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The Journal of Alatáriel, Missionary  by Clodia 4 Review(s)
AiwenReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/4/2010
This story is really neat, especially the comments. The story itself... makes me badly want to see the anonymous author face Lady Galadriel's reaction. I suspect she might be torn between laughter and horror.

Author Reply: I'm so glad you like this piece! :D There may be a chance to see Galadriel's reaction; but that's another story... Thank you so much for reading and reviewing, anyway.

RedheredhReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/1/2010
With this chapter, I think the author of the journal has arrived at the first point he really wished to make. In that I mean, Galadriel's role does not dimminish the tragedy itself, and she is exemplified in her personal assessment of it. As self-possessed as her goals are, anyway.

"my affectionate Partner" *snork*

Interesting that the Lady has to turn extensively to other people's words on this occassion, though. Good for this reader that geography is a moot issue. Or that alternative history seemes to say that C&G actually departed before the Darkness. 'Cause where's the drama in that. ;)

Now,I just hafta ponder over the identity of the author of the journal. Since this is during the Watchful Peace post-Amroth, it can be none of the Fellowship. And must be someone well-read in Elven classics, which few men of this post-Numeanor period would be. If so admiring, likely aquaintanced in some fashion with the Lady. Therefore, one who would know it would stir up her ire to expound an apocryphal story of alternate history. And, wise enough not to own up to it by hiding behind the 'ignorance' of an Umanyar (Moriquendi). So, the key question is: who would get a big kick out of such an elaborate joke? I can think of one or two noble elves with the chutzpah.

Else, I am just off on the wrong trail entirely, and its a modern-day writer fallen into Middle-earth...

I am sooo enjoying this story!









Author Reply: I am so glad you're enjoying the story! And I say that every time, but only because it's true. Your reviews make me terribly happy. :D

It's certainly true to say that the Journal's author wanted to comment on the awfulness of the sack of Alqualonde by Feanor et al, and that Galadriel's role (whatever that might have been) doesn't diminish it at all. This story is in general not at all serious, of course, but what happened at Alqualonde is a very serious episode -- the "anonymous author" has some experience of this sort of Noldorin behaviour -- and needed to be taken seriously. (That said, of course, the way is now clear for the Journal's punchline in the next chapter. :D)

Turning to other people's words, well, the missionary's journal I'm mimicking was sadly lacking in action scenes and it did seem like the perfect opportunity to use the Lay of the Children of Hurin, which I hadn't touched at all before this story. ;) As for departing before the Darkness, both of the UT versions have Galadriel and Teleporno fighting at Alqualonde, although for all I know there may be half a dozen other versions elsewhere that have her safely away before that. *shrug* You know how it is.

I... will not comment on your very interesting speculations, except to say that your characterisation of this as an elaborate joke is absolutely spot on. Maybe I could point out the origins of most of "Alatariel's" citations? And suggest a close reading of the preface and editors' foreword? :'D

Thank you, as ever, for reading and commenting!

perellethReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/1/2010

My one consolation – and it is but slight – is that I saw neither my father nor my brothers anywhere during the fighting. I can only hope that they took no part in this most terrible of Elven deeds The sadness and grief of this terrifying moment in the history of Valinor comes through nicely in this chapter, despite the author's liberties with formal history.

Whether she fought there with her Telerin relatives against her Noldorin kin or not, the sorrow of it all - the loss of the Trees included, which must have been such an incomprehensible loss for all of them Valar and elves alike- is well described. Even the footnnotes are more sober than playful here. Well done! :-)


Author Reply: Fantastic, it's so good to hear that this bit works out seriously! I mean, the piece as a whole is not serious, but of course this particular episode is a very serious one and I wasn't trying to take it lightly. So it's great to hear that it comes across well.

... and now the serious bit is over, the way is clear for the punchline in the next chapter. :D As ever, thank you for reading!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 4 on 1/31/2010
Alas for the battle happening at all; but this is so silly, to try to make of Galadriel a missionary! I want to laugh at so much of the fake nobility of her speeches!

Author Reply: Wonderful, that's precisely the reaction I hoped for! Thank you for saying so! :D

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