Ruh oh, sounds like they are in for something. If it is good or bad needs to be seen yet. ;)
Glad they were able to stay with the trees for a bit. It had to be something that for them to be able to try and talk to the trees once more.
Loved the scene with the stars and his reaction to them.
Author's reply
Usually cliffhangers are bad, at least that's been my experience. *grin* We'll just have to see.
And I'm glad you loved the star scene. It's my favorite part of the chapter.
Thanks for reviewing, Laer. I really appreciate it.
Ellynn
· 9 March 2013
· Chapter 10: Moving On
Yay, action again! :)
I can't wait till Tuesday...
Author's reply
Hey, you need a little downtime in between the action, Ellynn. Everyone, even characters, need a breather now and then. LOL! I'm glad you're still enjoying the story. I appreciate you letting me know. Thanks.
obsidianj
· 9 March 2013
· Chapter 10: Moving On
The time without cliff-hangers could not last ;-). What did they hear? Looking at the reaction of Ragnor, it is nothing nice. Must be miserable standing around in the storm waiting out the night. Luckily, as elves, they can tolerate the cold much better, but still I shiver thinking about this. The hot (if watery) soup underscores the miserable weather conditions and the bleak landscape.
Author's reply
Am re-reading this story and came across this review that I failed to answer at that time. Not sure why, since all the other reviews for this chapter were responded to. Oh well... anyway, you already know what they heard and what came of it. Living in the Northeast, I'm pretty well acquainted with winter conditions that can be down-right brutal and so have endeavored to portray that in this story (and in the Elf Academy series). Thanks for being such a faithful reviewer, obsidianj. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 9 March 2013
· Chapter 9: Tûm Ivon
What a surprise. Trees! And a Mallorn tree. That is the best treasure these elves could find. But who planted them if they are fairly young? The half-orcs obviously know of this valley. Let's just hope they don't show up while the elves are recuperating. After all the bleak landscape, trees are a welcome sight. Looking out into my snow-covered yard, I can so feel for the elves...
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. The very best treasure. I have no idea who planted the seeds, but I suspect it was a very long time ago before the ice covered all. It has only been recently with the warming of the climate that they germinated and the trees began to grow, which is why they are still young, including the mallorn. At any rate, these trees will prove important in more ways than one for our Elves, as we will eventually see. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Shemyaza
· 9 March 2013
· Chapter 10: Moving On
I think that the feelings Maglor has are of profound sadness because he knows that they are leaving Middle Earth behind, finally. The trees are asleep and will remain asleep because mortal man is not attuned to them, the land is desolate apart from a few of what we would term Neolithic people and Maglor knows it will take thousands of years for them to reach a point where they will put value in anything other than fornicating, eating, sleeping and hunting. He is watching the last remnants and listening to the last dying breath of great civilisations which, by the time man has developed enough to understand, will have crumbled and dissolved under the ice.
I think any Elf would feel the same. The sadness because they are going to somewhere where all of the values they held are still intact. He would feel as though he was deserting Middle Earth, that everything the Elves and men from before had done was pointless and futile in the end. All the glories of Elessar's age and the age of the Numenoreans is gone and the bloodlines demolished. Everything they fought for has come to this; a barren ice covered land and a people reduced to savagery.
Who wouldn't feel sad and want to cry, or in Maglor's case, I think that his mind and vocal chords are aching to sing a lament for it all. Were he to actually sing, it would more than overshadow the lament he sang for the Noldor.
Author's reply
Shemyaza! Hello, hello and welcome back!
These are very profound thoughts, and very true. I really hadn't thought about it myself when writing this particular chapter. I think you're right that any Elf would feel the same as Maglor. In fact, I'm sure the other Harthadrim have similar feelings of sadness and loss, though we do not see them expressing it here. At any rate, we will see if Maglor ever sings and why and what effect it has on him and the others.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment and I hope to see more from you as your circumstances allow. It was such a joy to see this when I woke this morning. Take care, my friend.
bookworm
· 8 March 2013
· Chapter 10: Moving On
100 years of courtship! And I thought my friends were bad (10 years engaged and counting)! Their friends & family must have been tearing out their hair in frustration XD And oooh, cliffhanger! Bad or good, one wonders...
Author's reply
Well, for an Elf, what's a 100 years, bookworm? But your friends... now that's a different story. LOL! As for the cliffhanger, you'll have to wait and see how bad or good it is. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Kevana
· 8 March 2013
· Chapter 10: Moving On
I'm so happy he'll be able to replace his harp now! At least some good came out of those trees being cut for weapons. I hope that nursery goes on to be a tremendous forest. Sad to think they might have been some of the last trees in that part of the world to ever hear the Elves sing.
I loved the stars coming out through the clouds. The night sky after a storm is so clear. I think I'd be crying a bit too. It's little speckles of light here and there that seem to be bringing them back to life.
Well, I'll just go back to dangling off the edge of this cliff, hanging by my fingernails till Monday. Evil Fiondil. *grin* Thanks for another great chapter.
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Maglor's harp will prove important to the story later on, as we will see.
The night sky after a storm is quite beautiful, but anytime one can see the stars these days is a beautiful event.
Sorry for the cliffie, but if you've read my other stories, you know how much I enjoy writing them. *grin* Hang in there. Monday's not that far off.
Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it.
Tari
· 8 March 2013
· Chapter 10: Moving On
They could use a supply of Lembas about now.
You do know how to keep us coming back for more. I'll have to wait until next week to find out who or what approaches. Patience is not my strong suit.
Author's reply
They certainly could, Tari. And Monday isn't that far away. I'm sure you'll do fine. *grin* I'm glad you are enjoying this story and I appreciate you taking the time to let me know.
Fantasia
· 8 March 2013
· Chapter 10: Moving On
Gosh, you are going to kill me! not even a hint of what it is out there! Great chapter, as always, and back to the cold, I'm only reading and I'm cold, Brrrr...
Poor Maglor, so much suffering.
Author's reply
Glad you liked the chapter, Fantasia. And while there is much suffering, there is also joy and Maglor and the others are probably feeling more alive now than they have in a very long time. We'll see what's out there in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
shirebound
· 8 March 2013
· Chapter 10: Moving On
all of them spent hours walking through the valley communing with the trees, singing songs of growth and well-being to them
What a sweet and un-looked for blessing for those trees. I just love imagining that scene.
Author's reply
I'm glad you found that scene to your liking, shirebound. It is quite beautiful, and, as you say, a sweet and unlooked-for blessing for the trees. Thanks for leaving a comment. I really appreciate it.
Celeth
· 8 March 2013
· Chapter 10: Moving On
Oh noooooo!!! Monday will take forever to come around...and meanwhile, what could that creature be? Surely not one of the half-orcs?! They smelled them early on the first time...could it be - could it be a hobbit? After all they're in the Shire, and one or two might have survived, deep deep down in their nice snug holes...all thru the ice age? Not likely...ahhh, this is going to drive me crazy!
I can't wait for Monday and the next chapter...
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. I doubt Hobbits would make terrifying noises and I'm pretty sure none are around. Hang in there. Monday will come soon enough, I promise. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 8 March 2013
· Chapter 10: Moving On
AAAAGGGGHHHHHH! You and your cliffhangers. I was enjoying a peaceful, hopeful chapter and here you go making a scary (or not) ending. I want the noise to be the Valar bringing tea but somehow I doubt it.
Anyway, loved the scenery descriptions and the background information on the elves.
Author's reply
Sorry UTfrog. No Valar bringing tea. We'll find out in the next chapter what it's all about. I'm glad you enjoyed the descriptions of the scenery and the background information on some of the elves. Thanks for commenting. It's appreciated.
curiouswombat
· 5 March 2013
· Chapter 9: Tûm Ivon
I rather hope an ent or two have survived... or even an entwife or two. Tom Bombadil would be fun to meet, too - and Goldberry.
Author's reply
Well, unfortunately, neither has survived as far as I know, curiouswombat, but I agree that it would be fun t meet Tom and Goldberry. Thanks for commenting.
Kevana
· 5 March 2013
· Chapter 9: Tûm Ivon
I'm sure Sam, Galadriel and Yavanna are smiling from their respective places at this. Life finds a way...with a little help now and then. Now, that is a treasure.
Author's reply
I'm sure you're right, Kevana, and life always finds a way and these trees are indeed a treasure. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor
· 5 March 2013
· Chapter 9: Tûm Ivon
What a great chapter. The scouting for a path forward and a glorious surprise. You wrote the weary grind and the heart-lifting trees superbly.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, Agape. I thought everyone, including my readers, could use a bit of heart-lifting with this chapter. *grin* Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I really appreciate it.
Celeth
· 4 March 2013
· Chapter 9: Tûm Ivon
Wow! Sam's mallorn tree survived! Or at least its descendant. How nice that a remembrance of the hobbits still remains, even if it seems they're no longer around. I wonder what happened to them? But I guess that's another story. I'm glad the elves get a respite, and in one of the environments they love the best too. I sure hope the half-orcs don't find them, however.
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. It is a nice remembrance of Hobbits, not to mention Lothlórien for these Elves, some of whom once lived there. We'll see how they fare and what happens to them next soon enough. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
bookworm
· 4 March 2013
· Chapter 9: Tûm Ivon
Oh what a lovely surprise for them! I too, am curious as to where those trees came from - it certainly sounds very deliberate, perhaps Tom or ... did any of the Hobbits survive? One of Sam's descendants, maybe, considering the Mallorn in the center? Will you tell us, or is this one going to be a ~mystery~ I wonder? And how did Maglor hear about the Party Tree? As always, greatly enjoying your writing!
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. I doubt any of the Hobbits survived. They would've fled south with everyone else. Most likely either Tom or possibly one of Yavanna's Maiar or Yavanna herself had a hand in making this mursery. We'll probably never know. And I'm sure Maglor learned about the Party Tree while passing through the Shire to visit Rivendell. Even with Elrond gone, his sons were still there and Maglor would've been interested in keeping tabs on them.
I'm glad you are greatly enjoying this story. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Laer
· 4 March 2013
· Chapter 9: Tûm Ivon
Bummer no ents :( But way cool that they found some trees. If they are young trees perhaps the attendee(s) for the nursery are around? Glad they found some trees. It will help them heal, and the mallon tree? What a great find for these weary beings. Wonderful update thank you!
Author's reply
Hi Lear. Yeah, it is a bummer, but they did find trees, especially the mallorn. They can all use a bit of a respite and healing. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. I appreciate you letting me know. Thanks.
Erulisse
· 4 March 2013
· Chapter 9: Tûm Ivon
I love the idea that there is still one mallorn left in Middle-earth. I do wish that an Ent or two had also survived. This was a great chapter to read amidst my snowbanks.
Author's reply
Hi Erulissë. I'm glad you liked the mallorn. It would've been nice if an Ent or two had survived, but alas! they did not. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it.
Fantasia
· 4 March 2013
· Chapter 9: Tûm Ivon
Your Ragnor likes to be as dramatic as you and likes everybody to be in suspense just like you. Are you sure you were not in that trip?
A forest! what a gift for the elves!I didn't see that coming. I, being from the human race, was thinking in a real treasure, you know, gold and those things..., something left from the old kings.
They will be happy there, and will help them to regroup and get better, I'm just a little worry for the Neanderthals, but if only young and females was what was left, they are probably not a problem, maybe they are the ones that will not survive the consequences of the encounter with the elves, you see, the elves are responsible now for the disappearance of the Neanderthals, it is a new theory.
So, who planted those trees?
Thanks Fiondil, always waiting for your updates.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. I suspect perhaps Tom Bombabdil or even Yavanna planted the seeds and then they remained in hibernation until it was time for them to germinate so that the Elves would find them when necessary. At any rate, it will help them recover from their most recent trials and regroup before continuing their journey.
And Ragnor just wanted to have the pleasure of watching the expressions of shock and disbelief on the faces of the others when he showed them the valley. I think we would all be like that if we had discovered the place before anyone else. *grin*
Anyway, thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Cairistiona
· 4 March 2013
· Chapter 9: Tûm Ivon
Trees! And a Mallorn! Definitely a treasure. I love the thought that Tom Bombadil might still be around, and might have planted the nursery/arboretum. You can almost feel Yavanna smiling in this chapter.
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. I'm sure old Tom had a hand in planting the trees and I love the idea of Yavanna smiling at the delight with which the Elves feel on seeing the trees. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
shirebound
· 4 March 2013
· Chapter 9: Tûm Ivon
Such a marvelous discovery! Weary Elven hearts would indeed be gladdened by trees, especially one of such majesty and legend.
Author's reply
Indeed, Shirebound. And after what they'd been through lately they needed the respite. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 4 March 2013
· Chapter 9: Tûm Ivon
Two nice surprises in this chapter. You did not leave us with a cliffhanger. Also I love the surprise, itself. Trees!!!, this is great. I know the mallorn was a wonderful sign to them all. Thanks.
Author's reply
Glad you liked the surprise, UTfrog. I know the Elves did, especially upon seeing the mallorn. Thanks for reviewing.
Fadesintothewest
· 4 March 2013
· Chapter 8: Annúminas
They can't catch a break can they! I hope they don't have to deal with the man/orc hybrids! Great stuff.
Author's reply
No, that can't and if they did, where would be the sory. *grin* Anyway, we'll see how they fare and if they have to deal with the man-like creatures again. I'm glad you're enjoying this, Fades. Thanks for leaving a review. I really appreciate it.
Laer
· 3 March 2013
· Chapter 8: Annúminas
I feel badly for the women and younglings, even if they are an Ork Neanderthals hybrid, But I am also betting the older "children" will survive along with the ones they decide to protect. The older ones will be cast out to die...
Well, the little walk turned into a very large climb, maybe? :D
Author's reply
Hi Laer. It's okay to feel badly for the women and younglings. I don't think any of those who are living in Annúminas will survive for very long. Their gene pool's been severely decimated and there aren't enough left to be a viable community.
As for whether the Elves face a very large climb or not, remains to be seen.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.