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| Makalaurë by Eruanneth_Luin | 54 Review(s) |
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| orlandochick05 | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 5/8/2006 |
| Awwwww. That was so nice. A fitting judgement, I suppose. I always pictured it happening much the same way. Now he gets to go home with his mommy!! Author Reply: Thank you for the review, orlandochick05. It is good that others are also willing to forgive and pardon a wrongdoer who has gone far beyond the bounds of what is moral and right. We are quick to punish and slow to pardon, even when there is merit shown for mercy. To see him reunited with his mother and welcomed back by loyal friends would be much needed for his healing. He has suffered greatly through the suffering he caused and now begins the long process of self-forgiveness. | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 5/8/2006 |
| A very nice touch, having Maglor actively surrender the Silmaril by returning it to Earendil. I am glad members of his house are there to receive him as he is pardoned. In the previous chapter, I particularly liked that Manwe was able to make himself less imposing, more accessible to the child. Very nice. Author Reply: Your review is much appreciated, Nilmandra. To deserve pardon from the Powers it required more than a simple “I am sorry and I promise not to try to take back Dad’s Silmaril”. Though it may be sufficient for an elfling, the magnitude of grief caused by the compulsion of the Oath necessitated a stronger example of repentance. Family is a singularly powerful binding among elves, who never expect to outlive parents or offspring, and House Fëanor has been long bereft of male familial leadership. Such is the love that the Powers have for the Firstborn Children of Ilúvatar that they first took forms similar to the Eldar that they appear as friends and counselors, not rulers. This consideration would naturally extend to the very young. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/29/2006 |
| Offering the Silmaril to Makalaure - actually putting it in his hands - and then having him surrender it to Earendil of his own free will. Very telling. And there is so much more to the Silmaril than the Silmaril itself - it's part of his childhood, a memory of when his family was complete and happy, an obligation, a burden and a zillion other things to him. Surrendering it is an important step. And then - seeing his mother! There is a reconciliation that is much needed. For both of them, I should think. But he is to be divided from little Veryandil! That is a pity - he still needs the purity and hope the child offers, I think. His wounds are very deep and this is only the start of his healing. Beautifully poetic and evocative. Author Reply: Thank you for the review, Bodkin. It was strange to watch this chapter unfold and exceedingly difficult to witness the internal struggle of this one-time Oath crazed elf as he worked out his own Doom. It was necessary that he do all without prompting to convince those observing that he had, in truth, relinquished any claim to that last link with his past; both carefree younger days in Valinor and obsessed elder days in exile. Family is of such importance to the Eldar that the appearance of his mother at the judging of her only living son is a given, if for no other reason than simply to look once more upon a beloved child. Veryandil and his family would certainly journey to Tol Eressëa to visit; his friendship with Nyello is vital to both, but that would be for another tale. | |
| lwarren | Reviewed 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. | |
| lwarren | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 4/13/2006 |
| Such a tense and heartbreaking chapter! I was so glad Linwe had a change of heart and did not, in the end, make the decision for Makalaure to fade. The friendship between Veryandil and Nyello is so touching - the child certainly had hold of the grieving heart of his friend. Wonderful! linda Author Reply: Thank you for the review, Linda. Guilt and unresolved, unforgiven wrongs can eat at the fiber of our souls. Sometimes it takes undeserved and even reluctant mercy to bring us to a place of healing, and the love of a child can breach barriers with simple trust that would defy the mightiest of warriors. Linwë has a caring heart, but an entirely understandable protective attitude when it comes to his very young, innocent son. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed 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. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed 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. | |
| MithLuin | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 4/12/2006 |
| This story is so beautiful! So gentle and calming, you evoke the peace and beauty (and healing) of Lorien. The Valar are calm, and yet other. Tears stung my eyes when he fled. I thought, for a moment, that he had died and gone to Mandos. Please do not do that to him! Author Reply: Thank you, Mithluin. Lórien as a place of healing and restoration for elves would be its very design be tranquil and harmony intended for the renewal of elves, body and mind. Maglor might well have submitted to entering the Halls of Mandos, but for the compassion and friendship of Veryandil. | |
| Ellie | Reviewed 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. | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/18/2006 |
| Maglor is indeed in need of a savior. I like that a little child shall lead him, too. Linwe has seen, I think, the difficulty of judgment. I do not think his heart is as cold as he might have thought, that he cannot have compassion for a repentant prisoner, for Maglor is indeed a prisoner to his own guilt. I look forward to his meeting with Manwe. Author Reply: Thank you for the review, Nilmandra. Your comments are always welcome. Indeed, Maglor is in need of someone who will offer simply a loving heart and a willingness to trust in him. That is the special gift of children. Linwë is far more concerned about the negative influence on his son than condemning Maglor for his past deeds, though he perhaps did not realize it until he was elected judge. How many of us would not think twice about the wrongs done by others if we, personally, had to decide their final life-or-death fate? His meeting with Manwë unfolded differently than I first thought, but I believe it had an effective result. | |