My Oaths I Will Keep by Encaitariel
Larner · 12 September 2008 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
The whole story has been written with gentleness and empathy. I rejoice that Finrod remained faithful also to Gildor's own father, and that Gildor was in the end able to go to the Undying Lands and find his peace, and be reunited with the one who served as his foster father as well as, it is to be hoped, his true father as well. How proud both were of him, and with reason, of course.
Larner · 12 September 2008 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
It would be heartbreaking to be bade stay in such circumstances. I am glad he did. But we see the great honor and heart of Finrod contrasted with the selfishness of those two of Feanor's sons who were within his court. The snake and the shameless one? Well named!
Larner · 12 September 2008 · Chapter 4: Chapter 4
And so they move more surely to the end of their own hidden kingdom. And several find themselves feeling that end approach, not knowing what they are to do about it.
Larner · 12 September 2008 · Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Some level of foresight resides in Gildor; now he realizes his foster father sees the same. only more clearly, I think.
Author's reply
Finrod definitely sees more than anyone else at this point. I have always seen him as one of the most astute and intuitive elves, regardless of any gift of foresight he had. I think you're right. It's pretty clear in Tolkien's text that Finrod knew exactly what the consequence of his oath to Barahir would be; at least once Beren showed up at that particular point in history. And yet he was still faithful...
Larner · 12 September 2008 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Alas, the end if Nargothrond approaches. But this is necessary in the end, grievous as it is.
Author's reply
The end, indeed... or at least the beginning of the end. Hm, the destruction of Nargothrond a necessity? Interesting. How do you see it?
Larner · 12 September 2008 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Lindan seems similar to Loki in many ways. And Gildor is in love? Wonderful!
Author's reply
Thanks for the review! Which Loki do you mean? The malevolent trickster god of Norse mythology? Lindan does have a certain impish quality, I will admit. His purpose in the story is to provide a lighter counter-weight to Gildor, who I have found likes to brood. I really enjoy writing him. It gives me a chance to approach the high drama and deep cogitating that I usually find myself writing from a different angle, and not bury the story beneath it. At least I hope it comes out that way. As for Gildor and Meordel... Well, I thought it was time. If my real life projects ever die down soon, I have quite a bit in store for all three.
Neilia · 10 May 2008 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
I have read this tale in full and found it to be written beautifully. Gildor is my absolute favorite Elf in all of Midle Earth and I love the way you have portrayed him. Finrod is elegant and regal. He is my favorite Elven King. Lindan is truly a character that is a highlight of this story. Anyway, I guess I really like this and it is a 'keeper'. :D Hugs, Neilia
Author's reply
Hello, Neilia, Sorry for getting back to you so late. Thank you very much for leaving a review, and for your praise. Lindan is a character which I really enjoy writing for, so I am glad that you liked him. And I agree with you on Finrod. While this particular story is within my "Gildor as foster-son of Finrod" continuity, and is indeed centered around him, the story was built around Finrod. I wanted him to be the heart of it, seeing as it is his last appearance in this continuity (at least for a very long, long time). The scene in the Great Hall was the first thing I wrote, and everything built off of that. So, thanks, again, very much for the review, and for the "keeping". ;) -Encaitariel
Calenlass Greenleaf · 1 November 2007 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
All right, I just read my review for this chapter, and was dismayed at how badly it came out. Perhaps I shouldn't review when it's late at night... What I meant it say is, the thoughts that run through his mind--thoughts about his kingdom, his other duties, etc. But when that one moment came for mine to fulfill his oath, he just...did it. He probably already knew the consequences, but he still went. That sort of loyalty was truly admirable. The last thing I want to say is: I've written the scene perfectly. Hope that's clearer now, and that it doesn't sound too much like a rambling review. ~Calenlass
Calenlass · 25 October 2007 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Such powerful emotions...One can only wonder what Finrod was thinking when he decided to go with Beren. You've portrayed him most wonderfully. Gildor, too. One can only wonder at the depth of his grief. -Calenlass
Author's reply
Thanks, Calenlass, for the review. Finrod's response to Beren, at this part in the Silmarillion, is one of the reasons why I think that he is by far the greatest (and by that I mean the most worthy of honor) of all of Tolkien's elves. I think that the one short sentence which encapsulates the feelings of Finrod the Faithful on his part in Beren's quest is "Yet my own oath holds; and thus are we all ensnared". (Silmarillion, p. 205)
Raksha The Demon · 25 October 2007 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Not exactly the Feanorians' finest hour, to so betray and undo their kinsman. Finrod's nobility and courage shine forth here. (sniff - poor Finny!)
Author's reply
Thank you for taking the time to review. Gildor has always fascinated me as a character, and I have often thought of how he could be "of the House of Finrod" (ignoring Tolkien's indecision on who Finrod was at that time). If you enjoyed Gildor being Finrod's foster-son, then take a look at "In This Far Land" (I'm shameless, I know!), it not as complete as this one is, but still continues it's slow progress. Thanks, again, -Encaitariel
Raksha The Demon · 25 October 2007 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Well, it's obvious that Beren and Gildor are not becoming friends at first sight; which makes sense, considering Gildor's Elvish foresight. I like the concept of Gildor being Finrod's foster-son.
Raksha The Demon · 25 October 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Change is coming to Nargothrond in the form of the mysterious Adan. Very interesting to see the POV of the House of Finrod, particularly Gildor Inglorion. Good use of Elven language here!
Alquawende · 24 October 2007 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Thanks for updating so soon! The part about Meordel is sweet... I liked how Gildor and Celegorm despise each other already. Gildor now has another reason to despise the two C's. Your description of Finrod sitting on his throne is perfect! I do wish I was there to see him! *If middle earth even exists... other than in my mind of course!* Your use of elvish clearly shows that you have bothered to do research on what you are writing. Only few writers dedicate time to actually search for actual words that could have been spoken then. Also, your portrayal of Orodreth's position during the revolt is definitely different. I noticed that you have taken a more sympathetic view of him, especially when you told us that Finrod knew he was going to die and even told Gildor to get Orodreth so he could be steward in his place. Sadly, I still say that Orodreth is a traitor... Thanks!
Author's reply
Yes, I am a little more sympathetic towards Orodreth than others, perhaps. I see him as more of a tragic and weak figure than an out-right traitor. Maybe it's because he is the father of Gil-Galad (my second favorite elf-king!), he can't be all bad. If you remember in the Sil, Celegorm and Curufin are pleased with Orodreth becoming the steward of Nargothrond because they see that that can more easily seize power from him than Finrod. On Elvish languages: Linguistics is a particular passion of mine (I am a Latin teacher, as well), and I find Tolkien's Elvish tongues fascinating. Unfortunately, I think that some times I only know enough to get myself into trouble! ;) Thanks for your review! -Encaitariel
Alquawende · 23 October 2007 · Chapter 3: Chapter 3
I am glad that you have written more! I wonder what Gildor's going to think when Finrod and the Sons of Feanor battle it out. Will we get to read his reaction to the Quest of the Silmaril? I liked the idea that Gildor is in love with his childhood playmate. It's so sweet... I'm the same Alquawende from HASA if you're wondering. Are you still writing the 'In This Far Land'?
Author's reply
Hello, Alquawendë- Thanks for your review! There are three more chapters to this tale, the next two of which will be out later today. As to Gildor's reaction to the Quest: there is a little scene between him and Galadriel in Doriath which is percolating in my mind at the moment. It might materialize in the next week or so. I am glad that you like Meordel. I think that Gildor needed someone to soften his edges a bit. As Lindan says, he has that Goldë propensity for taking life too seriously, and Meordel has known him too long to let him do that! As to 'In This Far Land'- The simple answer is yes. Did you get the note I sent you through HASA? You can find my e-mail there, too, btw. Thanks, Encaitariel