The Journey Home by Fiondil
Caunedhiel · 13 June 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival
ive really loved following this story, very interesting. I liked the idea of maglor forgiving people everynight its so emotional :) Have you uploaded chapter 38? i cant see it :( Thanks, Caunedhiel
Author's reply
Hello Caunedhiel. I'm so glad to know that you have been enjoying this story. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it. The story alert was accidently turned on. Chapter 38 will be posted on Friday.
Freyalyn · 12 June 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival
I find the idea of a lemon-scented messenger maia very amusing... I like the way you've dealt with this - I rather thought it would be more awkward, but you've done it nicely.
Author's reply
Hi Freyalyn. Tolkien states in one of his writings that the Maia exuded floral scents in their natural state, so I have the Maiar in my stories smelling of different floral and fruity scents whenever they appear and disappear. I'm glad you like the way I've dealt with this part of the story and that you do not find it awkward. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreiciate it.
Fadesintothewest · 12 June 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival
Wow! I wanted to leave a couple of chapters for me to savor, but I couldn't help rushing ahead! It is so strange to read a happy Maglor with a wife, children. I am looking forward to see how the rest of the elves react to Maglor. I can't wait to see who has been reborn!
Author's reply
Hi Fades. It is a bit strange to read about a happy Maglor with a wife and children. I've always felt so sorry for him and his tragic life, I just wanted to give him a happy outcome. We'll see how he and the others fare as they travel further into Eldamar to meet with the Valar. Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated.
Tari · 11 June 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival
I'm just so very happy that Maglor has a loving family and friends to support him. I'm sure things will not go as badly as he expects. In fact, it will probably be just the opposite. Where do you come up with all these names?
Author's reply
Hi Tari. It is nice to see Maglor surrounded by loving family and friends who support him. We'll see how things go for him and the others as they continue their way through Aman. Some names are taken directly from Tolkien's works (why reinvent the wheel?), while other names are based on Tolkien's notes on the languages and how names were formed. So while some names are invented, they are created based on sound linguistic formulas developed by Tolkien and they all have actual meanings. I hope that answers your question, Tari. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Agape4Gondor · 11 June 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival
Needless to say, I'm chomping my nails down to the nubs. I KNOW what the Elves of Aman can be like. Valar protect our Maglor.
Author's reply
You and everyone else, Agape, but the Elves of Aman may surprise you. I'm sure the Valar will not let Maglor or anyone else come to harm now that they are finally home. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Laer · 10 June 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival
The Harthadrim are truly a group to be reckoned with, the Alqualonde has more than met their match with this group. Sounds like the High King isn't having any issues with Maglor or the rest of the "gang". Perhaps Elrond will be there to see him soon? I think he would love to meet the family ;)
Author's reply
They certainly are, Laer, and no, Olwë seems to be quite cool about it all. We will see Elrond, I promise, but not immediately. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Larner · 10 June 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival
It would appear that the rank and file Teleri need to do some forgiving, or at least need to learn to come to the point already! Heh! I bless Olwe for his courtesy and his humor! Delightful!
Author's reply
Well, I'm not sure forgiveness has anything to do with it, Larner. More like shock at seeing these uncouth people, and, as you say, learning to come to the point to the point already. *grin* I have no doubt they had a speech already but they lost the opportunity with trivialities. Olwë is pretty cool. You have to give him credit for that. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
Sunny · 10 June 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival
Hehe, I think the Harthadrim will have to become used to Maiar popping out of thin air. That said, I liked the interaction between Nyéreser and Maglor in this chapter. I'm not surprised that he was picked to give direction to the returning Elves, since he clearly considers that he has a special relationship with Maglor. I'm a bit surprised that Elrond wasn't waiting on the quay. If he had been there, he would surely have been able to scatter the crowd waiting for Maglor with a single quelling looks and an Eyebrow of Doom. ;) Though Nyéreser is certainly an effective enough substitute. I'm definitely not surprised that Olwë is quite fluent in Sindarin by now. He did after all have to deal with his kinsman Beleg after he was reborn, and there were undoubtedly others. So like Arafinwë he would have needed to learn the language in self defense, if nothing else.
Author's reply
That's for sure, Sunny. It'll take some getting used to, I have no doubt. I'm glad you liked the interaction between Nyéreser and Maglot. The Maia has waited a long time for this moment. Elrond will show up, I promise, but in his own time. And Olwë's nobody's fool, that's for sure. He would've learned the language out of sheer self-interest and survival, like Arafinwë. Thanks for leaving a comment. I greatly appreciate it.
6336 · 10 June 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival
Hm, it appears that the welcome from some is as underwhelming as was expected. Nyraryser(sp) is right, they had their chance, now they will have to wait until the Valar have had their say. Hm, it did seem like the Valar were in a hurry to see them, even to the 'Pilots' sent to guide them into port! Hope all goes well with them, tea with a king, any king can be nerve wracking! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yeah, the welcome is a bit underwhelming in some quarters but Olwë makes up for that. We'll be seeing how 'tea' with a king goes in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Fantasia · 10 June 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival
Alqualondë! I had the same reaction than Maglor. It does seem cruel, but he doesn't know how Aman has changed and all the job that the Reborn have done to tend a bridge between the Returned, One- Born, Survivors and all of them. Being received by Olwe is a huge step to forgiveness and it is a very important signal to the rest of Valinor. I like the loyalty of the Harthadrim to Maglor, he is one of them, doesn't matter what or whom he was before. Also, I do love Denethor, but I wish for Maglor to be a leader again, he is a superb being, he has all the qualities of a Prince and I doubt his brothers are around, he will be the only one of Feanor house. Those Teleri! I understand them, I do, but you will think that they have learned they lessons by now. At least, they were not openly aggressive. You are really cruel, until Friday!!!!
Author's reply
You're absolutely right, Fantasia, about the need for Maglor to offer his apologies to Olwë for the Kinslaying and to hear Olwë's forgiveness, not only for his sake but for everyone else's. The Harthadrim are intensely loyal, having no one to rely on but each other and that's not going to change anytime soon. Right now, though, Maglor is playing it low-key until he knows just where he stands in Amanian society. Even he will have a deal of adjustment to endure one they are all settled in. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Kevana · 10 June 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival
Fiondil, you are giving me all the FEELINGS in this chapter. Olwë waiting for them and addressing them in Sindarin, I just about lost it right there given the significance of it. You're balancing so many incredible perspectives and levels of story going on here - those waiting at the dock, seeing the Harthadrim come in and everything they must be thinking at seeing Maglor; Olwë himself; the children who had never known anything but the ruins of Mithlond, seeing Alqualonde for the first time (not to mention meeting a Maia); and all of them seeing others of their kind after being so isolated! And Denethor, bless him, arriving and being greeted by a king as a leader of his own people. I doubt he expected that, haha. I'm so proud and happy for them all, even though there are still things that will have to be dealt with. I'm sure none of them are ever going to forget that day. You wove this all together with such aplomb. Beautiful. Can't wait to see where things go from here. What a story. All the best to you! Have a great week! -Kevana
Author's reply
There are indeed a lot of emotional takes in this chapter and lots of layers and perspectives. I am glad to know I juggled them all perfectly and wove them into a seamless tapestry, so to speak. Not easy to do. At any rate, there is more to come. Alqualondë is only the first stop. Thanks for commenting, Kevana. Have a great week yourself!
Cairistiona · 10 June 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival
I fell completely behind in reading because of a family vacation, so last night I had the pleasure of reading the last six chapters in one sitting, and I have to say, I'm rather glad I did, because it would have been torturous waiting at the end of each chapter! So, alas, you must endure reading a long catching-up review. :) So much good in these--Maglor's relinquishing the oath was incredibly moving and brought me to tears several times. What a moment that was, when he finally released his Oath. The description of the wave that came over them all, and the connection between the Silmaril on the ground and the one in Eärendil's ship was brilliant (no pun intended). I loved how you used Psalm 96 as the basis of Maglor's song of praise, after it was all over and he had recovered. That Psalm goes on to praise even the judgment of God, which is done with equity and faithfulness... something I'm sure Eru and the Valar will do also in Maglor's case. Maglor's finding love at last was wonderfully satisfying, and meeting his children was a delight. The tall ship geek in me would have loved a little more time spent on the actual ship-building process, though I know that this wasn't meant as a techno-novel about shipbuilding but a story about Maglor and his (and the Harthadrim's) spiritual journey of hope and reconciliation. It made perfect sense not to go into vast detail there, as it did to jump ahead those 500 years. I loved the description of how they found the Straight Road and then how their ships actually transitioned from the "ordinary" sea to sail along it. Nyéreser is a real treat--he has a bit of Gandalf's testiness, which made me smile. I'm glad he was able to ease Maglor's distress. And speaking of Maglor... he was bearing up well under what had to be a terrible sense of foreboding, and that he nearly collapses when he hears they must go to Alqualondë gives us a deeper glimpse of the burden he was under as they finally sailed. That he didn't collapse up to that point is a testament to his strength. At any rate, I really liked that moment, as I also loved how Nyéreser eased his spirit. And the Teleri waiting for them... wow, that was tense. The little detail about the silence broken only by the crying of the gulls did so much to show their isolation and convey a sense of loneliness. Maybe it's because I just came back from the seaside but that detail really set the scene well for me. Whew. Sorry for such a novella of a review! I'm sure there's more I've missed commenting on, but these were the highlights! I hope to stay caught up with the story now.
Author's reply
Nothing wrong with catch-up reviews, Cairistiona. I'm glad you had a great time by the sea. I won't comment on everything in your review, except to say that I'm glad these last six chapters were so enjoyable for you. And you're right that Nyéreser does have a bit of Gandalf's testiness in him. Well, they are brother Maiar so perhaps Olórin shared some of his insights on Elves and Mortals with Nyéreser. At any rate, I'm glad you're all caught up and eager for the rest of the story. Thanks for taking the time to leave such a lovely, long review. I appreciate it more than words can adequately convey.
UTfrog · 10 June 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival
What a beautiful chapter. You wonderfully combined warmth, humor, and honest apprehension. In one way, the company begins a whole new journey. Thank you.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, UTfrog. You are correct that in one way these Elves are beginning a whole new journey. We'll see how they fare over the next several chapters. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Twoflower2 · 10 June 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival
Thank you for another moving chapter. Maglor's anguish at the news that he has to face Alqualonde is quite painful to read about. He really has to drink his cup to the bottom, hasn't he. At least Olwe's attitude seems to be benign enough. And yet another cliffhanger - I am impatient to learn what comes next.
Author's reply
Hi Twoflower2. Yes, Maglor will be encountering alot of anguish as he makes his way toward Valmar and his meeting with the Valar. Olwë has had a long time to forgive what happened, as we see in my Elf, Interrupted series. We'll see how things progress from here over the next several chapters. Maglor, at least, is in no hurry to reach Valmar. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
shirebound · 10 June 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival
The judgment is for your benefit and for the benefit of the Elves of Aman who will need to see in a public manner that you and the Valar are indeed reconciled,” Very wise! I like the idea of the Maiar helping guide the ship home.
Author's reply
It makes sense to send the Maiar to help guide them, otherwise they would've been foundering about unsure where they were. And the Valar are indeed wise to see that the reconcile which already exists between them and Maglor is made public so there is no question of his welcome. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Shirebound. I really appreciate it.
Celeth · 10 June 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival
Home at last! And the initial encounter with the Teleri went better than I thought. The Belain do take the bull by horns don't they? Good for Nyereser. I don't remember him wearing warrior braids in EI. i must go back and check haha. I'm really looking forward to their meetings with their loved ones (and I hope they remembered to bring some of Gil-galad's personal treasures as they mentioned earlier when they first talked about Arthalion's treasures).
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. Nyéreser tells Glorfindel in Elf, Interrupted that he wore the braids in honor of Maglor and in hopes that he would someday find redemption for himself and return to Valinor, so it stands to reason that he would be sent to greet Maglor and the others and guide them to Alqualondë. The rest of this story will essentially be a travelogue as Maglor and the others make their way eventually to Valmar to meet with the Valar and we'll see who is there to greet them. And I promise they did remember to bring the necklace belonging to Gil-galad. They certainly would not have left that behind. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Twoflower2 · 9 June 2013 · Chapter 36: The Journey Continues
Dear Fiondil, I have recently started reading your stories and enjoy them very much. This one is my favorite. Of all the Silmarillion's characters Maglor is one who probably had the most potential for a happier ending and would have been there - was almost - if not for the lack of faith. As it is, his canon fate is probably the saddest. Everyone else is healing their hurts in Mandos but him. Returning to your story, I am very curious what kind of welcome he will get in Aman. Will he get pressured to carry on as a great lord he once was? For Nerdanel and for Elrond - who suffered so many losses - Maglor's return will be a huge thing. And of course, it will be very interesting to see if any Feanorians have returned from Mandos indeed. Well, everything will be revealed soon. Thank you for writing, Two2 - Lithuania
Author's reply
Hello, Twoflower2. I'm so glad you found my stories and am enjoying this one so much. We will see over the next several chapters how those of Aman will react to Maglor and the others and how they in turn will react to finally reaching their goal. I appreciate you taking the time to leave me this review. Thank you.
obsidianj · 8 June 2013 · Chapter 36: The Journey Continues
They Sail! The time jump kind of surprised me, but it was inevitable. Luckily the story didn't end here. They are home in Aman or at least in the waters before Aman. Now on to see who greets them and their reaction. How well can the Amanians overcome old hurt and resentment... especially the once born,
Author's reply
The time jump was inevitable or else this tale would've been very, very long. I spent four years writing the Elf, Interrupted series and I didn't want to be spending that long or longer on this story. *grin* At any rate, this is the important thing: Maglor has found happiness with Glóredhel and they have three beautiful children added unto them and the others have also flourished in the intervening years and now they have safely sailed the Straight Road and are home. The rest of this tale will deal with what they find in Aman and how certain people react to their presence. Thanks for reviewing, obsidianj. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj · 8 June 2013 · Chapter 35: Aftermath
That was a surprise to have Maglor's hand healed. If that is not a sign that all is forgiven. Now he can look to the future... and to Gloredhel. She is determined and he better give in. Makes for a much happier ellith.
Author's reply
Very true, obsidian, on all counts. As for what the future will bring to any of them, that will be revealed in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated very much.
Laer · 8 June 2013 · Chapter 36: The Journey Continues
Loved how you made this so real. "Then after a time that was timeless, it seemed to him that he smelled a marvelous fragrance as of land and flowers, a fragrance that he had long forgotten" I feel like that when I smell lilacs. the smell of home, and it always seems to take forever to get there. ;) Families instead of a bunch of wayward elves are leaving a home going to start a new home. And you know what Maglor, if they look down on you all they really aren't all that knowledgeable after all. Jeesh. Now I am getting all bent out of shape over something that we don't even know is going to be happening. Ah well. I am off to build a boat now. (Maybe I can find the elves How to build a boat book?) We have had rain for a month straight and no end in sight. the plants love it so it is all good and it did stop raining long enough for the water to recede back to the river banks :)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. I'm glad you found the description of their arrival in Valinor so real to you. I know what you mean about the smell of lilacs. We'll see how this family of Elves are welcomed by those of Valinor and their reactions to their new home, especially those of the children who have known nothing but the colony at Mithlond. I heard that Europe is practically drowning in rain. I hope things dry up for you soon. Thanks for taking the time to read and leave a comment. It's much appreciated.
Kevana · 7 June 2013 · Chapter 36: The Journey Continues
Whoo-hoo, more chapters! And here I was psyching myself up to not be too disappointed when it ended, haha. Sorry, and thanks. *grin* -Kevana
Author's reply
No problem, Kevana. I'm glad you're glad.
Kevana · 7 June 2013 · Chapter 36: The Journey Continues
*adds to that giant cosmic sigh of relief!!* They made it they made it they made it and they killed those cats and had kids and their kids are wonderful and, and...nobody got killed by quicksand...!!! I love that you can casually skip 500 years into the future and still be writing about the same characters. *grin* Elves. Go figure. And now you've brought this story home, Fiondil! I guess an epilogue is all that's left? If you need a good laugh, may I recommend listening to the dulcet sounds of the otamatone. I'm torn between thinking it produces a noise not unlike Melkor's Music...and really wanting one anyway. Or perhaps giving one to the child of any person I extremely dislike. /evil Have a great weekend and oh gosh I'm so happy thank you so much. -Kevana
Author's reply
THey did indeed make it, Kevana, and trust me there are several more chapters left in this story. Any epilogue is not in sight yet, so sit back and enjoy. I'm glad this chapter made you so happy. Thanks for link and for taking the time to somment. I appreciate it very much.
Tari · 7 June 2013 · Chapter 35: Aftermath
The most difficult thing Maglor will ever have to do is return the Silmaril to the earth and then renounce his oath. He perservered and showed his true strength. A little romance for him is long overdue. I think you will present a new and much happier Maglor in the chapters to come; at least I hope you will.
Author's reply
Yes, Maglor will be a much happier Elf in the chapters to come, as you will see, Tari. He's done the hsrdest thing and persevered and now it's time to move on and have a real life, as you will see. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Larner · 7 June 2013 · Chapter 36: The Journey Continues
Beautiful--they are Home at last. Will we see the greeting they will know at any time soon?
Author's reply
Home at last, Larner, and we'll see who greets them when they reach shore soon enough. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Fantasia · 7 June 2013 · Chapter 36: The Journey Continues
This is a beautiful chapter. Finally they go home, proud of what they have their accomplished and of their group. Hopefully, they can stay together in Valinor, create a village, a town, I don't know, but together. Glad that Maglor has a family and is happy, and you can see all his past family qualities in them but used in great ends, it could have been in that way with Maglor old family, if only Feanor ..... It seems that the elves went in a baby boom season. You can see how they are building a future and how determined they are to survival, because it is not common in them to reproduce as human, but as we have learned, it is the only way to prevail. I love Miriel's leadership strength, and Estel's skills as a smith, a great Master, as many of his family before him and Russandol, a great hunter, as his uncle. I can't wait for the reception that wait for him in Valinor, I really like to see Elrond's reunion with Maglor. His mother, his family and the Valars. Waiting for see his reinstatement to society, after all he is of the Royal family. Can't wait. Last, but most important, your description of the new travel, leaving behind the old home and memories, is very well done. I can tell you that because 15 years ago , I left my home and country for an uncertain future, I was full of hope and sad, you left your past behind in a very tangible, physical way and it hurts, doesn't matter how much you are looking for the future and how bright it promises to be. Waiting for updates, you are the only person that made me wish for a fast weekend. Incredible.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. I can see you relate to the ambiguous feelings the Elves must be feeling about leaving what they think of as home for a new place. It cannot have been any easier for them as it was for you and all the countless people who leave their home for an uncertain future. We'll see how Maglor and the others are welcomed and by whom over the next several chapters. Trust me, this story is far from over. Thanks for taking the time to review. I very much appreciate it.