Laer by Alassiel
MithLuin · 12 March 2007 · Chapter 1: Laer
Beautifully done! To "see" Finrod through the eye's of Bëor's people, and a blind woman at that. Brilliant :)
Author's reply
Hello. I have only today discovered how to respond to reviews, so I hope you will read this at some time. It wasn't difficult to write Barach, as I myself am totally blind. I wanted to know how it would be to meet one of the Eldar without seeing him, and this was what emerged. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Blessings, Alassiel
Aglarendis · 13 October 2005 · Chapter 1: Laer
Aiya Alassiel! This story moved me very deeply. I could hear the water, feel the leaves brushing against my face and hands, smell the air! How I wish I could imagine what seeing the stars must have been like! I can easily believe that this is how Finrod found the second-born of Eru. Here is just a minor suggestion. I would have liked to have read about the first time Berech actually spoke with Lord Wisdom. What did he say to her? Was she afraid to speak with him? Or was the time he healed her the first time they actually spoke to one another? Your wonderful gift for both creating and telling a story encourages and challenges me to improve my own writing. I am honored to call you Nildinya, my friend. Almie! Blessings!
Author's reply
I too am grateful for your friendship. I think her first personal meeting with Finrod was when he healed her. I didn't "see" another meeting until then. Thank you for the lovely review. Blessings, Alassiel
Marta (aure_enteluva) · 17 December 2004 · Chapter 1: Laer
I started this story because I am very interested in the use of the senses in writing. I'm actually working on a series of drabbles where the drabble is written using only one sense or all but one sense. So your idea of what the meeting of a Man and an Elf would be like, through the ears of someone who cannot see, captured my attention right away. But what I most liked this story is the same thing I loved about Twopoint's "Unbound" - it seemed to enrich canon, but at the same time stand indepenedent of it. This story would have worked fine without any knowledge of Tolkien. All in all, a very nice read. I'd like to nominate it for the Middle-earth Fanfiction Awards (home.earthlink.net/~ainae/mefa/) when nominations open this spring, but to do this I will need your email address. If you're interested, please contact me at MartaL0712 at netscape dot net. Marta
Author's reply
Since I just discovered how to reply, this is a very late response. Meeting one the Eldar would be wondrous under any circumstances, and I'm delighted my descriptions of hearing, sound and smell were effective. Blessings, Alassiel
Dreaming N Watercolors · 8 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Laer
Your style is very fluid and lyrical which made this story a joy to read. The only problem I had was that it took a while to understand just what it was that Magra was so angry about regarding Barach. I'd also like to know where their people hail from.
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind review. I didn't want to be too obvious about why Magra was so angry, but it was because Barach had been devastated, both by her parents' deaths in the plague and by her loss of sight. Her kindred are what Tolkien called the folk of Beor, the first humans the Eldar encountered in Beleriand in the First Age. Thank you again. Alassiel
Nerdanel · 4 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Laer
This is, indeed, a beautiful story. Having never lost my sight, I cannot imagine what it would be like to encounter an Elda without it, but this story has given me a very good idea of what it would be like. I also love the description of Finrod, as he is my favourite Elf. Nerdanel
Author's reply
Suilië Nerdanel, Mine too. His nobility, compassion and courage have been an inspiration to me since reading _The Silmarillion_ in 1977. I'm delighted my descriptions etc. worked for you. Blessings, Alassiel
Ariel · 3 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Laer
Very nicely done. I rarely read elf-fics (other than Nilmandra's) but this was an engaging read. I wish more folk would learn to 'write what they know'. It makes such an incredible difference. Thank you for sharing this with us. Ariel
Author's reply
I don't read tales in which elves seem no more than pretty humans, but I have been intrigued by them since reading of Frodo's meeting with Gildor. As for writing what we know, we also need the freedom of imagination, without being implausible, I think. Thank you for the review. Blessings, Alassiel
Elwen · 3 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Laer
What a truly fascinating and beautifully told story.
Author's reply
Thank you. I am glad it gave you joy. Blessings, Alassiel
Karri · 3 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Laer
Beautifully written, wonderful perspective, and delightful creative. Truly a pleasure to read.
Author's reply
Please excuse the very tardy response. I just found out how to reply. My New Year's resolution is to respond promptly. Thank you for your kindness. Blessings, Alassiel
Antigone Q · 3 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Laer
Lovely! What a wonderful story, both in concept and execution!
Author's reply
It was a pleasure to write Laer, as I greatly admire Finrod Felagund. It was also a pleasure to explore how it would be for a blind person to meet him, or any Elda for that matter. Thank you for your kind review. Blessings, Alassiel
Elena Tiriel · 3 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Laer
Mari, that was superb! I was so moved... your descriptions are so evocative, and I truly felt the wonder of the Men as they met with Finrod. Thank you for sharing your talent with us! - Barbara
Author's reply
Hi Barbara, This is very late, as I only found out how to reply today. Since I don't see, I paint with words. I'm glad the colors weren't "off". Thank you for the review. Blessings, Alassiel
SilverMoonLady · 3 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Laer
That was quite simply exquisite and very moving. You have a beautiful and evocative 'voice', and I am so very very pleased you have joined us to share your gift. Thank you!
Author's reply
I am very grateful for your kindness and apologize for this very late answer. I just found out how to reply today. I love painting with words, so it is a pleasure to write, especially about elves, whom I have admired for over forty years. Thank you for your kindness. Blessings, Alassiel