I will miss your Tapestry stories, but I'm glad that you will have another series.
This is a wonderful friendship story. There is nothing like a friend or family comfort when you are down. Sometimes to have some one to listen to you it is enough to easy your sorrows. Love Glorfindel and Erestor together, and Erestor is right, remember the good things and celebrate live, it is sad that they are immortal, because I could tell him an advise that we have in my homeland, "fight for your life, because your death is for sure" Well it is a bad translation.
Thank you, Fantasia
Author's reply
Hi, Fantasia. I'm glad you liked this friendship story. I like your motto and the translation isn't all that bad; it says exactly what it means to say. Thanks for reading and reviewing and letting me know how much you've enjoyed my stories. I really appreciate it.
Ahh, last but certainly not least. And what a telling of a tale. I was hooked and more curious than Erestor by the the end of the first few lines!
"Yet you live, so what is there to mourn?" - the fulcrum on which this tale hangs, in my opinion. Quite wonderfully told.
Congratulations on the series, Fiondil-I've really enjoyed the stories. I look forward with much anticipation to Tales from Vairë's Loom.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this story as well as the entire series, njomo. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it. The new series will not be long in coming.
"Gondolin died on Mid-summer’s Day," he whispered, "and so did I."
Oh my, this is so poignant. But what a steadfast friendship, and it's nice to look ahead to when these two, and Elrond, will be together in Imladris.
Author's reply
Yes, a most poignant moment. Here we see their friendship cementing and becoming firm. Now all they have to do is invite Elrond next Mid-summer. I know Elrond would appreciate being included in Glorfindel's pilgrimage. I'm glad you liked this, Shirebound. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Aiwen
· 12 May 2009
· Chapter 63: TRUST: Sailing
Golly, Namo has a lot of hats. I've always wondered what happened to Idril and Tuor.
Author's reply
He has indeed and we've all wondered what happened to Idril and Tuor, hence this little story.
Thalanee
· 11 May 2009
· Chapter 63: TRUST: Sailing
That was a beatiful story!
I think you were right to leave the ending ambiguous: it´s part of the charm of Tolkien´s world that there are things we can only wonder about, but never truly know. Just like our own world with its mysteries and pitfalls- and its wonders ;-)
Greetings, Thalanee
Author's reply
Thanks, Thalanee. In life there are always ambiguities, and so I decided to leave the ending open enough so others can decide for themselves just what happened to Idril and Tuor. It might even inspire others to write their own version of this tale.
Kitty
· 9 May 2009
· Chapter 63: TRUST: Sailing
Lovely, Fiondil! It is moving to see how much these two love each other, enough to brave the Valar in their attempt to reach Valinor. And Tuor's trust in the Valar is remarkable.
Admittedly, I had hoped for a happy end for them; it's a pity the Professor left the end so open. Wouldn't it be nice if they stayed for a while there on the island and then were allowed to Valinor, and able to see their son again? I know, I'm hopeless ...
Author's reply
Thanks, Kitty. I'm glad you found this so moving. And I think your 'ending' is rather nice. I'm hopeless that way myself and like Námo, I'm a sucker for happy endings. *grin*
Larner
· 8 May 2009
· Chapter 63: TRUST: Sailing
In faith they must sail, accepting what will come.
Yes, intriguing.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner. I'm glad you liked this. In the end, of course, we all sail in faith.
Hello again,
*blinks* Leave it up to the reader? Crap. . . >_<;; I have to admit I would prefer another little shot on this. :3 For some reason I can never take ambiguous endings well. -_-;
You portrayed the relationship between those two wonderfully; I enjoyed it! I just got back from taking a grueling test and it was a nice relaxing moment when I got to read this. :-)
Hope another inspiration hits soon! ; 3
Author's reply
Ah... but life itself is full of ambiguities. *grin* While I like unambiguous endings myself, my Muse decided the ending of this story should be left open. Perhaps this will inspire others to write a continuation. It would be interesting to see how other writers handle this material once Tuor and Idril reach the island and meet Námo, wouldn't it? *grin*
At any rate, I hope you did well on your exam and I'm glad you had this little tale to come home to and relax with. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Midnight. I appreciate it.
Sunny
· 8 May 2009
· Chapter 63: TRUST: Sailing
So it is Tuor and Idril this week. About their fate, it says in the Silmarillion: “But in after days it was sung that Tuor alone of mortal Men was numbered among the elder race, and was joined with the Noldor, whom he loved; and his fate is sundered from the fate of Men.” It might be so – and there is something to be said for this – but then again, it might have been a mere rumour. Or bardic inventiveness. As you said, Tolkien was not definitive about this.
This is lovely: "Then I will let thee hope for the both of us, but whate’er our fate, I would that we share it together. I would not be parted from thee, hervenn nîn."
I am fairly certain that whatever happened, Tuor and Idril did share the same fate. But then, I tend to be a sucker for happy endings.
I suppose that if the two of them decide to ambush your Muse and tell him, _this_ is how we want the story of our fate to be told, you will pick whatever it is they told him. ;-)
Author's reply
Well, the wording in the Silmarilion is a bit vague, which is why I left the story where I do. As you point out, this could be a mere rumour or bardic inventiveness, since, according to Tolkien, the Silmarillion is actually a collection of Mannish tales passed down through the Elves and one has to wonder who told whom about Tuor and Idril's fate if what the Silmarillion says is true. Anyway, I'm a sucker for happy endings too, so I think they shared the same fate and are content with it, whatever that fate might be.
As for them ambushing my Muse.... well, I suppose it could happen but I rather like leaving a little mystery behind and let each reader decide for him- or herself what happened next. Perhaps this will inspire someone else's Muse to tell the rest of the story. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing, Sunny. I really appreciate it.
6336
· 8 May 2009
· Chapter 63: TRUST: Sailing
Oh, what a lovely, hopefull little tale this is. Other than that Tuor was to be at the Dagor Dagoreth no other mention is made of his and Idril's fate. One wonders what did happen to them.
I needed this, after a bad case of scamware and five days in the shop I am now having problems reinstalling my printer, I think I need to go back to the Geeks and have them do some more work.Sigh!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I'm glad you enjoyed this and I hope your computer woes are cleared up soon. Thanks for your review. I appreciate it.
Sitara
· 8 May 2009
· Chapter 63: TRUST: Sailing
I truly don’t want to be a prig, but Idril and Tuor’s story has never been something to move my heart in a special way. Certainly, there is a special tragic beauty about it and Idril’s tale always seemed to me as being very sad, Yet I was never able to see just that: an elleth and a Man who faced the world in order to be and remain together. In my mind, their story has always brought to the surface some very inconfortable issues, concerning selfishness and, especially, justice. According to Tolkien, the ministrels’ songs are speaking about the fact that Tuor was forever parted from the fate of Men. Not only that’s making me think about Aragorn, but also about Ar-Pharazon and all those events during the Second Age, which had been leading to the fall of Numenor. I’ve never been able to see just a love story, neither with this one, nor with the other two. “grin”
However…today, the tenderness and delicacy of the exchange between these two made me forget about my reasons ( true, for a short time only “grin”). Quite impressive, I must say, I'm not one to be easily swayed from a course of thinking.
The trust in the Valar’s love displayed by Tuor is a good thing, but I really cannot blame Idril for not sharing it: she was actually there, and Tuor was not. But she wants to be forever with her husband and for that, even the Valar's wrath is worth facing.
Again, a truly impressive moment, Fiondil. So beautifully sad and sweet.
Author's reply
I think part of the problem with Idril and Tuor for some people is that we simply don't know what their ultimate fates were. Was Tuor actually counted among the Eldar as a sort of replacement for Lúthien? The idea is certainly hinted at by Tolkien, but nothing definitive is ever said either way. That kind of uncertainty doesn't always sit well with some people, especially those uncomfortable with ambiguities.
At any rate, Sitara, I'm glad that (for a little while at least *grin*), you found this short fic impressive. Thanks for letting me know. I greatly appreciate it.
utfrog
· 8 May 2009
· Chapter 63: TRUST: Sailing
This is lovely! Thanks
Author's reply
You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
grumpy
· 6 May 2009
· Chapter 61: NORTH: News From the South
Loved Estel's letter to his family, on his first visit to Gondor's big city. Nothing like a little mail to brighten one's day.
Author's reply
Thanks, grumpy. I'm glad you liked this one. And you're right... there's nothing like mail from a loved one to brighten one's day. Alas that the art of letter writing (as opposed to sending off emails) is dying out. I remember how excited I would get when I opened my mailbox and found a letter addressed to me (as opposed to someone else in my family). It's such a special feeling, knowing that someone took the time to write a letter out by hand, stuff it into an envelope, hunt for a stamp and take it to the post office to be mailed just for me.
Kitty
· 1 May 2009
· Chapter 62: SPRING: Meeting of Minds
Love these two together and their banter! And particularly your Thranduil, so impatient, gruff - and still quite likeable *grin*
It's easy to imagine how much Thranduil is wanting information about his son. He will soon be very proud of him, I think - though I have my doubts what Thranduil will say when he learns about the new friend his son made ;)
Nice how they agreed so easily how to divide the wood over a glass of Dorwinion or two. Why can't people nowadays be similarly sensible? Anyway, it is good to know the Elves lived to see the wood recovering before they departed for Aman; as much as their race was waning, it must have been such a satisfaction to know Sauron had fallen in the end and they were able to undo his damage to a great extend.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Yes, I enjoy these two together as well. And I'm glad you like how I portray Thranduil. He does grow on one, doesn't he? *grin*
Nice how they agreed so easily how to divide the wood over a glass of Dorwinion or two. Why can't people nowadays be similarly sensible?
Well, they are Elves after all and far more sensible about such things than we Mortals. *grin* I'm sure they both are glad to see the end of Sauron after enduring his evil for three ages.
Kaylee
· 1 May 2009
· Chapter 62: SPRING: Meeting of Minds
Thank you for this lovely story, meldonya! I love, love LOVE cousinly banter between Thranduil and Celeborn, and this was a wonderful reason to celebrate their New Year...the downfall of Sauron is indeed a reason to celebrate!
So they still wear the braids of Doriath, do they? *grin* I wonder what would happen if they ever met Sador *lol* Or should that be WHEN they meet Sador?? *turns puppy eyes on Fiondil*
Boy, am I looking forward to the discussion between Legolas and Thranduil about Las' choice in best friends *smirk*
Speaking of Doriath, we had Elu's judgement, now what about Turgon's? *reminds you* *impish grin*
Yes yes, I'm hyper this morning but how could I be otherwise with a present in my inbox from FIONDIL!!! ^_^ Loved the whole story from start to finish...especially the part where they divided up the wood and Thranduil named his part after Legolas! Well, he sort of did, didn't he? And it is canon...:-p
Tye-melin, meldonya!
~Kaylee
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this one, Kaylee. As for Turgon's judgment, that will have to wait awhile. Hopefully, we will see it eventually.
Celeborn and Thranduil meeting Sador... hmmm... the mind boggles. *lol*
Sitara
· 1 May 2009
· Chapter 62: SPRING: Meeting of Minds
I like very much Thranduil in your writing. In the ficlet written for the theme QUARREL and in both the stories dealing with Legolas' death and its consequences, Thranduil' sternness (to call it so) was a key factor and it's amusing to see here the same attribute of Thranduil's character.
However, from my point of view, this little story is meant to be anything but amusing. Middle-earth was saved (this time, at least), Sauron had been vanquished, a new year and a new age was about to begin. But not for them, in my opinion. In a way, another "Frodo" case, although, indeed, here it's not about an individual, but about an entire race, fated either to sail, or to fade into myths and legends, Noldor and Sindar alike. I've also noticed their style of clothing and armour: the style of Doriath that was.
For Elves, Middle-earth is not anymore their home, as the Valar's messenger told them, two Ages ago. Now, even as the Eldar's power is cleansing the remnants of Sauron's malice and Mirkwood is claimed again by the Light, I feel more than ever the weight of Eonwe's words.
A peaceful but sad moment, in my opinion, Fiondil.
Author's reply
Thanks, Sitara. I'm glad you like how I write Thranduil. He's irascible but not evil (or stupid). I enjoy writing him especially with Celeborn. And of course, you are correct about the fact that with Sauron's fall the time of the Elves in Middle-earth draws ever nearer to the end. Some may linger for a season or an age but eventually they will either sail or fade into myth. Yet, at least for these two Elf-lords, they have seen the downfall of their greatest enemy (after Morgoth) and that has to count for something with them.
Cairistiona
· 1 May 2009
· Chapter 62: SPRING: Meeting of Minds
Very interesting glimpse of the meeting of two great leaders... I like their easy way with one another, the humor that really only the fall of Sauron finally released. The teasing--"Have it your way, cousin" - "I usually do" was wickedly funny. But even under the lightness of it was sorrow, which is ever the way with Elves... Celeborn's mention of Galadriel sailing and his staying was the dark note that underscored the lightness. Really well done, as usual! I enjoyed this (obviously)!
Author's reply
Hi, Cairistiona. Yes, there is always an undertone of sorrow with the Elves even when they are lighthearted. It is what makes them so poignant, I think. I'm glad you liked this one. Thanks for letting me know.
shirebound
· 1 May 2009
· Chapter 62: SPRING: Meeting of Minds
That's a fascinating meeting, and it answers several important questions. How thoughtful of the Professor to leave us so many gaps to fill!
Author's reply
Yes, it is indeed thoughtful of him, though this time he gave us many more details than usual, which just made my work a little easier. *lol* Glad you liked this one, Shirebound. Thanks for reviewing.
Sunny
· 1 May 2009
· Chapter 62: SPRING: Meeting of Minds
A happy new year to Thranduil, indeed!
They are rid of Sauron, the Mirkwood is in the process of being cleansed, and I am sure that any Orcs or other nasties are scurrying for deep, dark holes as fast as they can.
Thranduil being “somewhat impatient” – I get the impression that is like saying that the ocean is a bit damp. ;-)
I am sure Thranduil’s fatherly pride is stoked when Celeborn states that he is sure Legolas had a hand in Sauron’s downfall. Though there is more news to come for Thranduil. Legolas survived, yes and acquitted himself well, but the Sea-Longing also woke.
And then there is his new best friend … Oh, to be a fly on the wall when Thranduil learns _that_!! *grins madly*
Author's reply
I think we would all like to be a fly on the wall for that particular meeting, Sunny. *lol* And I'm sure Celeborn is just dying to tell him about it, since he saw the beginnings of that friendship in Lórien, but he's wisely staying quiet. Best to let sleeping Elf-lords (this one in particular) lie. *grin* Thanks for your review. I appreciate it.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 1 May 2009
· Chapter 62: SPRING: Meeting of Minds
I like this snippet of canon and a glimpse of the two elf lords. Poor Thranduil - how he must have longed for news and to see Legolas again!
It's good that with the shadow gone, they can laugh again: "I didn’t say I was wrong," the Elvenking protested, though there was a twinkle in his eyes that belied the heat of his words, "I said you were right. There’s a difference."
Good ending, too - of course Thranduil needs to see for himself that Dol Guldur is finally destroyed.
Author's reply
Thanks, Jay. I'm glad you liked this. When I was trying to find a story for this prompt, I was idly leafing through Appendix B "Tale of Years" and happened upon the entry describing Celeborn and Thranduil's meeting on New Year's Day and knew I had my story. It helped that there was a fuller description of that meeting and what was decided between them so I was able to keep in canon.
Maegereg
· 27 April 2009
· Chapter 49: CHILD: Childe Estel to the Dark Tower Came
While I find the intent of the story well meaning, the execution is greatly lacking, most especially when it comes to the characterization of Estel. While the missing front teeth may make it difficult to pronounce the letter 's', the other speech elements are that of a child of perhaps age three to four, but a child missing his front teeth would be between age six and seven. Children this age can speak quite plainly and I would expect Estel even more so being raised among elves. Not just his speech however is the issue. The child ACTS like a 3-4 year old as well. This makes the piece pretty weak over all. While a child of 3-4 might play with soldiers, they wouldn't have the maturity to play at this level shown but neither would a child of 6-7 act in this manner. It just doesn't work for me at all.
Author's reply
I don't know Maegereg. I didn't think either Estel's speech patterns or actions were that of a 3-year-old and I've had people who have children Estel's age who read this and did not comment on the same points that you have, so I assumed that his words and actions were appropriate for his age. Perhaps I'll ask them to re-read the story and tell me if they agree with you. If so, then no doubt they will help me to make Estel more appropriate. And, having gone through the story again after reading your review I have to wonder why you say that Estel doesn't speak plainly. He speaks in complete sentences, which 3-year-olds don't always do. If you're complaining about his mispronunciation of the word 'strategy', well, when you were six, did you pronounce all the big words correctly? I know I didn't.
6336
· 26 April 2009
· Chapter 25: SMOKE: One Night at the Laughing Vala
O.K. Just who were those 4 elves, who sent them and where did they go? Inquiring minds want to know!
I get the impression that certain Valar were set up!
Lynda
Author's reply
Ah... the million dollar question! *lol* I'm afraid you'll have to decide for yourself, but I think you might be correct about certain Valar being set up.
Agape4Gondor
· 25 April 2009
· Chapter 61: NORTH: News From the South
This was absolutely splendid. Not often do I get to read 'short' stuff. I'm glad I found this!
BTW - my heart did a list skip - hoping that perhaps another 'long' tale might come from this.....
Thorongil in Gondor - be still my heart!
Blessings on a great chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks, Agape. I so glad you found this and enjoyed it so much. At the present moment I have no immediate plans to do a sequel to "Stirrings of Shadow" where Thorongil goes on to Gondor, though when you read the final chapter of "Stirrings" you will see that I leave it open as a possibility. At any rate, I'm not saying that there *won't* be a sequel, only that there isn't one planned for the foreseeable future. I have other projects that I am dealing with at the moment.
Sitara
· 25 April 2009
· Chapter 61: NORTH: News From the South
It seems that somehow Gondor had always to pay a price for being so close to Mordor. Aragorn has a point here, which even the Gondorian captain must acknowledge. Their common enemy is practically before the gates and they shall make stand together, regardless their place of birth.
I liked this one, although Third Age it's not my favourite cup of tea. I was rather impressed that Glorfindel had found Minas Tirith as beautiful as Gondolin or Fair Tirion upon Tuna. In the days of the beginning, that's it, long ago, when the remnants of the people of Numenor still had the light and the knowledge gifted by the Eldar.
And of course, the feelings of love and care between Aragorn's family members are, as always in your writing, beautiful and touching.
Author's reply
Hi, Sitara. I'm glad you enjoyed this little fic. Thank you for letting me know. Whatever their cultural and historical differences might be, Aragorn and the Gondorian captain have that one thing in common -- hatred for Mordor and its Dark Lord.
Kitty
· 24 April 2009
· Chapter 61: NORTH: News From the South
Thorongil found a great way to tell that Captain that not all of the North is bad, and the same goes for the South, from the POV of a Northerner.
"‘Gilhael says if I don’t stop gawking like a country lad at all the sights, birds will start building a nest in my mouth.’" LOL! That's one cheeky guy! And Aragorn has a great way to write letters, no doubt.
Very nice of Elrond to tell the twins to make a detour to Ithilien to deliver Gilraen's letter. Though that idea seems to have been not entirely selfless *grin*
The end was lovely. I like the idea that so many Elves wanted to write to Estel! :) If he's going to answer all these letters, the twins will have a prolonged stay in Ithilien to look forward to!
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Yes, I thought the way Thorongil handled the Captain was very... mature. I don't think that he would have handled him quite so diplomatically had he been younger.
Gilhael is pretty cheeky, but he's developed a relationship with his Chieftain that few others have been able to, becoming almost like an adopted older brother.
Hopefully, Thorongil and Gilhael will only need to write a single letter 'to be read before the assembly', otherwise I suspect their fingers will fall off before they get through writing individual replies. *lol* But, knowing the twins, they'll find a reason to 'stick around a little longer' anyway.