Oops! Think you should have snuck in the back way Ingwion, I don't think I like this situation one, little, tiny bit! Do I smell a rat with the name of Ingoldo?
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I don't think there is a back way into Vanyamar unless Ingwion planned to climb over the wall. *LOL* And you do smell a rat and his name is indeed Ingoldo. We'll see just what is going on in the next chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Ellynn
· 16 May 2011
· Chapter 74: Ingwion Alone
I sooooo don't like this reception in the end. Something smells so wrong. *terrified*
Author's reply
Hi Ellynn. Yes, something's rotten in Vanyamar. *grin* We'll find out what on Friday. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Olwe is much more the king than most have thought, acting in the best benefit of both his family and his people by forgiving and provisioning the Noldor who have returned. It won't be easy, but they will find a way, and without damning themselves and others to eternal thralldom (I can't quite figure out why they would be so happy to enter into enslavement - but that's just me).
Now the story is starting to get very interesting. Now we are walking on territory that has only been seen in your mind thus far. And since it is your mind, I'm quite sure that I'm going to love every chapter.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. I think it's a guilt thing for the Noldor, feeling they deserve not to be forgiven by anyone for what they did (or failed to do). The Valar will actually address that issue at some point.
I certainly hope that you do love every chapter of the rest of the story. All that has come before is actually a prelude to what now follows, answering the question of what happened after the Noldor left.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Ellynn
· 14 May 2011
· Chapter 73: Entulessë
So, Arafinwe has a new child? It seems somehow appropriate and comforting; lovely last line.
I am thinking about Ingwe all the time. Yes, the events about Kinslaying are tense and there were/are many cliffhangers, but I haven't forgotten about Ingwe. I can't wait to read news about him - and other Vanyar, of course.
Author's reply
Hi Ellynn. I'm glad you found the last line comforting.
And I haven't forgotten about Ingwë either *grin* and we will eventually learn of his fate, but other things need to happen before we can. We will actually be going back to Ingwion in the next chapter to see what has happened to him in the meantime as he returns to Vanyamar after the Noldor leave. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Larner
· 13 May 2011
· Chapter 73: Entulessë
His intentions are right, I suspect, if rather too heavy handed for those who themselves took no part in the Kinslaying. But, all in all, he's done mostly well. And at least Olwe accepts that these are blameless of all but blindly following Feanor in the end. I am glad that he faced down Ainairos, although using the poor child was cruel, I fear. But at least Ainairos was forced to accept he, too, has still shreds of decency in his character.
Author's reply
Arafinwë is suffering from a lot of misplaced guilt and not a little arrogance and that's going to land him into a heap of trouble soon enough. The confrontation between Olwë and Ainairos forced Olwë to use shock treatment to get through to Ainairos. No Elf would willingly harm a child, any child. I'm sure Olwë was grieved to have to use her as he did to get his point across. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it very much.
Tari
· 13 May 2011
· Chapter 63: Audience With Olwë
Do I sense a romance in the making? (giggles) It would certainly lighten the doom and gloom that covers all. Olwe is wise to stand against Feanaro, but, what will happen when he and he misguided band passes by remains to be seen.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. Yup, you do, although if you recall from Elf, Interrupted: Book Two, that romance in long in the making. The events of the Darkening will make it impossible for them to pursue their romance until very much later, though they eventually do marry.
As for what happens when Fëanáro comes to Alqualondë.... well we all know how that turned out, don't we? *sigh*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 13 May 2011
· Chapter 73: Entulessë
Oh, that was so sad, sniffle, but what a king Olwe is, Arafinwe could learn a lot from him!
Now to see what the Valar and Ingwe have to say, when we find him, Ingwe that is?!
Waiting for Monday.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Arafinwë could do worse than listen to Olwë and learn from him, though as we will eventually see, he ends up taking a different road. We will also see what the Valar have to say about all this soon enough. And next chapter, we will be returning to Ingwion as he returns to Vanyamar and we learn what's been happening there. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Sunny
· 13 May 2011
· Chapter 73: Entulessë
The reparations that Arafinwë insist that the Noldor have to pay to the Teleri, will be good for both the peoples, I think. Even though those who are returning may not personally have killed any other Elves, there is bound to be guilty feelings among them - for following Fëanáro, for not continuing on, for not preventing the Kinslaying - any number of things. And for many among the Teleri, seeing that the Noldor do make reparations to them will hopefully lessen the hard feelings caused by the guilty-by-association taint of the Noldor.
Fortunately, Olwë is saner and more charitable than some - those Noldor who returned were not among the killers, after all. But that Ainairos may well become a problem, I fear. I hope Olwë and his retainers are able to get enough control over him that he won't do too much damage. Olwë's shock treatment - suggesting that Ainairos kill Aldundilmë, and even suggesting the means - seems to have quieted the ellon for now, but he is no doubt going to be a problem in the future.
And speaking of little Aldundilmë - I think she will be very good for her new atto and amme!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. We can thank the Valar that Olwë is indeed saner than some others or Arafinwë would have beaten his children to Mandos. There's a lot of grief and guilt on both sides, though for different reasons. We will see how Arafinwë handles his guilt in subsequent chapters.
Aldundilmë was a bit of a surprise to me. I didn't originally 'see' her in this chapter. We'll see what her eventual fate is eventually as well.
And you should know that your comments on Ainairos inspired another reader to send me a PM with a plot bunny involving Ainairos causing trouble for Arafinwë. So now I know who to blame. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Laikwalâssê
· 13 May 2011
· Chapter 73: Entulessë
another intense chapter. Even if I despise what the Noldor have done and can understand the wrath of the people of Olwe I feel pity with the homecomers. They have really lost everything. The scene where the King demanded to throw the stone at the child let me gasp. How gripping! Thank you so much for another wonderful chapter. This story makes me yearn to read my SIL again. Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. I've had a number of people who have told me that after reading my Silmarillion-based stories they've gained a greater appreciation of the Silmarillion and have re-read it with new eyes, so to speak. It certainly isn't an easy read and there are parts I like better than others, but it's such an important part of Tolkien's Legendarium and without it LOTR is just another fantasy story rather than a window into a whole new world.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it ver much.
Tari
· 10 May 2011
· Chapter 62: Mission to Alqualondë
Even though I have no particular comment to make, I wanted you to know that I am still reading your wonderful tale.
I have made a note to read Ellie's Lovers Leap. Thanks.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. I'm glad you're still reading this fic. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it. I think you will enjoy Ellie's story as well. It's hysterical.
So the question bears asking, is there any way that Arafinwe can bring his people back to Tirion without passing through Alqualonde? That passage will prove to be quite tense and may well result in increasing unrest among the peoples of the coastal city.
Of course I feel great sympathy for Olwe, having lost his son to this madness. He seems to be handling things with grace, as I would expect from a sea dweller who understands the power of the constant pressure mounted by water against a shoreline. But the Valar have to get involved again. Their standing aside working on the lights, etc., is increasingly turning the people against them because of their continued absence. For beings who created the world and who normally can multi-task with ease, this withdrawl is not only harmful, but seems to be against their nature. They normally are a bit more "in your face" than this.
I look forward to your next chapter, as always. You never disappoint.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulissë. Your question will be answered in the next chapter actually which will detail Arafinwë's return to Tirion with those who decided to turn back and what happened when they reached the borders of Alqualondë.
I think the Valar are suffering from "once-burned-twice-shy" syndrome. Fëanor's actions and those of the Noldor under him shocked them to the core. They never expected it and now they're afraid to do anything at the moment. But don't worry. In a subsequent chapter we will see Olwë bringing them to task for their inactions. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Erulisse (one L)
· 10 May 2011
· Chapter 71: Prophecy and Doom
I liked this chapter a lot. You brought out many things that I have been thinking for a long time - the chastisement of Manwe, the compassion of Namo. All of those things intertwined with a Doom that has not been matched to that time and beyond. Feanor is, by now, living in a world of his own making - not a world of reality. And the tragedy is that he has ensnared so many others within his vision. Then again, who is to say that the Firstborn should even have been brought to Valinor at all? They were born in ME, after all, not at the foot of Taniquitel.
Sorry this comes late, but I did have to speak, even if it is a bit tardy. Now we're starting to get down to the "nitty-gritty".
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter. When I came across the Converse between Eru and Manwë I knew it needed to incorporated into this story. I have always felt that the Elves were meant to remain in Middle-earth where the Valar, or more likely their Maiar servants, would abide with them and teach them what they needed to know so that they in turn would then teach the Secondborn, eventually making their way to Valinor when their task was complete, leaving the various races of the Secondborn to act as Stewards of Middle-earth. Of course, that didn't happen and we are left with the consequences of the Valar's lack of estel.
And not to worry. Review when you can. Thanks for this review. I appreciate it very much.
Laikwalâssê
· 10 May 2011
· Chapter 72: Salvaging Hope
Olwe´s advice to stay calm is sound, of course, even if I can understand the cry for vengeance a bit. And the King is further right: how should he shun all Noldor from the city with so many of mixed blood? Olwe handles the situation quite well although he has much reason to grief himself. What a heart-wrenching and strong chapter. I could feel the desperation while reading, amazing. Thank you. Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. Olwe is very strong here, as he needs to be, but I'm sure he would much rather have been able to hide himself away somewhere and grieve fully. That you found this chapter heart-wrenching and that you could feel the desperation is what I was aiming for here. Thank you for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 9 May 2011
· Chapter 72: Salvaging Hope
At least Olwe is wise enough to know that vengeance is, in the end, a vain solace, as it begets merely more violence and division in the end. And to take out on the innocent the anger at the absent guilty is foolish as well as being more wicked in the end than those who gave the first blow.
Ainairos appears to be perhaps seeking to hide from all, including himself, his own guilt for having abandoned those who died in the attack, including his brother. He needs Mandos's healing, perhaps, more than does his dead brother.
Author's reply
Olwë is very wise, indeed, Larner, and he knows the futility of vengeance, for it solves nothing and no one is saved by it. I think Ainairos may well be guilty of perhaps abandoning others, including his brothers, at the time of the attack. He certainly does need healing, but whether he will ever receive it, or more importantly, allow himself to receive it, who can say? I'm sure both Irmo and Námo will be busy in the near future attempting to help these people, including Ainairos. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 9 May 2011
· Chapter 72: Salvaging Hope
Well Olwe seems to be handling things in a competent manner, he is keeping his wits about him. I should think, though, all he wants to do is crawl off in a corner and howl his grief, for his son and his people.
I am not surprised that some of his people want vengence, Olwe is right, some of the Noldor in the March are going to their deaths and gruesome some of them will be, going after the remaining Noldor in Tirion will not help anybody, when they find out what happened in Alqualonde they will be as shocked and dismayed as Arafinwe and Nolofinwe.
Let the wind take the ashes of the Noldor, they need no memorial, Elves, after all, have very long memories.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Olwë is a natural leader and he knows he does not have the luxury of breaking down, at least not yet. Perhaps eventually. In the meantime, he must devote much of his energy in keeping his people calm and focused on rebuilding rather than on revenge. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 9 May 2011
· Chapter 71: Prophecy and Doom
I was always glad that Arafinwe turned back. That he sees it as cowardice is too bad, really. At least he has gifted his daughter with a governor on her impetuous nature. And Feanor failed to perceive that Namo wept at his stony rejection of the Valars love and advice.
Author's reply
So was I, Larner. We will see in subsequent chapters how Arafinwë handles his feelings of worthlessness and what comes of it. And he knows his daughter too well. I doubt if any of the Elves perceived that Námo wept as he watched them leave. Perhaps if they had, some more might have turned back. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it a lot.
Larner
· 9 May 2011
· Chapter 70: The Road North
And the new betrayal awaits them all. And now they face the Doomsman's words, which are not comfortable ones.
Author's reply
Indeed, and it will not be long in coming. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 9 May 2011
· Chapter 69: A Deathness of Swans
I grieve so for Olwe and all of both peoples who lost loved ones. And to be so caught up in the madness that the Noldor even ended up slaying of their very own--how horrible! And poor Eonwe, forced to be in the midst of it all!
Author's reply
I'm sure Eöwnë insisted on a very long vacation on some nameless planet in another galaxy after this. *grin* It is indeed a horrible thing, but that's madness for you. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Larner. I really appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Sunny
· 9 May 2011
· Chapter 72: Salvaging Hope
The ones who are most driven to vengeance, are in dire need of one of the Loriennildi, I think - and no doubt many others need healing from the traumas of the Kinslaying and the aftermath. At least Olwë prevented his people from going off and indulging in a bit of kinslaying of their own! And hopefully he will also prevent Ainairos from going off to kill in the future - or inciting others to kill.
I think he is one who might need to stay for a while in Lórien!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I suspect that as soon as things settle down (i.e. the Valar finish creating the Sun and Moon), Irmo will be devoting his time in grief counseling along with his Lóriennildi. And certainly Ainairos is a good candidate for a prolonged stay in Lórien. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I quite appreciate it.
6336
· 6 May 2011
· Chapter 71: Prophecy and Doom
Well he's been and gorn and done it now! Though after Alqualonde there was no turning back for Feanaro and his sons, the others, maybe.
I think Arafinwe is very brave, he really did not want to go in the first place, but only went to look after his people and he is still doing that by turning back with them. I wonder what Earwen will have to say when he shows up on the doorstep of the palace!
Now to find and rescue Ingwe! Just where could Ingoldo have hidden him?
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Arafinwë is very brave, though it will take him time to realize this. We will get to Ingwë soon enough and we will see what happens to Arafinwë after he returns to Tirion. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Shemyaza
· 6 May 2011
· Chapter 71: Prophecy and Doom
Poor Arafinwe, he judges his own actions as cowardice when in fact if anything, it is Feanor who is the coward. Rushing towards certain death doesn't always mean that one is a hero especially given that Feanor is not rushing to save anyone else, he is blinding rushing to save three inanimate, non-sentient objects and dragging everyone else with him to share in his doom.
What Arafinwe has discovered is that sometimes discretion is the better part of valour, although I sense that he won't see it that way for some time. I feel so sorry for him, but sometimes it takes more courage to go back and admit that you have made a mistake than it does to carry on blithely making mistake after mistake until you face your own doom. They also serve who only stand and wait.
I also feel desperately sorry for Intarion. He started off with such a strong conviction that he could talk Findarato around and to have to admit defeat must have torn him in two.
I had a feeling that Manwe and the rest of the Valar's odd decisions would not go unnoticed or unremarked on by Eru. I guess the whole "you look after Arda for me" is a massive learning curve for them and I wonder what the Eldar would have thought had they realised that the Valar were as prone to making mistakes as any of the rest of them. Clay feet anyone?
At least some of the parents had the good sense to give their children in to Arafinwe's care rather than put them through the harrowing events to come. What a pity they didn't see far enough to realise that those same children, having been deserted by their parents, would be traumatised beyond belief. Arafinwe is going to have to get his kingly hat on a little earlier than planned.
Author's reply
Hi Shemyaza. It will take Arafinwë some time to realize that he isn't a coward as we will eventually see in subsequent chapters. And Intarion's inability to get to Findaráto and having to turn back will be a deciding factor in the future when he decides to join Arafinwë in going to Middle-earth at the time of the War of Wrath.
I felt it necessary to have the conversation between Eru and Manwë at this point, to show that there is indeed a massive learning curve for the Valar. Eru has been very patient, waiting for the right moment to chastise his vice-gerent for his lack of estel. But, as I've been very careful to stress in all my stories, the Valar, as created beings, are not perfect and they can and do make mistakes, except when they make mistakes, others tend to suffer as well.
Anyway, I'm sure the elflings will be taken care of and hopefully the trauma will eventually be lessen, but I can imagine many of them join in the War of Wrath for the sole purpose of looking up mom and dad and finding out whatever happened to them.
Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Laikwalâssê
· 6 May 2011
· Chapter 71: Prophecy and Doom
Hi Fiondil, for me, this is the most awesome scene in the SIL and has ever gripped me when reading but your telling sent shivers down my spine and made the scene all the more powerful. Your talent of telling what Tolkien did not is amazing. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. Thanks for letting me know how much you are enjoying this story. I appreciate you taking the time to do so. And I'm glad you found this chapter so powerful. It's a real spine-chiller, that's for sure.
Larner
· 4 May 2011
· Chapter 68: The Faring Forth
At last--at a site with enough stability I can respond!
Alas this day should come, with so many partings and the beginning to such horror and grief. Melkor succeeded beyond his wildest dreams, I believe. Now he sees what his discord has led to, and must be very pleased, even as the stolen Silmarilli burn his brow.
Author's reply
You are correct, Larner, that Melkor succeeded too well and we are about to see the beginning of the horror and grief that will be visited upon the Noldor and others in in the next chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Erulisse (one L)
· 4 May 2011
· Chapter 70: The Road North
How tempting to think that the worst was left behind them on the beaches of Alqualonde. But we know that the Helcaraxe and the burning of the ships lies ahead of them, followed by many yeni of battle and hundreds of deaths.
You're almost at a jump-off point for your tale, and I anticipate, with great joy, your take on those left behind who are rarely, if ever, mentioned. One or two more chapters should see you into untrodden ground. As always, reading your latest chapter was a savoured activity.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. Very true. We only have one more chapter to go and then Arafinwe returns to Aman. I am glad you are looking forward to my take on those left behind and hopefully you will not be too disappointed in how I write the rest of this tale. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny
· 2 May 2011
· Chapter 70: The Road North
So that is how Ezelmiril started on her journey to meet Mallor. Arafinwë needed something to keep his daughter under control, and she was available. And being her companion, would almost certainly ensure Ezelmiril's survival, since Artanis is a survivor - and someone who no doubt would do her best to ensure that those she was responsible for would be well. So no more haring off into the fray for Artanis!
Fëanáro's definition of "unreasonable" here does seem to be "does not accede to my every whim". And I wonder if Fëanáro is already planning to leave those of the Noldor who don't follow his banner stranded? it wouldn't surprise me! We know he detests his brothers, after all.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, that's how Ezelmiril started her journey to meet Mallor, though at the moment, she has no idea where fate is leading her. And Arafwinë obviously knows his daughter too well; she might have little concern for herself but she will be protective of those for whom she is responsible, especially someone like Ezelmiril.
As for Fëanáro... it wouldn't have surprised me either if he wasn't already plotting against his brothers and leave them stranded. That's the sort of person he is, and of course, that's just what he ultimately does.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I muc appreciate it.