Rhyselle
· 18 March 2008
· Chapter 11: Inside the Morimindon
The description of the Morimindon was thorough enough that just the thought of it made me feel as if I were cowering in the dark with fear nibbling persistently at my soul. Boromir's words about his own imprisonment, although very simple, were most definitely horrifying, particularly for the young people, who have probably never before had to deal with the thought that sometimes death comes as a friend rather than an enemy.
As serious as this rescue attempt is, I admit that I had to smile when Laurendil explained about how he could find that lone beech tree. It gave us a desperately needed moment of humor in all the suspense and fright, and it was also nice to see how you fit in the information you and I searched out on the web about alders and beeches and other types of trees.
The finding of Fiondil was so nervewracking! I kept waiting for a change of guards to come into the dungeon at the wrong moment. (And, yes, I understand that they are not out of there yet!).
It occurred to me since I read the chapter, that Laurendil's needing to combat the "vile enchantment" was a forshadowing of the surprise you gave us at the end of the chapter. Why would a mortal be housed in a cell that was locked by magic, when his own damaged physical condition and a simple lock on the door would be enough?
The fact that Earnur could smile at his friend speaks much of the resilience of the Eldar, although I hate to think of what condition he must be in physically after being imprisoned in the dark as long as he must have been. "Did you miss me?" Oh, my! My first thought upon reading this was, "Laurendil is going to have some very pointed words with Lord Namo once he and Earnur make their way back home to Aman." Hee! Such a situation, so fraught with danger that would mean their deaths or worse not withstanding, I had to laugh and smile--and cry a bit too--as I read the start of their reunion.
A wonderful chapter!
And, BTW, I have to let you know that I totally forgot that we've only met a few characters so far from canon. The OCs are wonderfully drawn, and I find that I enjoy following their adventures just as much as I do those of the canon characters in LOTR. Great Job!
Author's reply
You are correct that under normal conditions, an enchantment on the door would not be necessary against a mere mortal, especially one who has been tortured and is in no physical condition to escape anyway, so yes, Laurendil needing to counteract the enchantment was a type of foreshadowing. One has to wonder why Laurendil did not wonder more at the presence of the enchantment, but perhaps he assumed that this was simply an added protection against rescue. Any mortal trying to free Fiondil would be unsuccessful even if he did have the key to the cell.
We will learn more about what happened to Eärnur during the last 400 years since he was presumed dead in a later chapter, but yes, I can well imagine just what words Laurendil will be storing up for his meeting with Námo, not to mention the words Eärnur has been storing up for the last 400 years. *grin*
And thanks for letting me know how much you enjoy my OCs and their story. I know a lot of people prefer reading about the canon characters, but after a while I get tired of writing about them all the time and like to use original characters as a nice balance. Thanks for reviewing.
ellie
· 18 March 2008
· Chapter 11: Inside the Morimindon
I really like Boromir a lot! He's fun to read about and there's so much more to him that meets the eye at the beginning.
Was not expecting the surprise at the end of this chapter. No wonder they insisted that L go to Numenor! Can't wait for more of this tale!
Author's reply
Boromir's been around the block a time or two, so he's an interesting character. Even I wasn't expecting Eärnur to show up like he did, at least not at first. I kept wondering why the Valar kept insisting that Laurendil had to go to Númenor when any number of elves could have been sent, but as Námo said, his presence would be more important than the message he was taking for them.
Larner
· 18 March 2008
· Chapter 11: Inside the Morimindon
Time to get the two of them out of there! And the lost has been found! Hooray!
Author's reply
As to how they accomplish that we will see in subsequent chapters. They're not out of the woods yet.
Edlyn
· 18 March 2008
· Chapter 11: Inside the Morimindon
Oh, wow! No wonder Laurendil was the one who had to go to Numenor! Eärnur is alive! I didn't expect that at all!
This was an excellent chapter, meldonya. The mood and tension that your descriptions created made me feel like I was one of the group of rescuers sneaking through the dark secret passage and huddling in the hallway. I could hardly breathe whilst Laurendil dealt with the enchantment on the cell door.
The interspersed bits of humour kept the fear and tension of the situation from becoming too overwhelming. Laurendil's explanation of how he could tell the tree was a beech even in the dark was quite amusing. But Ithink the best line was Eärnur's "Did you miss me?" It says much about this ellon that even after so many years of captivity and who knows what distress he still has his sense of humor.
A wonderful job as always!
Edlyn
Author's reply
As Námo said, Laurendil's presence in Númenor would prove more important than the message he bore. We'll learn in subsequent chapters what Eärnur's story is and no doubt Laurendil will have some serious questions for the Valar when he returns to Aman. Thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter.
6336
· 15 March 2008
· Chapter 10: Margileth
Things are going to start getting a little tricky from now on, I hope Fiondil is still recoverable. I am pleased to find that Numenor had cats and that they had 'good' names. I am making a list of names for cats, I lost my old lady cat at the end of January, a week shy of her 20th birthday. I expect I will be getting another one soon, but am trying to think of LOTRish names, I thought Awendil would be good, I have seen it translated as 'bird lover'?!:<)
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, things will get a bit tricky from here on out, but I'm sure it will work out in the end. Aiwendil (notice the spelling) does mean "lover of birds" but I don't know any cat who can claim that to be true for them except that they love to catch them. Not exactly what the name means. LOL
Radbooks
· 15 March 2008
· Chapter 10: Margileth
Sorry to be so slow to review all of your stories, though I have read and enjoyed all the new chapters. I can't sit at this computer very long. I've torn cartilage in my knee and have to have surgery in a couple of weeks. :( The set-up in here just doesn't work well, fortunately I just purchased a laptop so I can write in another spot in the house! :)
Anyway, I'm very nervous her as Laurendil and co. leave to go and look for Fiondil, I just have a bad feeling about it all. I really liked Margileth and her home and, of course, her cat. The part where Laurendil explained his 'job' to the others was very well done, especially the part where he had to explain that even the death of an elf was devastating. That separation was no less difficult knowing you were going to see them again some day. I also enjoyed the part where he did his best Finrod imitation and sent the young ones to bed! :)
Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
What Laurendil and the others are planning is highly dangerous, but if they want to rescue Fiondil, they have no choice. Margileth was an unexpected surprise, but she fit right in and being a cat lover, I just couldn't imagine someone like her not having one.
Separation, for however long, is painful for those left behind. Pain is pain and there's no way around it. I'm glad you found Laurendil's explanations both about his job and about how death affects elves to be well done. Thanks. And Laurendil is Finrod's vassal, he's bound to have learned a few things from the elven prince along the way.
Sorry to hear about the knee injury. Good luck with the surgery and keep me posted. Laptops are good things to have, you can take them anywhere! Thanks for taking the time to review.
Edlyn
· 12 March 2008
· Chapter 10: Margileth
Oh, meldonya, what a wonderful chapter! It had everything in it: excellent conversation, lovely descriptions, and even a bit of humor without losing the underlying worry for Ercassë's brother.
I loved Bannoth. What a lovely kitty (who obviously has wonderful taste, electing to sit on Laurendil's lap). However, is Bannoth a he or a she? at one point you used "she" and later on you refered to Bannoth as a "he." In any case a cat and an elf are a great combination.
Reading Laurendil's explanation of what is like living with the Valar and Maiar and his comment about Lord Námo's "reminders" made me smile and remember some favourite scenes from "Elf, Interrupted." And I can just hear Lord Námo and Lady Vairë laughing over Margileth's comment: "Glad I am then to be living in Númenórë. Bannoth’s attempts to teach me my manners is bad enough without some plaguey Vala getting into the act." I almost fell out of my seat laughing.
Of course, there were far more serious matters discussed and Laurendil's explanation regarding death and the Eldar, both the description of the process of Rebirth as well as the fact that he and the rest of the Eldar know the grief of the loss of a loved one and the original relationship with that person was most excellently written. I felt like I was sitting there with the other Secondborn and the development of the realisation that as different as the Eldar are from us, when it comes to loving and grieving we have far more in common than not.
I liked the explanation of how the Standing Silence developed. It reminds me of Catholics performing the Sign of the Cross in many ways: each is a recognition and visible acclamation of the relationship we have with the Creator.
I really appreciated the homeliness of this chapter and would love to have Margileth's garden. It makes me think of the many cottage gardens I saw when I lived in England and in particular one in the village of Aynho in Oxfordshire (I wanted to teleport the cottage and its garden with me when I left England for the States).
Again, a most excellent chapter, meldonya! Take care and Eru bless!
Edlyn
Author's reply
Bannoth is definitely a boy-cat. I may have inadvertently used the wrong pronoun at one point. I'll have to go back and double-check.
I'm sure the Valar, especially Lord Námo, will find Laurendil's description of both Bannoth and his mistress quite amusing, assuming he survives to tell the tale. *grin*
I hoped to stress in this chapter that grief is grief and loss is loss whoever experiences and for however long. And naturally, any relationship would change perforce with a person's death. That's an experiential divide that cannot be crossed. It's one of the themes that underlies my Elf, Interrupted tale. Laurendil understands and accepts that his relationship with Eärnur will not be the same as it was before simply because Eärnur has died. That type of loss is no less poignant than the loss mortals experience and for the same reasons.
I modeled Margileth's home and garden on the many English cottages and garden that I saw while living in England myself, so I'm not surprised that you would recognize the setting.
I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for reviewing.
Beruthiels Cat
· 12 March 2008
· Chapter 10: Margileth
Most excellent, Fiondil! I do hope all these wonderful characters get away when the end comes. Knowing your style, I would be willing to bet that these would-be rescuers are "fixing to land in a heap of trouble"...
BC
P.S. Please don't forget to give us Lord Namo's reaction to the cat! *grins*
Author's reply
Hi BC. Glad you are enjoying this tale. I'm sure most of these people will survive the coming devestation. As for the rescuers.... it remains to be seen just how much trouble they get themselves into before the end.
And don't worry, you'll find out Lord Námo's reaction to Bannoth one way or the other. Thanks for reviewing.
Larner
· 12 March 2008
· Chapter 10: Margileth
Love the cat's name, Fiondil. Must have given Laurendil a true chuckle! Now, to see if they can get Ercasse's brother free of his prison.
Author's reply
I thought it would be an appropriate name for a black cat and I'm sure Lord Námo will find it equally funny when Laurendil tells him about it. *grin*
Larner
· 3 March 2008
· Chapter 9: The Shipwright's Granddaughter
May they release him, and not find themselves taking his place.
Author's reply
Amen.
Agape4Gondor
· 3 March 2008
· Chapter 9: The Shipwright's Granddaughter
Whoa! I got chills reading this. They are really up against a formidable foe.
Author's reply
Yes, they are, but with Laurendil there they have a better chance at success.
Larner
· 27 February 2008
· Chapter 8: Dulgâban
And what has Sauron taught to Ar-Pharazon's guards to detect such songs of power, we wonder?
Author's reply
Not sure if he's taught them anything about Songs of Power. Perhaps they're just very good guards doing their duty. We'll find out in the next installment.
T.A
· 26 February 2008
· Chapter 8: Dulgâban
Ah, suspense! How to end a chapter properly is quite a task! :-D
Author's reply
It leaves the reader wanting more and it's how one keeps the reader hooked on the story. *grin*
Rhyselle
· 25 February 2008
· Chapter 8: Dulgâban
There's so much to like in this chapter. I like how the personalities of the Elendili are so diverse. I like the sibling grumping and grousing, and how Laurendil stopped it by his comment to Valandil.
I particularly liked the bit about Laurendil thinking of what Vorondil would have to say when he returned to Aman with short hair! But I also thought it perfectly in character that he'd make that sacrifice in order to be able to accomplish their mission. Unfortunately I can't really see how they'd be able to keep his elvish good looks from attracting at least some attention even with hiding his ears and wearing rustic clothes. I'd assume that the cut off locks went into the fire or something, because that would be a hard thing to explain if elven hair were found in the farmstead.
I like Beren and his family, and how they are such "normal" people. Some fics I've read seem to over do "rustic" dialects and "redneck" attitudes when they are writing farmers or other non-nobility characters and I find that annoying. It's good to see them written using proper speech. I did laugh about the daughter being sent up to wake the girls and Laurendil's amusement. From my own practical experience with my children, outraged squeals are par for the course for that particular tasking.
I like the idea of the farmers singing as they are approaching the city and going into the tunnel under the wall. Laurendil's distress at seeing the wall about the city really sharpened my appreciation of how far Numenor had fallen in a relatively short time.
And then came the cliffie... You're going to have readers on the edge of their seats until you post the next part! *grin*
Great job!
Author's reply
Laurendil is willing to do what he needs to to get the job done and for all that he's given up the sword, he is still a warrior even without the braids.
Just because someone lives on the farm doesn't mean they've no learning. I couldn't see Númenórëans of any class not having some education, so I've portrayed these farmers accordingly.
Laurendil of course remembers what Armenelos looked like four centuries and more ago, so it would be a shock to see how much as changed in just (for him) the short time he's been away. I wanted to show how far Númenor has fallen through one who has known the Númenóréans almost from the beginning.
Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for reviewing.
Nieriel Raina
· 25 February 2008
· Chapter 8: Dulgâban
Well that is an evil place to stop! *grin* I did nearly laugh, then cry as poor Laurendil had to cut his hair. Vorondil will find that amusing, IF our dear elf makes it back home, no? *looks suspiciously look at author* I enjoyed this chapter, up until the end where 'ACK'ed. Now get busy with the next chapter! *makes shooing motions*
Great chapter. I eagerly await more!
Author's reply
Well, you know me and cliff-hangers! LOL! It was an even bet what Laurendil would do about his hair. Even I didn't know until he asked for the shears. I'm sure Vorondil will be very sympathethic. Glad you liked this and thanks again for pointing out the typos.
Agape4Gondor
· 25 February 2008
· Chapter 8: Dulgâban
I don't know where my mind has been these past weeks. I thought sure I had responded at least to some of these chapters.... especially the boat one - though I thoroughly enjoyed the reviews.
Been a great tale so far - I am dearly hoping that they do not fall into the clutches of the Arandili - that would not be good!
As for Isildur - did he get the seed????
Author's reply
I'm glad you've been enjoying the tale. As for your question, the answer lies in chapter 5, you'll have to go back and re-read it.
Radbooks
· 21 February 2008
· Chapter 7: Voyage to Khibîlhazid
Oh, good chapter. I liked the way they made it look like Vandiel did not want to go on the boat, it's always good to have a nice brother/sister fight. :) The boat ride and the area you described there sounded beautiful. When Laurendil gets back to Aman, he absolutely needs to learn how to swim! Maybe it will come into play here, but as old as he is, it's time he learned. :)
Author's reply
I'm sure Vandiel and Valandil had a blast putting on that particular show for the spectators. *grin* And I'm not sure if Laurendil really doesn't know to swim or was just joking with Valandil. You would think that after 3 or 4 millennia he would have at least learned how to tread water. LOL
Nieriel Raina
· 19 February 2008
· Chapter 7: Voyage to Khibîlhazid
Vandiel and Valandil's acting was great! LOVED all the sailing info. I've always wanted to learn to sail. Laurendil can't swim? Interesting. Poor elf.
Great chapter. I look forward to seeing what comes next!
Author's reply
Part of the sailing scene, where Valandil invites Laurendil to take the helm is based on my own experience of being on a Windjammer cruise sailing through the Grenedines and being allowed to steer, although that was at night with no lights (not even the moon). Luckily I didn't hit anything. LOL Glad you liked the chapter.
Alquawende
· 18 February 2008
· Chapter 7: Voyage to Khibîlhazid
Very nice chapter! Khibîlhazid, I know is Andunaic but it sounds almost Dwarvish.
Author's reply
It does sound dwarvish, doesn't it? *grin* Glad you liked the chapter.
Larner
· 18 February 2008
· Chapter 7: Voyage to Khibîlhazid
A shoal-draft boat would indeed be broader in the beam than one intended for speed, but I think that a boat thirty feet wide by sixty long would be rather unwieldy. The late husband was a former swabby, so I was often the recipient of his lectures on boats, ships, barges, and so on, and we owned a succession of motor cruisers over six years that left me with an appreciation of how much trouble they can be. It's often said that the two happiest days of a boater's life are when he first gets his new boat and when he gets rid of it. As he was blind by then, I was the one who got to pilot the thing in storms, and I found I didn't feel anything like secure having to not only head toward my destination but deal with the direction of the waves, currents, and wind as well as the motor and the attitude of the boat. In calm waters he'd drive and I'd tell him, "left, right, forward, reverse, speed up, slow down." At low speeds you are often at the mercy of wind and currents, which can send you flatly opposite the direction you WANT to go, and that would drive me nuts. The day he was able to bring the boat in after two others of us couldn't he was so blasted smug!
I love the tunnel and how it was disguised being there in plain sight as it were, and the description of the lodge, that still sounds to be larger than my house! Heh!
Author's reply
Well I based this on a description I found for a sailing boat used by a Windjammer company that sails out of Maine, so I don't know how unwieldly it would be, not being a sailor. I think the 30 feet is overall dimensions, not neceassarily the actual width of the main deck. And I based the description of the lodge on the 'summer home' at Sonneberg Gardens outside Geneva, New York. My condo could have easily fit inside the foyer! LOL
obsidianj
· 15 February 2008
· Chapter 6: The Intentions of Maidens
Hmm, this is really a madcap scheme. When they are under watch, wouldn't someone follow them and notice when they travel on to Armenelos? I'm curious how they will fare and what Laurendil's role is in all of this.
Author's reply
Well some are under closer watch than others and we'll see just how they manage to leave in full view of everyone without rousing suspicions.
Nieriel Raina
· 10 February 2008
· Chapter 6: The Intentions of Maidens
Nice chapter. I like the women's determination. Leave it to a woman to come up wiht a plausible solution and then the man to want to leave her behind! LOL! I really like your description of Laurendil interacting with these mortals, when you show us how truly elven he is comparatively with the Light in his eyes. Fabulous imagery!
Couple picks:
All turn to him with questioning looks. - TURNED to him
He’ll go along with the ruse.Then, if Ercassë - You need a space between the period after ruse and Then.
Great chapter! I can't wait to see how this all turns out, especially what Vandiel's 'accident' will be. *grin*
Author's reply
Thanks, NiRi. I appreciate you pointing out these typos. Even when I've read the chapter a million times!....
Anyway, I'm glad you liked the chapter and the two young women. Valandil might not want them to come with him, but by the time this little adventure ends, he'll be glad they did. *grin* And Laurendil just gets better and better.
Larner
· 10 February 2008
· Chapter 6: The Intentions of Maidens
A good ruse, and worthy of the descendants of Melian! Now, to see it in action.
Oh, and did I tell you how much I like the idea of Isildur's youngest being named for this kinsman? If I haven't, I do now!
Author's reply
I think you'll find how they pull off the ruse quite amusing. And no, you didn't tell me before, but thanks. To tell you the truth, when I first wrote this story and was naming the characters, I didn't even think about the connection between Valandil and Isildur's youngest son. I think I was just looking for a suitable 'twin' name for Vandiel, LOL, but of course the name is apropos to the history of Elendil's family, isn't it?
Nieriel Raina
· 7 February 2008
· Chapter 5: At the House of Lord Amandil
I'm so far behind I figured I'd better just leave a collective review to catch up. I am really and truly enjoying this story. Your OCs are very enjoyable to read and Laurendil has always been a favorite of mine. I am very interested to see where this is going and I'm very concerned about 'Fiondil'. *grin* I'm glad I am not the only one who has stolen one of their characters names.
Nice to see Irmo, if only for a short time. I think it is a great idea to have Laurendil here to help heal Isildur. I am fearful for him though. Dangerous times to be an elf in Numenor!
Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thanks, NiRi. I'm glad you're enjoying this little tale. Laurendil has become one of my favorite OCs as well and I look forward to exploring more of his history in later stories.
These are indeed dangerous times to an elf in Númenor, but Laurendil is no ordinary elf (are there ordinary elves?). *grin*
Radbooks
· 6 February 2008
· Chapter 5: At the House of Lord Amandil
Another wonderful chapter in this intriguing tale. I enjoyed getting to meet Elendil the tall and his sons, all interesting characters. I've never read too many stories with them... usually just little side characters at most, so it's fun to read a story like this where they're more central to the plot.
Of course, Laurendil is wonderful here, both as elf-lord and as healer. He has changed so much in the time we've known him. I guess he should in those thousands of years! :) I enjoyed the whole healing scene and the appearance of Lord Irmo... and his somewhat cryptic message about the death of the grandfather and why Namo didn't tell him.
Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thanks, Radbooks. I'm glsd you enjoyed this chapter. To tell you the truth, I've not read any stories were Amandil, Elendil or any of his sons play a major role. Not that they play one here, but they do make more than a walk-on appearance (except for Isildur, who, according to the Akallabeth, remains in his sickbed until the seed blossoms the rollowing spring).
Laurendil, of course, has had most of the Second Age to grow and mature into the Master Healer that he is here. As for Irmo's cryptic message... when do the Valar NOT speak in riddles? LOL Thanks for reviewing.