I am really enjoying this story! I have been following it for a while, and it really has grown on me. I wasn't really sure about the concept at first - time travel - in _Middle-Earth_??!? But it's working! :-)
I suspect that both Mablung and Haldir's sons are in for a few, ahem, "learning experiences". Let's hope the injuries from said learning experiences heal well and quickly. ;-)
Author's reply
I'm pleased you are enjoying the story so much :-) When I started it years ago, I thoguht I could make it work, but the problem would be in the details of the cultures and geography and the reactions of Haldir and co to the "new" old world around them as well as the reactions of the others to them. Tolkien wrote next to nothing about Middle-Earth during the Night before nights and even less about the tribes there and the geography has been a nightmare to sort out even with learned betas and the use of many maps.
There are some learning experiences ahead for Haldir and Mablung, but my muse isn't as forthcoming about details as I would like at the moment...
Thank you so very much for reading and reviewing! Happy New Year!
eiluj
· 19 December 2012
· Chapter 25
Interesting observations about the Sindar and the Noldor. That will be fun to see if the story goes that long.
The Mablung-Taurion situation (it's sure to come down to that, right?) will be entertaining. I have every confidence Haldir can handle it.
Merry Christmas to you and yours! Hope all the sick people get better and you don't have problems locating the things that were packed up for the move.
It's amazing that you are moving and posting a story at the same time. I'm not complaining, mind....
Author's reply
I personally dont' have every confidence that Haldir can handle the things that happen, but my muse might. LOL!
We'll see how long the story ends up running :-)
I wrote much of the story before the move, so I had lots to post and little time for new writing. Then life intervened even more and I had no time to write and I ran out of completed chapters. ack! I'm writing now and hoping to maybe get ahead again, but we'll see about that.
Thank you for the Christmas wishes and may the New Year bring you much joy!
Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Ellynn
· 28 November 2012
· Chapter 24
Yep, that Haldir would be the one to sweep the hall crossed my mind too! :)))
I like the name of the settlement.
P.s. The sentence in the second paragraph: “They know nothing of our kind and I weary of their constant questions.”
Uhm, I AM weary?
P.p.s. Get well soon! :)
Author's reply
After the trees behaved the way they did, I could think of no better name for the settlement LOL! And being a captain, Haldir is quite good at delegating tasks, so he probably doesn't have sweeping duties as often as Damrod would have liked.
Thanks for the suggestion on the "weary" sentence. The implication is "I grow weary of" but I had shortened it to "I weary of" because I thought I sounded better. Maybe that wasn't the best word choice on my part.
Thanks for the get well wishes. I am improving but will be on meds for the rest of the month. I have finished about two thirds of the next chapter. YAY! When I finish it, I will post it the following Wednesday and will try to get back to having a chapter a week again after that as best I can.
Thanks so very much for reading and reviewing!
Larner
· 28 November 2012
· Chapter 24
Ah, the problems with families! Sounds as if they have found the perfect place, with trees that are happy to have them and will even chide them as might prove needed! And I find I enjoy seeing Damrod in a pet such as this. Now, time will pass, and Haldir will find his lessons in history coming alive for him, and I suspect he will find that knowledge continuing to be a mixed blessing.
Author's reply
Yes, families can be difficult...as can trees. LOL!
I'm not sure Haldir will appreciate history being as alive to him as it will be.
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!
Larner
· 28 November 2012
· Chapter 23
The chance to learn of the youthful exploits of Celeborn would be very inviting, and I can well appreciate the cognitive dissonance he knows in finding himself fielding such a question from Thranduil! That must have truly come out of left field to him! And you are right--they each need to learn from one another!
Author's reply
The problem with learning about the youthful exploits of Celeborn at this stage would be that he then would have to wait for a few thousand years before he could look on Celeborn again as a great Lord in his own right and snicker to himself at the memories. And the Thranduil meeting definitely threw him for a loop!
We'll have to wait and see how well they learn from each other.
Thanks so very much for reading and reviewing!
Ellynn
· 24 November 2012
· Chapter 23
Wow, I absolutely love this chapter! :)
Author's reply
Thank you Ellynn so very very much! Haldir had much to prove and I think he finally proved himself to the elves of Doriath - or at least he hopes he done so.
And I'm so very grateful to you for taking the time to review :-)
Larner
· 16 November 2012
· Chapter 22
The awe he feels is understandable to us, but not to his now-contemporaries. Yes, a little tact with his wife is definitely called for now! I wonder if Galadin is beginning to put two and two together? Heh!
Author's reply
Considering how many ennin Haldir has been married I don't expect he will ever fully get the husband thing right with his wife and will continue to make mistakes as Galadin has pointed out. Poor Haldir and poor wife!
Sorry for the late reply. I've been sick and moving house. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Agape4Gondor
· 14 November 2012
· Chapter 22
Those poor Elves. After all they've been through. I suppose it's for a good cause, but would you mind if I hit Melian side-of-the-head???
Whoo hoo! I loved Haldir's description of the Maia and can understand Elu's reasons for deserting his people. And I adore the phrase 'liquid tranquility.' Excellent!
This was a rioutously funny chapter. Poor Haldir - as dense as can be. Good thing Galadin is about or Haldir would be dead meat, that's for sure!
Couldn't stop giggling.
Author's reply
Go ahead and hit a maia upside the head, I dare you. LOL! Glad you liked the liquid tranquility. I'm pleased you enjoyed the chapter so much and that it made you laugh.
Sorry for the late reply. I've been sick and moving house. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
eliza
· 14 November 2012
· Chapter 22
I am sooo disappointed Ellie, I was really hoping that my wonderful ellons were not as stupid a few ages ago as they are today. *sighs* Jeez, one would think after eons and eons, husbands would have learned some thing.
A few nights on the couch at the very least, Ellie
Author's reply
elven men have to have flaws of some sort or they'd be too perfect. LOL!
Sorry for the late reply. I've been sick and moving house. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Ellynn
· 14 November 2012
· Chapter 22
Hee-hee, I can only repeat Gilwen's and Galadin's words - Haldir can really be an idiot sometimes! *giggles* Nice chapter, with nice humor. :)
P.s. As for the previous chapter, my review and your reply: *your* Melian is wise, we can see that through her words and acts; but Melian from the Silmarillion, Tolkien's Melian, is not. I mean, he said she was wise, but he never showed that through her actions. Does Tolkien's Melian ever give any wise advice to Thingol, when it is necessary? No, she doesn't; we only see her keeping her mouth shut and whining.
Author's reply
Haldir can definitly be an idiot seomtiems. LOL!
I wonder if Thingol asked her at some point to not show him up in front of the court? Or maybe silence on her part was a condition of the being able to marry a lesser being such as an elf? An interesting fact to ponder, indeed.
Sorry for the late reply. I've been sick and moving house. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Agape4Gondor
· 9 November 2012
· Chapter 21
Oh my! What a great chapter.
I loved the way Haldir was mesmerized by Menograth. Great descriptions.
As for Beleg - wow - he is my mostest bestest loved Elf. I felt Haldir's disappointment, but am hoping I'll get to 'see' him in this tale.
GREAT chapter.
Author's reply
Beleg is one of my favorites as well :-)
I'm glad you liked the chapter.
Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Lyana
· 9 November 2012
· Chapter 21
Love this story! What a shock to come upon Doriath when Melian was its only protection... So I'm guessing he also runs into (and trains?) a young Celeborn?? And I wonder what he'll make of Galadriel when she finally shows up. :-) The plot twists in this story have made it absolutely delightful.
Author's reply
I'm pleased you are enjoying this story so much *does happy dance* You will see who he runs into and when adn how as the story goes. LOL!
Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Larner
· 9 November 2012
· Chapter 21
Haldir knows when to dissemble and when to be honestly strong, as he has just demonstrated. Now, to teach Mablung a few tricks--and probably learn a few as well.
Author's reply
Haldir has learned how to handle himself in many situations of import. We'll see soon enough how things go with Mablung.
Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Ellynn
· 8 November 2012
· Chapter 21
I have always thought that Thingol is an arrogant fool and a bad king. I wish I could shake him and pour some wisdom and reason in his head...
Anyway, good description of Menegroth; yes, I bet every visitor would be very impressed. And I'm so looking forward to the closer encounter of Mablung and Haldir. :D
Author's reply
I wonder what Melian saw in Thingol or maybe he changed after he married her adn she took over the repsonsibility for being the wise one. Menegroth had to be an impressive wonder with Melian's influence in it.
hope my reply made sense. I keep getting interrupted by an elfling who is trying to turn into an orcling...
Thanks for reading and reviewing!
eiluj
· 7 November 2012
· Chapter 21
Oh, dear! First the border patrol turns out to be fishermen, and next the King of Doriath has, apparently, neither any force of trained fighters nor even an understanding of what such might be.
I'm beginning to think Haldir went back in time for more than simply to find his love and give us readers a respite from the unpleasantness of whatever-Age-we're-in-now.
"Obviously he comes from a tale made up to encourage children to be good hunters." -- Poor Haldir! I can't wait to see how that turns out ... well, tragically, of course. And Haldir won't be able to stop it ... or a whole bunch of other tragedies.
He patterned his methods of fighting and commanding after the noble ellon. -- Hmmmm.
If Beleg were not there yet, then perhaps he would get to meet him soon, perhaps as a young warrior. -- Double Hmmmm.
Thingol being eminently difficult even without the benefit of silmaril-lust.... But Melian has more wisdom.
When this fic began, I expected it would be brief. But now I realize that the length and scope have entered territory where the only appropriate word is "epic." Write on!
Author's reply
There are many things to go Hmmm about - almost enough to make you HuM a little tune. LOL!
This definitely is not a brief story! But it keeps us all busy, right?
Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Larner
· 31 October 2012
· Chapter 20
Yes, having a Vala as a guide might appear dangerous to one's health and well being! Heh! Bless them all!
Author's reply
It is tough when the guide just doesn't get what might be involved in following his directions...Poor Haldir having to bear the brunt of it. LOL!
Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Fiondil
· 31 October 2012
· Chapter 20
I remember beta-reading this chapter and falling out of my chair laughing at the two interpretations of what happened to Haldir. It's even funnier the second time around. I love this:
“And next time you think to call upon a Balan for aid, please choose one that actually likes the Galadhrim and does not despise us as this one seems to,” Gilwen pleaded.
LOL! Great chapter, Ellie.
Author's reply
After all they went through it had to have looked like honest hatred for the elves to Gilwen's mind. LOL! I'm pleased you found it even funnier this time around. I had so much fun putting the whole chapter together - even the hymn in praise of Haldir. LOL!
Thanks for reading, encouraging, betaing, laughing, and reviewing!
Larner
· 25 October 2012
· Chapter 19
Cursed with healing peace, the land was! Heh! At least all are renewed for the rest of their journey!
Love the desire of all to "run" into their own particular favorite heroes. I can well appreciate the desire.
Author's reply
Yes they are rested and they will need the rest to cope with what lies ahead. I can't imagine elves in their position NOT wanting to meet heroes and legends of old, given the opportunity. I know I'd want to meet them!
Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Morn
· 24 October 2012
· Chapter 19
I haven't reviewed for a few chapters so I will just say that I love your Ulmo- the fish slap made me laugh a lot.
I like the way they're all eager to explore their favourite bits of history, must be so odd- like being in a film or a book when you know the ending.
Thanks for writing :)
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing now and letting me know your thoughts :-)
Ulmo has strong feelings - and apparently they are easily hurt! I'm pleased you like my Ulmo. He is a lot of fun to write.
I can't imagine elves from the Third Age going into the past and NOT wanting to go see the things which are only tales of a time long gone to them. I think it must be cool to be "back in the good ol' days" and get to see if grandpa really did have to walk through snow uphill both ways to get to the battlefield and face balrogs and Morgoth himself and not just his mamby pamby lieutenant Sauron and some pathetic orcs... Ah...yes... back when elves were real elves and dark creatures were real dark creatures and thre wasn't a sun and a moon to clutter up the sky with too much light and not enough stars. Yep, THOSE were the days, I mean nights...LOL!
And you're most welcome on the writing :-)
Agape4Gondor
· 24 October 2012
· Chapter 19
*giggles* Always the trees' fault.
Loved the moment of bliss in this chapter. Well done.
Author's reply
Of course it is the fault of the trees! These elves are Galadhrim after all, so everything can be balmed on or traced back in relevance to the trees. LOL!
Well...we know how Haldir felt about the bliss so I need not comment... *teehee*
The bliss was a joy to write after all of the sadness and destruction of homes and egos...
Thank you for reading and reviewing!
Agape4Gondor
· 17 October 2012
· Chapter 18
It's amazing what a moment with a Vala can do for one's spirits. Glad he got to share his 'discovery' with his brothers and his warriors.
Really fun chapter. Glad for the respite.
Author's reply
It is always nice to be shown that there is hope to be had.
Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Larner
· 17 October 2012
· Chapter 18
No soap for Rumil, just a slap by a fish? Hehehehe! Excellent! And good advice for Haldir to hear at that point. And love the children!
Author's reply
Yep, just a slap adn that is really all he deserved, too, swearing at a Vala like that. LOL! In spite of the many ennin Haldir has lived in the past, he still hasn't entirely learned how to think like one of those ancient members of the Galadhrim.
Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Ellynn
· 17 October 2012
· Chapter 18
Oh, such a touching speech... :)
Author's reply
Galadin is a very wise elf. He is becoming a favorite of mine :-)
Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Agape4Gondor
· 14 October 2012
· Chapter 17
Beautifully, and heart-breakingly, written. How terrible for all those concerned, but mostly for Haldir. I do so hope Handir will recover. That should help relieve some of his father's sorrow.
And Lord Ulmo. Great moment. Though I wish the Belain could teach ME how to skip a stone 27 times!
Author's reply
It had to be difficult for all involved and and especially for Haldir. My stone skipping record is 8 times I think. It would be cool to see Ulmo skipping stones.
Thanks for reading and reviewing!
curiouswombat
· 11 October 2012
· Chapter 17
What a beautifully written meeting with Ulmo - and what reassurance for Haldir that things are as they should be, and also that they will be safely guided to Doriath.
Author's reply
Thank you very much :-) I'm glad you like Ulmo! They do have guidance to Doriath and that will be a big help!
Thanks for reading and reviewing!