Cairistiona
· 11 February 2013
· Chapter 3: Journeying
"...it sorrowed him to think that nothing of them had remained."
That is a sorrowful thought and one that keeps running through my mind as we journey through lands that were once so vibrant and filled with life. You're capturing that somber mood perfectly with this, and the small touch of levity with his remembering Elladan and Elrohir chasing him was just the right touch, and the contrast between one heading for what he hopes is death and the hope and feeling of life returning to those that follow is really serving the story well.
Author's reply
Hi Cairstiona. It is indeed a sorrowful thought, to realize just how empty these lands are now. I'm glad you think I've captures the somber mood perfectly and that the levity (when it occurs) does not distract from the story. It is an interesting contrast between Maglor heading for what he hope is death and the others who are taking the same journey in hope of life.
Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Kevana
· 11 February 2013
· Chapter 3: Journeying
He's leading them on an interesting chase indeed! Trying to find one Elf in all of Middle Earth during an ice age... that's more like looking for a piece of hay in a stack of needles. Glad they have help and guidance even if they aren't always aware of it. I love how creepy your descriptions of the empty land feel.
Also...darn it, Fiondil, your characters have invaded my dreams! LOL! I had a nice little talk with Irmo the other night. I don't remember most of it but I do remember telling him as he was leaving that he should just get a cell phone if he wanted to chat. Bwahahaha.
Have a blessed day and a lovely week!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Do they even have Verizon in Valinor? LOL!
It does look like he's giving them an interesting chase. Of course, he doesn't *know* he's being pursued, which makes it even more interesting from a certain perspective.
Thanks for commenting, Kevana. I appreciate it. Have a blessed day and a lovely week yourself.
shirebound
· 11 February 2013
· Chapter 3: Journeying
What a difficult journey for all of them. Sometimes hope is all there is, to get us through to the other side.
Author's reply
Truer words were never spoken, Shirebound. I can attest to that personally. I'm so glad you are reading and enjoying this story. Thanks for reviewing.
UTfrog
· 11 February 2013
· Chapter 3: Journeying
The litany of all that was lost is so sad, but the sheer hope of the journey shines through.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you could see the hope shining through here, UTfrog. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Kitty
· 11 February 2013
· Chapter 2: The Choice
Hm ... obviously Maglor has already noticed that someone doesn't want him to die. Sadly, he sees it only as keeping him from the easy way out, not as saving him. Oh well, that may change.
He really has such a sad life, I can understand that he wants it to end, one way or another. For him it is even more true than for the others – he's not living, just existing. And for three ages of the world, if I remember correctly that this is the ice age that ended the Telcontar rule.
Now you have me wonder how things would have gone if he had gone to seek out Elrond, to try and talk with him. Somehow I think his foster son would have welcomed him. And I felt so sorry for Maglor after reading how he thought of Imladris as his home, even if he never has really been there. Poor guy. He did a lot wrong, but for some reason, he's the one son of Fëanor I always liked and wished he had a better fate.
That crone was wise indeed (or was that another instance where the Valar were taking on a mortal disguise?). To ask for forgiveness, and be it only in his mind, will help Maglor to let go of his past, to be less tormented by everything he has done and has happened to him, and he can hopefully one day make peace with himself. Though it's going to be a hard road for him.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Maglor is one of those tragic characters for which you wish there was a happy ending. I suppose that's why there are a number of Maglor redemption stories out there and this is just one of them, though hopefully I have done something different from the others, none of which I've read, except one and that's because I was beta-reading it, but that was a long time ago and the premise was completely different from this one.
At any rate, the crone was probably just a very wise Mortal woman (there are some, you know *grin*) and not necessarily a Vala or Maia in disguise, though I have no doubt that there was one hanging about, perhaps inspiring Maglor to unburden himself to the crone in a way he would never have done in other circumstances.
We will see just how hard a road it is for Maglor (both physically and spiritually) as the story progresses. Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it.
Ilya of Aewellond
· 11 February 2013
· Chapter 3: Journeying
Another great chapter! Both journeys sound very perilous, I hope everyone survives to reach Imladris! it's really touching to think of Maglor watching over Elrond's family as the years passed. Him almost being caught by the twins is funny- I'd be embarassed too! I hope Denethor and the others find him soon.
Author's reply
Hi Ilya. They are very periolous journeys as anyone who has had to deal with blizzards and winter weather can relate. And it would've been very embarrassing if Maglor had been caught by the twins (or anyone else, for that matter). We'll see how successful Denethor and the others are in finding Maglor in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Kitty
· 11 February 2013
· Chapter 1: The Dream
The Valar picked rather well who they sent their message to, from the looks of it, as Denethor realised what was really behind that strange 'dream' and that it was more than just that. Some might have just dismissed it altogether.
Who the Exiled One could be? Now I am not that familiar with the Sil, but the only one I could think of would be Maglor. There weren't that many really forbidden to return after the First Age, were there?
It will be a difficult decision for some, I guess – but going to seek the Blessed Realm might be the better alternative. It's dangerous, alright, but they don't really live any longer, they just exist, as Denethor said, and I wonder how many of these who stayed did fade afterwards anyway. It sounds as if they were just putting the end off.
It's sad that not all the Elves are going with him, but if he can save at least these 30, then that would be a lot already, even if he feels that are so few. It's more than half of them, after all. And every single one counts.
Good to know they don't just run off, but take the time to prepare as well as they can. It may cause a delay, but I suspect later on they will be glad for it.
In the end, it looks like this group and the Exiled One are going to save each other, so I guess Eirien and Finduilas are both right.
That fear is understandable, but they should trust the Valar to help them and lead them on the right path. They will not inspire them to take that journey just to leave them to die if they can avoid it, or at least that's what I hope for.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. You're right that the Hathradrim and the Exiled One will end up saving each other. The Valar are obviously big believers in "killing two birds with one stone". We will see how successful they all are in their endeavors and how they find their way home. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kitty
· 11 February 2013
· Chapter 0: A Conversation Among the Valar
Oh, I was so happy to see that this is going to be the next story! Always wanted the extension for that oneshot, after all.
Now that's a rather unusual way to save someone's life – to set a huge carnivore on them! *grin*
Anyway, it seems that stubborn Elf is giving even the Valar some trouble. But they always find a way.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. A lot of people hoped to see this story. And yeah, it is a bit unusual, settng a carnivore on someone trying to kill himself to stop him from killing himself, but the Valar are nothing if not inventive. *grin* Hope you enjoy the rest of the story. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
6336
· 9 February 2013
· Chapter 2: The Choice
Was musing again and thinking the hardest person for Maglor to forgive will be himself.
Hope you are snug and warm and the snow is not too bad, or did you luck out and it missed you?
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. About that you are absolutely correct, for it is always harder to forgive ourselves than others.
The storm has passed and I'm fine. I think we got about a foot of snow maybe not even that. We're all plowed out and the sun is shining (a rarity in Central New York). Thanks for enquiring. Hugs back.
Larner
· 9 February 2013
· Chapter 2: The Choice
I like this wise woman's advice. She sees truly, and he certainly needs to do this for his own sake.
Author's reply
Yes, she does see truly and Maglor does need to do this for his own sake and peace of soul. In fact, such an "examination of conscience" is something we all should engage in every once in a while in order to "clear the spiritual air", so to speak. Thanks for commenting, Larner. It's appreciated.
Agape4Gondor
· 8 February 2013
· Chapter 2: The Choice
Oh my! I was in tears myself. This Elf is one of my favoritest. What a blessing that he met the old crone.... but was she really who she appeared to be? Doesn't matter. Glad he took her advise.
Very hard thing - to forgive.
This is going to be a wonderful tale. Thanks for helping me get through February!
Author's reply
Maglor is a favoriest of many, even those who are not necessarily Fëanorian fans. And what does it matter who the crone was? What's important is that she gave Maglor very good advice, and (miracle of miracles!) he actually took it.
Forgiving is indded hard hard but asking for it (as Maglor does) can be harder. In both instances, there is a humbling of spirit and that is very hard for many to deal with.
Glad you're looking forward to the rest of the tale. Thanks, Agape. I really appreciate your support.
Agape4Gondor
· 8 February 2013
· Chapter 1: The Dream
Well, being a Denethor-fan, I immediately liked the newest member of 'your' family, Fiondil. You create the neatest folk. And Harthadrim - nice indeed. People of hope.
And Eirien seems full of wisdom. I like it. Oh! You know what I like about your stories now? They contain female characters who are not wooses. Nice. Thanks!
I can fully understand Denethor's fear. It's a common one. I just told my daughter tonight that she's lost a bit of her 'Bilbo' thirst for adventure. She was properly chided and, I hope, will be ready for life's adventures again soon.
I have a feeling I need a dash of hope and perhaps will become a part of the harthadrim myself. *g*
Author's reply
Well Denethor is a good name and was held by at least one other Elf long before your Denethor was born. *grin*
And I like to give my female characters equal time when I can, though I find them harder to write than the male characters. Don't know why... women't writers seem to have no problem writing believable male characters.
Anyway, we all need hope in our lives, or what's the point, right?
Thanks for revieiwng. I appreciate it very much.
Agape4Gondor
· 8 February 2013
· Chapter 0: A Conversation Among the Valar
Whoo hoo! Another story. Hooray, hooray. Neat premise, too!
Author's reply
Glad you found this, Agape. Happy reading.
bookworm
· 8 February 2013
· Chapter 2: The Choice
*collects on bet* hah knew it =D But Oh, that kinda hurt, to watch him do that. And I imagine Maglor's list of people is VERY long. Interesting to hear that about Maedhros, tho it makes sense, of course he would be angry, and for a lot of different reasons too (not least that Maedhros left him, no doubt). I was rather surprised he wasn't angrier at his father! Man, the sort of psychiatric minefield that must be his brain after all these years *shudder* Poor Maglor! It's a wonder he's even sane. Well. Sane-ish. Sane for a Feanorion, I suppose. Looking forwards to seeing where you take this!
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. I'm sure many readers collected on their bets with this chapter. *grin*
It is a wonder that Maglor is even sane or sane-ish after all this time and with so much guilt weighing down his spirit. I'm sure Freud would really have a field-day with this one if he were ever to get his hands on him. *grin*
Anyway, I'm glad you're looking forward to the rest of the story. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Laer
· 8 February 2013
· Chapter 2: The Choice
Alright Maglor! I have a question, I seem to remember he had red hair. By any chance do you remember reading this? The description of what everything looks like during the ice age sounds so right. (I even grabbed a blanket to wrap myself with) We aren't supposed to be having the snow of the century here like all who live out east. But if I lived there I would be watching it thinking of this story and glad I was inside and not outside.
Love the idea of him asking for forgiveness, and it might be his family he is talking to. His mother's smile (was her name Neardenal?) Back to thinking about him, I think he is one of the most interesting elves. Elrond and Maglor both are. How they handled adversity, sorrow, tragedy, siiiggghhh to be so strong and still be kind. Well, ok Maglor had some issues with jewelry, but he wasn't the only one. ;)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. According to Tolkien, Maedhros and the twins (Amros and Amrod) had red or reddish hair, all the other sons of Fëanor were the typical dark brown of the Noldor. And yes, Nerdanel is his mother. And Maglor is indeed one of Tolkien's more interesting elven characters, along with Elrond, for the very reasons you give, as well as for others. Maglor is a true tragic figure and one cannot help but wish for a happy outcome for him, more so than for many other of Tolkien's characters who are equally tragic.
I live in the snow belt and have survived many a blizzard, so I was able to draw on my own experiences in describing what these people are experiencing there at the end of the ice age (and sometimes it feels as if we're in one ourselves).
Thanks for taking the time to read and leave a comment. I very much appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 8 February 2013
· Chapter 2: The Choice
Ahh, so Maglor is the one to be rescued. I remember little about him other than that he is one of the bad guys in the Sil, and that he took care of Elrond and Elros. That old crone was a really wise woman. I commend Maglor for taking her advice, although it is difficult to follow. On the other hand he has nothing to lose. He wants to die anyway. And if you have to die (I hope is will not come to that) it is better if he dies in peace than with all the guilt and anger that is eating at him if he admits it or not.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Maglor is also (in the Silmarillion) said to be the greatest harper after Daeron. At any rate, you're right that he has nothing to lose by following the crone's advice. As to what happens to him in the course of the story remains to be seen. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 8 February 2013
· Chapter 1: The Dream
Who is rescuing who in this story? It seems to me Denethor and his friends also need rescuing. They were just existing and on the brink of fading. Whether they survive the journey or not is not so important than that they have something to live for, a new purpose. Going through the motions is not living. Looking forward to see who they are send to rescue.
Author's reply
That is a very good question, obsidianj. Denethor and his friends need rescuing as much if not more so than the one they've been sent to find. Mere existing and going through the motions is not the same as living. Now, with this new purpose and a sense of adventure, they have a chance to actually live again even if the end result is that they all die on the ice. Thanks for pointing this very important aspect of the story out.
obsidianj
· 8 February 2013
· Chapter 0: A Conversation Among the Valar
*grumble* I never got an alert for the new story until the 2nd chapter. But now I have 3 chapters to read. I wonder who the main characters in this one will be. I guess I should just read on. I love the way you set the stage. Without anything really "happening", you set the mood and the stage for the new adventure.
Author's reply
Don't feel bad, obsidianj. I didn't get review alerts for this story either until very late on Monday and some of the earlier ones never came through. Sometimes the system cliches and story and review alerts aren't sent out in a timely manner. But now that you know this story is up, you can just check on Mondays and Fridays for it without needing an alert, right? *grin*
Anyway, I'm glad you liked how I set the stage and the mood for this story. This chapter is something of a teaser to draw people in, wondering what it's all about. I hope you find the rest of the story as enjoyable.
Tari
· 8 February 2013
· Chapter 2: The Choice
Asking forgiveness is always difficult, but is also very cleansing. His fea will feel lighter with each request.
Author's reply
Indeed it is on both counts, Tari. I'm sure he'll feel better, too. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Laikwalâsse
· 8 February 2013
· Chapter 2: The Choice
ah, Maglor -I have guessed right. Again I feel sorry for him although knowing I should not. He has done so may horrible things but he is one of these characters I´m always not sure about. Like the image that he imagine loved ones and ask for forgiveness, even if he know he will never really get one. At least he is aware of his sins. He is weary of his existence and himself - what a horrible statement, yet after so long a time understandable. Liked his spying on Imladris and I´m sure Elrond has known somehow..... Very touching and emotional chapter. Thank you. Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. Maglor is a very tragic character and you can't help but feel sorry for him, whatever his sins. Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Fantasia
· 8 February 2013
· Chapter 2: The Choice
This is a hard chapter, very emotional.. The old woman was really wise, she won't change his resolution, but she will try to easy his burden, his guilt. Maglor has always been my favorite tragic character, you know the wrongs that he did, but can't stop feeling sorry for him.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Yes, a very hard and emotional chapter. We'll see how his litany effects him as time goes on. Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
Kevana
· 8 February 2013
· Chapter 2: The Choice
Poor fellow must have a heart as heavy as the Chernobyl elephant's foot. I know so well that seeking forgiveness is hard but carrying that anger and hurt with you is even harder. Journeys can be healing for all that they're frightening and I wish him well in this one. It's good to know he won't be alone. I bet it won't be the same Maglor we see here who finally gets where he's going, by one path or another.
I loved the descriptions of no-longer-Minas-Tirith and the state of Middle Earth, as sad as it is to see things worn down by time and glaciers.
Your lagniappe for today is a picture of Elros. No, not that Elros. An Internet friend of mine is a professional falconer and one of her birds is named Elros. I think he rather fits it, especially because he's a cross between two types of falcons (LOL). And because he's drop-dead gorgeous. I want to steal Elros. http://tinyurl.com/bb3w2rl
While we're talking Tolkien-named animals, have a picture of my ball python, Leuca, in a dogwood tree. She is a very gentle "worm" and of no relation to Morgoth's worms. *grin* http://tinyurl.com/atmfato
Thank you for the update and have a lovely day.
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kavana. I very much doubt the Maglor we see now will be the Maglor we will see at the end. At least I hope not.
Glad you enjoy the descriptions of the state of Middle-earth. As you will see in subsequent chapters I tried to imagine what the ice age and other natural catastrophes might have effected the topology of Middle-earth after all this time.
Thanks for the links and thanks for reading and reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
6336
· 8 February 2013
· Chapter 2: The Choice
Oh, I can so understand his anger at his brother, if not for his insistance he might have been able to return to Aman and his Amme. I get the impression that he blames his brother for the death of his other brothers. His reluctance to reconcile with the Twins is understandable, they were the babies of the family and he and his brothers would be expected, at least by their Amme, to watch over them.
I wonder if the Wise Woman was inspired to help him?
Why is he in such a hurry, other than to get it over with?
Waiting for Monday.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Maglor has a lot of anger in him.
I'm sure the Wise Woman was acting as an advisor just as she would for any member of her clan. And I'm sure Maglor just wants to get it all over with, hence his haste to reach Imladris. It makes little sense, but he's not thinking rationally anyway.
Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it.
Sunny
· 8 February 2013
· Chapter 2: The Choice
*settles down happily to read the chapter*
A very good chapter, this. Here we learn just what motivated Maglor to start the journey north: he wanted to _cease_, and we learn that he had attempted a number of times to commit suicide. Not that he managed it - and _we_ know that it was Maiar, on orders from the Valar, who ensured his lack of success.
Speaking of which - I find myself juuust a bit suspicious of the old woman who told him to ask forgiveness of persons who he might have wronged, or that has been part of his life, especially as she perceived that he was not like her people.
But for whatever reason he decided to follow her advice - so here he is, more or less psychoanalyzing himself. And it clearly has an effect. The session when he confronted Maedhros clearly shows that, and Maglor's anger, so long buried, clearly came as a shock to the ellon. And I can understand his anger - it was after all Maedhros who persuaded Maglor to go along with the theft of the remaining two Silmarils.
Hmmm - I wonder if some Maiar - or perhaps a Vala, one that presumably likes rainbows, is helping things along here?
I like the idea that Maglor occasionally visited - sort of - Imladris. I do wonder what Elrond would have done if Maglor had been discovered when "spying" on the valley?
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Glad you enjoyed the chapter. And the old woman was probably just what she appeared to be. After all, even Mortals have their own brand of wisdom and Maglor certainly needed some advice then. And all that anger and self-loathing has to be dealt with, and we see how that anger manifests itself when he actually confronts it probably for the first time in his long life.
And maybe he's getting some divine help along the way. Certainly we know he's being watched over.
And I'm sure Elrond would've welcomed him warmly. Probably Elron even knew Maglor was there through the power of his ring but respected him enough not to seek him out.
Thanks for commenting. It's very much appreciated.
Cairistiona
· 8 February 2013
· Chapter 2: The Choice
Ah, I hoped it would be Maglor they'd be rescuing. Though I didn't know if you ever would, I've been waiting for you to write an extended version of Maglor's redemption since reading "Alone" in your Tapestry series. This is just as achingly beautiful so far as the short tale, and I'm very much looking forward to savoring the rest of the story as it unfolds.
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. I know a number of people have been waiting to see if I would do an expanded version of the short story. I'm glad you are enjoying this version so far and looking forward to the rest. Thanks for letting me know. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to do so.