Reviews (54)

Author's reply

Thank you for the review, Fiondil, and your interesting observations. We truly enjoyed this story as we watched it unfold, and were sometimes surprised by the turn of events. For us Maglor was seemed to be primarily an elf both creative and compassionate, who was more or less swept along with the tide of madness engendered by grief and loss. We, too, would love to know more of daily life of elves in all regions where they dwelt. As of this moment we are not planning another collaborative story, but appreciate the encouragement nonetheless.

Author's reply

Thank you, orlandochick05, for the review. Like you I read few stories; partially from the desire to write, partially because I prefer those that are canon-based. It is interesting that you mention the Fëanorion, though my focus for one story will be Fëanor. His early years have not been researched thoroughly and, for all the acclaim he received, in his pre-rebellion years he must have been a truly remarkable elf.

Author's reply

Thank you for the review, Shar. It is good to know that the story stands on its own merits. Then again maybe it will intrigue others to delve deeper into Elvish History; a fascinating adventure. Alassiel may write a sequel, but I do not have any plans for one. Veryandil is after all her OC, though she kindly allowed me a closer acquaintance.

Author's reply

Thank you for your lovely review, Ellie. That Maglor could at the last release the Silmaril into the depths of the sea was for me an important act. Not only in words but also in deed he demonstrated his strength and willingness to turn from Dark to Light. If any of the exiled Sons of Fëanor deserves a happy ending, it is Maglor. I also am delighted for him.

Author's reply

Thank for taking this journey with us, Mithluin. As per HoME 12, Peoples of ME page 318: The second note reads: "Maedros the eldest appears to have been unwedded, also the two youngest…; Celegorm also, since he plotted to take Luthien as his wife. But Curufin, dearest to his father and chief inheritor of his father's skills, was wedded, and had a son who came with him into exile, though his wife (unnamed) did not. Others who were wedded were Maelor, Caranthir". Among elves, betrothal is a form of binding, albeit not the final physical joining, and not to be lightly sundered. Maglor has always seemed to me the best of the Fëanorionath. Those gifted musically seem usually to express their emotions in through their art, but as it is written, bad company ruins good character.

Author's reply

Thank you for your review, Bodkin, it is appreciated. Often we feel ourselves unworthy of the love and sacrifice made by others on our behalf and thereby not only inflicting pain on a loyal, giving heart, but refusing the healing of our own marring. Lack of self forgiveness of a guilt long endured can make it virtually impossible at times to accept it from one unsullied; mercy undeserved, punishment and isolation the only logical payment. Such acceptance of the sweet love of Allindë may have been a gift from the Light he bore within. Compassion for the plight of this once noble elf, persuaded and probably coerced into rebelling against what he knew to be right, and his willingness to deny at the end the Oath, taking upon himself the terrible price of dwelling in Eternal Darkness to forgo yet more senseless death and grief for others, inspired this tale. Maglor deserved better.

Author's reply

Thank you, Nilmadra, for your review. It has been a long wait for this chapter and it comes with mixed emotions; satisfaction and yearning. Most tales are of the difficult times, and so few of the days of peaceful joy. At least now Makalaurë has those surrounding him now who will help him through the long process of coming to terms with the reasons for his Exile and the consequences thereof, forgiving and welcoming, not condemning and spurning him. I always thought that Maglor deserved a kinder fate than to wander forever on the shores of this ever more corrupted Earth. Had his brother, Maedhros, heeded Maglor’s counsel, there might have been two sons for Nerdanel to welcome home.

Author's reply

So strong was my desire to meet a Tolkien Elf that my first tale, “Behold! An Elf”, is about that kind of encounter. It is as C. S. Lewis said, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation that I was made for another world”. We were not made for Arda Marred, but for a Garden of Eden, and maybe the company of Elves.

Author's reply

Thank you for your review, Elflingimp. Seeing and talking to them on a somewhat regular basis would be sufficient for me. As grieved as I am with the state of this Marred world, I would not wish to be an Immortal living or even visiting here. And besides, my undying days, when I shall be clad in a glorious new body, are yet a short time in the future. Perhaps then I shall meet Elves from Arda and Valinor before the throne of God (Ilúvatar).

Author's 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.

Author's 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.

Author's 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.

Author's 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.

Author's 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.

Author's 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.

Author's 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.

Author's 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.

Author's 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.

Author's 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.

Author's reply

Thank you for the kind words of appreciation. They are always welcome. Alassiel and I take a great deal of care with every word and hopefully the nuances as well. The next chapter is almost ready. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you, too.

Author's reply

Thank you for the review. Yes, it has been a long time between chapters, but daily life responsibilities consumed an excessive amount of the time that I had devoted to ‘real life’; creative pursuits To me ‘real life’ is what makes one feel most alive. Maglor made many poor choices and suffered accordingly, as did others among the elves. Even so, they are to be pitied, rather than despised. It is unfortunately easier to hate than to love those who have wronged us. I am delighted that you appreciate the descriptive phrasing, as I do wish to convey the story to the best of my ability. MS Word has a wonderful Thesaurus and, as usual, a dictionary of the old-fashioned sort (a book) is close at hand. The balance of the tale is in the beta stage and should be forthcoming soon.

Author's reply

Your words of praise are greatly appreciated. There are many things that happen, as we write, that we did not expect either. But suddenly the scene appears in the mind, and we record the events as best we can. Alassiel will be delighted to hear of your fondness for Veryandil. She saw him long before I met him, and I must agree with you. He is a wonderful representative of what Alassiel and I believe Elven children were like from the little that we know of them from Tolkien.

Author's reply

Yes, all that guilt is a heavy load indeed, even for an elf. Sometimes the unprejudiced eyes of a child can see more clearly, and offer a love uncomplicated by past actions. When we can put the suffering of others ahead of our own feelings, it is difficult not to have compassion for the wounded spirits of those who, perhaps, deserve no forgiveness.

Author's reply

Since the Music is the prime ingredient of all of Ëa and is most often ‘heard’ in the waters, it is not surprising that this particular elf being so attuned to song would be sensitive to the sounds about him. You are so correct; healing is very draining and demanding and required replenishing of sustenance and deep rest to bring about restoration of the body. Most people completely miss the fact that this is a very young elf, and his concern over influence for good or evil upon his son is not to be lightly dismissed as a merely grouchy attitude. Already several less than pleasant experiences have occurred which have not served to reassure, but rather to give cause for greater alarm. Parenting was a serious, though thoroughly enjoyable time for most elves. Not lightly did they enter into the adventure. Thank you for the review, Nilmandra.