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Makalaurë  by Eruanneth_Luin 4 Review(s)
lwarrenReviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/13/2006
I know I've said it before, but you two are doing such a superb job of bringing Makalaure through his grief and guilt to healing - and I love the friendship he shares with Veryandil. This chapter was so good because finally Linwe is brought to some kind of understanding of his son's friend. I loved the way Linwe and Oloriel (she does need to develop her gift of comforting and reaching the grief-stricken) brought Nyello in - welcomed him and fed him. The scene where Makalaure takes Linwe's poetry and puts it to music is wonderful! Also, the meeting between Veryandil and Manwe was great - so he sometimes appears bigger...This whole chapter was just full of lyrical language and lovely interaction between all the characters! Can't wait for the next!

linda

Author Reply: We thank you, lwarren; it is a labor of love for the plight of Maglor.

After so long alone with his dark guilt-ridden dreams, it was virtually impossible for Maglor to begin relating to others, particularly a young and innocent family. Likewise for them to be exposed to this haunted spirit from ages long past would be acutely troubling. The immense gulf between them was bridged by the love of a child.

Common ground can be a place of healing, drawing two diverse people close to each other, who might never have been friends under normal circumstances.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/12/2006
PS: I just love the picture this creates in my mind - It is almost as if he has become a living Silmaril.

I think Maglor could well have worn away all the dross in his nature to become perhaps the purest of all. And, at the same time, be totally incapable of forgiving himself.

Author Reply: How well you stated the image we have of Maglor. Perhaps he was the odd-son-out among his brothers as seems to be indicated by his pleading with Maedhros to end their pursuit of the Jewels.

Sometimes those of honorable conscience are least able to see their own worth when filtered through the darkness of their wrongdoing.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/12/2006
There is such a beautiful serenity to the environment in this story - it seems very other worldly. I am glad to see that Linwe has become reconciled to the need to ease Nyello's pain. Veryandil's openness with Manwe was very appealing - it would be hard to resist someone who yearns to help with huch honest innocence.

I loved the way Oloriel and Linwe welcomed Nyello - and fed him. Very symbolic. And then he twined himself more deeply with them by putting Linwe's poetry to music. It strengthened him, I think.

Enough to deal with what comes next? I hope so!

Author Reply: Thank you Bodkin, for your review.

The blessed realm would undoubtedly seem a land filled with wonder and enchantments beyond our imagination. Yet it is the fulfillment of what it means to be an elf; unhurried life, peaceful pursuits, delights for all highly attuned elven senses, and the absence of death.

Though Linwë and Oloriel are parents, they are still very young and less predetermined in their responses, allowing them the ability to readily see further than mere past history and present consequences, and into the possibilities of the future.

Sharing food and song can often bring us closer together, be we human or elf.

EllieReviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/11/2006
I absolutely love this story! The imagery is exquisite! I especially like the descriptions of the music and these lines were my favorite:

When he smiles, it is like sunlight through clouds. When he plays the harp with joy, it is like—like the stars in his hand.

Oh! How wonderful!

More please! You have so beautifully captured the beauty of the Valar and the elves together. Nicely done!

Author Reply: Thank you Ellie.

Yes, Alassiel has a wonderful way with words, and though she cannot see with her eyes, her visions and impressions are stunning. Perhaps it is one of the most enjoyable benefits of co-authoring a story with this gifted writer.

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