Reviews (84)

halandleg4ever · 30 December 2019 · Chapter 24: One More Parting

You wrote this forever ago, I know. I recently had the urge to seek out old LOTR fics from my past and as I did, I was dismayed by the number of old links that no longer worked and old favorites that have since disappeared from the internet. But along with that, as I searched old archives and used the wayback machine to find links that worked, I found a ton of new (lol OLD) recommendations. Your fic was one of them, having been listed on the Mithril awards page. I never read it back in the day, though your penname is so familiar that I will have to look through your works to see if anything strikes a chord. This is getting away from me and entirely way too much info you don't care about but, this story is so breathtakingly beautiful. So very detailed, so very elegantly laid out. I read it all in one sitting, eyes glued to my screen. You may not even still visit this archive or get notifications of reviews, but I figured I'd still write a little something. Thank you very much for writing this story and thank you even more for sharing it with the world :)

Steel · 4 September 2018 · Chapter 24: One More Parting

I would just like to say... That this is *the* best LotR fanfic I have ever read, and it broke my heart. So yeah, thanks for that.

Knight of Umbar · 10 August 2015 · Chapter 15: The Challenge

Hello, Marnie. Although the chapter is well-written, as if it was written by the Professor himself, you diverge from canon in one aspect. After the fall of the Witch-King of Angmar, Khamul the Easterling became the Chief of the Nazgul. He and his brethren passed out of Ea only when the One Ring was unmade. Furthermore, the Nazgul cannot be slain in battle even by such a courageous and valiant warrior like Glorfindel or Celeborn. Thank you, Knight of Umbar.

Whatevah · 2 January 2012 · Chapter 24: One More Parting

Well met! I take issue with a few points in your argument. First, a differing point of view does not mean there is no objective truth. Every side in every conflict has a differing point of view and that’s all very interesting, but the Nazis were definitely in the wrong. You get my drift. (And, yes, I realize not all situations are as black and white. But consider Aragorn's answer to Eomer's question "'How shall a man judge what to do in such times?' 'As he ever has judged,' said Aragorn. ‘Good and ill have not changed since yesteryear; nor are they one thing among Elves and Dwarves and another among Men. It is a man’s part to discern them, as much in the Golden Wood as in his own house.’" That's JRRT's rebuke of the moral relativism right there.) Second, the Silmarillion is from the Noldor “POV” only in the sense that it tells the story of what happened to the Noldor. It is written from an omniscient third person POV. And the Noldor often don’t come across looking good. In fact, the sections about Doriath make clear the anti-Noldor position. Third, this whiny hatred of the Valar is so ridiculous. I’m sorry. I’ve got to say this. Please don’t take offense. Let’s take this argument apart. Your Celeborn is bitter because the Valar didn’t do enough to help those left behind. This is patently absurd – actually it’s offensively absurd. It’s so absurd that I think he’s an adolescent moron for thinking it. Let’s make an analogy. Let’s say a large family has been gifted with a new home by a great and mighty Benefactor. But the Benefactor learns to his horror that the new home has a terrible cockroach infestation problem. He comes to the family right away and says, “Oh dear. Big problem. It might not seem bad now, but it’s going to become unbearable. Don’t worry though. I have a plan. You can move into my own palatial mansion where you will want for nothing. In fact, heck, you can *have* my mansion. It’s yours. I’ll just hang around to serve you and answer your questions. Just pack up your things and follow me.” Most of the family members pack up and follow right away and thank him profusely for his kindness. But a couple of wiseacres say, “I call bullsh*t! There’s no cockroaches! I don’t want any mansion. I like it here. This is my home. I’m staying put.” And in time the cockroaches come, and it’s really bad. In fact, the cockroaches temporarily invade the palatial mansion, and some of the family members who had been living in the mansion decide to come back to the old house in order to get rid of the cockroach nest once and for all. The whole thing gets very complicated and out of control until finally the dear old Benefactor himself comes back to the old house rips out the cockroach nest and drags it all away. The house is still a disgusting mess after all this turmoil. He offers a safe haven to anyone who wants to come to his mansion. But some of them still want to stay. Now, how bloody absurd is it for the people who decided to stay to complain that the Benefactor doesn’t love them and left them in a cockroach infested and destroyed house? Are you kidding me? What more do they want from the man? He gave them the house in the first place. He gave them his own mansion as a substitute. He got rid of the cockroach nest. And he even welcomed them back to his mansion…. *and* he kept the door open should they change their minds. Anyone complaining about the Benefactor has got to be the most ungrateful pathetic midget-brained jackass I’ve ever encountered. This is what I mean when I say Celeborn is missing his Job moment where he realizes the wisdom of those who are infinitely wiser than he is. Oh and this complaint about the Noldor invasion is just as stupid. Middle-earth “belonged” to them just as much as it did to the ones who never went to Aman. Their ancestors awoke there too. Lest you think I’m taking their side, let me make clear that their manner of coming back to Middle-earth and their arrogance and doom put them in the wrong, and you’ll notice that the omniscient third person narrator of the Silmarillion also doesn’t pull any punches in expressing this objective truth. This whiny petulant rebel-pose you give Celeborn is so sad. And after taking a gander at some of the other stories on this site, I think this silly notion about the “uncaring” Valar has infected other writers. I enjoy reading stories in which characters make these arguments, but I’m looking for a story arch that shows the fallacy of them. Also, I found it strange that Celeborn was crying about acid rain on the one hand and yet complaining about Aman being too pristine on the other. Can he make up his mind? Of course, you had and have every right to interpret the story as you want, and your interpretation was certainly enjoyable. But an honest review is an honest review, and I saw these holes in your arguments. There was a reason why Tolkien kept re-writing endlessly. It takes many drafts. You should keep writing! All the best on a happy new year. And please don’t take my criticism as anything other than an opinionated reader who enjoyed the story and is hoping to encourage discussion.

Whatevah · 31 December 2011 · Chapter 24: One More Parting

Whoa there, missy. Let's sit back, pull out the pipeweed, and chillax. I liked your stories quite a lot actually. I didn't think anyone was still reading these reviews or I would have written a lot more. The two reviews I did write were sort of spontaneous eruptions (like shouting at the television set while watching the news or a ball game). But now that I know you're reading this, I'll give you a proper review. First off, yes, of course, I've read the Silmarillion and HoME. Here's the problem: HoME is essentially a collection of notebook entries showing an author trying to piece together his opus. They show the evolution of an idea and the struggle to work out complex themes. They often don't show the resolution of that struggle or reveal a concrete conclusion. The Silmarillion is also unfinished, and ironically the final issue giving Tolkien the most trouble was the story of Galadriel and Celeborn. Tolkien really loved the character of Galadriel and was especially attached to the chapters from LOTR on Lothlorien. His attempts at the end of his life to reconcile the back story of Celeborn and Galadriel with LOTR was important to him not only because he wanted to give Celeborn a heritage and role worthy of being the husband to Galadriel, but also – and more importantly to Tolkien – he was, in the words of one writer, "trying to eradicate the sinful pride with which he had originally endowed [Galadriel], for he was much taken with the notion that Galadriel resembled the Virgin Mary." Go read the letters where he makes this comparison explicitly. I realize this might be shocking to a lot of people, but Tolkien's legendarium is profoundly Catholic (and intentionally so). One of the reasons why he was so moved by the Lothlorien passages in LOTR is because they were so achingly spiritual. After all, "fighting the long defeat" is essentially the struggle of Fallen Man in a Fallen World. I personally loved those chapters because I was touched by the wisdom and grace Tolkien instilled in Galadriel and Celeborn. I was re-reading LOTR and the Silmarillion this past month, as I try to do every so often, and was taken again by the unresolved nature of Celeborn and Galadriel's story. Someone recommended your stories to me. I read "Oak and Willow," "The Battle of the Golden Wood," and "Seeds of Old Trees." I enjoyed every one of them. Truly. Do not get me wrong. I mean no slight to your accomplishments. There were passages that were so lovely I was tempted to search for them in my Kindle version of LOTR and the Silmarillion because I thought they must have been written by JRRT himself. (Ah yes, I'm reading Tolkien on an iPad. The poor technologically reactionary Tolkien would be horrified! But my print copies are dusty, musty, and heavy.) I commend you and thank you for an enjoyable read. Your depictions of Celeborn and Galadriel are very interesting and consistent with your vision of them, but in the end I found that your Celeborn and Galadriel were not quite consistent with Tolkien's. This isn't meant as a criticism, just an observation. You obviously see them differently than Tolkien did. You said yourself you don't really like Galadriel, and that would seem to be where you and JRRT part ways dramatically. Interestingly, in fleshing out their stories, you chose to move precisely in the direction that Tolkien was trying to avoid and was working to re-write. Instead of making Celeborn one of the High Elves, you make him not only a "dark elf" but defiantly one to the point of practically flipping the bird at the Valar (which makes him rather like Feanor actually). Instead of removing (or lessening) the suggestion of the Noldor's sinful pride in Galadriel, you ramp it up to make her as proud and ambitious as Lucifer (though that might be too harsh. You do try to make her sympathetic at times). Consequently, when you try to rein it in in order to make them fit the canonical mold Tolkien set for them, it kind of feels like you’re fitting a square peg into a round hole. Which leads me to my next thought... Your depiction of Galadriel and Celeborn in the opening chapters of "The Battle of the Golden Wood" (hereafter abbreviated to "BOTGW") just didn't seem to jive for me with Tolkien's depiction of them in LOTR. But your characterization of them in "BOTGW" was consistent with "Oak and Willow" ("OAW" from now on), so there was an internal logic to your work. I tried to figure out why they seemed so different from Tolkien's characters, and I think it's because they're deficient (though not entirely lacking) in that wisdom and grace so apparent in LOTR. The depiction of them in OAW was not as much at odds with Tolkien's depiction because they were younger in OAW, and youth is an excuse. But the character arch from OAW to BOTGW was still deficient in showing their growth in wisdom and grace. It's as if they didn't grow in patience or understanding from the time of OAW to the "Seeds of Old Trees." Becoming world weary isn't the same as becoming wise. Nowhere is this more true than your depiction of Celeborn. His attitude towards Aman and the Valar is alarmingly arrogant, irreverent, and eerily like Feanor. It would have been fascinating if you had him grow in understanding of the ways of the Valar (in a sort of Job-like spiritual awakening through long hardship), but he doesn't really. Though I'm probably being too harsh here. There are moments in BOTGW were he is wonderful (loved the part where he says Sauron will answer to Ilúvatar and will fall to the same fate as his master regardless of whether he reclaims the Ring). Your take on the dark vs. light elves thing in "Oak and Willow" was very interesting. It was true to the Silmarillion (especially in the contempt the sons of Feanor have in throwing that term around) though you might have pushed it to the limits for dramatic effect (which is your right to do and very smart of you since every story needs dramatic tension) by having Galadriel disgusted with Celeborn's "darkness" (though it was ingenious how you tied it in with Celeborn's disgust with the kinslaying. Very well done!) Personally, I think the origin of the light vs. dark elf thing had more to do with Tolkien's interest in languages and Icelandic myth. I think after he figured out what "dark elves" were, he went, "hmm, this could be interesting." There was, however, no question that the calaquendi were in fact stronger than the moriquendi – just as there was no question that the elves of Doriath were stronger because of Melian. ("In those days Elves and Men were of like stature and strength of body, but the Elves had greater wisdom, and skill, and beauty; and those who had dwelt in Valinor and looked upon the Powers as much surpassed the Dark Elves in these things as they in turn surpassed the people of mortal race. Only in the realm of Doriath, whose queen Melian was of the kindred of Valar, did the Sindar come near to match the Calaquendi of the Blessed Realm." The Silmarillion, pp. 117-118). And there was no question that there was something "off" with the Avari for being totally unwilling to listen to the Valar. Getting lost or dawdling is one thing (and very forgivable), but being totally unwilling to listen to the Archangels (which is essentially what the Valar are) is a character flaw. That's not to say that future generations of Avari are to blame for what their fathers did, but still. It was clear that JRRT intended for them to be different in a not good sort of way. Though he never quite definitively worked out the origin of the Orcs, his latest iteration seems to have been that Orcs might have been some twisting of men and elves. Those elves would have no doubt been Avari. Having said that, I thought your chapter where Celeborn shows Galadriel the stone knife to make a point (no pun intended) about Avari skill was very clever. Loved it. However, I was waiting for the obvious comeback: "In a knife fight against Morgoth, would you rather have a stone knife or a steel one? 'Nuff said." However, none of this is to suggest that Tolkien was insensitive to those who were regarded by conventional wisdom as "lowly." In fact, the recurring theme throughout LOTR is that those who are considered lowly and grubby are in fact the most heroic (i.e. hobbits, Strider, the Rohirrim, Eowyn and Merry slaying the Witch-king, etc.). Tolkien gives the best overall description of Galadriel to dear Samwise. And Sam saves the best part for last when he says, "as merry as any lass I ever saw with daisies in her hair in springtime." That simplest part of her was what she was in essence when she "diminished," but it was the best of her – merry, wise, kind, gracious. Those qualities of merry simplicity are a hallmark of Tolkien's wisest and most noble characters. And he also valued humility in his characters. One of the reasons why I love Celeborn is because he's humble enough to admit to a dwarf (!) that he was wrong ("Let Gimli forget my harsh words..."). Now, as to my questions and your answers regarding the rings of the Ringwraiths... oh come on! You know you made it up, and Tolkien didn't intend it. And there's no need to apologize for it. It was a great plot twist, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. But, of course, the Witch-king's ring didn't remain behind. Tolkien was very specific about what did remain behind when Eowyn killed him. I figured your answered would be that the reason why Khamûl's ring remained behind was because Celeborn cut it from his finger before killing him. Makes sense, right? I was wondering why you didn't explain it that way in the story. It would explain why the ring of the Nazgûl Galadriel killed didn't remain. As for Celeborn and Galadriel being able to bag some Nazgûl baddies... I see your point. In LOTR, Gandalf tells Frodo: "[The Eldar] do not fear the Ringwraiths, for those who have dwelt in the Blessed Realm live at once in both worlds, and against both the Seen and the Unseen they have great power." This, btw, makes Merry and Eowyn's accomplishment all the more remarkable. They bagged the top dog who even Glorfindel couldn't take down. As for the issue of the "weakness" of those who took the Three Rings, I still think you harp on it too much. Círdan didn't give up Narya out of some noble sense of "It's evil! We mustn't use it! I refuse to use it! Take it, Gandalf!" No, no. Here's what the LOTR says about his decision: "Círdan later surrendered his to Mithrandir. For Círdan saw further and deeper than any other in Middle-earth, and he welcomed Mithrandir at the Grey Havens, knowing whence he came and whither he would return. 'Take this ring, Master,' he said, 'for your labours will be heavy; but it will support you in the weariness that you have taken upon yourself. For this is the Ring of Fire, and with it you may rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill. But as for me, my heart is with the Sea, and I will dwell by the grey shores until the last ship sails. I will await you.'" He simply gave it to the person who could put it to best use. Ditto Gil-galad giving Vilya to Elrond. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed your stories. Thank you so much for sharing them. Though I personally think you diverged from Tolkien in your depiction of his characters, I think you still crafted some great stories in the spirit of Tolkien. I certainly don't hold it against you that you haven't been able to capture them the way Tolkien did because I have yet to read any fan fiction writer who has completely captured that wisdom and grace that Tolkien instilled in Celeborn and Galadriel. In fact, I think you come closer than anyone else at capturing it. And I hope you will continue to write! All the best! P.S. Can I challenge you to write a version of Celeborn's story that makes him a Teleri from Aman the way Tolkien had finally wanted to make him? If anyone could do it, you could. (But you have to start liking Galadriel more to do it.) :)

Whatevah · 30 December 2011 · Chapter 17: Many Injuries

Why does Khamûl's ring remain after he dies, but the Witch-king's didn't after Eowyn killed him? And for that matter what happened to the ring of the Nazgûl that Galadriel killed? And is the Lord of the Nazgûl that much stronger than the other eight that no man can kill him (not even Glorfindel) but Celeborn and Galadriel can knock off two of the others? I thought Tolkien had the remaining Nazgûl die when the One Ring is destroyed and not before.

Whatevah · 30 December 2011 · Chapter 16: Some Successes

I'm not sure I understand why you keep harping on this idea that Galadriel was somehow weak for taking Nenya. Were Elrond and Gandalf weak for taking the other two rings? And when she said in LOTR "I passed the test. I shall go into the west and diminish and remain Galadriel" it is fairly obvious that the ban against her was lifted in that moment. Tolkien's descriptions of her following that scene bear this out. She seems at peace following this, and ironically, though she is "diminished" she is actually much greater. You don't seem to want to grant her that. I think you must have a rough opinion of her.

Aiwen · 25 November 2010 · Chapter 24: One More Parting

Very well done.

whitewave · 1 January 2009 · Chapter 22: An End Comes

I enjoyed the meeting of the two armies very much. Your version of Thranduil gives a refreshing new perspective to the "drama". Sorry for all these reviews, but I felt that this is the only way I can show how much I really enjoyed the story.

whitewave · 1 January 2009 · Chapter 21: Leaving or Staying?

The way you got inside the heads of Haldir and Galadriel was very engrossing. It had me on the edge of my seat when I first read the scene between Haldir and his brother.

whitewave · 1 January 2009 · Chapter 20: Dol Guldur

What a delightful telling of how the elves must have laid siege to Dol Guldur! The description gives me a very vivid picture of what could have happened.

whitewave · 1 January 2009 · Chapter 18: A Turning Point

Oswy's temptation of the ring had my skin crawling--you wrote it so well. And it is just like Celeborn to recognize/detect it, him having been around a Ring Bearer for so long. And the last scene, with Galadriel's ring losing its power--sounded like foreshadowing of their temporary separation. This is really good stuff!

whitewave · 1 January 2009 · Chapter 17: Many Injuries

I forgot to mention in the previous reviews how much reading about a strong female warrior thrills me. I enjoyed reading her scenes with Haldir, especially that he treats her like an equal. The scenes between Haldir and his brothers are particularly touching as well.

whitewave · 1 January 2009 · Chapter 15: The Challenge

I can't think of what I liked more for this chapter: Celeborn vs Khamul or Oswy's participation. The latter reminds me a lot of Eowyn in a good way, inserting Oswy with the elves gives it a human perspective and it made me admire Celeborn's idea of including Oswy in the battle.

whitewave · 1 January 2009 · Chapter 14: Downfall

These middle chapters are so exciting--the words give a good picture of what the defenders would have been going through and it fleshes out the few words in canon that mentioned the valor of the Galadhrim, which I wish had been shown in the movie instead of that "Haldir dies in Helm's Deep" scene. The detail about the elves re-using the arrows gives it an extra edge and sense of urgency.

whitewave · 1 January 2009 · Chapter 13: Without Hope

I smiled at the Celeborn-Sam "connection" here. You managed to emphasize his quiet, reserved strength here with only a few simple words and implied the parallel between the two "companions" of the Ring bearers.

whitewave · 1 January 2009 · Chapter 11: Vulnerability Discovered

I just love the bits of subtle humor you inject in the character's dialogues, especially this one: "So," he said at last, "Are you going to tell your wife that your deed was not folly at all, but dire need?" Celeborn forced a laugh, inspired by Calandil's resilience of mood. "Truly are you named, bright friend," he said in jest, "But if you would say 'I told you so' to Galadriel in her present mood, then you are a braver man than I." "Nay, do you but smile at her and she will melt to a puddle of bliss at your feet." This time the laughter had no element of defiance in it, but was genuine and heartfelt. Turning towards the city, he released the reins of Calandil's horse into his friend's hand, shaking his head, "Would that I lived in whatever happy world you inhabit, Calandil. Though it bears little resemblance to reality, it pleases me well." Delightful!

whitewave · 1 January 2009 · Chapter 3: The Lord of Lorien

I think this chapter contains my favorite Celeborn moment. He was able to make a daunting impression without being all showy and intense. I was also touched with the wistful looks that all the elves would cast upon Gytha. Oswy is also coping admirably and I could not help but emphatize with him--so much to deal with in so short a time! I'm not a trained writer or anything, but adding the humans here is a good "tool" that enables the readers to "enter" the story and it helps them relate and it makes the events seem more real.

whitewave · 29 December 2008 · Chapter 0: Many Farewells

I've read this some time ago but have put off reviewing not because it is not good, but I was just "speechless". This was a very delightful read that I added it to my favorites. It's difficult to choose a favorite line as I've had many but I enjoyed all of Celeborn's scenes a lot. For this chapter, I LOL'd at the dialogue between him and his wife about the One Ring. I really prefer Celeborn's quiet strength to his wife's more showy "Noldo" magnitude. I liked the build-up, the battle itself, the original characters were well-fleshed out and the scenes all well-written. I'm glad Marta referred this otherwise I would not have read this at all. Thanks very much for sharing this.

Mandy · 26 March 2006 · Chapter 24: One More Parting

Wow, this was amazing. You must be a professional author. I thought I was reading Tolkien himself!

svadilfari · 1 December 2005 · Chapter 0: Many Farewells

Ok, I will give a full review of the whole story because I could not stop at one chapter! Had to finish it all, and looks like it needs a second read for certain ideas needs rumination. Yes, I'm afraid Imay write again when I realise discussion is needed ;-p But, first! Calandil! How COULD you! First horse-flesh to be eaten in your PotC and now Calandil dead! I care not one whit that it was a noble brave death nor that he has the Halls of bloody Mandos waiting for him, HOW could you? With all that pretty hair?! About Thrainduil's wife. Your translation or required for the plot? I always thought more like death. To have married HIM would require the stubborness of Celeborn and so may have participated in risky adventures which held a possibilty of death along with it. The Wood Elves, after all were known to be fey. Coming to that, I believe, (in my small little mind) that the inherent dislike of both Galadriel and Thrainduil stems from them truly being more alike than they will ever care to admit, aloud or not. And for anyone to say that aloud would allow for a one way passage to Mandos ;-) But, wow! Never thought of the falling of Dol Guldor by a song! And I really love how nature responds to the Elves! How the trees used for the evil machinism of Sauron still obey Celeborn. Or barring that any poem that comes to mind! Hah, love your subtle sense of humour, though it swiftly fell when Calandil did... But seriously, does the Tolkien Estate know you are writing this? You should be published and paid for this! His muse had MOST evidently and obviously visited you, though you now adorn your talent in the PotC site. *sniff* Oh, and what is pignut?

Eruanneth_Luin · 22 October 2004 · Chapter 14: Downfall

< Even beneath the oppression of the circling wraith, Calandil laughed at the thought, and wheeled away. > < There, on his right, speeding towards the safety of the Golden Wood was the gleam and glimmer of Calandil's force, a brightness about it. Like spring after winter, or the dawn after a night of grief seemed Calandil as he cleft his way through the foe. A glad lord, alight with gold. > The last glimpse of the gaily laughing warrior, cut down by an undead wraith the next moment; his passing to the Halls of Mandos a deep unhealing wound to the noble lord he loved and served his long joyful life. Though I read of him only briefly, he holds a special place in my heart. Thank you.

Eruanneth_Luin · 22 October 2004 · Chapter 11: Vulnerability Discovered

< Celeborn forced a laugh, inspired by Calandil's resilience of mood. "Truly are you named, bright friend," he said in jest, "But if you would say 'I told you so' to Galadriel in her present mood, then you are a braver man than I." "Nay, do you but smile at her and she will melt to a puddle of bliss at your feet." This time the laughter had no element of defiance in it, but was genuine and heartfelt. Turning towards the city, he released the reins of Calandil's horse into his friend's hand, shaking his head, "Would that I lived in whatever happy world you inhabit, Calandil. Though it bears little resemblance to reality, it pleases me well." > Caladil, the bright, merry elf, optimistic, brave, steadfast friend, serving his Lord with zeal and love. A true example of elven joy, much needed during the long years of growing darkness. Perhaps you will share more of him sometime. A tale of laughter through the long ages of Arda.

Fyre · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 24: One More Parting

The more I read your fanfiction, the more intrigued I am coming by Celeborn. While I can readily admit I am not the best at following the lines of the Eldar from the other books, I admite the different representation you use for the Sindar and Noldor, in spite of times that have past and unions that have taken place. The interaction with the Rohir, especially on Celeborn's part, is so beautifully managed and I especially like the family relationships you have throughout the story, be they human or Elven. I wish I could rovide a more coherent review, but I am simply no good at trying to express how impressed I was by this story and the detail and imagery provided. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Fyre · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 17: Many Injuries

I had intended to hold off reviewing until I reached the final chapter of the story, mainly because I have been so enthralled that I didn't want to take a stop, but I have to just send a side note and say drat it! You almost made me cry with Haldir's reaction to Orophin being found. And your Orophin is so absolutely adorable and so very young! But now, back to where I was reading.