Not So Happy Returns by Soledad
Larner · 4 December 2014 · Chapter 5: Back to Life 2
So, he finds his brother and that he is effectively divorced. Not particularly good news, much less welcome news, for him.
Author's reply
And it is just the beginning... *ominous music plays in the background*
UTfrog · 4 December 2014 · Chapter 5: Back to Life 2
Sad, but probably well deserved. I will have to refresh my memory. Turgon I recall. Thanks
Author's reply
Well, the whole marriage is my construction in the first place... *g* Glad you liked it.
Celeth · 4 December 2014 · Chapter 5: Back to Life 2
Having read Maitimo's Awakening, I can now understand why his wife is less than welcoming upon his return. It's sad that Fingon momentarily forgot his otorno, but then, he has his own issues to deal with. I hope that a time will come when Merilinde will find it in her heart to forgive Fingon and take him back. Surely in the beautiful perfection of Aman, bitter hearts eventually have to soften and forgive? After all, being Elves, time is on their side... I must admit that I always liked Maglor more than his older brother. But in your stories you make Maedhros somehow more likeable.
Author's reply
I won't put my hopes too high if I were in Fingon's place. Meril definitely has had enough, as you will see in the next story. Maglor is definitely the most sane of Feanor's get. But he's had as much part in the Kinslayings as all the others, even though he redeemed himself to a certain degree through raising Elrond and Elros. I imagine Maedhros as the oldest brother must have considered all the others his responsibility, which didn't make living with the Oath any easier. But it had been his choice...
Fiondil · 4 December 2014 · Chapter 5: Back to Life 2
I think a lot of the Reborn have the same thought as Fingon here: what am I supposed to do now that I'm back where I never wanted to be? It must have felt like a second punishment (the first being dead). Hopefully, Turgon and Elenwë will help Fingon adjust to his new old life... or not. *grin* With you, nothing is assured.
Author's reply
I take that as a compliment, thanks! *g* As you'll see in the next part, Aman is about to face the biggest scandal since Finwe remarried.
UTfrog · 4 December 2014 · Chapter 4: Back to Life 1
These are really good. Please keep writing.
Author's reply
Thank you, I'll try, if the muse co-opearates.
Larner · 4 December 2014 · Chapter 4: Back to Life 1
It appears that one's own family tends to come first with Maedhros as much as with Fingon. But I doubt Fingon will linger long. And of course Nerdanel rejoices to hold her son again after such a long time!
Author's reply
With Maedhros, yes, but I'm not so sure about Fingon. Which is the root of the upcoming problems, I'm afraid.
Larner · 4 December 2014 · Chapter 3: Reunion at the Endless Sea
I'm a bit surprised he failed to guess, but then perhaps his own personal family may seem more likely. But at least the two of them are released together, and have the chance to know the forgiveness offered to them.
Larner · 4 December 2014 · Chapter 2: Atonement
I am so glad that she was greeted by her daughters. I grieve of her total disillusionment regarding her husband, but she at least now has a mission to perform for those who will come to the island. Like this bit of backstory added for her.
Larner · 4 December 2014 · Chapter 1: Judgement
Ah, but this is the perfect return for him, to know that he was remembered with love as well as with much grief. And certainly Celebrian is in a good position to offer him the caring he deserves.
Author's reply
Celebrían is in the best possible position in this, I think.
Rhyselle · 3 December 2014 · Chapter 4: Back to Life 1
I love all five of the ficlets so far, but this one really made me smile. I liked the mention of him having the same colour hair as his mother. But, in the last paragraph you say: "And Maedhros, smiling tremulously through his tears, followed her Ammë away from the Gates." Shouldn't it be "followed his Ammë"? I'm looking forward to see what happens to Fingon and finding out who are the other two people who were waiting there. Well done!
Author's reply
Yes, of course, his Ammë! That' what I get from having a mother tongue without gender differences. :( Thanks for spotting the mistake. As for Fingon, I'm afraid his return won't be quite that happy.
Fiondil · 3 December 2014 · Chapter 4: Back to Life 1
"Fingon was left behind, temporarily forgotten." LOL! Love this last line, but it's only right that he give Maedhros and his nana time together. I'm sure they'll remember him eventually. *sly grin*
Author's reply
Oh, yes, Meril will see to it that they remember everything.
Fiondil · 3 December 2014 · Chapter 3: Reunion at the Endless Sea
Ah, Fingon and Maedhros together again. Good. It looks as if everyone will need to get used to Maedhros have 2 hands again, including Maedhros. ;) One little typo: You have the Maia refer to Nienna as He when she first speaks, unless you mean Lord Irmo, but that isn't clear from the context.
Author's reply
Drat! And that after several proofreading! Thanks.:) As for Maedhros, I imagine it must be for him as if it were for us, would we suddenly grow a third handl *g*
Celeth · 2 December 2014 · Chapter 3: Reunion at the Endless Sea
I am glad Fingon got his beloved cousin and friend. After that brave sacrifice he made to rescue him, they at least deserve to be happy again. And its always easier to face life's difficulties when you have a trusted friend with you.
Author's reply
As long as you get your priorities right. Which Fingon not necessarily did, at least according to his wife. If you want to learn more about the background, you can look up "Maitimo's Awakening" or the later chapters of "Elvenhome". Things will be a lot clearer through them - or so I hope.
Celeth · 2 December 2014 · Chapter 2: Atonement
How sad that Fingon will find rejection from his wife when he returns from Mandos. He was so valiant, and compassionate. And because I read Dragon's stories about Ereinon Gil-galad as a young boy, I got this impression that Fingon loved his family so much, and was so hurt when he had to send young Gil-galad to Cirdan after the death of Fingolfin. I still hope the family will be reunited and rediscover the love and joy they once shared.
shirebound · 2 December 2014 · Chapter 3: Reunion at the Endless Sea
She has forgiven you. Now you must forgive yourself. Such a simple, yet oh-so-difficult challenge for him... and many of us, as well.
Author's reply
Indeed, it is. Wallowing in guilt seems to be a favourite pastime...
UTfrog · 2 December 2014 · Chapter 3: Reunion at the Endless Sea
This is really good! Thanks for continuing the series.
Author's reply
Thank you! I intend to go on until I reach 24, one fic a day - or run out of ideas completely. Right now, I have half the calendar done, so there is hope...
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 December 2014 · Chapter 2: Atonement
Interesting! So, this is Lady Meril of Kortirion? Is Fingon meant to be her husband, then, or is Meril herself a daughter of Fingolfin and Anaire? I'm not quite clear on that (also, after “Anammë has been waiting anxiously for news about the fate of her children.”, there's an 'n' there for some reason). Anyway, I think this bit is very, very intriguing indeed and I'd like to see more of your Merilinde! Kaylee
Author's reply
Yes, Meril is married to Fingon, and rather unhappy with the fact that the guy tended to put Maedhros before his own family. ;) Thanks for spotting the typo. My main PC is dead, and my geriatric laptop tends to add letters without asking me first.
Linda Hoyland · 1 December 2014 · Chapter 2: Atonement
Good for her!
Author's reply
I agree. ;)
Linda Hoyland · 1 December 2014 · Chapter 1: Judgement
What a lovely thought that Celebrian would speak up for him.
Author's reply
Well, Elrond is not here, so Celebrían, as a dutiful wife, stepped forth in his stead. :)
Fiondil · 1 December 2014 · Chapter 2: Atonement
An interesting interpretation of Meril and her role in Elvish and Noldorin history. Perhaps a short note at the end explaining the family dynamics and what the relationship between Merilindë and Fingolfin is would help those not familiar with your version of events.
Author's reply
Thanks for the suggestion. I just added a note. Meril is going to do even more shocking things, eventually, I'm afraid.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 1 December 2014 · Chapter 1: Judgement
Oh Soledad, I LIKE! I hadn't even considered this before, of course Elrond would have seen Maglor as more of a father than Earendil...*shivers* So how right it is of Celebrian to speak up for him, and how unexpected, being daughter of the Prince of Doriath...I like it VERY much indeed! Keep this up and you will make for a VERY happy Kaylee (and Kaylee Muse) all December!! ^_^ Kaylee
Author's reply
I will try my best, but I can't make any binding promises. This is a very hectic month work-wise. I'm glad you like it so far. Thanks for reviewing. :)
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 1 December 2014 · Chapter 0: Foreword
Oooh, an Advent calendar? And it's all Fiondil's fault? *snicker* Bet my atto indonyo will LOVE that remark. *giggles* I certainly do. :D Yay, First Age elves! Now I want to do an Advent calendar too. And that's your fault :P And, I suppose, Atya's fault too, by extension. *lol* Sounds fun!! ^_^ Kaylee
Author's reply
I'm afraid "fun" is not the word to describe these short stories. As I said, it's not easy to write happy tales about First Age Elves. Welcome to my corner of the Ardaverse, Kaylee!
Fiondil · 1 December 2014 · Chapter 1: Judgement
Yeah, right, blame me. LOL! A nice start to the calendar, Soledad. I look forward to reading the rest as time permits.
Author's reply
Well, I have to put the blame somewhere, haven't I? It is the honest truth that I rarely gave the First Age gang a second thought (or a first one, for that matter) before I came across your stories. I'll try my best to make the calendar complete, work permitting. We'll see if I can keep it up or not. Thanks for commenting.
Celeth · 30 November 2014 · Chapter 1: Judgement
That was a lovely story of forgiveness. And though it might not be easy to write happy stories about First Age Elves, you have managed to do so and I am sure you'll continue to do so. I have always been fascinated by Maglor and his doom, wondering where he went all those ages uncounted, where he was, for instances, during the War of the Ring. I like to think that he was often around or near Imladris and the other Elven realms, helping to ward them from the encroaching evil, as his own personal way of atoning for his sins. I am sure that when Maglor finally came to judgment, Elrond, or someone from his family, would have been there to speak for him, and this was a beautiful way of telling it. Please change meat to meet (second to last paragraph), however, as it gives the ending an entirely different flavor. Just a very minor typo, I know, and often happens. sorry
Author's reply
Thank you. I will correct it once. Stupid typos, always slip through every spellcheck and proofreading.
UTfrog · 30 November 2014 · Chapter 1: Judgement
Beautifully done. I always enjoy your work. Looking forward to more Advent stories.
Author's reply
Thanks. I'll try to keep up. We'll see if I actually manage the 24 stories.