harrowcat
· 3 August 2009
· Chapter 58: The Thoughts of the Servant of the Secret Flame
Feeling pity for even such a one as the Witch-King is logicalfor one as wise and compassionate as Gandalf.
I can see a funny AU where Gandalf gets killed - again! I can just imagine the annoyance and exasperation of having to send him back - again! *G*
Author's reply
I agree. Gandalf's statement he felt pity for Sauron's slaves has always been there in my heart, I find, since the first time I read it.
And now YOU are again throwing plotbunnies! No fair! But I find this one is truly digging into my ankle....
harrowcat
· 3 August 2009
· Chapter 59: Counselors
The wisdom of Elrond in surrounding himself with gifted people to support his joys and talents obviously communicated itself to his foster son. Great Larner.
Author's reply
Who better to serve as Aragorn's example than Elrond? Thank you so, Harrowcat!
harrowcat
· 3 August 2009
· Chapter 60: Fired Anew
This is a lovely and passionate piece of writing Larner. It is to my own shame that I do not know the characters involved well enough to appreciate it properly.
Author's reply
Thank you--so many appear to find this passionate, and I am truly flattered. Nerdanel seems to creep back into my little tales here and there, it seems....
Thanks again so much, Harrowcat!
Raksha The Demon
· 3 August 2009
· Chapter 60: Fired Anew
It's so sad that Nerdanel had to wait until the end of days for this reunion - but a lovely, passionate story.
Author's reply
I agree. Am so glad you feel it is passionate. Thank you so, Raksha! I am honored!
Raksha The Demon
· 3 August 2009
· Chapter 59: Counselors
Aw, I love the reference to Maglor as the father of the heart to Elrond and Elros. And the descriptions of the counselors are lovely, very Tolkienesque.
Author's reply
Am so glad you approve, Raksha. Thank you so! To be compared to the Master himself is always the greatest compliment to receive!
Andrea
· 26 July 2009
· Chapter 59: Counselors
I liked it how Elrond created the same atmosphere in his household as the one he experienced with his father of heart.
It was a wise decision, no doubt. But I would say that it were those counsellors who made his wisdom grow even more. Not only Elrond, but all members of his household took part in making The Last Homely House so special and famous.
Author's reply
In that I am certain you are right, Andrea. A wise one indeed, Elrond of Imladris!
shirebound
· 26 July 2009
· Chapter 59: Counselors
I enjoyed that very much. Lindir, Glorfindel, and Erestor all appear in my current story, and we imagine them in much the same way. Imladris must have been such a special place, enriched by so many special people.
Author's reply
I am glad you do. There had to be a reason why these three were members of Elrond's household! And certainly these would have enhanced the Last Homely House!
inzilbeth
· 26 July 2009
· Chapter 59: Counselors
Ah the wisdom of Elrond! Very nicely done, Larner.
Author's reply
Yes, very wise. Thank you, Inzilbeth.
Linda Hoyland
· 25 July 2009
· Chapter 59: Counselors
A nice glimpse of Elrond's wisdom in choosing his household.Welcome back, I missed you!
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda. Have been recovering from my vacation--have you ever noticed you need a holiday to relax from your holiday? Heh!
And Elrond's home must have been filled with wonderful people!
Linda Hoyland
· 25 July 2009
· Chapter 57: Star Daughter
This was just lovely. Arwen is one of my favourite characters and I enjoyed your account of her birth.
Author's reply
It was a pleasure to write! Thanks so, Linda.
Linda Hoyland
· 25 July 2009
· Chapter 58: The Thoughts of the Servant of the Secret Flame
I actually felt a little sorry for the Witch King here,which amazed me!Excellent writing and very Gandalf!
Author's reply
Oh, that's wonderful to hear! I cannot imagine Gandalf being any other way!
Thanks so much--you made my day!
Lindelea
· 25 July 2009
· Chapter 59: Counselors
Lovely! And very timely, while I am contemplating Rivendell before writing on in the Tenth Walker. (Poor Bill, it seems to be taking an eternity to get the poor pony there.)
Author's reply
Thanks. It was a story Maeglin particularly asked for, so I suppose you are fortunate. Heh! And we are all awaiting the further adventures of Bill!
Ah--I need a good cup of hot chocolate! Love to the little Hobbits and the hubby and Zoe.
Antane
· 25 July 2009
· Chapter 58: The Thoughts of the Servant of the Secret Flame
And I very much fear there is not sufficient of you left to find your way to the place appointed for the fëar of Men and so know what Eru Iluvatar has prepared for their further delight and fulfillment!
That's the best part - that Gandalf feels this fear and sorrow for what the Witch-king and the other Nazgul and servants of Sauron forfeited in place of temporary power that was actually eternal enslavement. Doom was indeed at hand.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Gandalf had said he pitied even the Enemy's slaves, and I do not believe he spoke lightly of that.
Thank you so, Antane!
Andrea
· 25 July 2009
· Chapter 58: The Thoughts of the Servant of the Secret Flame
For it approaches at a gallop now, your last moment bound to this world.
Wow! Does Gandalf know how right he is with that statement?
Furthermore, I'm impressed that Gandalf still feels pity for the Witch King and his Master. But it's true, they are brothers, although I think that Sauron has erased that part of his life out of his memory!
Author's reply
Gandalf knew that great grief would likely occur if he did not go out with those forces who followed the retreat of the Nazgul, and so he grieved the more that he was turned from his purpose in order to rescue Faramir. I think that at this time he knew far, far more than he revealed to anyone else.
As for Sauron erasing his relationship with the rest of the Maiar who remained faithful to the Valar and their purpose--oh, I am certain you are right there! Oh, yes!
Thanks so, Andrea.
Raksha The Demon
· 25 July 2009
· Chapter 58: The Thoughts of the Servant of the Secret Flame
And I can just see the Secret Fire rising in Gandalf's heart. Angmar is soooo over, only the prideful demon can't see it yet.
I really hated the movie ROTK extended edition scene where Gandalf cowers before the Witch-King and it's Pippin who rises to the occasion. Ick. This is the way it really went down...
Author's reply
I, too, would have preferred to see book-verse at that point. The image of Gandalf unhorsed, sprawled across the ground, always struck me as belittling! And, no, Angmar is not able any more to detect that which rises with subtlety. But Gandalf was granted the duty of kindling hearts, and that he does! I am glad you agree that this is how it truly went!
Baggins Babe
· 25 July 2009
· Chapter 56: The Game Lost
I forgot to review this one at the time - what a terrific story! I've often wondered what the light and air of the West would do to those who were not supposed to endure it.
I love that Amandil came to give Ar-Pharazon one last warning - or possibly his ghost did?
Chilling and fascinating, Larner.
Author's reply
As to whether Amandil appeared in the flesh or as allowed by Namo is the question, of course. And the thought of what might have happened to those who sailed with the fleet from Numenor is always intriguing!
Thank you so much!
Baggins Babe
· 25 July 2009
· Chapter 58: The Thoughts of the Servant of the Secret Flame
A marvellous look at our beloved Gandalf and his thoughts. Even here he can be compassionate and full of pity for this man who has lost himself so completely he may never be able to journey to the Halls of Mandos and beyond.
Like Ar-Pharazon, the Witch-King was so terrified of Death that he sold his soul to Sauron - surely much, much worse.
I love the idea that Sauron's fall still causes Gandalf pain - they were once brothers in the thought of Illuvatar after all.
Author's reply
Oh, yes--Gandalf could ever be compassionate; and Angmar long ago gave up that emotion, probably convinced it was a weakness. And what he feared is now come, and he's going to be totally lost!
Thank you so, BB!
GamgeeFest
· 23 July 2009
· Chapter 55: And Just Whose Wedding Is This?
Poor Pippin! He'll learn the art of compromise quickly, thanks to Merry. And I love the poor cousin horrified at the thought of being the flower carrier! Women really do get wrapped up in their wedding planning.
Author's reply
Oh, I do believe you are right in the quickness Pippin will display in learning how to suggest compromises! And I do believe Micolo has reason to wish to avoid THAT particular role at this time!
Glad you enjoyed this. Thank you!
Raksha The Demon
· 8 July 2009
· Chapter 57: Star Daughter
Awwww; a lovely story about the birth of the Evenstar. A fine idea for a story, sensitively brought to life...
Author's reply
Am so glad you enjoy it, Raksha! Thank you!
Antane
· 8 July 2009
· Chapter 56: The Game Lost
A terrible end for them all but of course they should not have tried to play the game in the first place. I've only read The Silmarillion once so far but will read it again for my blog so I have little memory of many things but this act of defiance and pride I do remember. Well done especially the effect of that defiance had on the bodies indeed never meant to endure those lands. Alas for the poor foolish souls.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, Antane. Here Pharazon is convinced everyone is so afraid of him they'll allow him to walk all over them, and instead they've been warned to stay away to spare them seeing a most gruesome death!
Indeed, alas for all those who were lost.
Thanks so very much!
Kitty
· 8 July 2009
· Chapter 57: Star Daughter
Impeccable timing to arrive exactly when Arwen was born! And what an arrival – Glorfindel’s greeting must have been a bit confusing and disappointing for them, but what a joy to find out why their parents were busy welcoming someone other! And it seems perfect to have Arwen born outside in the starlight, considering the meaning of her name.
Lovely, Larner!
Author's reply
But, of course! I can so imagine Celebrian and her husband wishing their children born neath the light of stars--obviously, and, as you note, particularly this daughter. Thanks so, Kitty!
Peredhil lover
· 7 July 2009
· Chapter 57: Star Daughter
Thanks again for the wonderful birthday gift, Larner. It’s beautiful!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you appreciate it, Peredhil lover. I always enjoy writing such stories!
Dreamflower
· 7 July 2009
· Chapter 57: Star Daughter
What a sweet encounter for Elladan and Elrohir with their new baby sister! I love the way they are immediately captivated by her. I wonder did their grandmother know what awaited her?
Author's reply
Thank you! As for Galadriel and what she knew ahead of time--do you think she would tell anyone else? She knew better than most nothing is fully certain....
Thanks so, Dreamflower!
Antane
· 7 July 2009
· Chapter 57: Star Daughter
Sweet! :) Love Elrohir's reaction's to his sister's beauty.
BTW, hope to get two packages out to you today and more coming over the weekend - it'll be Christmas in July for you! Enjoy!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I suspect that even as an infant there was something particularly beautiful about Arwen Undomiel!
As for the packages--oh, thank you! Am looking forward to it. Am always glad to add to my library regarding Richard!
harrowcat
· 7 July 2009
· Chapter 57: Star Daughter
Beautiful Larner.
Glorfindel's first sentence is very clever!
Author's reply
Ooh! So glad to hear from you, Harrowcat! And I do think Glorfindel would have fun trying to temporarily fend off the twins. Thanks so! Hope you enjoy "Choice of Heirs" in Moments in Time--I think you'll really like it!