Kaylee
· 8 February 2009
· Chapter 49: CHILD: Childe Estel to the Dark Tower Came
*had long ago settled on the opinion that her meldonya knows nearly everything* I shall have to look up this poem now, you realize. *grin*
I love little five-year-old Estel and his "Stwategy" game with "Westor".
Who was the cat? *looks dumbfounded that no one else knew* Valandil, of course! He had to be there to protect his beloved Ada and brothers!
(Never mind that the real Valandil wasn't present...neither was the real Estel! *snort*)
~Kaylee!
Author's reply
I'm assuming that Valandil is the name of a cat in someone's fic? *grin* Certainly not in any of mine. At any rate, the ceramic cat is simply a ceramic cat that Elrond had in the library, perhaps using it as a paper weight *grin* and Estel decided to include it in his game. One should not look to deeply into the so-called logic of a five-year-old. *lol*
The poem is quite opaque in its meaning but rather interesting in its own right. There are online commentaries that will help you to understand it as you read it. Have fun!
Poor Earendil, having to fly in that ship all alone! Well, at least he will have company this first time. Thankfully it will not be too long before Tancol is created and then Earendil can stay with Elwing as he desires to do. *smiles*
I do wonder, though, how Elrond (and if Elros) learned that Gil-Estel was his adar?
~Kaylee!
Author's reply
According to the Silmarillion, at the War of Wrath, Eärendil flew his ship close to Arda bringing with him a great host of birds including Thorondor and the Eagles of Manwë and slew the dragon, Ancalagon the Black. I'm sure his sons were there when it happened, fighting alongside the Elves and Men and Maiar who made up the Host of the Valar.
Ah, and here we see the other side, as it were, to the last bit of "The Last Messenger". Glad that Cirdan had the warning! At the very least, I'm sure Gil-galad appreciated the warning that he was to have visitors. *Wry look* And so Lord Ulmo has been busy, has he? I wonder why. *shakes head* No, I know. *sighs8 Alas for the descendants of Elros, that so many were driven into the darkness.
But at least a few remain, and with them comes Hope.
~Kaylee!
Author's reply
That is true, Kaylee. While most of the Númenóreans were driven into darkness, a few remained faithful and with them comes Hope in more than one sense of the word.
Kaylee
· 8 February 2009
· Chapter 46: DREAMS: Dréam ne dréose
*sighs happily* Oh, what a lovely, wonderful wedding, meldonya! Definitely going on my list of feel-good chapters to read when I'm down. I particularly loved the mix of Gondorian and Rohirric customs and traditions. Thengel and Morwen are a lovely couple.
*huggles*
~Kaylee!
Author's reply
Thanks, Kaylee. I'm glad you enjoyed the wedding. *grin* Thengel and Morwen are indeed a lovely couple. Thanks for letting me know how much you enjoyed this. I appreciate it.
Kaylee
· 8 February 2009
· Chapter 45: RUMOUR: Whispers of War
Oh, meldonya! Thank goodness for the Mayar hanging around Cuivenen...glad to see Calimo, Aldarondur and the others are on top of things! Sorry I didn't review this right away, I'm playing catch-up right now. Things were seriously bad for a while. *winces*
Thank you so much for writing these ficlets!
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi, Kaylee. Sorry to hear life's been rough. I'm glad you're able to get back to reading these fic. I know how much you enjoy them. Obviously, this particular fic is a gap-filler for "Wars of the Valar" and I hope you'll be able to get back to reading (and reviewing) that story soon. Hope things are better for you now.
Kitty
· 7 February 2009
· Chapter 50: MEMORIAL: Carved in Stone
Olórin is right, of course - Legolas needs to go ahead with his life, and to talk about Gimli (and probably not only about Gimli, but about all of his mortal friends) would keep the memories alive much longer than the memorial could. But on the other hand, it is touching that he tries to do this memorial in accord with Dwarven customs for his friend, and I am sure Gimli would be pleased. I think Legolas himself might need this memorial in this first time, to have the feeling he did something for Gimli, and as a place where to think and work through his grief. And as long as he recovers, that's okay. It is nothing you can get over in a few days, after all.
Author's reply
I'm sure Gimli would be both pleased and amused at Legolas' attempt to follow Dwarven tradition and certainly Legolas will need this memorial as much for himself as for Gimli. Olórin understands this and even approves, but he also knows that Legolas needs to get on with his life. It will take time, of course, but eventually Legolas will get there with the help of his other (immortal) friends.
Erulisse
· 7 February 2009
· Chapter 50: MEMORIAL: Carved in Stone
I am always delighted to receive a new chapter alert for any of your writings and you have never disappointed. Thank you for all your myriad tales - you have enriched my world by your attention to detail and wry sense of humor (and obvious love for the characters and world in which they interact).
Author's reply
Hi, Erulissë. I'm equally delighted that you look forward to reading my stories and that you enjoyed this one. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Larner
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 50: MEMORIAL: Carved in Stone
Most fitting! Yes, a memorial carved and set where none can ever deface or destroy it! Wonderful!
Thanks for this one, Fiondil.
Author's reply
You're welcome, Larner. Even a tombstone made from granite can eventually become so defaced by time and the elements that you can't read the words carved in it. I've certainly wandered through enough old cemeteries to know. So the best memorial is the one carved on one's heart and memory where it can never be destroyed.
Larner
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 49: CHILD: Childe Estel to the Dark Tower Came
Oh, I love this interaction. They are all perfect!
And who is the cat portraying?
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I'm glad you enjoyed this and found the interactions of the characters perfect. As for the cat... I think it's just a ceramic cat that Elrond has in his library and Estel decided it should be in on the fun. *grin*
ellie
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 50: MEMORIAL: Carved in Stone
That was amazing. wodnerful message about remembering and continuing. I like that last line a lot about the memorial's memories.
Author's reply
Thanks, Ellie. I'm happy to know you enjoyed this fic. Thanks for letting me know.
8007
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 50: MEMORIAL: Carved in Stone
This didn't work for me. Legolas frankly comes across as a whiny spoiled brat and Olorin comes across as condescending. Do the Maiar talk down to people in all your stories, or just this one?
Author's reply
Well, as to your question... you'd have to read my other stories to find out and form your own opinion. Frankly, though, I don't think Legolas is whiny or a brat; he's merely someone who is suffering from grief and not handling it very well. As for Olórin.... I don't know why you think he's condescending, since he knows better than most what Legolas is going through and only wants to help him in his grief. But, obviously you have a different opinion and that's fine. I don't expect everyone to like all of my stories; that would be unrealistic.
Ces
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 50: MEMORIAL: Carved in Stone
While all your stories are among my favorites, those that deal with Legolas and/or Thranduil are quickly becoming my favorite.
Poor Legolas. He truly feels as if he's all alone now, doesn't he? He and Olorin are now the only remaining members of the fellowship. Luckily Olorin will not allow Legolas to wallow in his grief.
Maybe the Maia should have threatened Legolas with a reminder of what would happen if he does fade? Another trip to Mandos' Halls - and I don't think Namo would be too happy to see him back again! Although, maybe Namo could have a little chat with him?!
I do wonder though, what Aule thought of the memorial Legolas was trying so hard to make? Perhaps he should also make an appearance and help Legolas build it?!
Great little story and I enjoyed reading it very much!
Ces
Author's reply
I'm sure one of the Elves will remind Legolas about the dangers of fading, if not Lord Námo himself. *grin*
I'm sure Aulë was quite sympathetic towards Legolas' attempts at creating the memorial. I'm sure if necessary the Vala will give Legolas a hand (perhaps even finish it while Legolas is with Olórin? *grin*).
Glad you enjoyed the story Ces. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Sitara
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 50: MEMORIAL: Carved in Stone
Truth to be told, since I had read for the first time "Parting gifts", I wished to know the aftercome, and I believe this one is very fitting, even as a drabble and not a chaptered story. Fear not, no hints this time. "smiling". Well, certainly it'a a start for Legolas but the issue is far from over in my opinion. He will miss Gimli until the End (that wasn't on purpose, believe me! "grin"), but he could learn to deal with his grief, with some help, of course. And luckily for him, Olorin, the one who learnt from Nienna about wisdom and gentleness, is the right person.
I liked Legolas' attempt to lecture Olorin concerning dwarvish customs and the reprimand he's received in return. I liked also the Maia using Thranduil's name to scare Legolas out from his sorrow. Nicely done. And , for all his Sindar blood (crafting in marble or mithril was by excellence a Noldorin skill), Legolas trying to carve in marble a tombstone for his friend is really moving. As it is the fact pointed out to him by Olorin: "he" had lost much more mortal friends to the Time and Death than Legolas ever did. But who could possibly be the friends that knew Gimli as well, Elrond and Galadriel aside? I think, they couldn't be Frodo, or Sam, or Bilbo. They were as mortal as Gimli, were they not?
Very nice and quite an expected by many piece from you, Fiondil. Albeit I would bet all the money I don't have that Legolas wouldn't let himself so easily placated. After all, he is his father's son. "laugh"
Author's reply
Well, this isn't strictly a drabble, just a short vignette.
As for the friends of whom Olórin speaks: Elrond and Galadriel would certainly be on the top of the list, but it doesn't matter if there are only those two or not. The idea is for those who knew Gimli, if only briefly, to share their stories about him. Olórin and Legolas would probably have more stories to tell (Legolas especially) than the others but it's the fact that they are all gathered together for this one purpose that matters. There might even be others who did not know Gimli at all or they only just met him (Finrod or Celebrían for instance) yet they would want to join Legolas and Olórin to offer their support to Legolas whom they know is grieving. By this time, of course, Bilbo at least would have left the Circles of Arda. In my story "Somewhere I Have Never Travelled", Frodo and Sam bargain with Námo to remain until Gimli and Legolas come to Aman with the stipulation that after Gimli died they too would accept the Gift and depart, though perhaps this hasn't happened just yet so as not to burden Legolas with even more grief than he is already shouldering.
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed this, Sitara, and perhaps some day you might indeed see a multi-chaptered story about Legolas adjusting to life after Gimli, but not immeidately as I have other writing projects I'm dealing with at the moment.
6336
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 50: MEMORIAL: Carved in Stone
Poor Legolas, it is so hard for him to give up his last tie to the Fellowship,
with Aragorn and Arwen gone he has nothing but his memories, Olorin is right though, if he does not pull him self together he will fade and Namo will not be pleased to see him back again, in fact I would guess he would kick him right back out and tell him to stop wollowing in self pity and get on with his life!
He needs to find himself a nice Ellith and settle down, Eru, now I sound like Thranduil!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
I'm sure you're right about Lord Námo kicking Legolas' butt, Lynda. *lol* And I'm sure several people of Legolas' acquaintance are thinking the same thing: he needs to find himself a nice elleth and settle down. Thranduil would be pleased with that, no doubt.
grumpy
· 2 February 2009
· Chapter 49: CHILD: Childe Estel to the Dark Tower Came
What a lovely story, I love little Estel stories. Big brothers do tend to take over the play, the little boy in al of them. Just what is it of Erestor's that they are using for Sauron?
Author's reply
Thanks, grumpy. I'm glad you enjoyed this. I think 'Sauron' was just an statue of an elven warrior that belonged to Erestor, perhaps as a gift or something he himself crafted and naturally not to be played with, especially by a 5-year-old mortal child. At any rate, Erestor decided that it would make a good 'Sauron' for their war game. *grin*
Independence1776
· 30 January 2009
· Chapter 49: CHILD: Childe Estel to the Dark Tower Came
Very sweet story. Love Erestor calling Glorfindel an "overgrown Balrog slayer!"
As for Estel fighting Sauron, it won't be too much longer before he does that in reality, though he thankfully never met him in person.
Author's reply
Thanks, Indy. I'm glad that you enjoyed this. It was fun to write. You're the first person to comment on Erestor and Glorfindel's little aside. *grin* And it's all to true that it won't be long, as the Elves measure time, before Estel does indeed fight Sauron, at least through the Isengard palantír, if not physically. That battle must have been harrowing enough from the way Tolkien describes the effects on Aragorn afterwards.
The last paragraph--I can't make heads or tails of it, but it sound scientific. :)
I love Eärendil stories; there are too few of them, and this one was a pleasure to read.
~Cal
Author's reply
The last paragraph is indeed scientific and delineates some of the physical characteristics of Venus and its orbit. The last thing -- Albedo -- is of course the most important since it indicates the planet's 'brightness' and has to match that of the Silmaril.
I'm glad you enjoyed this Eärendil tale, Cal. Thanks for letting me know.
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 29 January 2009
· Chapter 49: CHILD: Childe Estel to the Dark Tower Came
Estel is such a dear. :)
Humorous and sad at the same time. A perfect combination.
~Cal
Author's reply
Thanks, Cal. I'm glad you enjoyed this one. While I orginally conceived the story as being straight comedy, little Estel made it more tragicomic instead, especially with all the foreshadowing of the future.
Tithenaru
· 29 January 2009
· Chapter 49: CHILD: Childe Estel to the Dark Tower Came
I was so intrigued by the title that I made the time to open the story right there and then; after all what's a late coffee break anyway? I was so glad I did. It was a wonderful, humorous slice of family life which brought back so many memories of my Dad and Uncles 'helping out' at our games. It featured a lot of my favourites, but it was great that it was Erestor helping out, there always seems to be more to him than meets the eye! The fact that it will be Estel who finally battles Sauron gave the story that little bit extra.
Loved it
Tithenaru
Author's reply
Hi Tithenaru. I'm glad the title was intriguing enough for you to open the story right away and that you enjoyed the story. I'm sure we have all had the experience of dads and uncles and older bothers 'helping out'. *grin* And I think Erestor is rather underrated by fanfic writers. The ellon has great depth to him else I doubt he would have become Elrond's Chief Councillor. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know how much you enjoyed this story. Thanks.
6336
· 28 January 2009
· Chapter 49: CHILD: Childe Estel to the Dark Tower Came
Oh, what a fun way Erestor has of teaching history, so much better than memorising dry facts from a book! This is something Estel will remember and who is to say he was not there, his great, many times removed, grandfather was there, so in a way he was!
Hope Elrond and company put the warriors back the way they found them and I think there was a cat there too!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Well, when you have elves who actually lived through those times, it helps make learning history more fun, I imagine. *grin*
Glad you liked this one, Lynda. Thanks for reviewing.
ellie
· 28 January 2009
· Chapter 49: CHILD: Childe Estel to the Dark Tower Came
Male elves are just like male humans. No matter what age they are, if you give them the appropriate toys, they will happily engage in battle.
Too cute!
Author's reply
I guess so, but would you really want them any other way? *grin*
Rhyselle
· 28 January 2009
· Chapter 49: CHILD: Childe Estel to the Dark Tower Came
What a lovely way to start a snowy morning! I was intrigued by the title when I saw the alert in my inbox, and you didn't disappoint. :)
The mental images your words evoked were just charming... and a trifle sad and yet triumphant too. It was an excellent foreshadowing of the future by the study of the past, and the characterizations came through very clearly.
The twins reluctantly admitting that they'd take over Estel's army when they played made me laugh. I remember my dad and his friends taking over my Legos when I was a kid when they were "helping" my sister and me. LOL! I guess it's universal for adults to slip into doing that from time to time.
Even knowing that almost half of Estel's long life would be spent in fighting against Sauron in one way or another, I was able to enjoy this childhood moment.
I really liked his admonishing the grown-ups that "Sauwon is mine". I'm glad, in the end, that he didn't have to resort to one on one physical combat with the fallen Maia. But it's clear that from this very young age, had it been necessary, he would have done it--for those whom he loved.
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. I'm glad this little fic gave you a lovely start to your day.
There was indeed a lot of foreshadowing through out this tale. I'm glad you found the characterizations believable.
I've had my own experiences as a child of grown-ups "helping" by taking over the game or whatever. *grin* I'm sure though that the twins will remember to include Estel in their games from now on or Ada will know the reason why.
In a sense, "Thauron" is Estel's more than the others. He will be the one to eventually challenge him in an attempt to draw Sauron's eye from Frodo and Sam. Even though there was no physical combat between them, there was certainly a battle of wills when Aragorn took control of the Isengard palantír.
Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Ces
· 28 January 2009
· Chapter 49: CHILD: Childe Estel to the Dark Tower Came
This was such a sweet story. It's great that 'Westor' was the one who was playing with Estel and 'Glorfi' was told to back off! Typical of children everywhere!
You infuse such humor into your stories and I love it when you branch out into little vignettes such as this!
Ces
Author's reply
Thanks, Ces. I'm glad you enjoyed this story. I had a lot of fun with this one as it's not my usual milieu.
Kitty
· 28 January 2009
· Chapter 49: CHILD: Childe Estel to the Dark Tower Came
You know, I *need* to use my lunch break to catch up on updates, but the warning is true - not exactly what I should read with my mouth full!
That was fun to watch Estel acting out the Last Alliance with Erestor, of all people, and in Elrond's study. But of course, what better way to learn 'stwatgy' than acting it out? And it was so cute that he sent the Estel-figure to fight Sauron directly when he learned his Ada and his other elven friends had been injured during the long war. This child must have brought a lot of amusement and joy into the household of Elrond. And it seems even the twins learned something from him as well ;)
Lovely ficlet, Fiondil!
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. I'm glad you enjoyed this one. Yes, I'm sure Estel brought a lot of joy and amusement to the household and I'm sure the elves learned as much from him (if not more) than he learned from him.
As for the Estel vs. Sauron fight... Peter Jackson actually had scenes where Aragorn battled it out with Sauron in the last movie but decided to stick to canon (more or less) on that score, so this is a slightly different take on the same subject with Estel using toy figures to represent him and Sauron 'duking it out'. *grin*
Thanks for the review. I appreciate it.
I felt sorry for Eärendil. It was such a difficult time for him; he had to leave his family, trying the impossible in finding the way to Valinor and help from there, the attack on Sirion and him not knowing what happened to his sons, and then Elwing made the choice he obviously was not completely comfortable with. And on top of all that, he was given the task of sailing Vingilot in this very unusual manner and Manwë’s explanations have to be rather confusing for him, too. A bit much to take in in so short a time. And I find it so sad that he will never see Elros again and will have to wait for so long to meet Elrond. Well, at least it will not be so long until he gets to meet Glorfindel, I hope – finally a familiar face!
Author's reply
Eärendil certainly had it tough, but given who his ancestors were, we know he will prevail and shine (literally and figuratively). And while it might be long by human standards, it certainly won't be long by Elvish ones before he and Glorfindel meet again.