Fantasia
· 26 April 2013
· Chapter 24: Settling In
This is a beautiful chapter, so full of hope, plans, dreams...They seem more human than elves, because that determination to prevail and conquer the World is such an explicit human skill, maybe I'm not fair to elves, they have survived for zillions of years in Earth, but I have this idea of them being just that, survivors, no really a force that move and develop the World, like Humans If were for the elves, the society could have been always static, like in Valinor. I don't know how to explain it, they are great, but not really great entrepreneurs.
Glóredhel, a metallurgy lore master? She could fit on Maglor's family so good...they will nurture her knowledge so well...just playing Cupid. At least, she will get practical experience while they prepared themselves for the trip.
Thank you, waiting for Monday now.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Yes, these Elves are full of hope, plans and dreams. Of course, they have no wish to conquer the world, merely to survive long enough to reach Aman, and in that way they are no different from humans. Life is very powerful and the will to live even so and in that particular environment all anyone can do is survive. At the same time, they have an ultimate goal: to reach Aman, and that colors everything they do.
Anyway, I think Glóredhel and Maglor are a good fit and they should work well together.
Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
6336
· 26 April 2013
· Chapter 24: Settling In
Yep, getting setteled in and making plans, I like the idea of taming some of the goats come spring, they are going to be there for some time to come and any variety in their diet will be good, there are only so many ways you can cook goat!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, taming some goats would be beneficial and I'm sure come spring they will capture a few kids and tame them. It only makes sense, since they are going to be there for some time. Thanks for reviewing. Hugs.
Sunny
· 26 April 2013
· Chapter 24: Settling In
Good of Denethor to give Arthalion the task of keeping that necklace safe. A small task, but one that shows that his new friends have confidence in him.
So Glóredhel's father didn't want her involved in such an "unmaidenlly" craft as smithcraft? And he called himself a Noldo?? O.o It's a pity Glóredhel wasn't able to get any more support than she did from Elrond - perhaps he at least could have pointed her towards Galadriel, since she, at least, might have been sympathetic. And if Glóredhel was of age, why would her father stick his nose into how she runs her own life??
Well, if there is smithing to be done, I'm sure that Maglor will appreciate Glóredhel's assistance in this, and she will at long last get some practical experience!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Well, Arthalion found the necklace, after all, so it makes sense that he be asked to look after it, but it does show in a small way that Denethor not only has confidence in hiim but sees him as a member of the community and therefore able to take on the responsibilities that all the members have. That's very important in giving him a sense of belonging again.
And perhaps Elven society in Middle-earth became less open to making certain activities gender-neutral. In many respects they were on a war footing at all times and certain activities, like smithing, should be left in the hands of the ellyn. Very medieval thinking, I know, but there you have it, and Elrond, being a product of that society, would never blatantly go against the wishes of Glóredhel's father, but certainly between him and Erestor they were able to cricumvent his wishes without really doing so. And Glóredhel may have been of age, but being unmarried, she would have remained under her father's roof and be ruled by him. At any rate, I have no doubt that she will get plenty of hands-on experience once they get a forge going.
Thanks for commenting. I very much appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 26 April 2013
· Chapter 24: Settling In
A very hopeful chapter. I like the way they are thinking ahead. There has to have been unvoiced disappointment that the sea was not found, much less a boat. That the community can think in the terms do the yeni neede to grow trees and redevelop shipbuilding, etc. is amazing. Thanks.
Author's reply
Very hopeful, UTfrog, and because they have a specific goal in mind, they can continue being hopeful in spite of their disappointments. And being Elves, they are able to take the long view more easily than we humans and considering how long some of them have already lived (Maglor is probably the oldest of them), what's a few more yéni? *grin*
Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
shirebound
· 26 April 2013
· Chapter 24: Settling In
Love that insight about Celeborn. :)
“Perhaps while we are waiting out the winter we can determine what skills each of us has and how we can best utilize them to achieve our ultimate goal.”
That's the theme I appreciate the most about LOTR; a fellowship of disparate people who contribute what they know, what they have, who they are, for a common goal.
Author's reply
And that's something that we humans can appreciate: that everyone matters, because, as I have Manwë say in one of my other stories: "the one light that you disdain is the one most needed to keep the Dark at bay". The concept of Fellowship is a testament to that, that we all matter and we all can contribute, however large or small our contribution may be, to the betterment of all.
And Celeborn is cool. I really need to write him more... someday.
Thanks for reviewing, shirebound. I really appreciate it.
6336
· 25 April 2013
· Chapter 23: A Brother’s Farewell
I thought, for a while, that Arthalion's necklace was the one that Luthian wore with the Silmaril in it, but then I realised that Elwing was wearing it when she took her Swan Dive off the cliff at Sirion. Then again if she, Elwing, had detached the Silmaril from the necklace and just took that with her that could explain how the necklace came to be in Gil Galads strong room.
I still think that the Harthdrim will find that they need the Silmaril to get to Aman, although the Straight Road may still be in existance it has been a long time since it was used and it could have a few 'bumps'!
Good to see that Arthalion has made his peace with Arthad, he still has a long way to go towards healing but this is a step in the right direction.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. No, Gil-galad's necklace is just a beautifully crafted necklace that belongs to Gil-galad. As for the Silmaril, its purpose will be revealed soon enough. Arthalion may have a long way to go toward healing but he's definitely going in the right direction, especially with Maglor's help.
Thanks for the review. It's apprecizated. Hugs.
Laer
· 24 April 2013
· Chapter 23: A Brother’s Farewell
Glóredhel is a great person to have when you need to keep notes of things. Who would have thought to do these things. Elves are pretty talented in a pinch. There is something about the necklace isn't there? I keep reading more into this than what is there too don't I? LOL Sorry. I am just trying to second guess it all. Wrong or right on the guesses it will be wonderful ride and I am so glad I am on it :)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Yeah, Glóredhel is pretty handy to have around, isn't she? As for second guessing, that's fine with me, and I'm glad you're enjoying the story no matter if you guess right or wrong. Thanks for taking the time to review. It's very much appreciated.
Kevana
· 24 April 2013
· Chapter 23: A Brother’s Farewell
One of my favorite parts of reading your stories is that I'm always learning something I didn't know. Google often gets a good workout whenever I have a new chapter open. This week: blue gum oil and aspects of medieval architecture.
Trust Glóredhel to know tengwar shorthand and to be prepared with writing materials. I had to smile at that, even in an ice age when there's no paper, she finds a way. She's a special lady. I hope she does have family waiting for her.
It's not likely they'd find any shipwreck wood worth using, I imagine. I had the joy of getting to work with the team that's pulling up the Queen Anne's Revenge, and it was amazing how fragile those wooden fragments are and they don't do well being moved from salt water to fresh air.
Now, if only the Elves had a lot of duct tape they could build an entire sailboat, Mythbusters-style. *innocent look* What, coming into harbor in a duct tape boat among all the swan ships is not the Elvish style? Oh, well. Maybe Ulmo and Yavanna will send them a present like this one -> http://tinyurl.com/any783r Man, the ocean is absolutely terrifying.
Ok, massive good karma points to whoever put that cloak on Arthad. I'm glad Arthalion finally got to say goodbye. Hopefully it won't be too long before he gets to say hello again.
Thank you, Fiondil!
-Kevana
Author's reply
I like to throw in the odd trivia now and then, just to make things interesting for the reader. Glórehdel is indeed special as we will see and I'm sure Arthalion really appreciated the gesture of whoever covered Arthad with his cloak.
The image you sent me of the tree indeed shows how terrifying the ocean truly is. Wow!
Thanks for leaving a comment. It's very much appreciated.
Kevana
· 24 April 2013
· Chapter 22: Return to Mithlond
Sounds like Arthalion was running on autopilot for a long time. What was his brother thinking, I wonder? Was Arthad looking for something specific – something with which to build a ship or signal to others? Though unless Earendil was having one of his rare flights, who'd even see it? Maybe Arthalion will remember later. Starting to wonder how much of his memory was really "gone' and how much was just repressed due to losing his brother in such a terrible way.
The treasure hoarding reminded me a bit of the way Eustace, in Voyage of the Dawn Treader, started having "dragonish" thoughts after finding a dragon's hoard, only to end up turned into a dragon himself. Yet the brothers didn't seem to have the slightest bit of possessiveness in them. I guess we'll find out.
Haha, Maglor as Elrond and Elros' nanny. Oh, you know it happened, no matter what he says. I love how you manage to put relationships into perspective, Fiondil.
Maglor! You have a sense of humor! Who knew. Watching him throughout this story is like watching a glacier melt, you know there are things buried under the surface but you don't see them until suddenly, they're there.
I can just imagine some archaeologists stumbling on that cave.
Thanks for the great chapter!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Autopilot is a very good description of Arthalion, Kevana. I suspect that most of his memories were repressed rather than just gone, but now with the help of Maglor and others, he's reclaiming those memories and putting them into perspective, able to move forward.
And Maglor certainly does have a sense of humor, though he's had little reason to exercise it until now. I imagine dealing with Elrond and Elros entailed having a great sense of humor just to survive those two. *grin*
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 23 April 2013
· Chapter 23: A Brother’s Farewell
I'm curious about the necklace Arthalion found in Gil-Galad's rooms. It talked to him? Hmm... It was good that Maglor was there to give Arthalion support when saying good-bye to his brother. I think this was very important for Arthalion to get some closure and be able to forgive himself.
Author's reply
Apparently, obsidianj. Perhaps it just wanted to be saved. It was lying all alone and forgotten in a dark corner of the chamber. At least, when they reach Aman, they can give it to Gil-galad. I'm sure he will appreciate it.
And Maglor is proving to be a very good friend to Arthaliion. Given his own history, Maglor can be very sympathetic and understanding toward what Arthalion is feeling.
Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor
· 23 April 2013
· Chapter 22: Return to Mithlond
Maglor's perfect here. A friend indeed.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you think so, Agape. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 23 April 2013
· Chapter 23: A Brother’s Farewell
Have seen my share of privy garderobes in British castles, including the Tower of London, of course, so was a bit surprised to see the word used for the wardrobe as well, although the etymology indicates it was what guarded the robes, of course, just as is true of "wardrobe."
The tale is fascinating, and it's too bad this group couldn't have gone there and seen that room and the crown jewels for themselves. One wonders why Cirdan didn't take them with him as he sailed West.
I'm glad that Arthalion was able to say goodbye to his brother after all. Now, to get back to the rest of the group and prepare for the winter.
Author's reply
Yes, the etymology of the two words is the same, though "garderobe" is from Norman French and "wardrobe" is a later English derivation. And it is too bad that there was nothing of Gil-galad's palace that remained by the time the Harthadrim arrived in Mithlond. I suspect that Círdan didn't take anything of the crown jewels with him because he realized (or perhaps was told by Ulmo) that they would have no real meaning in Aman, that they belonged to Middle-earth.
At any rate, the important thing is that these Elves must deal with what is and not with what might have been and the coming winter is what they need to concern themselves with as we will see.
Thanks for leaving a review, Larner. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog
· 22 April 2013
· Chapter 23: A Brother’s Farewell
Another excellent chapter. I second the others who wonder why Gil Galad's personal items were not removed. I also loved the moving good by between the brothers.
Larner commented on palantirs in her review of the previous chapter. I checked Encyclopedia of Arda. It reports that the palantirs of Amon Sul and Annunnimas were believed lost with Arvedui in the shipwreck in the northern ice. I do not see where a palantir would help contact the Valar,but depending on the depth of the shipwreck, they may have survived.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Who really knows why Gil-galad's personal items were not removed? Maybe if we ever catch up with Círdan, we can ask. *grin*
The only palantír that I know of that could have survived would be the one in Gondor used by Aragorn, but it's unlikely that it would have been sent North unless the king came with it. And the ones on Arvedui's ship would have survived but that ship went down in what we would call the Arctic so no help there. I'm afraid it's wishful thinking on anyone's part that something like the palantír would be in Arthalion's cave.
At any rate, we'll have to see how it goes. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Fantasia
· 22 April 2013
· Chapter 23: A Brother’s Farewell
Very emotional farewell. Hopefully, his brother will be in Valinor to greet him.
They were alone for a lot of time, and Arthalion is not as young as I thought.
I'm intrigued with the necklace now. And why none one took the King's personal items to Valinor? It is really strange. Did the closet room survived the ice age? If it was closed and secure, maybe?
All that treasure will be valuable when they reach Valinor.
If it will be a long winter, we can learn a little bit about the stories other elves.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Apparently nothing of the palace survived the onslaught of the glaciers and only the necklace is left. As for the treasure, we'll see what they do with it. And perhaps we'll learn a little more about some of the Harthadrim over the winter. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Cairistiona
· 22 April 2013
· Chapter 23: A Brother’s Farewell
I'm so glad that Maglor successfully urged Arthalion to say goodbye to his brother. Very touching scene and a good end to the chapter. I found it fascinating that Arthalion discovered Gil-Galad's own apartments and his crown jewels. That gave the historian in me the shivers! (And sent me daydreaming about some architect today finding the broken remains of those jewels, thus proving Middle-earth and all those places and people were truly real. *sigh* If only....)
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. Arthalion saying goodbye to his brother was an important step towards his healing and acceptance of what has happened. Luckily, he had Maglor there to lend him support. And Gil-galad's apartments must've been an historian's dream. A pity nothing of it remains, other than the necklace. But such is the way of things. Anyway, thanks for leaving a comment. I very much appreciate it.
shirebound
· 22 April 2013
· Chapter 23: A Brother’s Farewell
It's satisfying to read of Arthalion's continued healing and bonding with the group.
Author's reply
I'm glad you find it so, shirebound. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny
· 22 April 2013
· Chapter 23: A Brother’s Farewell
So most of the stuff Arthad and Arthalion had collected was not particularly useful - though I wonder about that one necklace from Gil-galad's apartment.
So Arthalion finally went and visited his brother's body - I hope this will give him closure, and that it will help his healing.
Some information on henna: that is really not particularly suitable to use for ink. I should know - I use it on my hair! How it works: I mix it with water to a thick, yogurt-like consistency, and then I have to wait for dye-release, that is, for the mixture to get ready to use. This can take up do several hours, depending on several factors, such as the ambient temperature. I leave the henna on my hair for 4-5 hours to get the stain I want - I like my hair a nice, dark red. :) The henna mixture is also useful for only a limited time after it is mixed - the lawsone (the dye molecule) demises - breaks down - after a certain amount of time, which can be between a few hours to a couple of days after it's ready to use (this too depends on several factors). Henna can of course be used on other things than hair, like protein-based textiles (wool and silk) because the lawsone binds chemically to protein.
Huh. WAY too much information on henna! It gives a very lasting color, though. I think it would be much easier for the Elves to get a decent ink using soot. It has been a quite commonly used base for making ink, though it might smudge in a damp environment
Author's reply
What you say about henna is no doubt very true, Sunny, but I did research the different ways in which ancient cultures could make ink and, given the Elves' resources (or lack thereof), I decided that henna ink, however ineffiicient it might be, was the way to go. No doubt, if the Elves decide to settle in Mithlond and wait out the ice, they will produce something that is more reliable and less of a hassle. Soot might have worked, but the environment is still rather damp and there is too much chance of smudging, thus making the inventory useless. Anyway, thanks for the review. It's appreciated it.
Celeth
· 22 April 2013
· Chapter 23: A Brother’s Farewell
That was so understanding and compassionate of Maglor. The Valar knew what they were doing when they brought these two together; both of them have suffered so much, and it seems they will be able to help each other heal.
I am glad that Arthalion was finally able to visit his brother and talk to him; I bet that was an important step towards his own healing.
Looking forward to the next chapter...
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. Maglor is very compassionate and the Valar indeed knew what they were doing when they brought these two (and indeed all the Harthadrim) together. Visiting his brother was indeed a big step toward complete healing for Arthalion. Now he can look forward to the day when he and Arthad are reunited. Thanks for reviewing and I'm glad you're looking forward to the next chapter.
Laer
· 20 April 2013
· Chapter 22: Return to Mithlond
Arthalion and Maglor both seem to know that not the jewels; but something else is important with the items in the cave. That was a lot of looking around for the things they did find. You can't expect ships to be decent enough to all go down in the same area. (Darn them for that any way.)
A trunk from Gondor eh? Wonder what was is in there ;)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. No, I imagine that Arthalion and Arthad had to travel a bit, but it's possible that ships tended to founder near a particularly bad stretch of reefs or whatever. If they ever get to the Sea, maybe we'll find out. At any rate, we'll find out more-or-less what is found in the cave as the Elves continue to explore and take inventory.
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 20 April 2013
· Chapter 22: Return to Mithlond
How long was Arthalion alone? To gather so much "junk" in form of jewels, they must have traveled far and wide. Ships that carried this stuff don't usually lie on top of each other. I'm curious to see what use all these jewels will have. It is strange that Arthad felt this compulsion to search for this. And what is with this box from Gondor? Arthalion's story is really sad and it gets worse with every new revelation.
Author's reply
I have no idea how long Arthalion was alone, obsidianj, I only know he was alone for a very long time, long enough to almost forget himself. As for the box from Gondor, I don't think there's real significance to it other than the fact that it was from Gondor and that it was being transported to the Northern Kingdom when the ship ran afoul of storms or reefs or whatever caused it to sink. At any rate, Arthalion's story is indeed very sad and gets sadder wtih each revelation, but at least now he has others who care for him and he's no longer alone and that, ultimately, is all that really matters.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 20 April 2013
· Chapter 21: Opening Old Wounds
That will be a long winter, especially for Maglor. Having the Silmaril sitting nearby, he has to confront his issues with this jewel. It is not going away and he can't just go away at least not during winter and then where would he go?
I believe the Silmaril is key to getting back to Aman. It might work as a signal.
Author's reply
Yes, it looks to be a very long winter, obsidianj. As to what role the Silmaril will play in all this, remains to be seen. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Ellynn
· 20 April 2013
· Chapter 22: Return to Mithlond
"universe of sorrow in his eyes"
Wow. Really, wow. One of the most poignant phrases I've read.
Author's reply
I'm glad you think so, Ellynn. It's a very poignant moment. Thank you for letting me know.
Larner
· 19 April 2013
· Chapter 22: Return to Mithlond
I find myself wondering if there are any palantiri among the baubles found. I am interested in seeing what the inventory lists!
Author's reply
Well, as far as I know there was only the one in Minas Tirith left, but we'll just have to wait and see. Thanks for leaving a comment, Larner. It's appreciated.
Lady Edlyn
· 19 April 2013
· Chapter 22: Return to Mithlond
Well, of course, nothing has changed since Maglor last saw Mithlond. It looked just the same a few weeks ago when they were there and found Arthalion! A very nice chapter, meldonya. This story just gets more and more intriguing and fun to read. Have a great weekend!
Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi Edlyn. Maglor is obviously jesting, which shows that in spite of everything, he's managed to retain his sense of humor, which is a good thing. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, meldenya. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it. Have a great weekend yourself.
Fantasia
· 19 April 2013
· Chapter 22: Return to Mithlond
Arthalion's cave seems to be an elf version of Smaug's cave. And he is really improving, I'm glad for him.
This: "The jewels are pretty enough, I suppose, but what use are they, really? You cannot hunt or fish with them.” is very wise. Riches are great, but when it comes down to basic needs, like food and health, they really mean nothing.
Thanks Fiondil. Have a nice weekend and read you Monday.
Author's reply
You've got that right, Fantasia, on all counts. Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it. Have a nice weekend as well.