esamen
· 9 August 2004
· Chapter 28: The Elves of Eryn Lasgalen
Hello there -- the magic of this story certainly hasn't faded for me. I'm enjoying it immensely, and I still can't believe I'm in love with an orc. You are some writer! Everything is wonderful. Thanks for the update . . . please keep those remembrances of Frodo coming . . . I hope Celeborn isn't too terribly harsh with Canohando.
Author's reply
Hi, Esamen - I'm so glad you're still enjoying it. And I think the memory of Frodo will be green to Canohando as long as he lives, and still guiding his actions when he is uncertain what to do.
Thanks for reviewing!
jo
powerwriter
· 5 August 2004
· Chapter 27: Friends
I read this chapter twice in a row :P It is wonderful! It seems Malawen isn't going to let Canohando seep into the darkness. She has more light in her than she thinks she does. I'm so glad their friends! Good, good, good.
You asked me if I can draw; I sure can draw! I wish I could draw a pic of Canohando, but I'm not that good...lol. I might try though. Never know what might come out!
Author's reply
Hi, powerwriter!
Well, I'd love it if you'd have a shot at drawing Canohando's portrait. He's very muscular, with a thick neck and over-hanging browline, but deep, large eyes and thick hair in braids down to his shoulders...
I'm so glad you're enjoying his on-going saga!
jo
Breon Briarwood
· 24 July 2004
· Chapter 27: Friends
Oh yeah, I can see it coming. Now if he would just stop berating himself for things that happened in a different lifetime.
These two have become quite endearing...
Author's reply
Thank you, Breon - I'm so glad you like them! I'm working hard on the next chapter...
jo
Rose Sared
· 23 July 2004
· Chapter 27: Friends
Sigh. Why do I feel as if I am waiting for the other shoe to drop? Lovely romantic interlude - I hope their love endures.
Rose
Author's reply
Nothing stays nice and calm for long, does it? Not even in real life.
jo
daw the minstrel
· 23 July 2004
· Chapter 27: Friends
Canohando is gradually changing himself as much as he can. I wonder how much that is? I hope that Arwen's pass gets them safely where they are going.
Author's reply
Well, they're bound to reach populated country soon. Since the restoration of the Kingdom, many of the the formerly empty lands filled up again.
jo
Meldewen Ilce
· 23 July 2004
· Chapter 27: Friends
Oh, Jo, poor Canohando - I believe he is so much in love with Malawen that it is becoming physically painful for him! I so want him to find happiness and her as well and I keep hoping they'll get past the fact he's an Orc and she an Elf as I suspect she loves him too!
I am still anxious to see what awaits them in Rivendell and I hope you'll continue the story on through into the Shire!
Author's reply
Oh, I have to get him to the Shire! I can't wait to see the reaction at Bag End when "Frodo's orc" turns up!
jo
esamen
· 23 July 2004
· Chapter 27: Friends
Jo, I still can't believe how much I love this story. I want to print out this chapter and keep it forever! You have got some deep, universal themes going on here -- the hero who is outcast from society, a journey that is transforming the hero, the unlikely alliances along the way . . . and now a love story! Oh, my. I hope you have the whole thing planned out with a wonderful ending. Please don't quit! You'll leave us all hanging! I can't wait for your next update!
Esamen
Author's reply
Thank you Esamen! By all means print out anything of mine you want - I'm humbled and flattered. And yes, the end is all planned out and I hope will be satisfying to all concerned - it's just getting there that has me perplexed sometimes!
jo
Anonymous
· 15 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Truth Under Darkness
Go on, then," he said, and lay quiet listening to her soft voice, trying to sift out the overlay of legend from the tale and find the nuggets of plain fact. I would have despised him as soft, if I had known him from the first, he thought. But long before Malawen's voice faded away, Canohando was pierced to the marrow as he understood at last what Frodo had taken on himself. He had known the end of the story; he had not known the beginning.
Ah yes . . . there's the echo of our hero again.
Elfling," he whispered. "My little Elfling."
I am just astounded at this story. You make it seem so easy to believe! It is rich and wonderful. Thanks . . . will there be perhaps one orc who goes into the West? I guess that anything is possible . . .
Author's reply
Thank you for your review - and sorry to be so slow in responding to it.
"...there's the echo of our hero again."
Yes, Frodo kind of lingers in the background of this story, as he is always somewhere in the back of Canohando's mind. The afterglow of a life well lived, in the memory of those who knew him.
And an orc who goes into the West? That would fulfill Canohando's wildest dream, wouldn't it - and if ever an orc could deserve it...
jo
FantasyFaN
· 15 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Truth Under Darkness
I wonder why, when we are faced with beauty and truth, that so often our first impulse is to compare ourselves to the lofty standard and judge ourselves wanting. Canohando knows what Frodo was really like, and that he was as imperfect and maimed as he was noble and beautiful. Yet he doesn't see the noble and beautiful in himself, only the imperfections and ugliness that is a part of everyone, to one degree or another. And he has come so far, and changed so much, but even more than that: there has to be good and nobility even in being an Orc, just as he is. If there wasn't that potential there, he never could have turned from cruelty and darkness no matter what example had been set before him. I hope he sees something good in himself soon, in his strength that can be protective, and his fierceness that can be passion for a good cause, and even his pain, that can heal the pain of others.
Looking forward to the next chapter, as always.
FF
Author's reply
"...there has to be good and nobility even in being an Orc... if there wasn't that potential there, he never could have turned from cruelty and darkness no matter what example had been set before him."
Very true. And Radagast set the stage for everything that followed, by his friendliness and kindness in the very beginning, before the orcs had done anything to deserve it. Come think of it, Radagast sort of reminds me of the Dalai Lama.
Sorry to be so slow in answering you, Fantast Fan, and I so much appreciate your insightful reviews! This is turning into a hectic month.
jo
daw the minstrel
· 15 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Truth Under Darkness
I suppose she's right that they're both "orc marked" in a way. Their visions of one another seem good to me. They will each become at least part of what the other one sees.
Author's reply
"They will each become at least part of what the other one sees."
You're exactly right - they are like mirrors for each other, in a way. As they can accept the "orkishness" in each other, they begin to come to terms with it in themselves.
Thanks for reviewing, Daw. I'm sorry to be so slow in answering. We're on vacation and my dh keeps dragging me away from the computer to go to the movies and such. (Grumble, grumble? Not much! :-)
jo
Rose Sared
· 15 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Truth Under Darkness
Aww, this friendship is so sweet - even when he is slaying wolves for her. Much angst ahead though I warrent. Goody.
Rose
Author's reply
LOL! Stay tuned for angst...
jo
Meldewen Ilce
· 15 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Truth Under Darkness
Wow - oh Jo - this story just gets better and better with every chapter!
Oh dear Canohando - I wish he could stop thinking he is the most wretched creature to walk Arda - and dear Malawen, I desperately want to see her find some healing...
It's strange but I think perhaps they're both beginning to let go some of their grief and pain and wounds when they're with each other...
And I still wonder what Arwen saw for Canohando in the woods of Rivendell -- something good I hope and trust -- for Malawen as well...
Author's reply
I think Malawen is finding healing with Canohando, little by little. You're right - they are comfort for each other.
Sorry it's taken me such an age to answer you - this is one hectic month.
jo
Breon Briarwood
· 14 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Truth Under Darkness
Whew, for a second I thought he was going to leave her alone out there. Sad to see her frightened, but glad to see him come to his senses. And the ending - comfort, friendship, protectiveness? I see things beginning to bloom!
*singing* 'love is in the air.....' :D
Author's reply
Sorry to be so late responding to this - but thank you for the review! No, he couldn't leave her, however agitated in spirit he might be. Stay tuned...
jo
esamen
· 12 July 2004
· Chapter 25: The Strange Alliance
Ah, Jo, you must be a real storyteller to make us love an Orc! I usually like more Frodo-centric fics, but this is a winner. Beautiful! I can't wait for your next update. Thanks!
Author's reply
Thank you, esamen! I'm with you - I'm pretty Frodo-centric, which is why the Ring-bearer keeps slipping into this even though it takes place long after his own story ended. Thank you for giving Canohando a chance to win your affection.
jo
powerwriter
· 30 June 2004
· Chapter 25: The Strange Alliance
Jo,
This story has turned into such a tale! Canohando is one of the best characters I have come across. There's just so much emotion and depth to everything. I'm glad Canohando has found someone! He really needs someone now that Arwen is passed.
I been trying to picture what Canohando looks like. I really been wanting a mental image of him, but just can't get a picture in my head. Grr...
I am truly sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next chapter. Good job :)
Author's reply
Funny you should mention that - I wish I could get someone to draw me a picture of him! I sort of know what he looks like: a heavy brow line, not quite a Neanderthal ridge, but pronounced - deep-set black eyes and thick eyebrows that meet above his eyes, a broad face with a wide mouth and strong chin, low forehead and thick, dead-black hair. Ugly but striking, especially the eyes. And a thick, muscular body - sort of like Atlas, looks like he could pick up the world on his shoulders. I'm so glad you like him! Do you draw?
I've been away and have done hardly any work on the story for a week, so it'll probably be another week before I post the next chapter. I'm sorry...
jo
Breon Briarwood
· 27 June 2004
· Chapter 25: The Strange Alliance
Oh, that was beautiful at the end. It appears Canohando may have found someone after all... Waiting for more! :D
Author's reply
Thank you, Breon! And now I'm getting ready to leave for a week's vacation - with a little luck I'll try to do some writing while I'm gone.
I think Canohando's in love - but even though Malawen trusts him now, would she give her heart to an Orc?
jo
FantasyFan
· 25 June 2004
· Chapter 25: The Strange Alliance
It sounds like Canohando is falling in love! He is her protector, but she is his shadow. They do not wish to be apart. I wonder if he can heal her, and she can win him a passage to Valinor? In this universe, Frodo was not allowed to go for healing, and in the end he was able to heal himself. Canohando has come a very long way along the same path: he is largely redeemed. He doesn't need to go for healing, and really, Valinor is where both he and the elfling belong now.
Author's reply
It certainly does sound like he's falling in love - I wonder if he realizes it? Lash loved Lokka, but I don't think he was "in love" with her - and such a thing would be completely alien to the orcs of Canohando's past life. He saw it in Arwen and Aragorn, but would he recognize it in himself?
Nice to hear from you again, FantasyFan!
jo
Rose Sared
· 25 June 2004
· Chapter 25: The Strange Alliance
Awww, now there's a partnership to boggle the mind. She may be a bit of a minx that elf - allowing Canahando to believe she needed his embrace to avoid falling out of a tree-!- (grin)
The big softy better not get his heart broken again, Jo. I feel rather protective of the lunk.
Rose
Author's reply
LOL! He is a softy now, isn't he? Not much like the hardened villain who kept threatening to kill Frodo. Just goes to show the influence other people can have on a personality.
But Malawen... there's a bit more than meets the eye there.
Thanks for reviewing!
jo
daw the minstrel
· 25 June 2004
· Chapter 25: The Strange Alliance
It's wonderful to see Canohando passing along some of the healing he got from Frodo. Romantic that I am, I actually want them to be lovers. Is that too much to ask?
Author's reply
Not too much to ask of Canohando - whether it's all Frodo's influence, or partially the effect of wearing Arwen's Jewel for 60 years, he has grown a very loving heart. But Malawen - ? She's come to trust him, but is she capable of love?
jo
finafyr
· 20 June 2004
· Chapter 24: The Last Farewell
You know that I love this story.. I have written so before.. and there is a pain in my heart from our dear orc.. is seems to me that those in valinor know of him.. and they know of the orgin of orcs.. could not they bid our orc to come home across the sea..
for the truth and reality cannot be hidden by the shell that lies on the outside. but the true measure that lays in the heart and soul is seen for all the eyes that can see the truth..
Author's reply
I'm so glad you love it, Finafyr!
I'm not sure to what extent the Valar are aware of what is passing in Middle Earth (didn't Earendil the Mariner have to physically sail to Valinor to beg their help against Sauron?) But surely Iluvatar is aware of Canohando, and that is why the Orc was sent to Arwen, a protector for her and a comfort to Aragorn, that he did not leave her unguarded... but also for Canohando's own sake, so that under Arwen's influence he could begin to reclaim what he was meant to be, what all the Orcs were originally meant to be.
Canohando longs for Valinor, but he is not really weary of Middle Earth yet: he is still stretching and growing. I'm not sure what lies ahead for him, but his story isn't finished yet. And yes, the reality of this Orc is becoming ever more apparent, for eyes that can see the truth...
jo
daw the minstrel
· 19 June 2004
· Chapter 24: The Last Farewell
I have to say this is one of the saddest stories I've read in fanfic. You really bring home the loss of everyone here.
Author's reply
Hi again, Daw --
I do so much appreciate your comments! And I really didn't set out to write such a sad story. But its very nature is melancholy, the passing of the last vestiges of the Third Age, with Aragorn and Arwen dying and the Elves departing...
In spite of the chapter title, however, the story isn't over. The Elves look back, and go over the Sea, but Canohando is looking forward and heading for the Shire. I hope it will be a bit less angsty in the end.
jo
daw the minstrel
· 19 June 2004
· Chapter 16: The Age of the Dominion of Men
The last chapter, and Aragorn's death, had me in tears. In this one, I really liked the way Canohando drilled the Queen's Company into fighting orcs.
Author's reply
Oh, good! It's just not possible to write the end of Aragorn and Arwen's story without being angsty - but I am trying to get notes of hope and strength into it too. Canohando is a harbinger of the future...
jo
Rose Sared
· 19 June 2004
· Chapter 24: The Last Farewell
Oh bother, how I wish he had someone to travel with even though I know he can look after himself. What a change in the elves and Elladan, that they should worry about him, and his men, they will miss him and be unable to explain to anyone who did not know him why that is so.
Such a clever story, such clever writing. I am, and remain, in awe.
Rose
Author's reply
Oh Rose, I hadn't thought of that, and you're so right! How will they explain to their grandchildren that there was one Orc who was noble-hearted and loyal, worthy of command and even of friendship? To anyone who didn't know Canohando, it will be incredible.
But in spite of that last chapter title, the story isn't over yet...
jo
daw the minstrel
· 18 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Those Who Are Called
This is so sad! Canohando's realization of the spoiling of the orcs is tragic, although it's very interesting that you parallel that to Arwen's choice.
Author's reply
Yeah, until he came to Minas Tirith he had no way of knowing what he had lost. Now as he has the chance to get acquainted with Elves, he begins to regret what was taken from the Orcs - and the idea that Arwen will give up that heritage *voluntarily* is a stunner for him.
jo
daw the minstrel
· 18 June 2004
· Chapter 7: The King's Judgment
Aragorn and Arwen are just amazing. Aragorn is a strong, just ruler and Arwen knows exactly what to say. As you say, she has the wisdom of the Eldar.
Author's reply
Thank you, Daw! I'm glad they come across well - I was very apprehensive about trying to write them.
jo