Gil-Estel by Mirach

Reviews (74)

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Larner · 30 September 2009 · Chapter 3: September 25th

It is not for nothing his childhood name was "Estel," after all.

Author's reply

No, it is not. And do you think Gil-Estel is a coincidence? ;)

Larner · 30 September 2009 · Chapter 2: September 24th

So good a means of escape--until the fall, of course. How horrible for Earendil himself to feel so powerless!

Author's reply

A good means of escape that went terribly wrong, and Earendil can only watch. Optimistic beginning, isn't it? *g*

Larner · 30 September 2009 · Chapter 1: September 23rd

Indeed a moment of dread, to see his descendant running in fear for his life and to feel helpless to aid him!

Author's reply

Yes, one of the worst situations possible, I think...

Linda Hoyland · 29 September 2009 · Chapter 7: September 29th

Another nailbiting chapter. I truly felt for Earendil here as well as Aragorn. How dreadful to see a loved one in danger and be unable to do anything.You had me on the edge of my seat.

Author's reply

Yes, they both deserve a hug! Thank yor very much for the review!

curiouswombat · 29 September 2009 · Chapter 7: September 29th

This is mainly a few lines to let you know that I am here, reading, every day. Poor Aragorn - I hope someone from Imladris finds him soon - and poor Eärendil, to be forever the watcher. I like the idea of him wanting so much to be able to warn his family down the ages, but not being able to do so - and the result being an orbiting collection of notes and tokens...

Author's reply

Thank you very much, I appreciate it! It must be a nice collection indeed... *g*

Inzilbeth · 29 September 2009 · Chapter 7: September 29th

What a tense chapter that was! Very well done, but, oh I hope someone comes along to help Aragorn soon.

Author's reply

Thank you! And someone should come already, shouldn't he? We'll see tomorrow! ;)

Cairistiona · 29 September 2009 · Chapter 7: September 29th

Those nassssssty orcs!! Too bad Earendil can't actually throw something out of his ship at them! I did like the detail of Earendil trying to throw the brooch, even though he knew it would never reach Aragorn. Once again, a compelling chapter, although I'm starting to wonder how much more poor Aragorn can take. *hugs Ranger*

Author's reply

Yes, even that brooche would gave quite a nice speed when hitting the ground from such height =) It would be better if it would reach the orcs then Aragorn... Thank you! And the Ranger thanks too =)

Inzilbeth · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 6: September 28th

At last some much needed relief from the baking sun. I imagine the Misty Mountains would seem as the gateway between the familiar lands of his home and the hostile lands beyong the Edge of the Wild, making them a very welcome sight when returning to Rivendell.

Author's reply

Yes, it was a sight of returning home... and who knows how long he haven't been there already! Maybe he is returning from far away - it must be frustrating to be so near home now, and not able to get there...

Cairistiona · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 6: September 28th

Another fascinating chapter. I'm really enjoying the insights each day is giving Earendil about Aragorn. That Aragorn loves the mountains seems right to me, and although this is of course Earendil speculating on Aragorn's thoughts, but it follows that Earendil has some skill in reading hearts, especially those of his on kin. The part where it seemed almost that Aragorn would give up, finding the mountains a good place to die, is wrenching. And ow, thinking about poor Aragorn banging up against that boulder, with all his injuries... I really hope he finds succor soon! The poor man needs some comfort. And a big fluffy warm blanket with a hot cup of tea and his Ada!

Author's reply

Maybe it is my own love for the mountains reflecting in Aragorn, but it seemes right to me too, probably it is something in his personality that maked me feel so. And Earendil has a great skill in reading the hearts of his own kin by now, after so many years of watching them... "Big fluffy warm blanket with a hot cup of tea and his Ada" Awwww... Yes! Absolutely! Earendil shares this oppinion! =)

Inzilbeth · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 5: September 27th

Ah, nice twist here, Mirach, with Earendil suddenly seeing the worth of the man and not just the last product of his own line. Well done!

Author's reply

"Product of his line?" :D Oh yes, he saw that, and he is a bit ashamed for it now, when he sees Aragorn himself... Thank you for your review!

Cairistiona · 27 September 2009 · Chapter 5: September 27th

Ooh, I like the development of this section, of Earendil finally seeing Aragorn for himself and not just as a son of Elros, some nearly nameless descendant, and the not very comfortable realization that if there were another heir, he might not feel as bad. Ouch. Those kinds of epiphanies are far from comfortable, but it also is absolutely right that Earendil would then quickly realize that he *does* feel for Aragorn, for Aragorn's own sake. Really well thought out, that. And I also love that Earendil is finding hope looking at Aragorn... that also speaks back to Aragorn as Estel, as the Hope of Men. All such wonderful stuff!

Author's reply

Thank you for the review again! I think that recognizing Aragorn as a unique individual, not just a heir of Elros, is one of the most important breaking points in Earendil's thoughts in this story. I'm glad that you like this development!

Cairistiona · 27 September 2009 · Chapter 4: September 26th

I love it that orcs so easily turn on one another! And this is another gripping chapter. Fascinating thinking about all the long years coming down to this seemingly hopeless few moments. How many times during Aragorn's lifetime must Earendil have had those thoughts? Looking forward to the next installment!

Author's reply

I think that Earendil found out soon that Aragorn's life is something really worth watching, although it's quite surprising that he didn't have a heart attack yet... But being an orc politician is a really dangerous job, it seems =) Thank you for your review, and I hope you'll enjoy the next chapter!

RS · 26 September 2009 · Chapter 4: September 26th

I'm as frustrated as Earendil! Helpless! Hopefully tomorrow's update will give Aragorn some reprieve.

Author's reply

Yes, being helpless can be very frustrating... The update is already there, so - se yourself... Thank you for the review!

Inzilbeth · 26 September 2009 · Chapter 4: September 26th

Phew, so he's avoided the orcs [for now!]. This is proving a beautifully written story, Mirach, and you have a sure touch when it comes to Earendil. I'll be back tomorrow!

Author's reply

Thank you for droping by! =) I'll be back tomorrow too, with an update! ;)

Cairistiona · 25 September 2009 · Chapter 3: September 25th

Oh goodness, I'm not sure who to feel most sorry for, Aragorn or Earendil! Aragorn, really, but Earendil is in such a helpless place, being ever able to see but not to actually do anything. And I do hope that tomorrow Elladan or Elrohir or Glorfindel or any stray wandering Rivendell denizen comes across poor Aragorn. I don't know that he can make it all the way there crawling, but then again... this *is* Aragorn we're talking about! Looking forward to tomorrow's installment!

Author's reply

Thank you, Cairistiona, I think you can feel sorry for both, because, well... you see: the next chapter, and still no stray wandering Rivendell denizen...

RS · 25 September 2009 · Chapter 3: September 25th

Read all three chapters and finally have the time to review. Oh My Gosh! You're killing me! Poor Aragorn. How much more are you going to put him through! Not only are Earendil's narratives breaking my heart or giving me a heart attack, but your description of Aragorn's harrowing plight is so realistic that I feel like I'm actually going through it..... "There is haunted expression in his eyes; they glisten like the eyes of a trapped bird....Heart palpitations and a feeling of dread; "His teeth are clenched, and his eyes shut – I can almost feel his ragged breath and drops of sweat as they run down his temples, the fingers ever so slowly slipping from their hold, the trembling muscles on the verge of their limits. His strength wanes"....Made me sweat and fatigued; "Slowly, painfully… one inch after another"... with a broken leg!...AAARRRGGGHHH! I am grateful that you are updating daily, otherwise, a long wait for updates would definitely kill me.

Author's reply

I'm really glad if I managed to write the story so vividly, but, on the other side, identifying yourself with the story too much can be harmful to your health... =) I really have no intention to kill my readers =)

Inzilbeth · 25 September 2009 · Chapter 3: September 25th

Oh my goodness, if you're going to make him crawl all the way to Rivendell on his hands and knees, I don't think I can bear to read any more! Well, OK, I might just drop by tomorrow to see how he's getting on LOL!

Author's reply

Ok, just so without engagement, drop by if you are passing around tomorrow, and we'll see how much of the way he's going to crawl... =)))

ellie · 25 September 2009 · Chapter 3: September 25th

Your delving into earendil's psyche during these times of passing by are wonderfully depicted. His hopes and fears and his love for his distant son. beautiful to see.

Author's reply

Thank you very much! I'm glad that you like my idea of Eärendil, and his view on Middle-earth. I tried to bring him closer from the distant sky and show his thoughts and personality.

Cairistiona · 24 September 2009 · Chapter 2: September 24th

Aaaauuuuuugggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh!!!! I may be dead from anxiety by the time this story is done. Another wrenching, heart-rending, suspenseful chapter... "I guide my ship to the West, away from the fateful place, but my heart is empty, and the glow of my lantern seems to diminish." Wah! Poor Earendil. Poor Aragorn. You're really putting them through it, which, of course, makes for a heck of a good read. :)

Author's reply

"Aaaauuuuuugggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh!!!!" describes exactly the stories that I like to read and write =) Thank you for a succint commentary! =)

Inzilbeth · 24 September 2009 · Chapter 2: September 24th

How terrible must it be to watch events unfold in this manner and be powerless to act? You really made me feel for Earendil, so much so that I half expected him to come swooping down as he did against Ancalagon all those years ago, although, if he could intervene in that way, I imagine the history of his heirs would have been very different. It's a good idea to post a chapter a day and so retain the urgency. I'm very much looking forward to seeing where this tale leads.

Author's reply

I think he would, if he could. But it was in other times when he fought Ancalagon, the Valar themselves walked Middle-earth in that time, and Valinor was still within the circles of the world... That time is now over, and he can only watch. Thank you very much for the review, I'm glad that you like the updates!

curiouswombat · 23 September 2009 · Chapter 1: September 23rd

What a good beginning to a story with a fascinating idea at its heart - to see only as Eärendil does, day by day. I think this is likely to become daily reading for me.

Author's reply

I'm glad that it captured your attention! The next issue of "Middle-earth daily" is already in print, and will come in a few hours ;)

Inzilbeth · 23 September 2009 · Chapter 1: September 23rd

Gosh, Mirach, what a fascinating glimpse into the mind of Earendil and his thoughts on his descendants as he views world below him. You've got me scared witless for Aragorn though. I do hope you're not going to be too horrid to him! A great start to your story and I'll certainly be back tomorrow for more.

Author's reply

Ah, well... The mountains are dangerous... I can't promise anything... But tomorrow, you will see more indeed. Thank you very much for your review!

ellie · 23 September 2009 · Chapter 1: September 23rd

so sorrowful and so beautifully described. nicely done so far.

Author's reply

Thank you very much! Mirach

Cairistiona · 23 September 2009 · Chapter 1: September 23rd

Terrific start! I love your characterization of Earendil, of his frustration and his fears and how he is never sure if his life as it is now is a blessing or a curse. "But soon I learned to fear to smile." How wrenching is that line, but then comfort comes with "but by something deep within… I know him." But now Earendil's view of Aragorn's plight is wrenched away, as is ours, for another 24 hours. Oh what the imagination conjures...! It's going to be hard to wait!

Author's reply

Thank you very much of the review! I'm glad that you like my picture of Eärendil, there is not much told about him and his fate - not the facts, but the feeling of it. In some way it is even similar to the fate of Húrin, and that is one of the saddest fates of Middle-earth. I enjoyed the thought to connect his fate with Aragorn's, althought across such distance. The thing that I was most thrilled about when I had the idea of this story was the fact that the reader can identify himself with Eärendil, can see only what he sees, and has to wait until the next day just like he does. So I'm glad that you appreciate it :P