A Journey through Arda by Larner
shirebound · 15 March 2011 · Chapter 11: The Gifts of the Valar
the inner garments of the earth What a lovely phrase. It's wonderful to see the glories of Nature through many different eyes.
Author's reply
I found myself wondering how the Dwarves would see the underlying stone beneath and behind the water, and for some reason this phrase seemed most appropriate. And each would tend to see things somewhat differently, I'd think. Thanks so, Shirebound.
Ellynn · 15 March 2011 · Chapter 11: The Gifts of the Valar
Your story reminds me of one beautiful, impressive cave in Slovenia, that I have visited twice. There are other beautiful caves I've seen, but this particular one (Skocjan) has a river roaring in it, and it's big and breath-taking! *wow* Wonderful story. :)
Author's reply
I've visited Carlsbad Caverns in Texas, and a couple of much smaller caves elsewhere. I've not yet seen an underground river, but would think such a thing could indeed be spectacular. Perhaps I'll be able to visit Skocjan myself one day! Thanks so, Ellynn.
Linda Hoyland · 14 March 2011 · Chapter 10: Planning for Contingencies
I like Frodo's careful planning here.
Author's reply
It is only too bad that he had to even think of such things! Thanks, Linda.
Linda Hoyland · 14 March 2011 · Chapter 9: Memories
I enjoyed the way you used this prompt.
Linda Hoyland · 14 March 2011 · Chapter 5: The Daughter of your House
I loved this.A great look at the links between Luthien and Arwen.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked it, Linda. Yes, Galadriel must have felt very strong deja vu when she realized that her granddaughter might well be drawn to love a mortal.
shirebound · 13 March 2011 · Chapter 10: Planning for Contingencies
Glorfindel found himself taking the Hobbit into a comforting embrace. What a gentle and intriguing conversation. How Glorfindel must have rejoiced to learn that Frodo survived the Quest.
Author's reply
I am certain that he did so, Shirebound, and that Frodo was not called upon to offer that last personal sacrifice. But of all he met during his travels, I am certain that only to Glorfindel would Frodo Baggins confide that last desperate strategy he realized he might be required to follow.
Baggins Babe · 13 March 2011 · Chapter 10: Planning for Contingencies
Oh Larner, what an incredible story - and how chilling that Frodo was considering that possibility even then. *shudder* My favourite Elf and favourite hobbit together in one tale - wonderful!
Author's reply
I found that with the prompts given, I had to find a way of bringing the two of them together for this story. And I suspect that from early one Frodo was worried that perhaps he might not be able to bring himself to drop the Ring at the end, and that perhaps he might have to look at more drastic measures. And I suspect also that this was perhaps another reason he would think to separate and go on alone--to spare the others, and particularly Pippin, Merry, and Sam, from having to watch him do this.
harrowcat · 12 March 2011 · Chapter 9: Memories
That is a vast realm of memories to encompass in one short chapter. Well done Larner.
Author's reply
And so it proved indeed, Harrowcat. All that they read and heard during their childhood and youth now have relevance for Frodo, and the griefs of those long fled Elves, lost into the midst of Beleriand or to death, must fully strike home for Frodo and Sam now.
Ellynn · 11 March 2011 · Chapter 8: Where Shall We Call Home?
Oh, this is so sad and heart-breaking. :( I hope this elf will find his family. :(
Author's reply
This follows the Battle of Sudden Flame, in which dragons and Balrogs were used by Morgoth to divide the Elven army facing him and to scorch the earth of the land of Dorthonion, where the battle was fought. As with all devastating battles, there must have followed quite a time of confusion as warriors found themselves searching through the smoking ruins of their lands for their fellows and perhaps for their families as well. And I, too, hope this nameless Man found his family.
Ellynn · 11 March 2011 · Chapter 7: Negotiations
I love this - especially how you describe the way Olcharin sees Finrod. Beautiful story.
Author's reply
I find myself wondering about those of the Dwarves who dwelt in Belegost and who were befriended by Finrod and helped him in the delving of Nargothrond. Thanks so!
Antane · 8 March 2011 · Chapter 2: In Defiance
I've only read The Silmarillion once so not anywhere as familiar with the tale as with hobbits but I remember the events described here and I'm glad that someone woke up and had some sense! I like the ending the most. Will be taking my usual Lenten fast from hobbity reading but will get through as much as I can and know that I will have much to look forward to after Easter! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I've read it twice now, and graze on it a bit. I mostly am writing these, as others have done as well, with a LOT of reference to the Encyclopedia of Arda so as to make as certain as I can I'm getting chronology and characters right, although I'm sure I'll have more than a few errors by the time the month is over. And you certainly will have a good deal to read when Easter comes!
ellie · 7 March 2011 · Chapter 1: Caught in a Web
that's true. she did ensnare him, didn't she? the cost was bitterness and loss and the creation of such beauty as the world had never seen. nicely done
Author's reply
Yes, in the end there was bitterness and loss, but such is the nature of life. Thank you so, Ellie!
ellie · 7 March 2011 · Chapter 3: Reluctance
nice capturing of the senses of the Sindar.
Author's reply
Thanks, Ellie. Not all of the Sindar near Vinyamar would have wholeheartedly accepted the Noldor, I'd think.
ellie · 7 March 2011 · Chapter 4: A Victory over Self
cool story and a nicly told tale of overcoming one's self. a little creepy, but good.
Author's reply
This was the first battle between the newly arrived Noldor who followed Feanor back to Middle Earth and Morgoth's creatures, and the first chance the Elves from Aman would have had to appreciate just what fighing for one's life can be like. Now they advance from simple thugs to true warriors.
ellie · 7 March 2011 · Chapter 6: To Better Oneself
clever and coniving servant! A snake in the grass serving serpents. well done!
Author's reply
Oh, I so agree, Ellie. Thank you so!
shirebound · 6 March 2011 · Chapter 5: The Daughter of your House
Oh my, it's a special, bittersweet gift to be able to see destiny's path... and know that it can't be avoided, whatever the grief or joy it might bring.
Author's reply
I so agree, Shirebound. How terrible a thing it must have been to have foreknowledge of the probable loss to the Elves of these two remarkable daughters of the their people, both blending the nature of the divine, the firstborn, and in time the mortal. Thanks so for the feedback.
Ellynn · 6 March 2011 · Chapter 5: The Daughter of your House
Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing, Bonnie.
Author's reply
And thank you for your comments, Ellynn.
Ellynn · 5 March 2011 · Chapter 4: A Victory over Self
I like how you describe this inner fight and doubts! :)
Author's reply
I'm so glad you do, Ellynn. This is a true battle, not the butchery of Alqualonde. It must have been terrifying for a good percentage of the Elves who'd followed Feanor back to Middle Earth.
Ellynn · 5 March 2011 · Chapter 2: In Defiance
What a poignant story! I sympathize with Olwion - he must be feeling terribly because of what he had done, and I agree with his every word about Feanor. You did a perfect job here. ;)
Author's reply
Oh, thanks so very much, Ellynn. Writing to these prompts is proving educational as I do my best to keep all within canon for the Silm, which isn't anywhere as familiar to me as is LOTR. We're supposed to get to LOTR locations as well--eventually, at least. I'll be waiting to see! Heh!
Linda Hoyland · 5 March 2011 · Chapter 4: A Victory over Self
THese are vivid and dramatic uses of the prompts.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you think so, Linda. I've had to make use of The Encyclopedia of Arda, though, to remind me of these sites so far, as I'm nowhere as familiar with the Silm as I am with LOTR.