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The Grey at the End of the World  by jodancingtree 4 Review(s)
InklingReviewed Chapter: 26 on 11/15/2005
Oh no, not the Tower! I liked to think of that enduring, sort of like a monastery in the Dark Ages. Well, at least the stones are still standing.

On the bright side, I’m relieved that the way West is still open to Canohando, as I’d hoped it would be. And that Radagast will stay on, now that he’s had his “sabbatical.” AND—what a wonderful thought that Haldar may be waiting for them in Valinor, or at least getting rehabbed in the Halls of Mandos! And if he is…well, he’s not the only immortal offspring, is he? *thinks of Osta, and maybe even…?* Ah well, enough speculation! Looking forward to the exciting conclusion…as I’m sure it will be!

Inkling

P.S.—having read demeter d’s review, I have a story rec for both of you, if you haven’t already read it: Werecat’s “Dolor Meus,” posted here at SofA. In this lovely, deeply moving blend of Middle-earth history, medieval Christianity, and Celtic mythology, Radagast’s connection with the real St. Francis is very strong indeed. I don’t want to spoil it by saying more than that…it’s quite short and well worth the read.


Author Reply: Thank you so much, Inkling! I went and read "Dolor Meus" and it's simply beautiful - now I want to find time to read more of Werecat's work; if that story is a good sample, this is an author I'm very glad to discover. Thanks for tipping me off.

jo

Rose SaredReviewed Chapter: 26 on 11/15/2005
Ah, softly, softly we get to the end of this massive tale - what will you do without these compelling characters whispering in your ear? What will I do without your updates.
Sigh
I love the way you keep all your characters in character, and still allow the mercy of the Valar.
Great writing
Rose

Author Reply: Sigh... what will I do, indeed? It's not that I don't have other things I want to write, but Midle Earth is so enticing. It's hard to tear myself away.
But I'm so glad this story works for you. Thank you!

jo

demeter dReviewed Chapter: 26 on 11/14/2005
So Canohando and Malawen might yet go to the Undying lands. They have certainly earned the blessing. Both of them have found redemption by losing themselves in an age of service to Hobbits and Men. But is Arato ready to lose his parents and assume leadership by himself? On the other hand, are any of us ready when such times come? Arato and his band of Quardians have been blessed to be raised in the last of the Elven light from the past age. Walt Whitman in his "Intimations of Immortality" writes of the light we all are born with slowly fading into the light of day as we grow older. I see this happening to your people now. Yet, there still is light. And yet, those open to it can still perceive the echoes of the light before.
And, I am very much enjoying the return of Radagast. So he has had a long sabbatical, but is now ready to return to work. It is a nice thought that he might still be at work in this shadowed old world! You know, the comparison to Dumbledore was good, but I have also found something rather "St. Francis-ish about Radagast. For certain, that spirit he represents is still at work in our world. Anxiously awaiting the next chapter!

Author Reply: Yeah, Radagast has always seemed rather like St. Francis to me, too - perhaps a bit more practical and less mystical/poetic, but he has his moments, as Frodo saw at Rhosgobel. And as the Elf-light fades away, it's a comfort to think of Radagast still plying his healing arts in the backwaters of a hurting world... and patiently teaching anyone willing to join in the good work.

I'm so glad you're enjoying the story! Only two chapters to go now...

jo

perellethReviewed Chapter: 26 on 11/14/2005
So Canohando has been given passage to the west? (I did not read the first story) That was a great, welcome surpirse! I so dearly wish that he manages to reach that boat!

Radagast's matter of factly and practical approach to things is such a relief here. I'm wondering what's going to happen to Arato, though.. shall he learn to be a gardener, or to dig a hole where he can fit? I really liked him so much.

And I'm so looking forward to Logi's redemption. The poor orc has learned his lessons well, but in the worst of manners. Yet I'm hoping for the light at the end of his tunnel since he killed his cousin. BTW, I was impressed by Melawen's decay, but it is only too understandable, after all...

Have I told you how much I like Canohando's gruffy manners? great job, jo, agin, I'm dying to get back home for Christmas to have time enough to sit back and re read it as a whole. I'm so loving it, in many levels!



Author Reply: I'm so glad you're enjoying it, Perelleth! And I suppose Arato might learn to farm - he seems a pragmatic, sensible fellow, and willing to try new things. But he'd probably slip away to do a bit of hunting when he could - I think there's something of the old Rangers still alive in him. I picture him sitting on a log by his campfire after a day in the woods, enjoying a quiet pipe and watching the stars come out... pleased to get away for a little while from the routine of seedtime and harvest.

jo

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