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Deific Flame by Bejai	61 Review(s)
Sophia Silfaery	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 4/19/2005
I've read this quite a few times now but I've never been able to find the words to show quite how much I love it. I am just bowled over by the sheer brilliance of your prose. Your grasp of the characters is so clear and you bring them to life for me in a way few can! Just wow and my sheer admiration for your talent. Author Reply: Thanks! I'm glad to hear from you. Every review is precious. I've certainly been enjoying your stories recently as well, and hope you keep it up!

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/23/2005
In light of the recent tsunami's, I fear we can visualize all too well what you wrote about here. How the earth must have changed, and I particularly like Osse's reaction. He must have rejoiced at seeing Gorthaur sink upon his throne, even as Uinen mourned the loss of Numenor. I wonder where Elendil and compnay washed ashore? I sort of guessed at Mithlond, but I suppose some could have been blow further south. Oh, and I like your brave and resourceful Celebrian. Galadriel is really shaken by her vision, but Celebrian and Celeborn have kept their heads. I wonder if Galadriel's sense or feel or bound to Valinor was broken on this day? Thank you for getting me thinking! Author Reply: The convergence between RL and story was really very tragic. While I must admit that today's images did inform this story (how could they not!), I would rather not have had so potent an example. Glad you enjoyed Osse and Celebrian. I've always loved Celebrian, and have wanted to write Osse for a long time, and this chapter seemed a good place to showcase them. I figure this even must have really hit Galadriel hard. First, seeing such death with her foresight and ability to see things far off. Second, just the general impact of such an event on everyone, and the changed world on the elves in particular. Third, as you say, Valinor being removed from the world. I'm not sure she knows at this point whether or not it still even exists! And fourth, the ring of water, which surely reacted violently to this event. Oh, as for your question, the Silm tells us where Elendil et al washed ashore. They ended up separated, with Elendil in Mithlond (hence the kingdom of Arnor in the north) and Isildur in Belfalas (hence Gondor in the south.) Here's the quote, which is going to play a big role in the next chapter: "Nine ships there were: four for Elendil, and for Isildur three, and for Anárion two; and they fled before the black gale … Elendil was cast up by the waves in the land of Lindon … Isildur and Anárion were borne away southwards … into the western sea in the Bay of Belfalas; and they established a realm in those lands that were after called Gondor." Thanks for the review!

Marnie	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/20/2005
Only Ilúvatar could change the world, but perhaps someday when Ulmo was occupied, Ossë would attempt to rock it. Oh I love him! (From a safe distance ;) ) Ossë is fab! On the one hand we've got the events of Christmas to remind us that when he does rock the world it's a very bad thing, but on the other hand you can't help feeling that his sheer exhuberance is something you wouldn't want to see tamed. And also there's a certain feeling that his emotional involvement both good and bad is preferrable to the Valar's 'oh, we won't interfere, we'll just let them all drown,' attitude. Excuse me, but weren't they put here in order to interfere? I loved the description of what the Breaking of the World must have felt like to those who were as intimately connected to it as the elves - particularly the image of Arda curling round on itself like a wounded animal. And how terrifying to think that Valinor was gone, and not know if it was ever possible now to go there - it's very different to choose to stay somewhere than to be shut in. I like the way Galadriel feels the tumult of water through Nenya, so it becomes a drawback rather than an asset in this case. Oh, and I loved the very elvish 'the people found a tree clinging to her.'! That kind of detail makes such a difference! Celeborn's practical nature really comes to the fore in this chapter :) I had to sympathize with Calandil's 'Is that all', but on the other hand that's really what such situations need most of all - someone to take charge and make sure everything is done as quickly and efficiently as possible. And he's the ideal choice for that. Really enjoyable chapter! You're on a roll now aren't you? To which I can only say 'hurray' :) Author Reply: Thanks Marnie! I just had to save the elves of Edhellond. Tolkien never wrote a song about this tragedy, as far as I know, soI figured that their losses must have been relatively low. The Valar had set aside their governance of the world, so I think they would have felt it was improper to interfere with anything Iluvatar was doing. (Not that I'm convinced they would have helped even if they could!) Elvish foresight was too fickle to help, and getting the word up and down the coast would have taken too long. Thus, Osse. Besides, I've wanted to write Osse ever since he started showed up in your stories ;) He has quite an interesting ethic. I love how passionately he does everything, from his love of chaos to his love of the elves, and his willingness to embrace both fully, although the inhabitants of Middle-earth might sometimes see those as contraditionary aims. Glad you enjoyed the "feel" of the elves' experience. I think even more than the damage they can see, the difference in the structure of the world would have impacted them deeply. More discussion on that coming in the next chapter. This chapter rolled out much better than some of the previous chapters, and the next one is already coming along. It is easier, now that I'm back in actual Tolkien-written history, and not just muddling around trying to fill massive holes in the timeline. I feel like I've just been mucking through the last four chapters so I can get back to what is interesting. As I originally conceived this story, this chapter was supposed to be the third! I'm pleased with how the other parts finally developed and enhanced the initial idea, but it certainly was a slog! Thanks again for the review.

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/19/2005
Wow! it's truly impressive after last events, just because images are still fresh on screens but, nonetheless.. i consider you've wholly succeeded in depicting this mosntruous event!!! I'm amazed at how powerful your words are. I mean, as I had never before put thought on what had happened beyond the Misty Mountains, it all comes as a big surprise now to consider all the damage the powerful after wave must have done to both elven harbors... Interesting, I had never considered that. I love Celebrían being so efficient and the way both Celeborn and Galadriel feel the effects through their different connections. But were I to pick out something special from this chapter, I'd definitely choose Ossë!! wow! I like this rebellious Maia and though he may seem a bit careless.. I kind of understand his emotions at the sight of the unleashed forces of his own realm.... I think it was very effective to show the wave from his neither-human nor-elven point of view. It definitely made it even more unnatural than it already was. Congrats! I'm truly enjoying your work! Author Reply: Thanks, perelleth! The convergence of real life and story was quite sad while I was writing this, but I'm pleased to hear that it was successful. The balance between tasteful and realistic was a hard one to strike. I'd never thought about these events from this point of view until I started really digging into the Silm was I was researching the background of this story. Once I realized that the shores of Middle-earth must have suffered the consequences of a massive reworking of the world, I just had to write it. I'm glad you enjoyed Osse. I've always wanted to write him, and he fit in well here. On the one hand, this is the guy who joined up with Morgoth just because he likes chaos ... on the other, he has a deep attachment to the elves. He certainly has an interesting point of view ;) I'm glad you're still enjoying, and thanks for the review.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/18/2005
Such a dreadful event - it's good to see it explored from the point of view of those who endured its effects. Histories insist on concentrating on idiots like Ar-Pharazon and completely ignore the effect their actions have on people who are just living their lives. I enjoyed seeing efficient Celebrian in charge of things. She has plenty of practical good sense - and doesn't seem to mind her adar taking over, either. Probably quite a relief in a situation like this. Poor Galadriel - torn apart on so many levels here - elfy connection to land, sea, Aman - and foresight informing her of the death of all those who dwelt in Numenor. And Celeborn feeling the disruption of the land. They must feel rather like novice sailors reeling on a high sea. Thank goodness for Osse. At least they got some warning - even if Ulmo didn't seem to feel it necessary to tell them what would happen. Moving - I'll read it again tomorrow. I hope someone takes this out on Ar-Pharazon in whatever afterlife he is condemned to endure. Author Reply: Hi Bodkin Thanks for the review. Once I got thinking about it, I figured that this had to have been one of the massive events of the second age. I didn't really want to write the Ar-Pharazon POV, so this was much more, er, fun. I decided that the elves just had to have some kind of warning, otherwise it really would have wiped out Edhellond and Mithlond. Since this event wasn't really immortalized in elven song (that we know of!), I figured that the loss of life must have been fairly low. And I've always wanted to write Osse, so it just worked. I agree about the "novice sailors" bit. Even with foresight, I don't think either of them could have imagined this. Thanks again for the review!

Marnie	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/5/2005
Given the destruction of Numenor, she'll be able to reasonably conclude that the vision is fulfilled, and any future depictions are just the mirror showing her the past, as she told Frodo it sometimes does. Oh - from an author POV - what a brilliant idea! And from a reader POV - gah! No! that's just AWFUL! That is so tragic it doesn't bear thinking about! You are a genius, you know that? Author Reply: Thanks, Marnie ;)

Adamas	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/4/2005
Thank you for answering my question about the three rings. My hat is off to you! I went back and re-read the section in UT. I have read that a hundred times and I just never focused on that part about the rings. I knew when I was questioning you that you had to have a logical reason. I also went back and read the Silmarillion again. I don't feel that the additional information Tolkien provided in the UT regarding the rings is in conflict with the Silmarillion; it only further clarifies. As for whether the UT can be consider canon… I think that anything Christopher Tolkien has published or written is canon. He is as much a part of Middle-Earth as his father. As I stated in my earlier review you are very talented as a writer and very canon with Tolkien. I have to ask…are you, by any chance related to Tolkien? Hee, Hee… It is really scary how close your work reflects Tolkien. I have also read your "Wandering History…" I wish I had read that first. This story is clearly following your very well explained outline of Celeborn and Galadriel's travels. Things I forgot to mention that I really liked, in no particular order… * Annatar/Sauron and his breeding of the Orcs: He is truly evil incarnate. * Galadriel's vision/nightmare of the sinking of Numenor: I loved the way Celeborn was described as her anchor. The way you wrote how each traversed different paths. Again this just supports how the two complement each other. * The way each of the Elven Ringbearers removed the rings once it was discovered that Sauron had deceived them. I noticed this when I re-read the Silmarillion. You wrote it mirroring Tolkien. Masterful * Celeborn/Galadriel/Sauron confrontation: This was described and dialoged beautify. I like the way you ended with Galadriel's prophesy to the Numenor King and Sauron "I Shall not forget..." * Again you foreshadow Tolkien's words "We have fought the long defeat…" is reflected in your words from Galadriel; "We have failed again" and her description of what she has seen. The ultimate realization that who can they trust to even seek and destroy the One Ring. I could go on and on you are truly very talented. There is so much that Tolkien has left for us to continue or branch off, without being contrary to Tolkien's vision. You have once again proven what I have said again and again to many of my fellow fans. Thank you again. I eagerly watch and wait for your next chapter. Author Reply: I'm glad you thought the explanation held together. Glad too that you like the UT; it is absolutely invaluable to me. ;) And don't I wish I was related to Tolkien ... then I might get some money from all this ... Thanks so much for your reviews today. I think that the greatest compliment is what you said about continuing Tolkien's vision without being contrary to it. I'm of the opinion that Tolkien wanted to create a living mythology, and would have been delighted by the art, the songs, and yes, the stories that have come from his work.

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/4/2005
Hi! Nilmandra recommended this story to me when I bluntly asked her to write a full account of the rest of the 2nd Age in the epilogue to her H.Lessons II. And I'm truly glad she did, for when I saw your update and had the opportunity, I simply started reading… and, wow! here I am. I must confess I had never been much interested in what had happened at the other side of the Misty Mountains, and I have always found it beyond my imagination to even guess what Celeborn and Galadriel might have been doing down there all that time, so removed from where "action" was (even though I suspected they would be carrying "action" alongside, but I could not imagine what kind...) It is a very detailed work of craft, and so much in character, I'm truly awed. I’m enjoying every part of it, but I’ll comment some brief points, maybe things that called my attention above others: I loved the way you portrayed the arrival of Amroth and Durin at the battle of Eregion, and that meeting in the first chapter, when Annatar says something about their hearts betraying them referring to Celebrían and Amroth... it is a very powerful line... it hit me as truly accurate...and a very painful kind of flaws indeed for those proud and selfwilled parents! I kind of sympathize with Amroth, in the sense that I don’t think being Celeborn and Galadriel’s child is an appealing lot in life!! So I quite understand his need of simpler things, his search for something completely different from his parents’ trade in which he could feel accomplished…! But to desert his people for love! Man! I find it hard to believe! (Do you plan to get to that point btw?) If it was truly so (and not the typical corruption of a tale which is passed along and retold for centuries until it has little to do with the actual fact, as it usually happens with popular tales...) I think he can expect a sound scolding sometime in Valinor! His mother would find it hard to forgive I think! And your picture of the orc breeding system is… Scary? Creepy? Almost believable? This is evil at his most mechanized, and thus so Sauron’s… gee! (shivers) So, all in all, I think it is clear I’m enjoying, and looking forward for more! :-) PS: A little typo: Chapter 7's heading reads Chapter 6... I almost asked for my money back when I got to the end and found there was no "forward" and then went back and checked! ;-) Author Reply: Thanks for the great review! And it was nice of Nilmandra to recommend the story. I would have loved to see her take on this history as well, but it is rather an exercise in gapfilling. Or gaping-hole filling ;) I'm so pleased that it feels in character. Glad you enjoyed the line from Sauron about the children. I've always wondered a bit at Amroth and Celebrian. Amroth abandons his post, Celebrian gives in to grief (although she has a good excuse). Given that Annatar lived in Eregion, I figured that their fates had something to do with the fact that Sauron personally knew them, and had reason to hate them all. I am going to write about Amroth's abdication. In fact, it was Marnie's request for a story about the first appearance of the Balrog in Moria that got this whole thing started. I found I couldn't write the Balrog without Amroth, and I couldn't write Amroth without deciding who the heck he was, and I couldn't write his background without a backstory ... you get the idea. I found I had to write about his life to get to the point where Amroth's fate had emotional resonance, and DF was born ;) And it just keeps growing. Honestly, the orc breeding scene was not my idea. I think Sauron grabbed the keyboard and wrote it for me. "Creepy" is a good way to put it ;) Oh, typo fixed. Sorry about that! I'm so pleased you've enjoyed the story so far, and hope you continue to do so!

Marnie	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/4/2005
I couldn't bear to write a scene where they actually thought about it, but I can't help wondering if Celeborn suspects. He's already decided that denial is his best strategy :) I think he'd tell himself it wasn't proof. Maybe the trait came from a distant kinsman on the Avari side of the family... which would be bad, but bearable. Thinking about that, and about the orc breeder, puts a different aspect on Finrod's death in Sauron's dungeons, I think. Sauron had intended to keep him alive, but he must have been quite aware that would have been a fate worse than death. It makes that particular story slightly less horrible. Oh, and I hadn't thought of Galadriel's vision of drowning as tying in with Amroth's death. Gah! Break my heart why don't you! You're definately reaching sublime levels of tragedy in this chapter. Author Reply: Yeah, I think he'd go with denial. It really is too horrible otherwise. And you're right -- thank heavens Finrod died. My God. Could you imagine? I just couldn't help it. A vision of Numenor's fate is so close to Amroth's that I just had to slip in something ambiguous. Galadriel isn't going to make the connection either, until it is too late. Given the destruction of Numenor, she'll be able to reasonably conclude that the vision is fulfilled, and any future depictions are just the mirror showing her the past, as she told Frodo it sometimes does.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/4/2005
On re-reading (again!), I just thought I would add:- the silver haired orcs are a horrible thought. Not so much for themselves, but from the thought of their origin. But even worse, in a way is the orc-breeder - 'This particular breeder was very old, and very fat, for it had never seen the front lines. Smart and vicious, it was part of a very narrow privileged class who oversaw most of the spawning operation. This one had originally been an elf who, after precise torture, had taken to the craft. Sauron suspected that it personally sired a high percentage of the foot soldiers of each generation.' To imagine an elf so tormented that he breaks and ends up siring orcs is one thing, but one who comes to enjoy the process so much that he contributes to the corruption with such delight is even more horrible. Author Reply: Y'know, that whole scene just wrote itself. It was Annatar, who was quite excited to tell me about his own genius. Creeped me out, to be honest with you. I really wanted the whole section to be horrifying on many levels. I knew I wasn't going to write specifically about the progenitor of the silver-haired orcs, who is, of course, Elmo -- Celeborn's granddad. (My little nod to Marnie, 'cause I can't help it.) But I certainly wanted the readers thinking about what monsterous things happen to everyone Sauron touches. In comparison to the poor orc-breeder, I almost think Ar-Pharazon got off easy; after all, he just died. Thanks again, Bodkin.

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