Tâd Edhel a Firion by Fiondil
tiinaj1 · 26 April 2015 · Chapter 15: Epilogue: Sweet Home Imladris
What a great story. I've been reading quite a lot of fan fiction lately and much of it is filled w tons of misspellings, missing phrases or confusing passages - your writing is very smooth, the characters are easy to connect with and the flow of the story makes it easy to understand and interesting to read. I'm off to see what other stories you've written - thanks Tina!
Eruherdiriel · 12 July 2014 · Chapter 15: Epilogue: Sweet Home Imladris
Cute little story. A much more believable Aragorn-meets-Legolas story than many I've read. Is Estel always this much trouble? ~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
I'm glad you found the meeting between Aragorn and Legolas believable, Eruherdiriel. I never cared for the Legolas-and-Estel-get-into-trouble-all-the-time stories. Those seemed unrealistic to me when you consider that Elrond went to great lengths to keep Estel's identity a secret. Anyway, it was fun to have the lone Mortal in the group get into all sorts of trouble while the Elves around him don't even get their hair mussed. LOL! The sequel to this story, "Stirrings of Shadows" is a bit more serious in tone but you might still enjoy reading it. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate you doing so very much.
Michelle · 24 June 2010 · Chapter 15: Epilogue: Sweet Home Imladris
I bookmarked this story years ago, but lately I don't find as much time to read longer fics as I used to (sadly), so I only took this up now. Basically, it had everything I love in a story. It is a gapfiller. Yes, a very long and elaborate gapfiller, but Tolkien was kind enough to leave many blind spots for fanfic authors to fill, and I love seeing what different things different authors do with it. It had Aragorn - lots of it. Nothing I could love more, and most I liked most was the fact that she convincingly showed him on the bring from still being Estel (being brought up in Imladris by elves) and Aragorn (chieftain, king-to-be). This worked really well for me. (Funniest moment: bingdrinking!Aragorn - never thought I'd see this in a fanfic *g*.) And it had lots of other fascinating characters as well. I just saw you also wrote a sequel. I hope it won't take me another four years to read this:)
Author's reply
Hi Michelle. Well, I'm glad you did finally get a chance to finish reading this story and that you enjoyed it. I like filling in the gaps, and this one was a lot of fun to write. And I'm glad you liked my portrayal of a young Aragorn still finding his way between 'Estel' and 'Aragorn'. There is indeed a sequel, "Stirrings of Shadows". It is, however, much longer and not as light-hearted, though there are still some funny moments. I do hope you are read it, though. I think you might enjoy it. And, just for the record: I'm not a 'she' but a 'he'. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. Enjoy my other stories when you get the chance to read them.
Susana R · 21 June 2010 · Chapter 6: Moon Over Rhosgobel
Dear Fiondil, I know you had asked to leave reviews only at the last chapter, but I am not sure when I will have a chance to finish reading and wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying this story. Kaylee had highly recommended your work, both for readability and use of canon and elven language, and it is even better than I expected. It is wonderful to read such an engaging account of a young Estel/Aragorn with his foster family, going through the experiences that would mold him into Strider/Aragorn. I am working on what has turned into a fairly long story about how Faramir came to be called Wizard's pupil, and a ranger of Ithilien, and how he and Aragorn came to work together after ROTK, and I've found your work very inspirational in respect of what might have been Aragorn's background, and his relationships with his elven foster family. Thanks again! Susana
Author's reply
Hello Susanna, No problem. You can leave reviews for any and all chapters. I've actually forgotten I'd put that in about reviewing at the end of the story. I'm not sure why I did that. I'm going to remove that sentence as being irrelevant. *grin* I'm glad Kaylee pointed you to my stories and that you are enjoying this one. I am also glad to know that you find my work inspirational as well. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it. Good luck with your own story. It sounds quite interesting.
Tari · 22 April 2009 · Chapter 15: Epilogue: Sweet Home Imladris
Now Estel’s training really begins as he becomes Strider and sets out to learn about every corner of his kingdom, and to forge his relationship with the King of Rohan and the Steward of Gondor. His mother must learn to let go which is naturally hard for her. I think staying in Imladris is a wise choice. I know I would stay were I in her shoes. Elrond will be a great comfort for her. This is an excellent ending to this tale. Now, on to the next part.
Author's reply
It was because of this story that Ainu Lairë asked for a sequel showing Aragorn as Thorongil in Rohan, which is how "Stirrings of Shadow" came about. Many people wanted to know what happened to Erestor once it was revealed that he was the one to send the two scouts, so I wrote "Erestor in the Dock" to tie up that particular loose end.
Tari · 15 April 2009 · Chapter 14: A Hundred Bottles of Dorwinion On the Wall
Oh, to be on that flet and be able to hear two beautiful Elves singing. “sighs” I wonder what King Thranduil would have thought upon finding an inebriated Estel sitting on his throne. This is just one more reason for never getting drunk. Poor Estel. His head must feel as if it were the size of a watermelon. I'm hoping they have an uneventful trip back to Imladris
Tari · 10 April 2009 · Chapter 11: Have Yourself a Merry Little Penninor
Estel makes a good emissary for the race of men. Those among the Elves who mistrusted men are learning not to prejudge them. I wonder if there is any part of Estel’s body that has not sustained injury. If Elves hair turned gray, Elrond’s would be white by now.
Author's reply
Yes, I'm sure that the Elves of Mirkwood see in him the best of Men. As for his injuries... well... I suspect Elrond's hair would not only be white by now but falling out. *lol*
Tari · 3 April 2009 · Chapter 10: We're Off to See the Ithron
Legolas’ built in radar failed? What a hoot. I didn’t think an elf ever got lost in his own territory. That must have been some snowstorm if even the horses couldn’t find their way. It’s a good thing Mithrandir arrived when he did. But then, isn’t that what the Istari do?
Author's reply
Well, it could happen to anyone, I suppose, even an Elf. The storm is somewhat suspicious. Even Thranduil did not sense it coming and so there's the hint that it was sent by Sauron or whoever was hiding in Dol Guldur. So Legolas and Aragorn were lucky that Mithrandir returned to the Stronghold when he did.
Tari · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 8: Elven Roads (Take Me Home)
So, Legolas has two friends who are even worse that the twins. I love it. “grins” This chapter was such fun to read. I don’t recall Tolkien every saying how Aragorn and Legolas met; I love your interpretation. I have to say, thought, that I cannot understand why Legolas was afraid to go into the cave with Gimli when he lived in one in Mirkwood.
Author's reply
I think that Legolas endured the Stronghold out of necessity, not out of love of living in a cave. At any rate, Tolkien does not say how Aragorn and Legolas first met. I´m glad you like mz interpretation. I used the lines from the film here because the way Legolas said them and the expressions on their two faces at the time led me to believe that this was a private joke between them and so I thought this would be the appropriate place where the joke first originated.
Tari · 18 March 2009 · Chapter 7: Into the Taur of No Return
So, Glorfindel likes to make "angels" or whatever they call it in the snow. I'm with him. Who says we can't act like a kid now and then. Age is a state of mind. I like the way you worked Beorn into this story, even though he could only protect them so far. Poor Estel seems to have gotten himself into a bit of trouble again. It will be interesting to see who rescues him.
Author's reply
Just goes to show that no matter how old you are, there's always a child lurking inside you waiting to come out and play. *grin* I couldn't have them travel through the vales of Anduin without them stopping to pay their respects to Beorn. He's too much fun. As to who rescues Estel... *grin*
Tari · 13 March 2009 · Chapter 6: Moon Over Rhosgobel
I couldn't help but chuckle every time Radagast referred to Elrond or Glorfindel as an elfling. The month together while Estel healed physically also allowed mental healing to take place, which I think, brought all three closer together. Wouldn’t it have been fun to see Estel face when he first saw Throngil and then heard him speak?
Author's reply
They all needed that month to heal, as you say. And for Radagast, even the oldest elf is an elfling *grin* I can just imagine Estel's face when he spoke with the Eagle. Obviously it was something he never forgot since he used the Eagle's name as his nom de guerre when he went to Rohan.
Tari · 11 March 2009 · Chapter 5: Bad Ithil Rising
So Radagast taught Elrond the art if healing did he? And then, he called the Lord of Imladris a stupid elf. That was too funny. I’ll be Estel was surprised. And then to have Glorfindel take Elrond to task was probably the last straw. That must have been quite a sight to behold. What started out so light ended so darkly. (She wonders why Estel’s blood is dark.) Something is amiss, I’m sure. Hopefully the next chapter will hold the answer.
Author's reply
Well, I don't know if Radagast taught Elrond anything, since Elrond was a healer long before Radagast came to Middle-earth. I think he was just referring to the Valar and Maiar who may have taught the elves such skills during their long journey across Middle-earth to Aman. At any rate, I'm sure Estel got quite a earful and eyeful seeing the two elf-lords and the Wizard going at each other. *grin* The answers to your question will indeed be found in the next chapter. I'm glad you are still reading and enjoying the story, Tari. Thanks for the review.
Tari · 27 February 2009 · Chapter 3: Haven't Got Time for the Naeg
Priceless, absolutely priceless and just what Aragorn needed to hear. No one is perfect, not even the elves.
Author's reply
Very true, although Glorfindel might dispute this. *grin*
Tari · 25 February 2009 · Chapter 2: Misty Mountain High
I love your play on words, such as “the ground and the sky began trading places” instead of his being dizzy. What an adventure for Estel. First he’s caught in a rainstorm and gets a bad cold, and then he’s caught in a snowstorm. As if that isn’t bad enough, he gets lost, falls off his horse and over the side of the mountain. What next? Yikes. I’m sure Elrond and Glorfindel are frantic with worry.
Author's reply
And the adventure is only beginning and it only gets worse. *LOL* Frantic with worry doesn't begin to describe the elves' emotions, especially Ada's. Glad you like my wordplay, Tari. I try not to be too pedestrian in my writing as I believe even prose should have a poetic tone to it.
Tari · 18 February 2009 · Chapter 1: Rainy Days and Orithiliath
What a delightful start. I can’t wait to see where this adventure leads them. I’m sure it will not be all roses. Something is bound to happen to them. The good part is that Aragorn is soon to meet his “brother”
Author's reply
Glad you like the way it starts. There will be loads of adventure as they make their way to Mirkwood and afterwards. And no, it will not be all roses, especially for Aragorn. *grin*
Tari · 18 February 2009 · Chapter 0: Prologue
That's what I love about Tolkien. He leaves lots of gaps for others to fill in. I just had to start another of your stories which means I'm reading three at this time. Tari
Author's reply
Hi, Tari. Well, I'm glad you've gotten around to reading this. That's what I like about Tolkien, as well. He left enough gaps for the rest of us to fill in. It's one reason I love playing in Middle-earth. There are always more stories to be found. I hope you enjoy this one.
Kitty · 28 August 2008 · Chapter 15: Epilogue: Sweet Home Imladris
The journey back was remarkably uneventful, I have to say! After all that happened on their way to Mirkwood, it has to be a nice respite for them. Well, it makes sense that Aragorn goes to Gondor and tries to learn more about his future Southern Kingdom, even if not everyone is happy with the idea. Um ... the last line in Gilraen’s diary is rather suspicious. Somehow I am sure at least the cliff incident counts among these parts of the journey they did want Gilraen *not* to know about ... Lovely story, Fiondil! It was nice to know how Estel’s friendships with Legolas and Mithrandir started. Not to mention all the adventures Estel has had on this trip – and the humour that allowed some respite before the next disaster struck ;)
Author's reply
Thanks, Kitty. I'm glad you enjoyed the story from beginning to end. *grin* Thanks for taking the time to review the chapters. I really enjoyed reading your comments.
Kitty · 28 August 2008 · Chapter 14: A Hundred Bottles of Dorwinion On the Wall
Estel got a wonderful birthday :) Moving gracefully across the room, the golden-haired balrog slayer wondered if he’d ever been that young himself and then decided that he probably had been, but it didn’t bear thinking about. Thinking back to EI, I can see why Glorfindel doesn’t want to think about it *evil grin* (Though I know you did begin posting EI only after this one was long finished) By the time Elrond had finished describing what the Rangers were wont to call " the hair of the orc that bit you", both Nessiel and Thranduil were looking decidedly green themselves. Uh, when *Thranduil* reacts in that way, it must be *really* bad! Oh well, at least Estel will probably be very careful with wine in the future! It is a bit sad that Legolas and Estel have to part now; but luckily I know they will meet again.
Author's reply
It is a bit sad that they must depart now, but there is still sixty-odd years between this tale and when they meet again in Imladris for Elrond's council so I'm sure they saw one another again between times.
Kitty · 28 August 2008 · Chapter 13: Dream a Little Dream of Arwen
So the elves are making a lay about Estel’s heroic deed? Good :) Anyway, I’m glad he’s safely back to the Stronghold and in the care of the healers. Though the exercises seem to be very painful. Poor guy. And who’d thought Thranduil, of all people, would help care for Estel, thinking back to his less than courteous welcome? Seems as if he's beginning to like Estel ;) Estel’s dreams of Arwen are interesting – more visions than dreams, actually, as we all know. Oh yes, I can imagine Mithrandir was very interested in that! And speaking of Arwen – I absolutely love the story of her first unaided steps. Of course, where could Arwen have been picking up ‚pui-en-orch’, if not from Glorfindel? *lol* And Celeborn teaching her the proper pronouncation was just perfect!
Author's reply
I liked that Thranduil was willing to help Estel in his recovery. It shows a softer, more compassionate side of the Elvenking we rarely see in fanfic I think. And obviously his opinion of Estel has improved over time. The story of Arwen's first steps was fun to write as well and of course Glorfindel would be the one to be blamed for her bad language. *grin* Celeborn teaching her the correct pronunciation was to me a typical grandfatherly thing to do.
Kitty · 28 August 2008 · Chapter 12: A-Farad We Will Go
Have to agree – Estel handled Garulf very well, and a bit of patrol duty would to this young guy some good. Really a pity that is not possible. Of course that could not be a nice, simple hunting trip. A maddened boar and missing elflings ... not the best of combinations. Anyway, it’s a bit ironic that the elves have to rely on the one mortal to track the elflings down. You did hurt poor Estel *again*! What did the poor guy do to you to deserve that? *sigh* Well, at least he killed the boar, and the poor elflings were rescued.
Author's reply
What did the poor guy do to deserve all this hurt? He showed up in my story when I wasn't looking. LOL And at least he did kill the boar and rescued the elflings. That's what matters the most.
Kitty · 27 August 2008 · Chapter 11: Have Yourself a Merry Little Penninor
Who’d have thought that an harmless visit to the horses could turn out to be something of a little adventure? I felt a bit sorry for Edred; he did only his duty, after all. I’m glad Estel was able to trust Mithrandir so fast and to tell him so much; I think he needed someone who simply listened. And no doubt Mithrandir himself wanted to know more about this particular heir of Isildur. Love the bantering. And I agree with Legolas – why Glorfindel and Thranduil are always arguing would certainly be an entertaining story! Estel did a great job in keeping Garulf out of trouble, and I enjoyed the exchange afterwards. Good exercise in telling the truth, but not all of it ;)
Author's reply
I think Edred got off easily enough since everyone would have recognized that he was indeed only doing his job and it wasn't his fault he didn't know who Estel was. Estel needed someone like Mithrandir in his life, someone who would be non-judgmental and yet supportive. As for Garulf... as Estel said, it was Yule and he didn't want to get anyone into trouble on Yule.
Kitty · 27 August 2008 · Chapter 10: We're Off to See the Ithron
Thranduil has an odd way to welcome visitors, LOL. Must be his version of Námo’s spiral maze at the entrance to cut down on repeat visits ;) I’d like to be a fly on the wall during their conversations if this greeting is anything to go by! It’s good to see Legolas and Estel becoming friends. Particularly Estel really needs one. Nice difference to Elrond and Glorfindel, who are behaving like mother hens *grin* *glares* And you did send another cold to the poor lad! By now, Estel should know to run away as soon as you’re showing up at the horizon ;)
Author's reply
I think with Thranduil, what you see is what you get and if you can accept that as Elrond and Glorfindel apparently have, then he's not too difficult to understand. I think Legolas was as much in need of a friend as Estel, so they both found something in one another that they had not found in other people. As for the cold... it's really just a continuation of his weakened condition from the poison and all... being out in inclement weather and all.
Kitty · 26 August 2008 · Chapter 9: Meet Me In Thranduil's Stronghold
The Lord of Imladris is moping? *grin* But who can hold that against him after all that has happened, save Glorfindel, of course? The first look at Thranduil was interesting, to put it mildly – our good king isn’t allowing his manners to get in the way of his honest opinion *grin* He must be quite intimidating, particularly for someone who doesn’t know him and whom he doesn’t like. And it’s pretty obvious that he is not a fan of Isildur. But Legolas was great :)
Author's reply
Thranduil is an interesting character, rougher around the edges than Elrond, his bark is worse than his bite. I never thought of him as 'evil' but certainly he's not the most polite person in Arda, although he's a good king and we see this in subsequent chapters.
Kitty · 26 August 2008 · Chapter 8: Elven Roads (Take Me Home)
Well, that was certainly not how Estel would have wanted to meet Legolas for the first time, but I am *so* glad Legolas and his two companions have found him before something bad happened to Estel. Ah, I see Estel is getting along very well with these three elves; they seem to have a lot of fun with each other :) You know, it is nice of you to allow them to arrive at the stronghold without another attack ;)
Author's reply
Estel and these three elves will become very good friends and that will be important for him in the future. And with Legolas with him, trouble wouldn't dare rear its ugly head. *grin*
Kitty · 26 August 2008 · Chapter 7: Into the Taur of No Return
As minders, you two leave much to be desired. *snicker* Can’t disagree with Radagast here, considering all the accidents poor Estel suffered since under the care of these two! (Though of course, what can Elrond and Glorfindel do against an evil author?) So I have to admit it is reassuring to know Beorn and the eagles are watching over them. Who knows what would happen otherwise! Oh, nice. The Mirkwood warriors couldn’t have chosen a better place to drive the spiders to! *rolls eyes* And now the worst has happened – Estel was thrown off the path and, even worse, seems to be unconscious! You love to torture the poor lad, don’t you?
Author's reply
The stay with Beorn was a nice respite before dealing with Mirkwood. And of course you knew I would let Estel get into trouble sooner rather than later. *grin*