powerwriter
· 23 August 2004
· Chapter 31: Encounters in Rivendell
*gasp* What happened in this chapter was extremely unexpected! It's wonderful that Celeborn was still as wise has he should be, though you can feel his saddness as well.
"With your back up and all your fur on end, spitting and clawing. But there is nothing for you to fear, child, so go sit by Celeborn and purr nicely for him."
I love that description :D
It seems Canohando and Malawen sort of meet in the middle when it comes to their likenesses in character. It's like they balance each other out. It's good to see they finally made it known to each other that they need to be one together! Canohando called her by her name too.
Where will this take them now that they're bound together? Will anything come about with the dark elves? Who will sail to Valinor and who won't? Please write more soon, Jo! You have a very enjoyable story here :)
-Nina
p.s.- I started on the drawing, but my first attempt came out horrible! So, I'm trying a new image I thought of and hopefully that'll work.
Author's reply
Good for you, Nina, to catch that! Yes, he called her by name - which is something Canohando never does - other than Lash and Yarga, he never calls anyone by name. He has little nicknames for everyone - when he names a person, he's moved very deeply.
Waiting eagerly to see your drawing!
jo
powerwriter
· 23 August 2004
· Chapter 30: The Weight of a Promise
Ah! Radagast is back! You know how much I adore him :) What has he been up too? It'd be nice to know if he found his istari brothers.
esamen
· 23 August 2004
· Chapter 31: Encounters in Rivendell
His arms tightened around her, and she nestled against him. Now I understand you, my Queen; now I know why you gave away your birthright. For this happiness… I am exiled from Valinor, but the Blessed Land has come to me where I am.
Oh!!!!!
Oh!!!!!
I nearly DIED when I read the end of this chapter! Oh, my gosh! What a fantastic story.
Well, I am glad that Celeborn stood up for what's right -- yes, the wood elves were more dangerous and less wise -- very true. I'd like to find out what happened to the nasty guard elves, and hear more about Frodo and the other hobbits of the quest -- now that Canohandro is around people who remember them.
Where in ME are you going NEXT with this story? This is quite the unexpected ride, and so unlike anything else I've read in LOTR fan fic. I am really, really enjoying it. Thank you for all your hard work in writing down your vision for us.
Esamen
Author's reply
I'm so glad you like it, Esamen! Well, you know he told Lash in the very beginning that he wanted to see the Shire, so--
jo
Rose Sared
· 23 August 2004
· Chapter 31: Encounters in Rivendell
Jo, do you have anything published so that I can go out and pay money for your work? You are inspired and inspiring. I am so moved by your work, thank you from my heart.
Rose
Author's reply
Oh my, Rose! (blushing like mad) No, just a magazine article about 16 years ago so far. But I have two young adult novels in the works, if I can ever pry myself out of Middle Earth & get back to them. One of them, at least some of it, is probably ready for a beta by now - if you're interested, let me know. It's not nearly as cheerful as my Middle Earth stuff, though -
jo
Meldewen Ilce
· 23 August 2004
· Chapter 31: Encounters in Rivendell
Oh Jo - you don’t know how relieved I was when Radagast made his appearance in the last chapter because I knew surely the Brown Wizard could make Celeborn see reason if he did not indeed live up to his reputation as the Wise.
Oh Jo I am speechless with tears of pure joy for Canohando and Malawen in this lastest chapter as I had hoped they’d finally become mates!
Poor Malawen – I understand at last why she’s held back from Canohando and I can even imagine what she went through when the orcs had her – and then to have a child come out of all that! I am a little shocked she drowned her own child but in some ways I am not as that child was born out of a hateful experience.
Unlike the previous child she had, any children her and Canohando are blessed with will be born out of the great love their parents have for one another – so I do not fear for them!
That night in deep darkness he came to her, hungry and importunate, and at first she trembled even though she knew him. But his lovemaking was gentle, and he carried her with him until they rocked together like the waves of the sea, and she opened her eyes and stared up at stars that seemed to spin crazily across the heavens, crying out in bliss.
Oh Jo, I have tears of happiness streaming down my face – Is this what Arwen saw waiting for Canohando in Rivendell?
*sighs*
Oh and will Radagast be returning to the West?
I mean he said soon all the Elves must leave or they’ll miss their chance forever to go to the Blessed Realm – will he too leave Middle-earth forever when that last ship sails?
And what of Canohando and Malawen – will a way be made for them to sail to Valinor as well?
*sighs*
Oh please DO update again soon!
P.S. - Will this story be longer than “Following the Other Wizard”? -- I certainly HOPE SO!!!!
Author's reply
Longer than "Following the Other Wizard"? At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised! And "Wizard", you know, started out to be 5 or 6 little vignettes, just as a sort of dessert after "Another Way of Leaving"... I think what it comes down to is, I don't when to stop. I'm glad you're along for the ride.
As to Malawen - I don't think she really saw that baby as her own child. He was an Orc, a monster - just like the Orcs who had raped her. Not until she began to love Canohando, would she think about that baby as an individual worthy of life for his own sake. And I wonder how many times she found herself wondering what Canohando was like as a child, and if her own son would have been like him.
It must have haunted her.
jo
daw the minstrel
· 22 August 2004
· Chapter 31: Encounters in Rivendell
What extremes of feeling in this chapter: glee at Celeborn's anger at the elves (which I felt even in Canohando didn't), horror at the drowned baby, delight and love in what Canohando and Malawen find in one another.
Author's reply
Oh, I think Canohando felt something in response to Celeborn's anger - maybe catharsis, more than glee. Good thing Canohando could see that Celeborn was angry, as the Orc fights to put aside his own rage...
jo
Rose Sared
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 30: The Weight of a Promise
Ah, at last some of Canohando's champions come out of the woodwork, so to speak! Horay! Looking forward to seeing Rivendel through his eyes.
Rose
Author's reply
Oh, Radagast had to turn up again - I missed him!
jo
TieAillin Alcarion
· 17 August 2004
· Chapter 30: The Weight of a Promise
Oh, and another thought. It would be SUPER cool if someone as old as Elrond or even older recognized Canohando for who he was before (if he is truly first-generation)! Perhaps Glorfindel is still around? Possibly recognizes something like a birthmark that all others think is just dirt? Or a habit of motion, like always scratching his ear back to front when thinking? And then says his REAL name?
Oh, shoot. Wish I had time to write!! But if you want it, take it, with gladness!
Smiles,
Tracey
Walking towards Reunions with Elves?
Author's reply
Oh my, what a glorious idea! Unfortunately Canohando is already well-established, from way back in Following the Other Wizard, as being about 1000 years old. He told Frodo in that story that he was just "old enough to go to war" when the Witch King came to Mordor. And he confessed to Arwen that he murdered his own brother when he was a child, so he couldn't have been one of the original Elves who awoke under the stars.
Too bad I hadn't thought of that - what fun it would be to write such a reunion!
jo
TieAillin Alcarion
· 17 August 2004
· Chapter 30: The Weight of a Promise
Oh, JOY!!! I'm so glad Radagast is still around!
I've been following this closely, Jo. Thanks for writing such wonderful stuff!
Just thinking here; is Malawen in the very first stages of becoming an orc? I'm thinking that with the twistedness she's already showing physically, and the darkness in her spirit, that if she had not been rescued or had been abducted a second time she might have gone all the way had she survived it.
Smiles,
Tracey
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you're reading, Tracey! It's nice to hear from you again.
I don't think Malawen could really become an Orc without the direct agency of some power of evil: Morgoth, Sauron, or Saruman. But she is certainly under the shadow of evil - "Orc-marked" as she expresses it - because of her response to the abuse she suffered. I've thought of her as an Elf who is leaning toward Orkishness - as Canohando is an Orc becoming ever more Elf-like, tho' he'll never totally become one...
jo
esamen
· 17 August 2004
· Chapter 30: The Weight of a Promise
But I will not see the Ringbearer's sworn brother dragged behind a horse into Rivendell. Unfasten that rope, and I myself will lead.
Whew! I'm sure glad that Radagast showed up! Poor Canohanos's feet!
I was surprised that the elf didn't follow up with a question about the halfling who helped kill the bear . . . Nice work, keeping Frodo's legacy alive in Canohando's and Radagast's memories.
I look forward to every chapter you post, and there's only one thing I would change -- they are way too short. Just love this story! Thank you! Happy typing!
Author's reply
I think perhaps the Elf's greater question, in his own mind, was why he felt he could believe what an Orc told him. He's gotten to the point that he thinks Canohando could be capable of good as well as evil, and that idea is enough to blow a big hole in his inherited prejudices.
I'm so glad you're enjoying this - I feel like it's dragging on and on, but I find it hard to leave any of it out...
jo
daw the minstrel
· 17 August 2004
· Chapter 30: The Weight of a Promise
That last bit set me thinking. Malawen does see Canohando clearly, which suggests that she is not all in shadow. That's encouraging. I'm so glad to see Radagast again. I should have remembered that he was still around but somehow I forgot.
Author's reply
No, the Shadow overhangs her, as Canohando said, but she hasn't given in - she still hated to kill, even for food, back in Lothlorien. And she has enough integrity to feel guilty.
jo
FantasyFan
· 17 August 2004
· Chapter 30: The Weight of a Promise
So Radagast is back! I'm glad to see him, for I think that his patience will be needed when Celeborn is confronted with reminders of the past. (For all that Galadriel called Celeborn wise, his wisdom is somewhat buried to my mind.) And now someone with a long memory will be there to testify to the truth of Canohando's history. Arwen was Celeborn's granddaughter: I wonder if he understood her choice, and how he will take the news of her death?
Author's reply
Yes, for all his wisdom, I'm not sure how Celeborn might have judged an Orc - he has more reason than most to hate them. I've often wondered why he remained in Middle Earth after Galadriel and Elrond left. Perhaps he felt he should stay until the last Elves made their final choice, to go over the Sea or to fade to insignificance - he would be the only Elf leader of proven wisdom who remained, I think, for Thranduil was always suspicious and rather insular in his thinking. I've been trying to trace Celeborn's history & figure out if he was ever in Valinor, but I'm not sure.
jo
Rose Sared
· 12 August 2004
· Chapter 29: Pride
Oh, they are so feisty and honourable those two. Just my favorite characters in fanric at the moment.
Will Celeborn live up to his reputation as the wise?
Do hope so
Rose
Author's reply
Your favorite characters in fanfic at the moment? Wow! Thank you, Rose!
jo
powerwriter
· 12 August 2004
· Chapter 29: Pride
Grr...that Itaril is irritating, but you always need some kind of conflicting character in a story and he's definitely one. But maybe he'll redeem himself! I sure hope so. It's good to see that Malawen finally gets to be by Canohando's side again. Canohando seems to get more noble as he journeys on. It's so good to see! Thanks for the descriptions. I have the image in my head, and will try to get it on paper!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm really looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
I wrote a sort of pocket analysis of Itaril in my reply to Meldewen's review, if you want to read it - I don't want to repeat it here, since this also gets posted on the site.
And Canohando - yes, he's noble. But he's real, too, and he's being treated very unjustly. What's going on under the surface?
jo
Meldewen Ilce
· 12 August 2004
· Chapter 29: Pride
Oh Jo,
This story truly continues to get better with each chapter, though I must say I do not like Itaril and I will be very relieved when they reach Celeborn - but that's assuming Celeborn will live up to his name "Celeborn the Wise"...
You know you'd think Itaril would have more compassion on Malawen if only because of his sister!
Oh and I am going to find it amusing and ironic if Itaril is ordered by Celeborn to escort Canohando and Malawen to the Shire seeing as it would be on his way to the Grey Havens!
Anyway, I anxiously await your next update!
Author's reply
Thank you, Meldewen Ilce! But as for Itaril - psychology is such a strange thing. In some twisted way, he may hate Malawen because she survived an Orc attack, and his sister died. And he is so full of racial pride (what kind of arrogance is it to look down his nose at ELROND, "At least he had the sense to choose to be counted among my kind")!! I suspect he felt some secret scorn even for his sister, in the midst of his grief, because she had been "defiled" by Orcs. This Elf has some serious rethinking to do when he gets to Valinor.
jo
cuthalion
· 11 August 2004
· Chapter 29: Pride
I love this chapter, and I told you why. I lovelovelovelove it.
Author's reply
Thank you, thank you, thank you! To my very dear and precious beta!
jo
daw the minstrel
· 11 August 2004
· Chapter 29: Pride
This chapter really made me squirm. I'm not used to seeing Thranduil's elves as cruel like this, although I know the Silmarillion makes it possible. I just hated it that the lead elf couldn't see what was right in front of him. The injustice of it bothered me a lot! So I guess you did a good job. :-)
Author's reply
Right, normally we think of Elves as being wise and good -- a bit stand-offish and proud, maybe, but nothing worse than that. But Thranduil's people were rather rough with the Dwarves, and as you say, the Silmarillion shows some Elves in a very harsh light.
I think in this story, only Itaril is really hard and hostile to the point of cruelty; the others follow his lead and reflect their prejudice against Orcs and their deep suspicion of anyone who would willingly associate with Orcs. Erenu, who has the most contact with Canohando, is beginning to alter his opinion.
But as the stories of Boromir and Faramir demonstrate, people are forever being faced with choices for good or ill - and I think this holds true for Elves as well.
Thanks for reviewing!
jo
FantasyFan
· 11 August 2004
· Chapter 29: Pride
The elves of mirkwood are moriquendi, dark elves they are named, and there is more than one way to interpret that. I am amusing myself by imagining how Itaril will be received when he finally does arrive in Valinor. Grief and long war excuses much, but I have seen some who react to tragedy with a grace and forgiveness of sprit that it truly astounding, rather than hate and vengance. I suppose vengance is the more common reaction, more's the pity.
I love the image of Canohando and his Elfling, alone in a crowd of disbelieving and angry elves, creating their own island of light and peace. It is a wonderful mental picture.
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasy Fan! I had forgotten that term "moriquendi" - and that the Elves of Mirkwood are called dark Elves. Something I'll have to try to work into the story when they get to Rivendell...
Yeah, Frodo was one of those who was able to rise above the desire for vengeance, and it's one of the most beautiful things about him. Much as Canohando loves his runt, I wonder if he will be able to put aside his anger over the injustice he is experiencing from Itaril. So far he has not had much chance to think about it; he's been too busy trying to protect Malawen.
Thanks for reviewing!
jo
esamen
· 11 August 2004
· Chapter 29: Pride
"He ripped the safe-conduct in halves and quarters, over and over until nothing was left but fragments of white, and these he cast from him so they fluttered away, settling to the ground like snow."
Oooohh! No! Now what will happen to him? This is terrible, kind of like the Nazis raiding the Jews.
"Yet in truth it was doubtful they even noticed the guards. Malawen huddled close to the Orc, spreading her cloak over both them as far as it would reach, and as the torches were doused and the camp quieted, they fell asleep leaning one against the other, well content only to be together."
Really great ending. A wonderful unique twist on the traditional hero story -- who can be more of a stranger in a strange land than an orc in Middle earth? And he's definitely being transformed by the journey. This is a very, very interesting story. I can't wait to see the next chapter. Happy typing!
Author's reply
"This is terrible, kind of like the Nazis raiding the Jews."
I hadn't thought of that comparison, Esamen, but you're right - and it's the same kind of hatred, based on race alone. And it's not limited to Orcs only, because Itaril has little use for Men, either, not even the "half-Elven" Queen of Gondor.
And yet, Canohando had nothing but his own honesty when he went to Gondor, that and Arwen's jewel. He still has the jewel - or Malawen does - and he has grown a great deal since he first met Aragorn. It seems like Erenu, at least, is beginning to question his assumptions about Orcs...
I'm so glad you're enjoying this, and thanks for reviewing!
jo
powerwriter
· 11 August 2004
· Chapter 28: The Elves of Eryn Lasgalen
*gasp* Oh my goodness, they've been caught! For some reason, I wasn't expecting this. Such close-minded elves...grr. Ooo...what has Radagast been up? It's be great to see him pop up again. I sure hope they escape without harm.
I think I'll take a shot at the description you gave me, Jo. I might include Melawen in it too. Wish me luck! It may take a while ;)
Author's reply
Oh goody! Do please have a shot at drawing Canohando - and Malawen as well, if you can. She has long curly blonde hair and a beautiful face with enormous eyes - but a terrible scar on one cheek that covers most of that cheek.
jo
Morganna
· 11 August 2004
· Chapter 28: The Elves of Eryn Lasgalen
Omigosh! It's ended -- and it's not at the end! I do hope to see more very, VERY soon!
Author's reply
Hi, Morganna -
LOL! Nope, it's not quite over yet. Thanks for reading - and reviewing!
jo
Yavanna
· 10 August 2004
· Chapter 28: The Elves of Eryn Lasgalen
Hello,Jo: I've been reading this new story of yours with very much interest and enjoying it a lot. Of course, I miss Frodo almost so much as Canohando, but as your characters come closer to the Shire, I think too his spirit will be nearer. Thanks.
Author's reply
I'm glad you're enjoying it, Yavanna, and thanks for reviewing. Going to Frodo's homeland is almost in the nature of a pilgrimage for Canohando -- I wonder myself what he'll make of the Shire when he sees it in reality.
jo
Rose Sared
· 9 August 2004
· Chapter 28: The Elves of Eryn Lasgalen
Oh how I have missed this tale. Things get dangerous again for our intrepid duo, so hard to see past surfaces isn't it?
Lovely to have this update.
Rose
Author's reply
Hi Rose - Thank you! My wonderful beta, Cuthalion, has been away, so the chapters have backed up a bit... now that she's home I'll try to get back on schedule. :-) But Canohando and the angry, scarred little Elf must seem a very unlikely pair to Elves of Thranduil's court... the Wood-elves took a very dim view of Bilbo and the Dwarves, back in the day. Understandable that they would be suspicious, when you remember how they fled from the Shadow that invaded Mirkwood.
jo
r
· 9 August 2004
· Chapter 28: The Elves of Eryn Lasgalen
Author's reply
Hey, I'd love to know what you said - but it didn't come through!
Thanks for reading, anyhow -
jo
daw the minstrel
· 9 August 2004
· Chapter 28: The Elves of Eryn Lasgalen
I knew they'd have problems convincing anyone to look beyond surface appearances. And Wood-elves are, as Tolkien says, more dangerous and less wise. I hope Celeborn the Wise lives up to his nickname.
I liked Canohando's observation that Malawen had shadow hanging over her.
Author's reply
Yes, I really wanted to use the idea that not all Elves are like Galadriel and Elrond. Wood-elves could be dangerous and "other" to the point of being a little creepy, I think...
But Canohando has been fighting shadow long enough to recognize one when he sees it. Thank you for reviewing!
jo