Finally I got around to reviewing this!
Olwë feared that if he did receive a summons from the Valar, he would lose his hard-won control over his grief and rage, and refuse it, defying the Powers and becoming just as much a rebel as the Kinslayer he so hated.
And that's what makes him different--not that he doesn't feel the same feelings of betrayal, but that he refuses to act on them, and will not put himself in a situation that would put him in danger of doing so.
Larner
· 1 December 2008
· Chapter 18: Rebuke
He could only hope that Feanor had listened. How could he appreciate how the triple grief of Feanor's lost father, lost treasure, and damaged pride would lead him to what was to follow? It was beyond the experience of the Eldar!
Larner
· 1 December 2008
· Chapter 19: Summons
At least he has come this far, and has found it in his heart to forgive this kinsman, his daughter's husband. How very difficult this whole period must have been for all of them!
Virtuella
· 1 December 2008
· Chapter 19: Summons
And this, of course, is the most urgent metaphysical question of all: Why do the divine powers allow evil? There is no final answer to this, and so it is fitting to end on this note. Though of course, I would like to read more...
Independence1776
· 30 November 2008
· Chapter 18: Rebuke
"Olwë thought for a moment that Fëanáro was about to draw blade on him, as he had years before on Fingolfin." *winces* No, much, much worse than that.
Oh, this was a hard fic to read, knowing what came next.
Very good job.
~ Indy
Celeritas
· 30 November 2008
· Chapter 18: Rebuke
Oh, the end to this was simply heartbreaking... poor Olwe doesn't know what's coming next!
I was pleased that one of Olwe's sons stepped up and started questioning Feanor before Olwe himself had to--I'd rather look at the Teleri's refusal to comply as a massive effort (i.e. no one wanted to) rather than simply following their lord's orders.
It's nearly the end of November, so does that mean this series is over? If so, excellent job all around and I hope you do more of the same!
Author's reply
Celeritas, while NaQuaWriMo is over as of Nov 30th, I am certainly going to be open to more Olwe fics and ficlets. *grin*
I did go back in, and standardized the spelling of names to the appropriate Aman Quenya usage, thanks to some timely advice by Fiondil, so if you go back in to re-read it, that's why the small differences.
I truly appreciate your faithful reviews of this series. I wasn't sure how it would go over, and seeing your name come up in the review alert emails was always so very nice.
Thank you very, very much!
Virtuella
· 30 November 2008
· Chapter 18: Rebuke
Beautifully written, as always. I can actually understand both sides of the argument here, both the love of the safe haven and the challenge of the abandoned lands.
Author's reply
Virtuella, thank you very much for your faithful encouragement of this series.
I am very glad that two sides came across so clearly, because that is exactly what I was wanting to show. Olwe's rebuke to Feanaro in the SILMARILLION is also the thing that inspired me to begin this series.
I appreciate your consistent and frequent reviews very much!
Redheredh
· 29 November 2008
· Chapter 17: Watching
After sitting down and finally catching up on these episodes about Olwe, I just had to let you know how much I enjoyed them all. This king, like Cirdan, is very integral, but does not turn up as the subject of very many authors. Thanks for giving him some long due attention!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you like these ficlets!
There are many characters in the SILMARILLION who seem to get short shrift in fanfic, because there isn't much actual text about them in the SIL. Olwe is the "He also serves who stands and waits" individual in the War of the Jewels. I like to think that he was one of those who gave Arafinwe advice and support when he took over as king of the tithe of the Noldor who returned to Tirion, and those who did not choose to leave. I might write about that one day, if the muse is cooperative.
Thank you very much for reviewing!
Larner
· 25 November 2008
· Chapter 17: Watching
How mixed his feelings must have felt at the time--joyous and furious and in awe and in sympathy--all together and mixed up. At least Arafinwe knew to beg forgiveness and did not fail to humble himself properly.
Author's reply
I am hoping that the muse will give me the words to the next chronological scene after this, because there is so much that needs to be addressed between them as both kings and as relatives.
Thank you for your faithful reviews!
Larner
· 25 November 2008
· Chapter 16: Destiny
Oh--such sweet and clear images--Ulmo and his acceptance of Olwe as his own, and the playing on his horns! How delightful!
Celeritas
· 25 November 2008
· Chapter 17: Watching
Wow, that must have been a tense moment! I'm curious to see whether you will follow up on it or not!
Author's reply
So far the muse has not given me the words, but I'm still hoping! Thanks for reviewing!
Celeritas
· 25 November 2008
· Chapter 16: Destiny
Oooh, great foreshadowing! I had often wondered if/how the Sea-longing hit the Teleri even before they had beheld it.
Virtuella
· 25 November 2008
· Chapter 17: Watching
Yet another gem. This is almost like a series of still pictures, each in itself exquisite.
Author's reply
Virtuella, that is quite possibly the most beautiful and wonderful thing anyone has ever said about my writing ever! Thank you so very much!
Independence1776
· 24 November 2008
· Chapter 17: Watching
*cringes* Oh, that must have been hard for Finarfin.
And how Olwë reacts will be quite telling for how the rest of Valinor reacts.
~ Indy
Author's reply
Yes, because if Olwe had rejected Arafinwe, the difficult path to being recognized as king of the remaining Noldor would have been even worse.
I appreciate your comments on my stories and ficlets! Thank you very much for letting me know how you feel about them. :)
Virtuella
· 23 November 2008
· Chapter 16: Destiny
Lovely. This provides a very fitting background to the whole series.
Kaylee
· 23 November 2008
· Chapter 16: Destiny
So adorable, meldenya! *huggles wee!Olwe* He's so cute, splashing in the waters of Cuivenen! ^_^ Adorable. And yes, he has always been called to find the Sea. *nods*
Lovely little flashback. :)
~Kaylee!
Celeritas
· 22 November 2008
· Chapter 15: Doubt
Interesting tidbit on the ignorant Noldorin sailors.
These doubts were very realistic, but the last word ultimately gave the right answer and clinched the rest of the drabble perfectly.
Cheers!
Larner
· 22 November 2008
· Chapter 15: Doubt
Oh, I can see just this series of questions occurring to Olwe, and the same answer coming to him. How easily and succinctly--and perfectly--you have caught them.
Kaylee
· 21 November 2008
· Chapter 15: Doubt
Aw! Poor Olwe! *huggles* Well, he stayed true to the Valar, and there was nothing really that he could have done to save his ships or his people, unfortunately. :( Wonderful job as always, meldenya! *hugs*
~Kaylee!
Celeritas
· 21 November 2008
· Chapter 14: Guilt
Wise of Olwe to leave the weapons behind. This was so tragic!
Virtuella
· 21 November 2008
· Chapter 14: Guilt
A haunting scene, very convincing in its stark simplicity.
Larner
· 20 November 2008
· Chapter 14: Guilt
Oh, so much grief here! Alas--and he feels personally responsible? Alas for him and all his people! And for the Kinslayers!
Kaylee
· 20 November 2008
· Chapter 14: Guilt
Oh, meldenya!
This is so heartbreakingly beautiful...so rich in details, I'm right there with Olwe it seems, and I want to cry so badly. I did cry when you showed this to me before! Ai...poor Olwe, the guilt and shame he must feel! *huggles him* But in time, he will heal, as will his people, though I doubt they will ever be able to forget.
~Kaylee!
Larner
· 18 November 2008
· Chapter 13: Obdurate
Oh, even more powerful than the original! To stop the kinslaying he himself became maddened, almost continuing the madness outside here within his own house! No wonder he wept, feeling impotent!
Elflingimp
· 18 November 2008
· Chapter 13: Obdurate
I loved that Rhyselle, it was painful to read but, I couldn't imagine having to go thru something like that, I don't know if my heart would survive. Hugs The Imp