Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search
swiss replica watches replica watches uk Replica Rolex DateJust Watches

In Bitterness and Loss  by Bodkin 9 Review(s)
elliskaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/2/2008
Wow! This is really well done. The internal conflict and all her thoughts and emotions and losses--you didn't miss a single opportunity with this and that makes it incredibly powerful. This is a moment I have wanted to see, so I was thrilled to read this and I really enjoyed it. Great job!

EllieReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/26/2008
You made my week when I saw this story posted. Thank you so very much for such a nice surprise!

I enjoyed this story very much. The imagery and symbolism you used to convey the weight of responsibility and guilt upon Finarfin and Earwen was so well done! His despair was palpable and her reaction to him in spite of herself truly shows her love for him. I pitied them both. The symbolic hope rising in the form of the moon at the end was so promising of renewed hope and so right for ending the story. I'm delighted and humbled that you remembered my birthday and gifted me such a wonderful tale about two of my most favorite characters.

Thank you!!!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/19/2008
Ah! The first rising of the Moon? And soon the Sun will follow. They will know light once more, light of day and night, and Light of forgiveness and love once more.

A wonderful story, Bodkin! It's been too long since we last read a story by you.

AlassielReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/18/2008
Hello Bodkin,

You have caught the sorrow and the hope of the time of the Darkening in this tale. I don't think Tolkien said if Earwen returned to her husband after he became king of the Noldor, but I think that she would. They both seem to me to be strong, possessing a courage that has more to do with endurance than physical valor.

Though I loved the whole tale, I was especially struck by the glimpse of Isil's rising at the end. It is a soft, cool light, not a blaze, but it mirrors the quiet shining of the reconciliation of husband and wife and the hope that their people will survive and know grace.

Many thanks.

Blessings,

Alassiel



RedheredhReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/17/2008
Everyone's reaction to the catastrophes and dynamic changes that had happened to their live and world were just fascinating.

Earwen's dissonance with becoming Queen. The house ellon pleased with the new royalty. The shifting of royal authority. Finarfin struggling with his kingly duties. The 'dark' winter that had descended upon the lands like nuclear winter. Rejecting despair and reaching for recovery, achievable because they would do it together. The analogy of The King Is The Land being played out in E&F's healing reunion. And then, the sun rising, bringing blessings to their salvaged hope. Just wonderful and well done.

You ended it in a good place, but I have to wonder how they felt when they realized the rising sun would set, and that the extremes of day and night had replaced the gentler waxing and waning of the trees.

Your writing always gets to me...

Happy Birthday to Ellie!

Elena TirielReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/16/2008
Very touching, Bodkin! I can't help but empathize with both Eärwen and Finarfin.

And your description of Aman "leached of color" after the destruction of the Two Trees is vivid.

Well done!

- Barbara

SurgicalSteelReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/16/2008
This was really gorgeously done.

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/16/2008
Oh wow. This was beautiful, as your stuff always is, with telling details and terrific description. I loved your awareness of the night and how that would affect these people's lives. But beyond that, this was so touching. I really felt for both Earwen and Finarfin. His despair as he bent over his desk, all alone, was deeply moving. And then sunrise, just when they needed it most. A wonderful story, Bodkin.

Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/16/2008
That was lovely. I had not thought of those left behind as I wallowed in the grief of those who suffered the terrible march and then the horrors of fighting Morgoth. This was particularly fulfilling to see. Not all was roses for those who were left behind, nor for those who had the courage to see their mistake and return. I now do not envy Finarfin!

Beautifully written...

Return to Chapter List