And while we won't learn the details about Elrond and Elros' attempts at elfcide in this story, you never know when it might show up elsewhere. Thanks for your review. It's much appreciated.
shirebound · 1 April 2013 · Chapter 17: Taming
“I am not being cruel,” Maglor said. “I’m training him.” “Like a dog?” she retorted sharply. “Like an elfling,” Maglor responded. This is so interesting. In addition to helping Thurin, the Company does need something to occupy their time until they figure out how to sail West, or what the Powers have in mind.
Author's reply
Very true, Shirebound, and we will see how they continue to occupy themselves as the winter progreses. Thanks for revieiwng. It's much appreciated.
Sunny · 1 April 2013 · Chapter 17: Taming
Heh. Baby steps. :-) And just as Gloredhel found her "angry nana" look to be effective, no doubt Maglor will need to dust off his own "stern ada" look, which Elrond and Elros undoubtedly let him have lots of opportunities to use.
Author's reply
No doubt about it, Sunny. Between the two of them, Thurin should be properly socialized as any child is. *grin* Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
curiouswombat · 1 April 2013 · Chapter 17: Taming
Ah how I remember that ‘angry nana’ look when my daughter was younger!
Author's reply
LOL! I'm sure we all do, curiouswombat.
UTfrog · 1 April 2013 · Chapter 17: Taming
Good job in illustrating the realities of teaching children. Glad that progress is being made in a natural slow progression. Love the interaction between Maglor and Glorhedil. Thanks
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Well, it would be unrealistic if Thurin suddenly began orating and speaking in complete sentences. He's been without speech for too long and has to be retaught. I'm glad you like the interaction between Maglor and Glóredhel. I think they will prove good for each other. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Fadesintothewest · 1 April 2013 · Chapter 16: Discussions
Evil cats, crumbling towers, and an Elf who has lost himself. Indeed winter is coming! What an exciting turn of events! I am looking forward to finding out more about Turin. Will he turn out to be someone we know? Great stuff!
Author's reply
Hi Fades. We'll find out who Thurin is eventually. I'm glad you are enjoying this story. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
obsidianj · 30 March 2013 · Chapter 16: Discussions
Hmm, who is healing whom? I think Maglor needed Turin and needed a task. Gloredhel also seems to need a task. And Turin needs companionship and hope. I think meeting this elf was really no coincidence. How many more lost souls will they find until they reach Aman?
Author's reply
That certainly is the question, isn't it? I suspect there is mutual healing going on between them all. And no, as more than one of my characters has pointed out in my stories, there's no such thing as coincidence (at least not in Middle-earth). We'll see how it all works out. Thanks for the review, obsidianj. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj · 30 March 2013 · Chapter 15: A New Companion
That will take some doing to "civilize" the stranger. But Maglor seems to have a knack for gaining the strangers trust and the patience. Now I'm curious how long it will take to get the story of the poor elf.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. I suspect it will take some doing, though, having once been civilized it might not take as long as everyone thinks. As for learning Thurin's story, it won't take too long, I promise. Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated.
Laer · 29 March 2013 · Chapter 16: Discussions
Thurin and Maglor all seem to be slowly healing. Maglor has began to sing! And a humn he sang to the original twins. And something he hasn't done in their presence before. I wonder if there might not be something to Gloredhel wistful looks? Perhaps she use to teach and could not help but remember the "good times" when she helped to nurture young minds?
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Yes, there is healing for them both, though it is not yet complete for either of them, as we will see. I'm sure you're correct about Glóredhel. Perhaps we will find out for sure eventually. Thanks for the review. I appreciate it very much.
Fantasia · 29 March 2013 · Chapter 16: Discussions
Well, we will have a very interesting winter. Re educate Thurin will be a challenging, but at least, has giving Maglor hope as well, he is singing again! and he calls himself a Harthadrim! I just going to buy a lot of tissues for the next chapters, I don't need to be Elrond to know how sad Thurin's story will be.
Author's reply
Yes, it will be very interesting winter, Fantasia, as we will see. And do keep those tissues handy. I'm sure you'll need them. *grin* Thanks for leaving a comment. I really appreciate it.
Lady Edlyn · 29 March 2013 · Chapter 16: Discussions
Happy Easter, meldonya! I have finally emerged from the frenzy of midterms to be able to catch up on my reading. Thank you for this beautiful Good Friday offering. I'm about to burst into tears from how moving the last part of this chapter was. I'm pretty sure that there is going to be a lot of mutual healing between Maglor and Thurin if the last paragraphs are any indication. I also like Glóredhel a lot. I think she's someone it would be nice to get to know. I can't guarantee regular reviews yet but I'll definitely make sure I come back and read more chapters. Eru bless thee! Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi Edlyn. I'm glad you're able to catch up on your reading and I hope you are doing well in your courses. I'm glad you like Glóredhel, even though we've only just met her. She will prove very important to Maglor in many ways as we will see. And review when you can. I know how busy you are with school and such. Eru bless.
Kitty · 29 March 2013 · Chapter 10: Moving On
Pity they can't stay in that valley over the winter, it would be a nice (and warmer) place. But I guess they are right that they have to move on. Somehow I get the feeling Maglor is starved for any news about Elrond and his family. It might do him some good if Neldorion tells him more. Even if it's just little stories about things of no consequence. Well, you certainly make sure that the Elves don't get bored. Who – or what – is coming now?
Author's reply
I think they would have stayed except they felt the valley was too close to Annúminas and the Neanderthal-like creatures and they didn't want to risk an encounter. You may be right about Maglor. Perhaps in time he will feel more comfortable in asking Neldoron and others who may have lived in Imladris about Elrond and his family. As to what is heading their way... you'll find out soon enough. *grin* Thanks for the review. I really appreciate it.
Kitty · 29 March 2013 · Chapter 9: Tûm Ivon
Sounds like the blocked way is proving to be quite a problem. If even Elves can't climb these hills – regardless of having wounded among them or not – it has to be pretty bad. Ragnor's certainly enjoying himself, keeping his find secret! But I can understand why he didn't want to tell them beforehand, but rather watched their reactions. After the rather hostile land they have been walking through, this valley of trees has to be a little paradise for the Elves, and a sign of hope, too. Like the Elves, I wonder who planted these trees. I wouldn't be too surprised if the Valar had a hand in this, either. But in any case, it was a wonderful surprise. Way better than any they had before!
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. I'm sure the Elves all forgave Ragnor for not telling them about the valley right off. Finding that valley must have been like finding Eden for them. There has been much speculation among my readers as to who might have planted the trees, and certainly I think the Valar had a hand in that, but we will probably never know for sure; it will remain a mystery, one they can savor for years to come. Thanks for leaving a comment. I really appreciate it.
Kitty · 29 March 2013 · Chapter 8: Annúminas
Poor Saelmir, it can't be easy to have to walk for such a long time just after breaking his leg. But I was glad they could move around Annúminas and avoid another encounter with these creatures; at least for now.
Author's reply
Having broken my foot once, I know how the poor ellon must feel. At least his bones will heal in a week or so instead of the six weeks it took for mine to heal. Thanks for the review, Kitty. It's greatly appreciated.
Larner · 29 March 2013 · Chapter 16: Discussions
It is not just his own healing that Thurin was intended to know or effect, then. I'm certain that all appreciate seeing this healing in Maglor as well. Healing comes in many ways, and it is always a blessing to see it taking hold.
Author's reply
Healing does indeed come in many ways, Larner, and I think Thurin's very presence in Maglor's life and in the lives of the other Harthadrim is meant to effect healing in them all. Thanks for taking the time to review. I really appreciate it.
Sunny · 29 March 2013 · Chapter 16: Discussions
Hmmm. I suspect those nasty kitties are going to be a problem. But that's for the future - and they'll surely make very nice and warm pelts, which should be useful when winter comes. It is good to see that Maglor has recovered enough that he es able, and willing, to help someone else. And giving that help will surely be healing in its own way. And the same seems to be the case for Gloredhel. And I noticed Maglor's reaction to the prospect of working with her - do I smell a romance coming up? ;-) Lovely to see Thurin start to remember himself through listening to the singing. It was beautifully described!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, the kitties will be a problem and we will eventually see how the ELves deal with them. Maglor has come a long way in a short time and finding Thurin has been very beneficial for him and Glóredhel and indeed all of the Harthadrim. As for whether there is a romance coming up, that remains to be seen. I'm glad you found the end part beautifully described. I practically had tears in my eyes as I was writing that scene; it really is very powerful emotionally. Tnanks for reviewing and thanks again for the music link. I agree that the video itself was not very good but the song was.
shirebound · 29 March 2013 · Chapter 16: Discussions
The singing came to a halt again. “Elbereth,” Maglor heard Rían whisper. “He’s trying to say ‘Elbereth’.” Ohhhh, that's so poignant.
Author's reply
Yes, it is, shirebound. I'm so glad you found it so. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Kitty · 29 March 2013 · Chapter 7: Along Lake Nenuial
Considering how long the Elves have lived, and how more connected to their environment they are than we, it makes sense to follow their instincts, even if they can't explain why they feel something to be right or wrong. Well, even if Maglor keeps insisting that Denethor is the leader, he certainly takes command when he feels it necessary. In this case, it seems to have been a good idea, or they would all have walked much closer to these beings. The description of the attackers reminds me of the Neanderthals. Though the idea they might have been a cross between Men and Orcs leaves me shuddering and feeling slightly sick.
Author's reply
Maglor will always be Maglor whatever the circumstances. He hasn't survived as long as he has without knowing when to take command or not. And the description of the attackers is loosely based on what we think Neanderthals look like. And everyone seems to forget that Saruman was cross-breeding Men with Orcs, so it stands to reason that some of those strains may have survived, as I doubt that all of the Uruk-hai were completely destroyed; some probably managed to escapte. Thanks for commenting, Kitty. I appreciate it very much.
UTfrog · 29 March 2013 · Chapter 16: Discussions
I was thinking you would make us wait both for Thurin to speak and for Maglor to sing. What a treat to have both today. So everyone is going to settle in for the winter and hunt the cats. I am sure you have surprises ahead, but I like knowing allis well. May you and yours have a wonderful Easter. He is risen!
Author's reply
Well, Thurin doesn't say much and Maglor just sings a lullaby, not one of his famous laments, but it's a start for them both. *grin* And yes, there will be surprises, but for the moment all is indeed well with the Elves. May your Easter be blessed, as well. He is risen, indeed!
Celeth · 29 March 2013 · Chapter 16: Discussions
Looks like Thurin now has his own fan club! It seems Thurin will benefit from his caregivers as much as they will from him, Gloredhel and Maglor both, especially the latter as he slowly heals and opens up to the others. Already he begins to sing, something he hasn't done in their presence before. Maybe Thurin is the next step in the Valar's therapy program for him. And...I wonder if there might not be something to his initial interest in Gloredhel? Anyway, I hope they discover more about each other in the days to come. At least they won't be bored thru the long winter months, and neither will I, for the next weeks and months. I do hope this will be a long story. Thank you so much for taking the time to write and post even on a holiday. I'm looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. I suspect you are correct that Thurin is the Valar's next step in their therapy program, getting Maglor to open up and allow himself to be healed. We'll be seeing how he and Glóredhel get along as they work together in civilizing Thurin. She will also prove an intrument in Maglor's healing. And you will be reading this story through June and into the firt week of July, so sit back and enjoy. Actually, this story is finished in terms of writing it. I am presently busy with another story that will be posted once this one is done and then I hope to return to Elf Academy after that. I'm glad you are looking forward to the next chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Kitty · 29 March 2013 · Chapter 6: The Journey North
It has to be a strange feeling to walk through an area you once knew well and find it so changed. I mean, I can see that in my hometown, where roads and houses have changed over the decades, but the lay of the land is still the same. It's hard to imagine that whole islands and hills just vanish without a trace. But you must have had fun looking at maps and imagining how the ice has changed everything. Hm, I can see Denethor's point. This journey is giving the Elves a purpose again and thus raising their spirits, and they are really now living and working together, not just side by side like before. Poor Gilgaran, I can't blame him for being nervous about another river crossing after that horrible experience earlier. It's good to see that the others understand and don't laugh, but work together to help him and make him feel better and more safe.
Author's reply
I would imagine very strange, Kitty. I know that when I visit the town where I grew up I can see all the changes, but essentially the topography is the same and in spite of the changes things are recognizable. I did have fun trying to imagine what changes might have occurred, based on what I knew about the effects of glaciers in my own part of the world, like the deeply gouged lakes and such. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Kitty · 29 March 2013 · Chapter 5: The Baranduin
Didn't have time to review for a week or two, and now I am so far behind again *sigh* Where has all the time gone? It's understandable that Maglor has problems to cope with being in such a big group all of a sudden. As I live mostly alone, too, I have noticed that it grates on my nerves when the family is around in bigger numbers for longer, particularly when it's getting too hectic. For Maglor, that has to be so much worse after millennia of being mostly alone. That's a pretty perilous journey – first Gilgaran nearly died, then Maglor ... how lucky the Harthadrim had found Maglor already! Denethor is rather perceptive, and I like the way he used to draw Maglor out of himself, help him to feel more alive, more ... needed? No prying, not saying anything about the way he had closed himself off, just helping in such a practical, unobtrusive way.
Author's reply
More than a week or two, Kitty, but that's okay. The beauty of such things is that the story is there for when you can get to it. Anyway, Maglor has it tough, adapting himself to being around other Elves again. I suspect he was more used to hanging with mortals, knowing that after a couple of generations, none of them would kmow or even care who he was. And yes, it is a very perilous journey fraught with much danger. This is definitely not a bobbit walking party, as Gandalf would say. LOL! Denethor is wiser than he knows or admits to, which is why the Valar chose him to lead the Harthadrim. Thanks for reviewing, Kitty. I appreciate it.
Laer · 26 March 2013 · Chapter 15: A New Companion
Poor Thurin, perhaps he is a child who lost his parents at the towers and that is why he stopped? Glad they are going to take care of him, he needed someone. Loved what Ragnor said about "can we keep him" ahhhh such a lovely little chapter :)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. I don't think the towers were ever inhabited and while they are referred to as Elf Towers, they were specifically built for Elendil and the Númenóreans-in-Exile; these towers belonged to Men, not Elves. At any rate, the Harthadrim will take care of Thurin and make him one of their own, as we will see. Thanks for commenting. It's greatly appreciated.