shirebound
· 27 August 2009
· Chapter 63: New Birth
"One who can draw tenderness from others, bringing out the best in those who care for him.”
This is truly lovely. What a wonderful, tender, thoughtful beginning for our beloved small ones.
Author's reply
I fear I anthropomorphized poor Yavanna terribly in this one--Heh! But I do believe only she might have thought of such a creature as a Hobbit as yet another of the humanoid races of the Children of Iluvatar.
Am so glad you like it, Shirebound. Thank you.
Inzilbeth
· 27 August 2009
· Chapter 63: New Birth
Wonderful, Larner. This felt so right, I feel as if I must have read it somewhere in the Silm. Excellent stuff!
Author's reply
You feel it might have come from the Silm itself? I am very honored, although I doubt Yavanna might have presented herself so humbly within it. But I do thank you so!
Linda Hoyland
· 22 August 2009
· Chapter 62: A Tree Grows in the Pass
A beautiful story which i enjoyed very much.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you did, Linda. I was so glad for the prompt this month--this was one story I truly appreciated!
Raksha The Demon
· 22 August 2009
· Chapter 62: A Tree Grows in the Pass
A lovely tale of youthful adventure and Ringbearer legends coming together in the Fourth Age. I like the easy relationship between Elboron and Eldarion and Alphros; who will one day inherit princedoms and two kingdoms. Not sure who the Lady was; Yavanna perhaps, or a Maia? Great to see that Faramir's son had a hand in finding the remnant of the staffs his father gave to Sam and Frodo...
Author's reply
I suspect that the Lady was Yavanna, myself. Heh! And I cannot imagine Eldarion not allowing Elboron to be left out of any such adventure as he might have set himself. I find I love both youths a good deal, and Eldarion no more than Elboron.
Thank you so very much, Raksha. The next generation deserves getting its own kudos now and then, as you can imagine! Heh!
Baggins Babe
· 18 August 2009
· Chapter 62: A Tree Grows in the Pass
This is marvellous, Larner! A look at the next generation of princes and a wonderful discovery - that the staff took root and grew in that formerly dead land.
I'm glad Aragorn was also able to visit the place and see for himself that the land was living again.
Eldarion is already proving himself to be a worthy heir - and of course he refers to the Ring-bearer as 'Uncle Frodo.'
Author's reply
Thank you so, Baggins Babe. Yes, the former Mordor continues to recover from its ages of desolation, and the Powers themselves put in a hand now and then....
And how else would Aragorn's children refer to Frodo than as "Uncle Frodo"? Of course!
Thanks again so very much!
harrowcat
· 18 August 2009
· Chapter 62: A Tree Grows in the Pass
You've done it again Larner - this is a wonderful tale of growing young men testing their strengths. A joy to read and one to savour.
Author's reply
Bless you, Harrowcat! I'm so very glad you feel this way! Yes, Eldarion, Elboron, and Alphros have experienced a unique moment in time, have they not?
Thanks so very much!
Kitty
· 16 August 2009
· Chapter 61: Traditions
It just seems right and typical for Elanor to make sure the Red Book is kept read, so that at least her own family and maybe some others know the story of the Ring War!
As for Myrtle ... *glares* I don't appreciate it when people call Frodo 'cracked', and she's more or less implying that goes for Frodo-lad, too. Someone should force her to read the Red Book ... but she'd probably not even believe it *sigh* It's really a bit sad how less the people in the Shire appreciate what the Travellers did for them, and particularly Frodo.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you feel this way, too, Kitty. No, I doubt Myrtle would understand what she read were she to read the Red Book; such as she have such closed minds!
Thank you so!
Independence1776
· 13 August 2009
· Chapter 60: Fired Anew
I'm speechless! This is a stunning portrayal of Nerdanel, and how Fëanor's actions both helped and hurt. Wonderful story!
~ Indy
Author's reply
Thank you so, Independence. I was glad to have the challenge we were offered to write this to.
Lindelea
· 11 August 2009
· Chapter 61: Traditions
Well done!
This one gave me shivers down my back.
Author's reply
Shivers? Ooh! I'm honored! Thank you!
Andrea
· 11 August 2009
· Chapter 61: Traditions
Well, apparently it is also a tradition to talk about Mr. Frodo and the strange things he's doing, no matter which Mr. Frodo it is ;-)
And I love the tradition Elanor and Frodo started to ensure that at least some hobbits knew the "real" story.
Author's reply
Ah, yes--our Mr. Frodos are seen as odd, aren't they? Considering how folks love to gossip, as they don't have too many Bagginses on whom to comment, I suspect Frodo Gardner would do as well, don't you? Heh!
And I can't imagine Elanor and Frodo-lad doing anything other than seeing to it that there are some within the Shire who have heard or read the real story!
Thanks so, Andrea!
Antane
· 11 August 2009
· Chapter 61: Traditions
Thank God for such traditions for how else could we have come by the tale ourselves? And all those others through the ages who kept up the tradition, though the original is long lost. Love the idea of Mr. Frodo the second! :) going down to see his sister and the care Elanor made sure to keep the book safe. Others may think Mr. Frodo the first was cracked but we know the truth, don't we? :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Indeed, Antane! The original may have been lost, but at least there were fair copies, and widely enough separated not all were lost. And who better to see to it that the memories are kept alive than Elanor and Frodo-lad?
Thanks so very much, Antane.
GamgeeFest
· 11 August 2009
· Chapter 61: Traditions
LOL! So very true! Hobbits in large might not remember or learn of the Enemy's downfall, but they will certianly remember how cracked the Bagginses were! ;) Elanor's care for the Red Book and her hopes are so in keeping of her father and 'Uncle' Frodo. They would be proud of her.
I love these, Larner. Thank you!
Author's reply
I suspect that for many of the next generation the idea that the Shire was invaded by Big Men must have seemed impossible, particularly as so few would even have seen any Big Folk unless they went to the Bridge or Bree often, or were among the few who traveled to the Westmarches. Yes, I do believe that Frodo and Sam would have been so very proud of her and Frodo-lad and their families! And you are so welcome.
Dreamflower
· 11 August 2009
· Chapter 61: Traditions
Oh, I love the idea of Sam's children and their families, sitting around each year and listening the story of their father and Frodo and the others. It's so easy to imagine.
Author's reply
And obviously I can, too, Dreamflower. Thank you so!
Sunny
· 8 August 2009
· Chapter 60: Fired Anew
I wasn’t really sure about this fic on the first read-through. I suppose it is the sort of thing you will either love or hate. ;-)
Nerdanel certainly had reasons enough to hate Fëanor: He turned away from her, and towards the end of his life, what passion he still had was reserved from those things that he had made: the Silmarils. And he turned her sons against her, and led them towards the Kinslayings (that would stain their family ever after) and towards their dishonorable deaths – except for Maglor. And while you have hinted that he alone returned to her (probably deeply damaged, but that is not encompassed by this fic) there is still the loss of husband and sons, and the scars this would have dealt on Nerdanel’s fëa.
When Fëanor _did_ return to Nerdanel, she _did_ find that there were still embers glowing where she had thought were only ashes. Though I would hope that Fëanor has learned a few things in his long sojourn in Mandos – and reciprocally, I hope Nerdanel has developed a proper mithril-and-steel spine, as well as an ability to put her foot down now than Fëanor is restored to her.
(And I think I have e-mailed you earlier about Maglor, and especially his mental state around the end of the Third Age.) (I still consider Maglor one of the more interesting Canon characters)
Is the Muse providing you with the proper input on _Stirring Rings_? And if she isn’t what sort of bribe will induce her to do so?
Author's reply
Oh, thank you so for the long response to this tale, Sunny. I have more of "Stirring Rings" blocked out, but am trying to get "Or Perchance" finished, as it is SUPPOSED to be relatively short and should be finished soon. However, work has become very--interesting, and a bit stressful, and a couple deadlines are coming up I must respond to this week both within fandom and outside it, and I'm scrambling to get things finished on time. Please forgive me, but things are going to be slow for the next two weeks, I fear.
I so hope that after all the ages of the world that Nerdanel survived, both she and her husband should both have learned a good deal and known considerable healing. It must have been very difficult for her, losing all as she did when her husband turned from his love of her to his obsession with the Silmarils and his grief for the loss of his father.
Anyway, thanks again, and please forgive me for the slowness of things at the moment. I so hope to have things back in more order soon!
Linda Hoyland
· 5 August 2009
· Chapter 60: Fired Anew
A unique and fascinating story.I fear if I were Feanor's wife, I'd never want to see him again.Nerdanel is very noble of heart.
Author's reply
Well, it has been many ages since she last saw her husband, and I would so hope both of them have known much healing in that length of time. Yes, very noble of heart, indeed; and hopefully his nobility has finally been restored!
Thank you so, Linda!
Sitara
· 5 August 2009
· Chapter 60: Fired Anew
" Who could deny the beauty of him, who had been her husband, her love, her delight beneath the light of the Trees? Who could withstand the sacred Flame that burned in his heart? For now his time had come to atone for all the destruction done by and through him!"
Wow. Just WOW. That would be surely a sight to behold. Sorry for my obvious giddiness but it doesn't happen everyday to come across a story such as yours. Now I was finally able to really enjoy "The Craft of an Elven Smith", you know.
Your vision seems to be different compared to the Second Prophecy of Mandos, according to which Feanaro will be released from the Halls of Mandos only after the Dagor Dagorath, therefore he won't have to physically fight against Morgoth. However, his own battle will be much more harder. Anyway, you did a splendid job writing Nerdanel's point of view and you've definitely caught the moving beauty of the moment. After so many Ages, Nerdanel is seeing her steadfastness rewarded. Simply wondrous.
I still have to ask myself which Vala was the one standing beside her and displaying so much understanding and wisdom. Personally, I'd bet on Manwe.
Thank you very much, Larner, for writing this.
Sitara
Author's reply
Thank you so, Sitara, for the feedback. I admit I'm playing a bit fast and loose, but please keep in mind my set of HoME is not yet complete, although it is approaching completion. Therefore at times my understanding of some of the ancilliary writings may not be precisely accurate, but I hope it does at least capture interest. I am very glad this story appears to have moved as many as have indicated such reactions.
I've always felt far more sympathy and empathy for Nerdanel than for her husband; but after so long would not she as well as he know healing and preparation for what must be done to help make all things new? And whether the unnamed Vala is Namo, Irmo, or Manwe--or perhaps even Tulkas--I will allow the readers to make that decision.
And thank you so very much for appreciating it!
Kitty
· 4 August 2009
· Chapter 60: Fired Anew
Interesting piece, Larner. I think you caught the mixed feelings well Nerdanel must have had when seeing her husband and sons again after all these long ages. She must have missed them all so much, but knowing what they did can't have been easy, so how is one to react at the reunion? Though I am glad the love won out in the end.
Author's reply
I would so hope that to be true--that love prevailed in the end, making it easier for all to do all they could to defeat Morgoth that Love might prevail for all of Ea! Thanks so, Kitty.
Kitty
· 4 August 2009
· Chapter 59: Counselors
Yes, I can see why Elrond would treasure the abilities of scholars, musicians and warriors in memory of his foster father. Though I think these three Elves would have become important to him anyway.
Author's reply
I do believe you have the truth of it, Kitty! Thank you so!
Kitty
· 4 August 2009
· Chapter 58: The Thoughts of the Servant of the Secret Flame
Gandalf summed it up neatly. The Witchking was way too sure of himself, thinking he could not die. Like Sauron, arrogance was his downfall. Like it that Gandalf knew what was to come :)
Author's reply
Fear of death has led to so many abuses over the years. It's good to think of one who knows from full experience it is to be embraced as it is part of us! And so his fear of death leads to the end of the Witch-king rather than the one facing him!
Elena Tiriel
· 3 August 2009
· Chapter 60: Fired Anew
Wow, this is extraordinary, Larner... I have never before been so moved and so sympathetic to both Nerwen and Fëanor. Very passionate!
And the manner of restoration to the world of the three Silmarils is stunning!
Well done!
- Barbara
Author's reply
I've always felt the decline in the love between Nerdanel and Feanor to be a great tragedy, and enjoy contemplating its renewal. Somewhere in HoME is an indication that at the end of the world the three Silmarils would come together into Feanor's hands, and so he with them in his possession would become a great weapon against the Enemy; am so very glad you appreciate how each was brought to him. Thank you! And with his wife's love restored and his sons about him, all are ready to join the fight against Morgoth and his forces!
Again, Elena, thank you!
Dreamflower
· 3 August 2009
· Chapter 60: Fired Anew
Oh my! What a wonderful piece of apocalyptic romance! To see the end of the world, and then the world remade, at the side of her husband. Beautifully done, Bonnie, dear!
Author's reply
I am deeply honored, Dreamflower. Thank you so very much!
harrowcat
· 3 August 2009
· Chapter 52: Concerns Voiced
Snippits like this make me realise that I MUST read more about the first and second Age.
Author's reply
It's hard to get through parts of the Silmarillion; but what happened in the Alkallabeth did lead to the return of Elros's heirs to Middle Earth and the founding of Gondor and Arnor after all.
In the Sil it appears that the marriage between the last queen of Numenor and her cousin was possibly forced by him; in Christopher's reports on the evolution of his father's writing it appears that Miriel and Pharazon might have married at her request. Hard to say, huh? Anyway, this seemed to need to be written, I found.
Thanks for the feedback!
harrowcat
· 3 August 2009
· Chapter 53: Nativity of a Future King
And so the Once and Future King gets his name. A lovely drabble Larner. I can't believe how many of these I have missed reviewing. I can only assume that I have commented on some of them in another place!
Author's reply
Yes, the Future King does earn his name. And I know what you mean about missing reviews--I'm way behind on SS's stories once more!
Thanks so for the comments!
harrowcat
· 3 August 2009
· Chapter 55: And Just Whose Wedding Is This?
I think that I have already told you how much I enjoyed this one. The art of compromise is an art that both heirs of Leaders of the Shire will have well honed by the time they take on being Thain and Master.
Author's reply
Yes, on the challenge site at LJ, I think. Yes, these two are beginning to explore the fine art of compromise. It shall certainly be needed in the future!
Thanks so, Harrowcat!
harrowcat
· 3 August 2009
· Chapter 56: The Game Lost
I am trying to catch up with a few reviews Larner. I have been reading but time seems to be running away with me!
This is so wonderfully vivid I can just imagine it as a moment in a film. PJ would do the aging faces really well!
Author's reply
Ooh--it could be quite a visual, couldn't it? (Shivering!) Thanks so!