The Stronghold by Aldwen

Reviews (10)

Write a review

atealgirl · 8 September 2021 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12

This is a great story. I love how you portray Maedhros as one who is burdoned with sorrow and guilt, yet still tries to make those he loves happy. Some stories portray Maedhros as angry all the time or a bit insane, but I think your approach is more fitting to Tolkien. You do a good job in this story of capturing the sorrow of the past and the uncertain hope for the future. Thanks, atealgirl

Author's reply

Thank you so much for the review! I am very glad you like the portrayal of Maedhros, and to read that you think my approach fits more with the overall Tolkien story is a great compliment. Maedhros is one of my favourite characters (this is probably obvious ;-)).There is, of course, very little actual text about him, but the small pieces we get, either in the Silmarillion proper or the History of Middle-earth, do not lead me to see him either as permanently angry or mad. Sorry for replying only now; there are issues with notifications, unfortunately.

atealgirl · 5 May 2021 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Great chapter. I can see Celebrimbor's family ties and the history of what they've done warring within him. I love your young, inquisitive Elrond. You have an interesting take on how the twins came to be in the Feanorion's care that I have not seen before. It gives the twins complete trust in the brothers. I wonder if the twins will help Celebrimbor forgive his uncles. Thanks, atealgirl

Author's reply

Thank you for the review! Sorry for not replying earlier; for some reason I stopped receiving review notifications... I am glad you like the chapter! The version that the twins were found in a cave outside the city is actually somewhere in the History of Middle Earth. I think this version provides some interesting possibilities of interpretation.

Renata · 2 April 2021 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Thank you for this fascinating story, delicately balanced between the charming young Elrond and Elros and the angst of those under the Doom. If I may be so bold, I think that I would probably love to read a gap-filler by you on Celebrimbor and the Elven Rings. (But hopefully, there will be at least one other Celebrimbor gap-filler in there; wasn't he friendly with, or at least worked with, the Dwarves of Moria? That sounds like it could be an interesting tale...)

Author's reply

Thank you so much for the review! I am glad you liked the story! There is definitely a lot more to explore, and I have some ideas. :) We shall see.

Renata · 2 April 2021 · Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Hmmm. I hate to nitpick what was otherwise another lovely chapter, but I admit to some confusion. It read as though Gil-Estel rose in the WEST??? Isn't that rather backwards? The sun, the moon, all the other stars rise in the East.

Author's reply

Yes. :) I went from the assumption that Gil-Estel is different from other stars and was set in the sky by the Valar. The Moon and the Sun too rose in the West for the first time. There is also this quote from the published Silmarillion: 'And when this new star was seen at evening, Maedhros spoke to Maglor his brother, and he said: 'Surely that is a Silmaril that shines now in the West?''

Aranadhel · 1 April 2021 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12

NOOOOO! Why must this beautiful story end so soon? :( For a moment I'd thought you won't be updating soon only to find out you've finished with it haha! Beautiful, beautiful piece. Hope to see your other new work soon, mellon. More Noldor please hehe.

Author's reply

Sorry... :) I am very glad you liked it! Maybe there will be some more Noldor stories in the future. :)

Ellynn · 30 March 2021 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Lovely story. Anyway, I have some suggestions about writing if you'd like to hear - please contact me via e-mail. ;) (click on my name on my profile page ;) ).

Author's reply

Thank you! :)

Aranadhel · 29 March 2021 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Lovely lovely updates! The sub stories intertwined with their past deeds. Subtle but clever, mellon nin! Can't wait to keep on reading. Thank you.

Author's reply

Thank you so much!

Renata · 28 March 2021 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

This is such a beautiful story that I had to finally break down and create a membership just so that I could leave a review. You've done such a wonderful job of giving us a glimpse at the childhood of Elrond and Elros. I would not have thought such a story could be so interesting but you have proven me wrong, and I have fallen in love with these little boys. Knowing their destinies as adults, it is fascinating to see already the differences in their temperament that will ultimately lead to their parting. I also grieve for Maglor, and Celebrimbor, and yes, even Maedhros, and wish that I could hear Maglor's music (sad though it is) and experience Maedhros' stories. Just a very well written story, and I pity those who haven't read it, because they are missing something beautiful.

Author's reply

What a wonderful and encouraging review! Thank you so much! I am very glad you like the story! Yes, I would so much love to hear those songs and tales too...

Aranadhel · 26 March 2021 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Suilaid! My goodness, it keeps getting better and better. I can almost feel I am there with them at the fortress. Wow!

Author's reply

Thank you! I am glad you like it!

Aranadhel · 24 March 2021 · Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Love your stories, mellon nin. Keep going, please. I am a big Noldor fan.

Author's reply

Thank you so much! I will. :)