The Valley is Jolly by Canafinwe
Shlain · 5 November 2020 · Chapter 9999: Here Down in the Valley
Bravo! Whoop! One of the best fanfics I 'discovered' during lockdown. Look forward to reading the rest. You really did a lot of research into medieval language and techniques. Goodness!
Jacob Chacko · 14 October 2017 · Chapter 9999: Here Down in the Valley
I thoroughly enjoyed the story. You do paint an intricate picture of life in rivendell. I just had one doubt though, regarding the absolute absence of elflings in imladris. Surely there would have been at least a few. Not even all the noldor had wed yet. Elladan and Elrohir were yet to find a match and there would have been more elves their age, not to mention the more numerous and younger sindar.
Rowanfair · 19 January 2017 · Chapter 9999: Here Down in the Valley
Of all tales of yours in this forum this one is my ultimate favourite! The picture you draw of the deep love between the mightiest Elf-lord and his recent child is a master-piece – deeply touching ones heart to the core. I adore your talent in interweaving your very own access to Tolkiens world with various tales created by the Professor himself. You offer insights to situations and characters he refused to give or merely did not find the time to finish a loose thread, shaping the characters Tolkien created ever so subtle and delicate into deeper levels of personality. You manage to add such a beautiful loving touch to the most powerful beings who care indefatigable for the fate of Middle-Earth. Any author facing his visions continued by another should be proud in perceiving it done in such appropriate ways.
lasse · 17 December 2016 · Chapter 13: An Untold Tale
I have a minor piece of constructive...not exactly criticism, more like raising an issue. I probably wouldn't tell this to another writer but you are such a wonderfully eagle-eyed stickler for considering the psychology and pov of each character you write when you write their dialogue and thoughts, that I thought I'd mention it: it's likely that Elrond would NOT refer to himself as "I" as in "he gave me the love..." throughout his story about his time with Maglor. It would be far more likely for him to refer to himself and Elros collectively as "we." Twins, especially identical twins, often have a hard time calling themselves "I" instead of "we" even in situations where it would be more appropriate to refer to themselves as "I" (like personal feelings). In cases where they went through a shared experience where they both experienced and felt the same things, they are even more likely to think of and talk of themselves as "we." If they grew up together they also generally never cease to think of themselves as a twin and/or half of a pair, in the present tense, even if one twin has long since died, since twin identity rests on being raised as a twin rather than currently having a live twin.
PSW · 18 December 2015 · Chapter 9999: Here Down in the Valley
Finished again! And again, so good... :-) Thanks so much for writing!
PSW · 17 December 2015 · Chapter 27: Before the Tower of Orthanc
And, I'm back to my reread... :-) I may have said it the first time through, but this coming bit w the white council and dol goldur is a favorite bit of mine -- very different, and with a different cast of characters in a different capacity than you normally see. I think we get to see sides of all of them that we don't see through the eyes of Aragorn, through whose eyes we normally view them...
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the lovely feedback on the reread! I agree: it's interesting to put these familiar characters from a different perspective and in an unusual situation. So glad you like the tale!
PSW · 29 November 2015 · Chapter 15: Sacrifices of Motherhood
A mortal content in an immortal realm. Hmm... You describe Gilraen's longing for a life that must have been very hard quite vividly...
Author's reply
Yes, however hard her life was (and I'm sure it was hard indeed), to be uprooted from it and from all she knew and loved (save only her son, of course) could not have been easy. Especially for one so young!
PSW · 29 November 2015 · Chapter 11: A Debate Resolved
*Sighs happily* Yes, I remember now why I liked this the first time -- because it's so good! ;-) Such an important lesson -- that just because I don't understand doesn't mean something is incorrect or invalid...
Author's reply
*blushes* You're very sweet. And yes, it really is an important lesson, isn't it? (Especially for someone destined to befriend a certain Grey Wizard...)
PSW · 28 November 2015 · Chapter 6: The Hunted Awakens
I thought of this story several times this week, and finally thought I would just read it again. And ... I am enjoying it once again, of course. I so love your Elrond -- I think I said this the first go-round, but you always make me remember what Elrond must really look like. If he was, you know, real ... :-)
Author's reply
Thank you! That's so wonderful to know. Such a lovely dream, too: if Elrond were real... :-)
Rowanfair · 22 November 2015 · Chapter 9999: Here Down in the Valley
Couldn't stop reading! I deeply admire your talent to weave well known characters and events in and out your stories. The rangers baby had to be Halbarad, of course. Choosing the assault on Dol Guldur for subject must have been a frightening task. I am quite content with the outcome, despite the fact that Sauron takes his leave quite abrupt... not that I were keen for more battle scenes. Your description of the childs suffering in heart and soul is extremely powerful and makes me feel as sad and helpless as the adults watching him. On the other hand, after having gone through so much of your work, I'd appreciate Aragorn to be defined not mainly through suffering - doesn't he deserve a bit more bliss? Even if Tolkien himself stated "...things that are uncomfortable, palpitable, and even gruesome, may make a good tale...". Once again my deepest thanks for sharing your vivid imagination like that. It's a wonderful gift. Keep going, please!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I am glad you liked the story, and yes! The baby Ranger is indeed Halbarad. ;-) I debated how the business at Dol Guldur must have happened, and the brevity actually came from how very *little* time Gandalf in fact had between his departure at Mirkwood and his appearance in the Battle of the Five Armies. (And, of course, that no one from the Council was killed driving him out; the last time it happened, they lost TWO High Kings!). As for Aragorn in bliss... yes! He does deserve MUCH more. I do give a little taste in the Appendices to "A Long and Weary Way" (but that's only *after* what I do to him in "A Long and Weary Way"...). I've got a few other post-War pieces planned, and perhaps a Spring 2980. We'll see. :-)
Rowanfair · 21 November 2015 · Chapter 4: Dark Dreams
After having read most of your stories in here by now, I wonder if there is anything left you do not intend to throw onto this poor lad... Nevertheless, the way you shape that relation between foster-father and -son is wonderful.
Author's reply
Malaria. I promise he is safe from malaria. I promise. I DO... Promise.
Rowanfair · 20 November 2015 · Chapter 1: And Death's Shadow Grows
What a mighty entrance to a tale! Amazing idea to intertwine story and poem that way. Respect!
Author's reply
Thank you! It's a lovely song, and I had such an interesting time playing with the contrast.
Eirinn Leigh · 12 September 2015 · Chapter 9999: Here Down in the Valley
A delightful story.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Anonymous · 28 December 2013 · Chapter 9999: Here Down in the Valley
Love this story, thanks for sharing :)
walkerskye · 15 January 2011 · Chapter 9999: Here Down in the Valley
most enjoyable story I've read in a long time. I could hardly 'put it down'. You have a wonderful command of classical English that contributed excellently to the tone of the story, and I liked best your character development. A great gap in the annals of Middle Earth has been well filled. thank you for a delightful tale, very well told.
Author's reply
How sweet! Thank you so much. I'm glad you like my use of language, and especially the character development. I always try to do justice to both.
Aiwen · 21 November 2010 · Chapter 9999: Here Down in the Valley
I thoroughly enjoyed this, especially the later chapters. A very interesting view of what happened that year. Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it. Author Reply: Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it.
Larner · 18 November 2010 · Chapter 9999: Here Down in the Valley
Having written my own interchanges between Bilbo and young Estel, I appreciate that it had to be brought home to Bilbo somehow that he not speak of the child elsewhere. But he thinks that no one would believe his tales of the child? Heh! Dearest Bilbo Baggins! And love the parts right out of The Hobbit! Glad Estel was able to hear Bilbo's story firsthand this time! Bless them both!
Author's reply
I loved writing that scene; I'm glad it's appreciated. The scenes right out of "The Hobbit" were some of the most fun to do.
Lynn H · 18 November 2010 · Chapter 9999: Here Down in the Valley
Excellent! I have only one question, and I assure you it is minor and probably due to my own ignorance. I've even lost the chapter or I'd tell you where it is. Somewhere around ch 30 is the best I can do - I went back to look and can't find it. However, I had copied the quote: "As Galadriel had promised, Arwen was well. She seemed contented, her gentle laughter ringing among the mellryn as she regaled him with tales ..." "mellryn"? Is this the plural for 'mallorn'? See, I promised it is minor! I do like the story! It explains so neatly why we don't see Estel in the Hobbit. I like seeing the scenes of his childhood, the forming of his character. The child becomes the man.
Author's reply
Yes, mellryn is plural for mallorn. Sindarin plurals are often perplexing! I'm glad you liked the story! Thank you.
Lynn H · 16 November 2010 · Chapter 9999: Here Down in the Valley
Sigh. So ends another forgotten tale, neatly filling a gap. Even Bilbo's sharp eyes didn't discover that Estel was not an elf. The hidden heir remains hidden.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the story! Yes, Bilbo missed that little detail. It's probably for the best...
Larner · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 23: The Provisional Solution
An excellent means of handling things until Sauron is driven from his current stronghold, forcing him to face the rebuilding of Mordor rather than broadcasting horrid memories in the hopes of capturing the minds of sensitive heirs of Numenor. Wonder what Denethor was going through at the same time? Heh!
Author's reply
Ooh! Now I'm imagining a twelve-year-old Denethor... hmm... You're a troublemaker!
Larner · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 22: Lessons in Trust
A good lesson, well taught. The orientation and mobility teacher in me approves--although I wanted to give him a white cane! Heh!
Author's reply
Hee. Yes, that would have been helpful in navigating the roof, but it might have undercut the "rely on others" message!
FantasyFan · 1 July 2010 · Chapter 22: Lessons in Trust
This is a wonderful chapter. Elrond here is both kind and wise - just perfect. And the portrait of Estel as still a child, but growing in wisdom himself, is beautifully done. A masterful chapter in a very enjoyable story.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so glad that you feel I did Elrond justice. He's such a rich and wonderful character: great fun to write! As for young Estel... thanks again!
Larner · 26 June 2010 · Chapter 21: Deception
It would appear Morgoth is bedeviling the child! And the cellar doesn't strike me as perhaps the best place to grab a nap.... Poor child!
Author's reply
Thanks as always. "Bedeviling" is an excellent word for it, too!
Larner · 26 June 2010 · Chapter 20: A Second Departure
I rejoice that both mother and son have been somewhat unburdened by the twins. May they all know more peace as time passes.
Author's reply
Yes, the sons of Elrond have many talents. Or so I like to think!
Larner · 13 June 2010 · Chapter 19: Midsummer Morning
Good to see you back! It has been a time, hasn't it? Trust our Burglar to notice the crying woman! Heh! Now, to see Gilraen unburdened at last!
Author's reply
Yes, it's been a long time! Ah, Bilbo: too observant for his own good!