An interesting glimpse into the history of the Noldóran and the family dynamics that show that not all is sugar and spice and everything nice in the royal household. Love Erulindo. I hope we see more of him. He seems to be the 'big brother' type that Fëanáro never was to his own siblings: gruff and put-upon but very loving.
Author's reply
I can't imagine all those tragedies rolling over the royal family of the Noldor and not leaving any lasting marks. And I think Eärwen, who lost all her children but one (and even that one was beyond her reach) would have no unerstanding for Elwing choosing the Silmaril instead of her children.
Elulindo is one of those characters who just popped up out of nowhere in "The Fledgling Years" and insisted on having a part in my little corner of the Ardaverse. However, back then I had no idea that he would become such an unusual person.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, it always makes my day.
Anonymous
· 26 February 2012
· Chapter 27: Elulindo
This chapter had some very painful moments, with the thoughts of Earendil and Elwing, and what just what a challenge Arafinwe faced when he returned at the Rebellion... But I really like Elulindo, and I hope we'll see more of him. Oh, and I keep forgetting to mention how much I love the descriptions of the clothes the characters wear, it's lovely to imagine them. :)
I'm looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm glad that Elunlindo appears convincing. He popped up without warning in my other story, "The Fledgling Years", but I never expected him to have such a strange fate. I promise that we will see more of him later; I'm quite fond of him myself. :)
As for painful moments, you haven't seen anything yet. Waith until Celebrían actually gets to confront Elwing. *evil cackle*
I always had a soft spot for medieval or semi-medieval clothes. They may not have been very practical, but they are so beautiful. I'm just hoping that I don't mess up the right names and terms in my descriptions; it's not always easy to find the right ones.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate the support very much.
Larner
· 22 February 2012
· Chapter 26: Of Seeing Stones and Rings of Power
I am glad Celebrian realized WHY she could not see her homes and accepted that, as well as being unwilling to name the keeper of the third Ring. She is indeed wise. Even here that could be a breach of faith that could possibly have untold repercussions.
Author's reply
Yes, that is right. Even though Círdan's sailors cannot set foot on Tol Eressëa, the locals do visit their ships, and if word would get back to Middle-earth, it could be fatal. Celebrían has learned her lessons well, I think.
Larner
· 21 February 2012
· Chapter 25: Old Friends, New Lives
Fascinating meeting here, and love the thoughts of the two Maiar as they consider their charges.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. We rarely get a glimpse into the head of the Maiar, so I thought it would be an interesting experience.
UTfrog
· 19 February 2012
· Chapter 26: Of Seeing Stones and Rings of Power
Great chapter. Loved Celebrian as assistant historian. Good character interactions. Thanks
Author's reply
Well, I thought that she would be more familiar with topics closer to the Third Age than the Amanians. Being married to Elrond must have rubbed off on her. *g*
Thanks for the encouragement. It's much appreciated.
Anonymous
· 18 February 2012
· Chapter 26: Of Seeing Stones and Rings of Power
This was a rather bittersweet chapter - they got to see their loved ones again, but they're all still so far away... I loved the descriptions of Gondolin and its splendor. And I see Glorfindel had bells on his horse's bridle even then!
It's a very valid point that both Imladris and Lothlorien would be shrouded from the palantir... I'd never thought about that before, but it does make an awful lot of sense...
The role reversal at the end was lovely too, with Elenwe being the one to offer comfort.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter! :)
Author's reply
Thank you! :)
For me, Gondolin is the most interesting place of the Elder Days, with its mixed population and unique society and all that. Too bad that the Professor gave other aspects so much priority, IMO. And yeah, I assume Glorfindel must have been even more of a peacock, back when having died and reborn has not yet tempered his fashion sense. *g*
As for Elenwe, I didn't want to make her too weak and dependent on others. She'll have enough to deal with, but one thing se certainly knew: how to be a mother. Something I'm not really sure Galadriel would manage half so well, emotion-wise.
I'm glad that the palantír vs Ring of Power thing makes sense.
Fiondil
· 17 February 2012
· Chapter 26: Of Seeing Stones and Rings of Power
Got home from work and was pleased to see a new chapter. I needed something to relax with after this week. A very interesting glimpse through the palantír for them all. Poor Aracáno. I fear he's going to be suffering from envy for a long while wishing for adventures. I hope time will temper his enthusiasm a bit. The description of the gates of Gondolin and their guardians was very well done. You could really see them. And now they are going to Tavrobel. It should be interesting to see what they find there.
Author's reply
Had a bad week, too? Sorry to hear that. Glad that you found the part relaxing - my work is done, then. ;)
Gondolin with its famous gates has always fascinated me. I wish the Professor had found the time to rewrite that part of the old tales, instead of Túrin's. At least Tuor was a likeable character.
I find myself growing increasingly fond of Aracáno, so he will have his adventure eventually, although probably not the kind he had hoped for. *g* But that is the appeal of rejected or neglected canon characters: they are full of possibilities.
Thanks for reviewing. Have a restful weekend!
Fiondil
· 11 February 2012
· Chapter 25: Old Friends, New Lives
A most interesting chapter, Soledad. I'm curious to see what they all end up seeing in the Palantír. Tinwë's discussion with Aracáno was quite true and a good lesson for us all and Celebrían's explanation of why Aracáno and Elenwë were released when they were makes a whole lot of sense. Hopefully the two will take it to heart and start living their lives instead of mourning for a past that never happened.
By the way, you suddenly have Arafinwë speaking when, as far as I know, he was never there in the first place and in the following sentence which you have him speak: "...but once he made up his mind, he broke no argument from anyone." -- the correct phrase is "brooked no argument".
Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Oh, bother! That was still Aracáno, of course. I'll never forgive the Professor for all those names that either begin the same way or end the same way. Most confusing!
As for Elenwë's and Aracáno's release, I needed a really good reason for it, aside from "I wanted to give two neglected characters some screen time", which is the simple truth. *g* I'm glad what I came up with sounds convincing.
Anonymous
· 11 February 2012
· Chapter 25: Old Friends, New Lives
Another very interesting chapter! I'm very curious about what everyone is going to see in the palantir - I'm hoping that Elenwe will get to see Glorfindel! I really like what you are doing with her and Aracano, and Celebrian's reactions to them both. I also really enjoyed the conversations between the Maiar!
I'm looking forward to the next chapter! :)
Author's reply
Thank you! Writing Elenwë is great fun, especially as I've got considerable freedom with her, since all the Professor felt fit to tell about her was that she died on the Ice. But again, most female characters get short shrift with him, save Saint Galadriel, whom I can't really bear.
As for what they are going to see in the palantír - well, let it be a surprise for us all. Including me. *g*
Thanks for reading and reviewing, it makes me want to write more every time. Encouragement is hard to come by in these days. :)
Larner
· 9 February 2012
· Chapter 24: A Change of Hearts
Ah, yes--waiting would indeed be something that they would come to know well by this time in their lives. Alas for their many losses! But the time draws near for more of the lost to come home.
Author's reply
Yes, it does. The only question is - what will these changes bring? This story keeps taking unexpected turns with every new chapter.
Anonymous
· 9 February 2012
· Chapter 24: A Change of Hearts
Another interesting chapter! I'll be curious to see what happens with Meril... I'm glad that Arafinwe and Earwen are going to be staying for a while! And that Celebrian has found someone she knew before. That should help her a lot. :)
I'm looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Meril has taken things into her own hands, so all bets are off - she certainly gives the whole tale an unexpected twist. *g*
Fiondil
· 8 February 2012
· Chapter 24: A Change of Hearts
A most interesting chapter, Soledad. Looks as if Meril needs additional healing as well. I'm glad Celebrían has found a familiar friend from before. That should help her a lot. Did I tell you how much I like your Arafinwë a lot? *grin*
By the way: “You had Círdan to support you,” pointed out Elenwë, but Meril shook her head.
I think you mean Erunyauvë here since Elenwë has already left.
Looking forward to more soon.
Author's reply
Thanks, Fiondil. It was a strange chapter, as I did not originally plan to open this particular can of worms, but Meril insisted... I'm glad you find Arafinwë convincing, as writing him is completely newland for me.
And yes, it was Erunyauvë, of course! Thanks for spotting the mistake. Dratted characters, why do they have such similar names. *g*
UTfrog
· 8 February 2012
· Chapter 24: A Change of Hearts
Interesting point of view. I suspect everyone changes during long ages apart. Fun to see how you work this out. Good idea to have Celebrian meet old friends. I hope they help her immediately. Thanks for another good chapter.
Author's reply
Yes, two Ages are a very long time; and then there is that "small" problem of dying and being reborn. There ought to be some changes, I presume. Thanks for reading and reviewing, it makes my day. :)
Anonymous
· 7 February 2012
· Chapter 23: The Queen That Never Was
Oh, I really liked the descriptions of the Houses of Gondolin - and the touches of humour that went with them! And learning more about Glorfindel's past too.
I'm very curious as to what Celebrian is going to do next. I would really like to see more of Arafinwe and Earwen. :)
Author's reply
The "Book of Lost Tales" is a true treasure chamber for those of us who love trivia. (I certainly do.) When I first wrote the - much more detailed - descriptions of he Houses, I had to laugh. Tolkien really took the effort to even tell us which seven gems adorned the shields of the House of the Harp... but I thought that would slow the flow of the scene down beyond reason. *g*
As for Celebrían, she's about to meet some old friends next, and there will be more Arafinwë and Eärwen, I promise.
galathil
· 7 February 2012
· Chapter 23: The Queen That Never Was
Hi Soledad,thank you to you and your muse for an enjoyable chapter.Ilove reading about Celebrain.Can't wait fot the next one.LOl Galathil.
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm glad that you're enjoying yourself. I hope you won't have to wait for the next update too much; currently, I'm wrestling with the last page or so of Chapter 24...
Larner
· 6 February 2012
· Chapter 23: The Queen That Never Was
A fascinating look at this battle and those who fought in it from Gondolin. Too bad it turned out so badly. And Elenwe has reason to be concerned to know she will undoubtedly have subjects from a land she never knew at all.
Author's reply
Yeah, the poor thing - it's almost like making a King out of a young child. But it won't be so bad. Those Elves have looked after themselves for two Ages, and aside from fawning about her, they won't want too much from her. *g*
Fiondil
· 5 February 2012
· Chapter 23: The Queen That Never Was
The one thing I like about the Histories, especially the first two books, is that we get more detailed information about certain people and events in Elvish history than we generally do when reading the Silmarillion and it's nice to be able to draw on that additional information to help flesh out one's stories, as I did when writing "In Darkness Bound" and as you've done here. Elenwë's and Aracáno's reactions were (to my mind) spot on as Reborn and I liked the way Elenwë spoke to the Maia. What she said was true, at least with regards to the Valar not being knowledgeable about everything, especially about what it means to die. And I really like your Arafinwë. He's wise and funny and I can see him so clearly. Thanks for this entertaining story, Soledad. I'm enjoying it very much.
Author's reply
I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying yourself. :) I am a great fan of the Books of Lost Tales, even if some parts are no longer compatible with the later mythology. I was especially fascinated with Gondolin and Glorfindel since the first time I read about them, and my deepest regret is that Tolkien never finished the rewriting of the tale of Gondolin. What little is there in the Unfinished Tales is so fascinating, I'd love to know what he planned for them. Alas, we will never learn.
This story keeps taking unexpected detours as I am writing it (the next chapter is definitely one that I never intended to write), but who am I to argue with my characters, right? Thanks for reading and commenting, I hope I can keep up the entertainment value of the tale. *g*
Larner
· 30 January 2012
· Chapter 22: Ties of Kinship
A lovely meeting with her family. May she be comforted by this one who so reminds her of her old and dear friend until she is able to greet her husband once more.
Author's reply
I hope so, since - as we know - it will take roughly 500 years for her and Elrond to be reunited. That's a long time, even for Elves, I'd guess.
Anonymous
· 30 January 2012
· Chapter 22: Ties of Kinship
Oh, I'm so glad Celebrian has met Arafeinwe and Earwen already! I really love how you write the two of them, Earwen espeically; I've always imagined her to be very gentle and kind. Though poor Celebrian must be having an awful lot of shocks seeing so many people who so closely resemble friends she knows.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter, and getting to know your Elenwe! :)
Author's reply
Eärwen is a shamefully underwritten character, I find, but again, she's not a villain, and villains make more interesting stories. I've finally figured out Elenwë's family background, so let's hope she'll start talking to me, soon.
Fiondil
· 29 January 2012
· Chapter 22: Ties of Kinship
First meetings are always awkward, aren't they, especially when it involves family. I really enjoyed the interaction between Arafinwë and Eärwen with Celebrían.
By the way, you need to go back and re-read this chapter carefully and fix the pronouns. Half the time you refer to Galadriel as "he" and not a few times Celeborn and Elrond are referred to with feminine pronouns. It got a little confusing who was who. *grin*
Good chapter, though.
Author's reply
Well, I regret that my grammar is so bothersome, but it's not easy if your mother tongue has no genders at all and you no longer have a beta for a story. There is only so much that spellcheck can do for you. *shrugs* I hope I found all the malefactors now.
I'm glad you enjoyed the part nonetheless. I was deadly afraid of writing Arafinwë and Eärwen, as this is the first time I tried writing them.
UTfrog
· 29 January 2012
· Chapter 22: Ties of Kinship
Excellent introduction to her grandparents. Thank you.
Author's reply
I'm relieved to hear that it worked. This is the first time ever that I wrote Arafinwë and Eärwen, and I really wasn't sure how they would turn out.
Thanks for reading and commenting. :)
Larner
· 22 January 2012
· Chapter 21: Interlude in Tirion
Healing for both sides. I'm a bit surprised you have Finrod still in Mandos, as I understand he was rather early released, perhaps mostly because he was such a friend to all and faithful to all, even those others considered "mere" mortals. But his son sounds wonderful--just the sort he should have left behind! Excellent!
Author's reply
Well, as we have learned from Fiondil, all times are "soon" for the Valar.
To be honest, though, I never checked when exactly Finrod was released, and I don't really care. This story started off having him in Mandos nine or so years ago, because I didn't need him underfoot, and so he'll just have to sit there for a while longer, I'm afraid.
I didn't want any of the great heroes of the First Age to be present when Celebrían arrives, as it would have taken attention from her. She is featured way too infrequently, and this is her story. Still, I couldn't resist bringing Inglor into the game - I became quite fond of him when I created him, and this is the first time I could include him again, so I simply did. *g*
Fiondil
· 22 January 2012
· Chapter 21: Interlude in Tirion
An interesting interpretation of canon and canon characters, Soledad. I see you did what I did and 'split' Eönwë into Fionwë to make 2 Maiar where there had once only been one. I could never figure out why Tolkien changed Fionwë's name since I thought it was so cool, but at least in doing so, he gave people like you and me an excuse to use both names in our particular versions of Middle-earth. *grin* I like the interplay between the royals here. I'm not sure why you won't let poor Finrod out of Mandos, since it clearly states in the Silmarillion that he was re-embodied, but that's certainly your call. No doubt you have a particular reason for it. Looking forward to the next installment whenever it gets posted.
Author's reply
Yeah, the ones like me who could not make up genuine names for the life of them will have to work with the Professor's leftovers. In that, it's actually fortunate that he changed his mind so often. ;)
As for Finrod, I'm sure he will come out eventually. I don't have any particular reason to keep him in Mandos; I just started off with him being there nine or so years ago and forgot him there, I'm afraid. *g* The whole thing was about Celebrían, and frankly, I didn't pay Finrod so much attention back then. But since this is one of those ungodly long stories, he might make an appearance eventually.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, it's nice to have some encouragement.
Anonymous
· 22 January 2012
· Chapter 21: Interlude in Tirion
Oh, this was wonderful! I really like your Arafinwe and Earwen - and Inglor too! I really loved seeing them all interacting - I really hope we'll get to see more of them! :)
But I think my favorite part of his chapter was Fionwe! I'm very pleased to learn that your Eonwe isn't totally alone after all... :)
Once again, this update made my day! I'm really looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Arafinwë will return in the next chapter - although I can't promise to always update so fast. This chapter practically wrote itself, which happens far to infrequently, alas.
As you probably know, Fiönwë is actually an earlier name of Eönwë. But since I suck at making up proper names, I simply split them when I needed a different Maia. Making them brothers was a bow towards canon. ;)
An excellent chapter, Soledad, as we move out of the past and into a hopefully brighter future for Celebrían. Love the Maia. I can well see her being Olórin's sister.
Oh, and by the way, the word is "missive" not missile, unless, of course, Meril did indeed send a message rocket winging its way across the Bay of Eldamar to Tirion. LOL!
Looking forward to the next installment with great anticipation.
Author's reply
Thanks for spotting a mistake. English will be the death of me one day - and people wonder why I don't bother with Elven languages and archaic stuff, too. *runs off to correct*
Yes, I thought it would be time to return to the present and look out to the future. Especially as the Noldóran and his family will have their first appearance in the next chapter. It's a very different approach from yours, so I'm curious how you will like them. *g*