Hope of a Star by Mirach
Linda Hoyland · 23 August 2010 · Chapter 11: Birthdays and surprises again
What a beautiful ending,it brought tears to my eyes. How lovely if Elrond could indeed see how happy Aragorn and Arwen were and their child.
Author's reply
Thank you very much! I'm glad you like the ending, I think they all deserved it =)
Larner · 21 August 2010 · Chapter 11: Birthdays and surprises again
And what a blessed, beautiful gift that has been given this night! I love it from beginning to end, from the unwanted invitation to visit to the surprise allowance to accompany his father, to the sight of the family in its private quarters, to the final toast! Family means so very much! Beautiful indeed!
Author's reply
Thank you very much, Larner! I'm glad you like Eärendil's gift! It was really heartwarming to write about it, so I was sure Elrond will like it too =) Thank you also for all reviews!
ellie · 20 August 2010 · Chapter 11: Birthdays and surprises again
How wonderous! There is no better gift he could ever give to elrond than what he gave him in this chapter! Exquisite and wonderous indeed! I will miss this series...
Author's reply
Thank you very much for all reviews! I'm glad you like Eärendil's gift, and the whole story!
shirebound · 20 August 2010 · Chapter 11: Birthdays and surprises again
This chapter was full of quiet joy and deep perception. I can't think of anything Elrond would enjoy more than this once-yearly flight with his father, and glimpses of those he loves. What a marvelous story!
Author's reply
Thank you very much, shirebound! I really wished to give this to Elrond, his separation from his children is so sad... I'm glad that Eärendil found the perfect birthdy gift =)
Ellie · 27 July 2010 · Chapter 10: A hope fulfilled
Exquisite. Beautifully exquisite! Loved loved the ending magnificent! WOW! The ending brought tears to my eyes with the uncertainty and the final long awaited reward of joy. sigh.. very nicely done!
Author's reply
Thank you very much! I'm not sure if I ever got such an amount of superlatives in one review ;) I'm really glad you like it!
Shemyaza · 21 July 2010 · Chapter 10: A hope fulfilled
I can't help thinking how hard it must have been for Earendil to watch the events surrounding his sons. How proud he must have been to see the nation that his son Elros wrought only to then experience the anguish as Earendil watched everything Elros built brought down. The heartbreak associated with his other son Elrond was of an entirely different nature altogether. He had to have suffered with Elrond as he lost Gil-galad and countless others; as he probably watched helplessly as Celebrian was captured and tortured and his son's subsequent anguish at not being able to heal her mind. Even as Elrond watched scion after scion of his brother's house grow up and then die, often needlessly and violently before they even had a chance to fulfil any kind of real future. And the final suffering for Elrond, to watch his daughter choose a mortal life and have to let her go, for the sake of Middle-earth. So many sacrifices all for one family and Earendil witnessed them all from above. Poor bloke, and yet....he was an absent father for a lot of the time, by choice in fact. I don't count the last time when he sailed to ask the Valar for help, that was a very courageous act especially since he would have known that his death would occur just from setting foot on Valinor. However that doesn't excuse him or Elwing for deserting them; I certainly feel sorrier for Earendil than Elwing, because, as a mother, I wouldn't have put a jewel over the lives and welfare of my children. Anyway, beautifully written and executed. Through your writing I voyaged with Earendil as he toiled across the skies. I look forward to the final chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you for sharing your thoughts in the nice review! I really like the character of Eärendil, maybe also for his fate that reminds Frodo's - saving Middle-earth, but not for himself. And it was even worse for him because he knew he left his sons, and had to live with that for ages... Elwing was a brave woman, but her priorities seem a bit strange - but that happens often when dealing with a Silmaril. The only explanation I have is the foresight inherited from Melian. Maybe she knew that if Maedhros hets the Silmaril, neither Middle-earth, nor her sons will survive: without the Silmaril Eärendil wouldn't reach Valinor, and Morgoth would conquer the free people of Middle-earth...
shirebound · 20 July 2010 · Chapter 10: A hope fulfilled
What a beautiful chapter, from beginning to end. And how lovely to think that the hobbits might have been so greeted and honored... and that Earendil found both parents and one of his children at long last.
Author's reply
Thank you very much! I'm glad you liked the hobbits' welcome =) I was also happy for Earendil when I finished writing this chapter, he deserved it, didn't he?
Larner · 20 July 2010 · Chapter 10: A hope fulfilled
These reunions have finally come! And indeed his hope is fulfilled as has been so strongly desired for so very long. One son's gift lost due to treachery; one son's return to himself; the finding at last of his long-departed parents! How wonderful!
Author's reply
Thank you very much! It was really a long waiting for Eärendil, until this chapter! But finally his family in Valinor is as compete as it can be =)
Cairistiona · 20 July 2010 · Chapter 10: A hope fulfilled
So many wonderful chapters in this.... I really should leave reviews for all of them but you know how much I've enjoyed each and every one. :) And this one no less--I love the rhythm of the waves that you work into the entire piece, and of course, the long awaited reunion with Elrond is perfect. How his heart sang in that moment! Beautiful.
Author's reply
Thank you very much, Cairistiona! You don't have to review, your help with the grammar is by far enough!
Larner · 3 July 2010 · Chapter 9: And night shall be loved
Truly beautiful! How worthy of the three of them--Earendil himself, his son Elrond, and their beloved mortal son, once known as Estel.... Lovely and satisfying!
Author's reply
Thank you very much! I'm really glad to hear that!
shirebound · 30 June 2010 · Chapter 9: And night shall be loved
In my light, their lips connect. Earendil contemplates how everything has led to this moment, and how joy sometimes only is born of difficult choices. It's lovely to know that he doesn't regret his own choices, and will soon have all the time in the world with one of his beloved sons. What a beautifully-written piece.
Author's reply
Thank you very much! Yes, the hope of the star is soon coming to fufillment, and it is also thanks to the choices he has taken long ago...
Larner · 1 May 2010 · Chapter 8: The winged crown
At least he has this joy e noto know, that his lineage has come now to fruition! Wonderful, and I rejoice for the fireworks! Hooray!
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner! The fireworks were Gandalf's idea, and he was very proud on them ;)
Cairistiona · 1 May 2010 · Chapter 8: The winged crown
There have been so many "favorites" in this series of yours that I'm hard pressed to pick one above the others, but this one is very close to the top of the list. The juxtaposition between Aragorn's wistful longing and the celebration going on around him is so poignant, and of course, all of Earendil's observations and reflections on his own life perfectly tie past and present together. I find myself enjoying each chapter more than the last. :)
Author's reply
Thank you very much, Cairistiona! First I didn't know if I can write an entire chapter about the coronation that Eärendil actually haven't seen, but then I found out he has much to say to it nevertheless =)
Dreamflower · 1 May 2010 · Chapter 8: The winged crown
Utterly beautiful!
Author's reply
*blushes* Thank you very much!
curiouswombat · 1 May 2010 · Chapter 8: The winged crown
As always, I am in awe of the lyrical way you have with words - it is not just the tale you tell, but the beauty of the telling, that holds my attention.
Author's reply
Thank you very much, it's a great compliment to me! I consider myself more a poet than a writer, and that's how I try to write my stories, too. I'm glad that you like this style!
shirebound · 1 May 2010 · Chapter 8: The winged crown
Ohhh, this is beautiful. What wonderful parallels you draw between one Age and another, between one star of hope to another. I really enjoyed this.
Author's reply
Thank you! I love the parallels too, often I discover them first while writing the chapter, and sometimes it astonishes me how fitting the are... I must say, Tolkien was a genius! =)
Dreamflower · 25 March 2010 · Chapter 7: The threads of fate connecting
What a beautiful conclusion to this tale! I've so often wanted to know what Earendil thought, that night when Sam looked up to see his light, and took hope! You've done a marvelous job! Such a victory for the light!
Author's reply
Thank you very much, "Aunt Esme"! =) But this is not the end of the story yet - there is still much to watch! Aragorn's wedding night... ahem *cough* Anyways, thank you for the review, and happy Gondorian New Year! =)
Larner · 25 March 2010 · Chapter 7: The threads of fate connecting
And we rejoice that this is so. Wonderful that his light inspires even himself this time as he awaits the word that comes! Eglerio!
Author's reply
Oh yes, during this story it inspired many, but now it's time for him to realize that he believes in hope himself... I'm glad you noticed it! Thank you very much, and happy gondorian New Year!
shirebound · 25 March 2010 · Chapter 7: The threads of fate connecting
Oh, what a wonderful chapter to post today! I feel like singing myself. The simple strength and courage of their spirit astounds me. It feels like something precious, something that I see close to shattering now, and it is so painful to watch. They know it already. They know what I knew when I sailed to the West. This is a journey without return.... And yet they struggle on... to save that piece of green land that is simple and pure, not for themselves any more, but for those who know nothing about the rings and high towers, for those who know nothing about their sacrifice.... How beautiful. :D
Author's reply
Thank you very much, and happy Gondorian New Year!
Cairistiona · 25 March 2010 · Chapter 7: The threads of fate connecting
I can't tell you how much I love this episode... the battle between Earendil and Ancalagon is breathtaking, and you even through in some lovely h/c to boot. I'm really growing fond of Earendil h/c, I'm finding! My favorite quote: "What will I see when the stars will rise on the sky tomorrow? Will I search for your face among six thousand dead? This is not a march to victory. It is a sound of marching feet to conceal the sound of two silent footfalls, nearing to the Mount Doom... It is an eagle flying bravely to the nest of a dragon, so that a sparrow might slip between its claws... " That's such a beautiful rendering of the sacrifice of Aragorn and his army and the relentless push of the Hobbits toward Mt. Doom. A perfect read for Ring Day!
Author's reply
Oh yes, me too! I think it has some connection with the inclination to torture characters I like, and I'm really getting to like him! And I think you noticed that I changed the title of the chapter, you inspired me to it ;) Thank you very much for the review, and a great thanks for the beta work too!
Cairistiona · 25 March 2010 · Chapter 6: When all other lights go out
I've been remiss in leaving you reviews for this! I've told you before how much I enjoy these unique tales. Seeing the events of M-e through Earandil's eyes is fascinating, and I love how you weave the current with the past. And yay, you sneaked in a teeny reference to Halbarad! That was such a small glimpse of him but absolutely perfect. I can well imagine him looking skyward as though for the last time. Thanks for including that! :)
Author's reply
Oh, but you was telling me in the emails what you liked, when correcting the story! I didn't think you would review it again, so thank you very much! I'm really glad you liked Halbarad! I just finished the poem I promised you about him ;) http://www.silmarillionwritersguild.org/b2mem2010/viewstory.php?sid=85&chapter=1
shirebound · 14 March 2010 · Chapter 6: When all other lights go out
here is another honor, quiet and selfless, doing great things in secret Oh, this is lovely! I'm currently posting a story where Eärendil and Sam will interact (in a sense), and it's wonderful to imagine that he comes to value the Shirefolk through sensing a humble gardener's courage in the dark. This really warms my heart. Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima! You call me. I am here.... I feel my light in your hand I never thought about whether or not Eärendil might 'feel' that call. How marvelous!
Author's reply
Thank you very much for the review! And you write about Eärendil? Yay, I must find the story! =) I've never thought about what he could perceive through the Phial either, until I began to write this story, and now I'm finding out that he is quite personally involved in many events of the War! It is fascinating to reveal these connections...
Dreamflower · 14 March 2010 · Chapter 6: When all other lights go out
Oh, this is my favorite chapter yet! It brought tears to my eyes! How wonderfully perfect: When all other lights go out, mine will shine. Not in the Phial, but in your heart. It is called Hope, and it tastes of strawberries.... "Joy like swords"-- you have the knack.
Author's reply
Thank you very much! I'm glad you liked it, I remember you asked if we'll learn what Eärendil thinks about the smallest members of the fellowsip soon - so here is the chapter that I promised you ;)
Larner · 13 March 2010 · Chapter 6: When all other lights go out
That last image of hope tasting of strawberries will remain with us ever, I think! Yes, the light in the darkness shines, and in the end defeated the evil of the day!
Author's reply
Thank you for the kind review, I'm glad that the image lingers...
Larner · 1 March 2010 · Chapter 5: Of birthdays and surprises
So much hope for these as each finds reassurance under Earendil's light. Now--to take the next step....