The Journey Home by Fiondil
Larner · 26 March 2013 · Chapter 15: A New Companion
Well, he's apparently been "civilized" in the past. It will be interesting to see him recovering what memories he may have suppressed, and I wonder if there are any others he once was of a party with.
Author's reply
Apparently, Larner. He just needs to be reminded of that which he once knew. And we'll find out if there were others with him at one time and what became of them eventually. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
bookworm · 25 March 2013 · Chapter 15: A New Companion
dsadkhsdl Aawwww Maglor. SUCH a good big brother. And I love how he's slowly realising how deep he sunk himself, and how little he ACTUALLY wants to die. Also that last line *LOL*
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. Yes, Maglor is a very good big brother and I think he's finally realizing that dying was never the answer. I'm glad you loved the love line. It's a classic, isn't it? *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Ellynn · 25 March 2013 · Chapter 15: A New Companion
Hmmm... Daeron? (Of course, you don't have to answer. This is just me thinking out loud. ;) ) Very interesting chapter. :)
Author's reply
We'll find out who he is eventually. You should know me by now, though, to know that I rarely do the obvious. *grin* Thanks for reviewing, Ellynn. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.
Fantasia · 25 March 2013 · Chapter 15: A New Companion
“Look what followed us home, Ada. Can we keep him?” This made me laugh. It seems that Maglor has a gift on being a Father. He will help the Thurin, no doubt, he did very well with the twins. Now, I feel comfortable with Maglor's state of mind, for first time, I see him happy and sure of being alive, with a purpose. Thanks Fiondil
Author's reply
I thought that was pretty funny, too, Fantasia. Yes, Maglor is falling back on his experience in raising the twin sons of Eärendil and Elwing and is perhaps even feeling happy about it. I think Maglor needs to be needed and helping Thurin will give him that. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Sunny · 25 March 2013 · Chapter 15: A New Companion
So is Maglor going to get another foster son? I think it would be good for him to take care of the ellon, who is obviously in an even worse state than himself. Untangling Thurin's dreadlocks would have been quite a piece of work, and it wouldn't have been made easier by washing his hair. First rule of tangles, for longhairs - detangle your hair _before_ washing, and then wait until the hair is dry again after washing before combing. And use lots of conditioner, though the Elves don't have that, of course. I wonder how the poor ellon is going to handle the Ellith fussing over him?
Author's reply
I guess he is, Sunny. We'll see how their relationship progresses from here. I don't think I'm going to go in and change the bit about untangling Thurin's hair. It's too much trouble and I figure Elvish hair might be different enough that it's easier to get tangles out. Whatever. As for how Thurin reacts to the ellith fussing over him, we'll see soon enough. Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it.
Celeth · 25 March 2013 · Chapter 15: A New Companion
"Civilizing" Thurin, as Maglor thinks of it, is going to be a whole new adventure for the Harthadrim, and I'm really looking forward to reading all about it. I agree that the ellith will be all too happy to take him under their wings, but I get this feeling that Maglor might be reprising his foster father role...he grew to love the twins, didn't he? I'm sure the "civilizing" process will be fun, too. And I can't wait to for Thurin to tell his own story, though it must be really sad, based on his state when they found him. Will there be a new chapter come Friday? It's Good Friday...and most people will be on vacation...
Author's reply
Civilizing Thurin may or may not be fun, but we'll see. And yes, I will be posting on Friday. Not all of us will be on vacation *grin* and this means you get to have something to read over the Easter weekend. I will also post on Monday, as well, so no fears. I'm glad you're looking forward to reading about Maglor's attempts to civilize Thurin, Celeth. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Cairistiona · 25 March 2013 · Chapter 15: A New Companion
Darn right the elith in the camp would be clamoring to mother poor Thurin--I'm ready to myself! What an interesting twist to the story. I've always loved how Maglor (and Maethros of course) took in Elrond and Elros, and I love that you're showing that paternal, loving side of him in this story. Maglor is one of my favorite Elves and you're doing him perfect justice with this story. I only wish the chapter updates would come daily!
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. It is an interesting twist, one that I did not originally plan or foresee. Turin just sort of showed up and demanded attention. That often happens with various OCs of mine. They start out as very minor characters, more like walk-ons, and then pretty much become not so minor and take over (Vorondur in my Elf Academy series is one such example). Anyway, I'm glad that you think I'm doing justice to Maglor. He's always been a favorite of mine but he is very complex and I had been very hesitant to write him. Even as I was writing this story, I wasn't sure if I was getting him right. I'm glad you think I have and I appreciate you letting me know. Thanks.
shirebound · 25 March 2013 · Chapter 15: A New Companion
How wise, to teach -- or remind -- the elf how to do everything by example. What a fascinating new addition to their Company.
Author's reply
Teaching by example is usually the best way, especially when language is a problem. And Thurin is indeed fascinating, as we will see. Thanks for leaving a review Shirebound. It's very much appreciated.
UTfrog · 25 March 2013 · Chapter 15: A New Companion
This is quite a mystery. You already told us the backstory is sad. So glad poor Thurin likes the food. He deserves some good luck
Author's reply
Being found by the Harthadrim is the best luck the poor ellon has had for a very long time. We'll see how things go for him from now on and what importance he has for Maglor and the others. Thanks for reviewing, UTfrog. It's much appreciated.
curiouswombat · 24 March 2013 · Chapter 14: What They Found
Ooooh - excellent stuff.
Author's reply
Thanks, curiouswombat. I'm glad you enjoyed this.
bookworm · 24 March 2013 · Chapter 14: What They Found
Oh ho! Well that IS a find! Am sure they are all glad it wasn't one of the Houseless, but now the question becomes - who, and how... as ever you do like to leave us hanging! Also loved Maglor's reminiscing. Poor guy, still tied to his Oath...
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. Yes, I imagine they were very relieved that it wasn't one of the Houseless, though I think they would've been more relieved if it had been a Mortal of some sort rather than an Elf whom they found haunting the city. We'll learn his story eventually, though they'll need to reteach him language first before we do. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj · 23 March 2013 · Chapter 14: What They Found
And we are back to cliffhangers... This was an eerie chapter. The silence and deadness of the city build the tension. I understand why the elves thought they were jumping at shadows. I didn't expect an elf to show up. I thought more in the line of Maia or Vala. But a naked elf with matted hair for clothing? Poor thing. It will take some time to get his trust after this rather unfriendly start.
Author's reply
But of course! You didn't think we wouldn't have any more cliffhangers, now, did you? LOL! We'll see how our intrepid explorers deal with their new friend in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing, obsidianj. I really appreciate it.
obsidianj · 23 March 2013 · Chapter 13: Mithlond
It seems like they will stay in the towers. But they will have something to do about the water situation. Half a mile is too far during a snow-storm. And melting snow takes a lot of wood... I loved the scene between Maglor and Celepharn. I think it was high time that Maglor talked to someone. I liked the way you showed the unconscious prejudice of Celepharn against mortals. Reminds me of my attitude towards pets before I ever had one. Sinking into quicksand in this kind of weather must be really uncomfortable... And don't even mention crossing a river by wading through it. Brrrr
Author's reply
Yes, it does look as if they will stay in the towers for now, obsidianj. How they deal with the water problem is something that we will see about soon. I'm glad you liked the conversation between Maglor and Celepharn. I think it was a very important one, one that left Celepharn with much to think about, including his unconscious prejudice against mortals. And I'm sure the quicksand was very uncomfortable, though he probably enjoyed the river as it washed off the quicksand. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Larner · 23 March 2013 · Chapter 14: What They Found
Ooh! Now, that would be a surprise, to find themselves looking at an apparently feral Elf. Wonder who he is, and whether there are any others in the ruins with him? As an Elf I suppose he'd be better able to hide his traces than a Man or Neandertal.
Author's reply
We'll find out eventually who this feral Elf is and what his story is eventually, Larner. First, of course, they have to re-civilize him and that may take a while, as we will see. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Ellynn · 23 March 2013 · Chapter 14: What They Found
Excellent chapter! You achieved really eerie atmosphere in it.
Author's reply
Thanks, Ellynn. That's just what I wanted to do. I am glad I succeeded. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Laer · 22 March 2013 · Chapter 14: What They Found
Oh wow! Another elf, one that was alone that can not be good for them. Hopefully they will be able to help him. Perhaps the Vala wanted them to pick up one more to take with them?
Author's reply
Hi Laer. I'm sure they'll do all they can to help the poor ellon. And you are probably correct about the Valar wanting them to find and succor this particular Elf. We'll see how it works out. Thanks for commenting. It's appreciated.
Laer · 22 March 2013 · Chapter 13: Mithlond
Quick Sand is so nasty, but to suck up an elf? Glad it didn't take him. I would think it would be colder than anything in there too. Brrrrrrrrrrr! It is good to see a story that doesn't just say "They walked and then they were there"
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Well, if that was how any story was written it would be rather boring and not worth reading. Sometimes, you do have to say that, since nothing interesting happens along the way, but when you're essentially writing a 'road' story, you do need to throw up obstacles along the way to make it interesting for both your readers and your characters. And it's been fun to imagine what kinds of obstacles could plausibly be encountered as they continue to the Sea. Anyway, thanks for revieiwng. It's much appreciated.
Kevana · 22 March 2013 · Chapter 14: What They Found
Thanks for the answer on the height issue, it makes sense they'd be as tall as they want to be at any given moment. I can imagine Námo looking tall as the Argonath when he pronounced the Doom, but then he's sitting at a normal-sized counter having coffee without looking terribly out of place. Though I rather imagine they'd "feel" very very big indeed no matter what they looked like. Hehe, good point, they didn't really have a size comparison or even entirely know what the Elves would look like...I imagine that caused some fun discussions. *grin* I'll be prepared with tissues for Monday, thanks for the warning.
Author's reply
No problem, Kevana. I'm glad I was able to clear up the issue for you. You may recall in "Elf Academy 2" when Alex and Derek meet Eönwë for the first time, Alex had the sensation that somehow the kitchen expanded to fit the Maia and not the other way around. And in "Elf, Interrupted" I mention on more than one occasion how the Valar are somehow able to occupy space and expand the space around them without necessarily altering the physical structures built by the Elves. I imagine that when the Elves first set eyes on Valmar they pretty much went bug-eyed. *grin*
Tari · 22 March 2013 · Chapter 14: What They Found
Well that was a real surpise. I was sure it was one of the Valar watching. Who might this elf be and why is he in such a state I'm sure will be revealed. He almost sounds like Gollum.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. Well, not exactly like Gollum as we will see. This is an Elf, after all. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's appreciated.
Fantasia · 22 March 2013 · Chapter 14: What They Found
Oh, that is really a surprise. An Elf, a lonely elf. Now we have wait to monday. Cruel, cruel Fiondil. It is so sad to read about the ruins, so depressing, everything has an end.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Yes, it's very sad to read about the ruins and yes, everything eventually comes to an end as Eru wills. Perhaps all vestiges of any Elven influence on Men had to be completely destroyed before the Age of Men could really begin, hence the ice age. Who can say? Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor · 22 March 2013 · Chapter 14: What They Found
What an excellent chapter! My heart was in my throat for most of it. So they found a feral Elf..... *shivers*
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, Agape. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Emma · 22 March 2013 · Chapter 14: What They Found
Wow! I was thinking it was a Maia watching them...an Elf all by himself, just happened to stumble onto the others? Hmm, intruiging. My first guess is Daeron, but I could be wrong. And why is the new elf in such a state?
Author's reply
Hi Emma. As to the identity of the Elf, that will be revealed eventually and we learn how and why he came to be as he is. It is a mystery that the Harthadrim will try hard to solve. Thanks for leaving a comment. I very much appreciate it.
Sunny · 22 March 2013 · Chapter 14: What They Found
Now, this was one humdinger of a cliffie! And a big surprise! You certainly racked up the tension in this chapter. You describe how the Elves are feeling that somebody is watching them, and how they aren't able to find the watcher. This, and and mention of the quietness of the city, and that no wild creatures had made a den there, ensured that I was trying to guess just what sort of Morgoth-spawned critter was lurking in the shadows. We had already seen the alatyauli and the Orc-like men. Then the scouts confronted the watcher and found - a naked Elf???!?? Definitely the last thing I expected!
Author's reply
You know me, Sunny. I hate to do the obvious and a naked ELf seemed as unobvious as you can get. LOL! I'm glad you found the chapter tense. That was my intent. Mithlond had to be very eerie for them, especially those who had once lived there or, like Maglor, had visited, and the utter silence and deadness of the city must have really played on their nerves, making them even jumping at shadows even more so when they relized there really was someone out there, it must have been quite a shock to them and even more so when the saw who and what it was. Well, we'll learn all about our mystery Elf as the story continues. Thanks for commmenting. I appreciate it.
Kevana · 22 March 2013 · Chapter 14: What They Found
Oh no, the poor baby, all alone in that frightening and cold place! And so scared he was hiding in the shadows from other Elves. What could possibly have happened to him? :( I want to bundle him up in blankets and feed him soup and brush his hair. So what if he's ancient, he's still somebody's baby. I'm amazed at the way Maglor called out to the darkness in a welcoming manner and put aside weapons in such a place. That took guts, to act with compassion and not out of fear. I'm impressed. Oh Maglor. I'm sure you're going to know that love again, not that you ever really lost it. LOL, Ulmo carting a ship around on his shoulder with a bunch of Elves trailing behind! Great image! Actually, how tall are the Valar? Sometimes your descriptions and references make me think they're practically giants but other times not. If anyone needs me I'll be back in my usual spot clinging to the side of the cliff. I'm going to put up a sign to mark my territory. Kevana's Hangout, No Quicksand Allowed. I have a feeling I will be spending a lot of time here in the future. *grin* Great chapter, can't wait till Monday, thanks for your hard work. (PS: I'm halfway through the EA series again for typing purposes, so making progress!) -Kevana
Author's reply
Oh he is indeed a poor baby, as you say, Kevana, and when we learn his story, I'm sure there won't be a dry eye in the audience, so to speak. Maglor is pretty cool here and we see why he was such a great leader among the First Age Elves and why even someone like Finrod respected him. As for the Valar (and Maiar), Fionwë reminded the Finrod (and us) that, as pure spirits, they can assume any shape or form or size that fits their purpose. Usually, even if not explicitly stated, they appear as somewhat taller (but not that much taller) than the tallest Elf (Alex mentions that Námo appeared to be taller even than Glorfindel, if you recall). Sometimes, though, I hint that they might appear even taller. For instance, when describing the thrones at the Ring of Doom, I state that they were fashioned without Elves in mind; the same with Valmar and Ilmarin, both built long before the advent of the Firstborn. And I thought the image toting a ship with the Elves in tow was rather funny, myself. Looking forward to what you come up with as far as personality typing is concerend. Thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter and I appreciate you letting me know.
6336 · 22 March 2013 · Chapter 14: What They Found
Interesting, very interesting! So, it's not one of the Houseless, just some poor ellon who got left behind. Just a thought, can the Houseless go to Mandos if they change their minds? Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda, My feeling is that once locked in 'will', the Houseless tend not to be moved outside it, so they would have no reason even to regret their choice and choose otherwise later on. That's only my theory; I have no idea what Tolkien thought of the matter.