Fiondil
· 14 April 2012
· Chapter 34: Hero or Villain?
An interesting discussion there in the beginning between Gelmir, Araminas, Celbrían and Aracäno. Hero or villain, indeed. Whatever Orodreth' ultimate lineage, he wasn't much of an Elf, losing Finrod's stronghold on Tol Sirion and then letting some upstart mortal lead him by the nose. He almost deserved what he got. Túrin... well, that's a horse of an entirely different color. He may have been cursed, but I think he let himself be ruled by it rather than trying to rise above it.
Anyway, I'm glad Aracáno is FINALLY getting to hear about the making of the Sun and Moon, even if you're just mean enough to string us along for at least another chapter before we finally hear it as well. *grin*
Author's reply
Yes, I'm a big meanie, aren't I? *g* The truth is, I don't want to simply transcribe what's in the Lost Tales, but adding other plot elements tends to make the chapters fairly long, so I chose to give the tale in two parts, that's all. Aracáno hasn't been complaining so far. ;)
Orodreth is a wet noodle indeed. As much as I dislike Galadriel, I think she'd have done better. A lot better. Túrin wouldn't have stood a chance against her. Now that would make an interesting AU: Galadriel intimidating both Túrin and Glaurung into backing off. *g*
As I've resurrected Orodreth's rejected sons, I'm planning to write a three-way-confrontation between him, his son Halmir and Túrin somewhen in the future. As soon as I've finished at least a dozen of my never-ending WIPs, that is.
Thanks for reading and commenting, I appreciate it very much.
Anonymous
· 14 April 2012
· Chapter 34: Hero or Villain?
Oh, yay, Ilmarë is telling the story of the Sun and Moon! How perfect! I can't wait to hear the rest of it...
The talk about Túrin was interesting too - I'm never quite sure what I think of him.
Thank you so much for sharing this, it really made my day! :)
Author's reply
I thought Ilmarë would be the right person for the job. As close as Lindo was to the Valar, a Maia would have infinitely more insider information - especially one who was closest to Varda herself. The rest of the tale is coming up soon, I promise.
As for Túrin - let's just say that Arminas is voicing my personal opinion about him. I could never forgive him what happened to Beleg and Finduilas; but even less can I forgive how he and his band of street robbers treated Mim the Dwarf.
Thanks for the support, it's much appreciated. :))
Larner
· 11 April 2012
· Chapter 33: Memories of Darkness & Ice
This tale has indeed wound and twisted, and not managed to tell the story it intended. I hope Aracano finds the final tale worth the wait, although I have no reason to think otherwise, of course.
Author's reply
That's my hope, too. I was determined to tell the story in the next chapter, but then Arminas and Gelmir popped up out of nowhere, so I still don't know whether poor Aracáno gots his tale by the weekend or not. *g*
Larner
· 10 April 2012
· Chapter 32: Once Again At the House of the Hundred Chimneys
I, too, have imagined that Maglor left a son in Aman, so this is definitely a turn of events I appreciate. And this is definitely a proper subject on which Aracano deserves to hear the tale.
Nicely done.
Author's reply
Yes, well, he's the only one aside from Curufin of whom we definitely know that he was married, so why not a son? It's a shame that the Professor so rarely cared to tell us something about the women - at least their names. After all, unless his father made him in his smithy, Celebrimbor must have had a mother, too, right?
Larner
· 8 April 2012
· Chapter 31: Remembrance of a Radiant Star
Patience can be difficult to achieve, particularly as these are not in a position to judge the healing other unhoused spirits might know.
Author's reply
That is very true. We'll see how things arrange themselves - not even I know it in advance for certain. :)
Thanks for the wonderful Easter e-card, by the way. Mum and I enjoyed it greatly.
Fantasia
· 6 April 2012
· Chapter 33: Memories of Darkness & Ice
This is a great story, and it is a heartbreaking recount of the rebellion. I hope that Aracáno finds his place among the elves in the island. It is true that all is a matter of perspective, what was bad in Valinor was good for Middle Earth and it is very touching to see some of the Feanor's followers told good stories about his sons, I know that hey did terrible deeds, but they were so tragically heroics and trapped between their oath and his loyalty to his Father.
Love it to see Maglor's family. I wish that Celebrían can tell her how loved and special he was and is to Elrond.
Don't you have a story about the three deserters Valars? I think that I remember something...I should go and investigate.
Author's reply
Yes, I do. It's called "The Vault of the Dead". :)
I'm glad you liked Maglor's family. I definitely intend to write a longer scene with them and Celebrían, and hope that it will be a touching one. I promise, I'll get there in, oh, another six years or so. And yes, Aracáno will find his place on Tol Eressea, although it will probably be a shocking solution for many.
My own feelings for the Feanorians are troubled at best, but they had to have some good traits, or else people would not have followed them, I guess.
Thanks for reading and commenting. It's good to see you again.
Anonymous
· 6 April 2012
· Chapter 33: Memories of Darkness & Ice
Oh, so many things I want to comment on in this chapter! I love how you explained what the Valar did after the death of the Trees, how Aman itself was hurt from their hunt and the loss of light. And you even included Makar and Meássë! I really like the idea that they later became Drauglin and Thuringwethil.
It's also really interesting to see all the different viewpoints of the Rebellion, how to Legolas it was almost a good thing, but to those of Aman the idea of that is quite shocking. And Fionwë appeared again, yay! :D I love him, even if he was showing off, lol.
Oh, the memories of the Crossing are so painful, espeically poor Aracáno's flashbacks. I'm really glad he has Celebrían there with him. I'm sad to see Arafinwë and Eärwen leave, though - I hope we'll get to see them again? Though I'm also looking forward to seeing how everyone gets along without them there.
Sorry, this has turned into a bit of a essay! But I really enjoyed this chapter (as I do every one) and I'm looking to (hopefully!) hearing the tale of the Sun and Moon soon! :)
Author's reply
I stll haven't made up my mind about Makar and Meásse; those legends are, well, just legends. The Moriquendi of "The Vault of the Dead" firmly believe that they are still out there in some form or another, though.
Fionwe does like to show off, doesn't se? I love him, too. And yes, it's too bad that Arafinwe and Eärwen have to leave, but they have got a realm to rule; and besides, with so many charcters around, I need to put away a few of them before chaos takes over. ;)
I promise you, the story of the Sun and Moon will be told. Eventually.
Fiondil
· 6 April 2012
· Chapter 33: Memories of Darkness & Ice
That's the trouble with telling tales, you tend to get side-tracked as one thing reminds you of something else and before you know it, you're completely off the track. Hope Aracäno finally gets to hear the story of the making of the Sun and Moon, poor ellon.
An interesting discussion among the Elves. Loved Fionwë just 'dropping in' to set the record straight. Cheeky Maia. *grin*
Can't wait for the next chapter.
Author's reply
You tell me! This story has already taken so many unexpected turns that I've given up the illusion of being in charge entirely. Nonetheless, Aracáno will get his story, even if a few chapter later than originally intended.
And yeah, Fionwë definitely rocks. *g*
Thanks for the support. I really appreciate it.
Larner
· 2 April 2012
· Chapter 30: Aracáno at the Council Hall
I take it his son was Eol, who took Aredhel to wife.
I hope Aracano doesn't find the rest of this council too boring!
Author's reply
Who know, who knows... *mysterious smile*
Anonymous
· 31 March 2012
· Chapter 32: Once Again At the House of the Hundred Chimneys
Aww, Eärwen wanting someone to mother over is sweet. I'm sure Aracáno will appreciate it! And I'm not sure who I want to hug more, him or Celebrían over their misunderstanding. Celebrían was very brave and poor Aracáno so distressed... Also, again, I love how you described what everyone was wearing, and the contrast of Celebrían's more simple attire against the pomp of the others.
Oooh, the Tale of the Sun and Moon? *settles down* I can't wait to hear it! :)
Author's reply
I think Celebrían is a lot braver than people would give her credit for. After all, she grew up in Galadriel's shadow and married a Peredhel. She had to count on the possibility that one or more of their children may choose mortality, as Arwen ultimately did. Her clothing was based on what Arwen is wearing in the LotR chapter "Many Meetings", of course.
Thanks for still holding on with reading and reviewing, It makes my day, every time.
Fiondil
· 31 March 2012
· Chapter 32: Once Again At the House of the Hundred Chimneys
An interesting chapter with a lot going on, especially the undercurrents. And poor Aracáno... all he wanted was a simple tale about the making of the Sun and Moon and everyone kept coming up with reasons why *they* wouldn't sing it for him. Elves are too cute for their own good. I wanted to smack a few of them and tell them to get over themselves and move on. And I loved that Aracáno decided that "Argon" was too stupid sounding. I know I certainly wouldn't want to be named after "an extremely unreactive colourless odourless element of the rare gas series" [according to dictionary(dot)com]. LOL!
Author's reply
Well, Aracáno will get his tale, even if not in song form. As for "Argon", I once had this completely insane plotbunny titled "The Truth About The Gems", in which Feanor had six kids, all named after the rare gases, and the eldes, Helia, was actually a girl. *g* Fortunately, I could not get drunk enough to actually write it. I don't know what the Professor was smoking when he came up with the idea of an Elf named "Argon" - it couldn't have been merely pipeweed.
Thanks for the support. It's greatly valued on my end of the connection.
Siiw
· 25 March 2012
· Chapter 31: Remembrance of a Radiant Star
Poor Aracano. He has to catch up on several thousand years in a few days.
I liked Findalor immediately. He is a voice of reason, in a new world that must be chaotic and overwhelming both to Celebrian and Aracano.
" but the arrival of Artemis’ daughter has torn the old wounds open again." I assume you mean Artanis? :)
Author's reply
Now, *that* was the evil, overzealous spellchecker, I swear! I know the name of my least favourite elleth, honestly. *g*
Findalor grows on you, doesn't he? I like him a lot, too. And Aracáno will be able to take his time catching up with the things that happened while he was in Mandos. He's just a bit impatient, which is understandable, I guess.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Fiondil
· 24 March 2012
· Chapter 31: Remembrance of a Radiant Star
But Elulindo does have a point, doesn't he? An interesting chapter. I felt sorry for Aracáno desperately trying to fit all the pieces of history that he missed out on together and still not being able to see the entire picture. I hope he does find a new life for himself and finds contentment and self-worth. Hopefully, Celebrían and her friends will help him there.
"If anyone did, it was him,” agreed Celebrían; then he rose from his seat.
I think you left out Findalor's name here or at least put Celebrían's name where you meant Findalor's.
Looking forward to more. Thanks, Soledad.
Author's reply
Oh, drat! You're right! And that after several proofreadings! Thanks for spotting the stupid mistake. *runs of to correct*
Yes, Aracáno will find his place eventually - but it will take time. He's missed so much. And Elulindo does have a point indeed; which, knowing the company he has kept all his life, isn't really surprising, is it?
Thanks for reading and reviewing. :)
Anonymous
· 23 March 2012
· Chapter 31: Remembrance of a Radiant Star
Hmm, another very interesting chapter! I really want to give Aracáno a hug - he's so lost and alone, and doesn't even know the stories about his family - his father, even - that everyone else knows so well... I really hope Námo’s foresight is true and he can find his place on Tol Eressëa. And it was wonderful hearing more about the founding of Imlardis, and how Celebrían and Elrond fell in love. :)
That ending, though! I can understand why the everyone is so angry, yet it seems almost unfair to take it out on the Maiar instead of the Valar, heh. Will we get to see more of Nornorë and Erunyauvë - and maybe some of the other Maiar too? I hope so!
I'm looking forward to the next chapter. :)
Author's reply
Yeah, I know, those poor Maiar. The Valar are sneaky bastards who hide behind their servants. *is kidding* I can promise you more Maiar eventually, I just can't tell in advance which ones and when.
Bringing in some Second Age history has been my plan from the beginning. Originally, the remembrance of Gil-galad would have happened, oh, twelve or so chapters ago. But as the Professor said himself, this story grew and grew in the telling, and there's still no knowing how it's going to end. I mean, I know where I want to go with it, but how I get there and when, I don't even try to guess by now.
Thanks for the support, it's much appreciated.
Monalex
· 23 March 2012
· Chapter 31: Remembrance of a Radiant Star
Hello:
Need of healing, HA!!!!
I have always had mixed feelings where the Valar are concerned, I mean they are just too meddlesome and treat the elves as if they were young children ALL the time, it's like they don't respect their intellect and think them stupid or something. I mean if ERU bothered to creat them he must have had a reason, also I don't think he created them to be the playthings of the Valar.
Needles to say the argument they use to explain Lady Meril's decision of not taking her husband back, as "needing healing" I think it insulting to the extream!!!! I mean Findecano was less of a husband to Meril in his life, always putting Maedhros ahead of his family. So I think she is within her right to not welcome him into her life, it's not like she had a marriage like Elenwë and Turucano, Arafinwë and Earwën or Celebrian and Elrond. I also agree withe her in thinking SHE was the one who interfered with their bond and she should never have messed with it. Also I think that Arafinwë and Earwën are both right to be angry that none of their children have been released from Mandos and so right to question the "benevolent" authority of the Valar.
I really like that everyone thinks Artanis too haughty and full of herself, so they like her daugther better because she is Celeborn's daughter, which I'm guessing gives her a humility her mother sorely needs, but she also has the will of iron of her mother when required. It really shows you the love Celeborn must bear his wife to be so blind to her faults.
I like your critisisms of Elwing and Earendil, I always thought they were horrible parrents, one putting his love of the sea before his family and the other choosing a "magic bauble" as Earwën puts it before her sons. I really think that what they did is unforgivable and that whatever reaction Celebrian and Elrond have upon meeting them will be completly justified. I mean Macularë was more of a father to them than their own and he loved like they had never been loved bye anyone else. I mean regradless of his faults as dutiful son of Feanaro, it is clear he was taught correctly how a family shoud behave toward young children and how they always must have each other's backs.
Monalex
Author's reply
Hi Monalex, welcome to my little corner of the Ardaverse!
I'm totally with you where the Valar are concerned. Their condescending attitude can make me crawl the walls with frustration. They'll have some nasty surprises as this story goes on - and they'll have to learn that Eru granted the Children free will, and that they shouldn't always interfere with that. And you can be sure that Meril won't back off - she's got a spine of titanium.
As for Celeborn and Galadriel, I never truly understood what he saw in her. Quite frankly, she treats him the same way the Valar treat the Elves, and if he had any pride, he would not let her get away with it. Of course, it's possible that he's simply a glutton for punishment - then he's made the best possible choice.
As for Maglor, we're in complete agreement again. There will be some interesting developments along that plotline, eventually. The idea is born, I jsut have to nurrture it a little longer and find a convincing way to introduce it to the story.
Thanks for taking the time to review. Feedback is what feeds the muse, and support is much appreciated. :)
Larner
· 17 March 2012
· Chapter 29: The Tower of Tavrobel
I tend to agree with Pengolodh here--better to speak with those who were really there, although of course they're going to remember it from their own POV. But hearing a rumor of a rumor all too often leads all astray!
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I had great fun with the academic discussion. Scholars - even Elven scholars - are a species unto themselves, I guesss.
galathil
· 17 March 2012
· Chapter 30: Aracáno at the Council Hall
Hi Soledad:I am throughly enjoying this story.To read about Celebrain when she sailed is great.Thank you can't wait for the next chapter.LOL Galathil
Author's reply
Celebrían is a seriously underwritten character. And even if she does show up, she's portrayed as a bloodless wallflower, which I can't understand. She is the daughter of Celebrorn and Galadriel, how could she *possibly* be a weakling? Alone the fact that she survived what had happened to her in the Orcs' den shows incredible strength, IMO.
I'm glad you like the story, thanks for taking the time to review.
Larner
· 16 March 2012
· Chapter 28: The Rowan Tree Inn
It sounds like a wonderful inn, and so many reunions!
Author's reply
Meeting old friends are good. Celebrían will soon visit them at home, too.
Larner
· 16 March 2012
· Chapter 27: Elulindo
He is beyond all the others, considering the company he has kept all during his long life.
Author's reply
True; but perhaps it makes him also lonely, in a way. I'm not sure. He hasn't told me yet.
Fiondil
· 16 March 2012
· Chapter 30: Aracáno at the Council Hall
A most interesting chapter, Soledad. I'm with Aracáno, I want to hear more of the old tales. I noticed that you spell Gimilî as Gimli a couple of times (and that's how the name appears in BOLT2, but I couldn't find Endero and you never did say just who he was, unless you're reserving that for another chapter. Arafinwë was so cool when he diplomatically over-rode Aranwë's imperious dismissal of the Sinda. I really liked that. Those Noldor are too uppity for their own good. *grin*
Author's reply
Hi Fiondil, I'm glad you like the new chapter. Gimilî and Gimli are basically the "older" and more "modern" version of the same name in my imagination, so they are basically interchangeable. I use the "modern" version sometimes when other, less conservative Elves address the ancient one - save for the cases when I simply cannot type. *g*
More old tales will be told eventually, I promise. As for Endero, his identity is saved for another tale, unless the characters force me to reveal it earlier.
And yes, the Noldor are too haughty sometimes. Even Aranwë, who ought to know better, having lived in Gondolin and all that.
Thanks for the support. It's greatly appreciated.
Anonymous
· 16 March 2012
· Chapter 30: Aracáno at the Council Hall
You're making me want to read the Book of Lost Tales again...
What a fascinating new character in Gimilî! I'm with Aracáno - I want to hear more stories about the ancient times from him. I hope we'll get to hear some more from Gilfanon, at least? And it was really nice seeing things from Aracáno's pov too - you really captured the frustration he must feel at being nearly ignored in favour of his brothers by most.
I also really enjoyed guessing which character you (or Gimilî, rather) were talking about with the old names!
I'm looking forward to the next chapter! :)
Author's reply
Hello and welcome back! I'm glad you're warming up to Aracáno - I've really grown fond of the poor, simple Elf in a family full of legendary heroes. It must be hard on him.
I promise that there will be another visit to Gilfanon's house and lots of old tales will be told. But first Celebrían must visit her old friends in town.
Old names are fun, aren't they? It's good that some of them got rejected, but picking them up again is entertaining.
Thanks for taking the time to review. It makes my day every time, and I cherish your comments. :)
Anonymous
· 9 March 2012
· Chapter 29: The Tower of Tavrobel
What a wonderful chapter! Though I do want to hit that silly Vanya...
There's a lot of very interesting viewpoints here, as well, and it's interesting seeing how swiftly they come into conflict. And the new characters are very interesting, Laerwen and Pengolodh espeically.
But my favorite part was Ilmare showing up at the end! After Glorfindel and Eonwe she's my favorite character. :)
I look forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
I've been waiting for a chance to bring in Ilmare for, like, forever, and I'm so very happy that I finally found the excuse. ;)
Next time we'll accompany Aracáno to the Council Hall.
Fiondil
· 9 March 2012
· Chapter 29: The Tower of Tavrobel
A delightful chapter, Soledad. Loved the bickering between the loremasters and Ilmarë's put-down of Elemmírë. Those Vanyar are such snobs, aren't they? LOL! Celebrían seems to be adjusting very well. Hope nothing happens to set her back on the road to recovery. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Yes, for some reason I always thought of the Vanyar as snobs. *g* And Ilmare's appearance was overdue. Poor dear is such a neglected Maia! I'm not planning anything bad for Celebrían, at least not in the next chapter, in which we'll keep Aracáno company.
Thanks for reviewing, the support is greatly appreciated.
Fiondil
· 3 March 2012
· Chapter 28: The Rowan Tree Inn
An interesting look at Tavrobel in the latter part of the Third Age. Far different from the rather rustic town that I depict in my "Elf, Interrupted" series, but we are seeing the town there in the early centuries of the Second Age, more than enough time for it to grow. Loved the description of the inn and the feast. "A Booke of Gode Cookery" is a great resource, isn't it? I use it all the time for deciding what foods my Elves will enjoy when they feast. Looking foward to what happens next.
Author's reply
Yes, well, they had two Ages to build out the town a little. And since I chose to settle a lot of ex-Gondolindrim there, I thought they would want the place to look pretty. Even if it would never reach the unique beauty of Gondolin, I'm afraid.
The inn was born from the same consideration. I mean, ex-Gondolindrim were used to pomp, weren't they? And they want Turgon to settle in the town once he's released, so they needed to offer him proper accommodations. *g*
And yes, "A Booke of Gode Cookery" is pure gold. I use it whenever I write anything vaguely medieval: from Tolkienfic to Cadfael and Merlin.
As for what happens next, let me just reveal as much as we're going to meet the Sages - who are not a tad better than modern academics when it comes to scientific discussions. ;)
Anonymous
· 3 March 2012
· Chapter 28: The Rowan Tree Inn
That's one very impressive inn!
It's interesting to meet more people - I love how you somehow manage to weave Gondonlin into almost everything. And, of course, all your descriptions of the clothes and food were wonderful - as were the descriptions of the inn itself. And at least Celebrian is getting more used to shocks now!
I'm looking forward to the next chapter! :)
Author's reply
Quite frankly, for me the most interesting place of the Silmarillion is Gondolin. I know I have the unfortunate tendency to overdo the descriptions; the more glad I am to have found another person who likes to know what things and people actually might look like as I do. :))
As for the inn... yeah, I know it's a bit fancy, but hey, it's been meant for the upper class of a rich, immortal society, where beauty is appreciated in ways we mere mortals can't even imagine, so... I'm glad you liked it. *g*
Yes, Celebrían is getting used to shocks, although she's also rediscovering old friends who've been lost to her for millennia, so it's ultimately a good thing. Or so I hope.