The Journey Home by Fiondil
shirebound · 22 February 2013 · Chapter 6: The Journey North
They're so close now! I wonder what they'll find on the western shore of Middle-earth.
Author's reply
Hi Shirebound. We'll eventually see what they find on the western shore but they still have to get there and that may take longer than they anticipate. Glad you're still enjoying the story. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.
Laer · 22 February 2013 · Chapter 6: The Journey North
I so love finding these little gems in my email :) We had a snow storm last night that was suppose to just tie everyone up for days. It didn't. I am still working from home as I live an hour away from work and at 3 in the morning; I just didn't want to see if the news was wrong on what shape the roads were in. This story just reminds me what a wimp I am. siiiggghh. They do the "Blue Balls" thing here where everyone jumps into the lake during the month of February. Never been brave enough to do that. And here they are walking through water in sub zero weather...um nope. Not I. Give me my electric blanket, warm woolly socks and 5 layers of cloths any day. And might I add...buuuurrrrrrr! But they are not giving up hope, and they are bonding in many ways. :)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. I'm sure reading about these people braving the elements during an ice age makes everyone appreciative of electric heat and easy transportation. But, in spite of thing, they are still hopeful and forming many kinds of bonds, even Maglor. Thanks for leaving a review. I really appreciate it.
UTfrog · 22 February 2013 · Chapter 6: The Journey North
Your excellent description of a very long, cold journey make me grateful for modern transportation. Love the way the individuals are waking up and taking notice of each other again. Hope does that. Thank you.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Me, too. Writing about it was cold work as well. *grin* And hope can do much. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
Tari · 20 February 2013 · Chapter 4: The Road to Imladris
Ah, redemption. How sweet it is.
Author's reply
Indeed it is, Tari, indeed it is.
Sunny · 19 February 2013 · Chapter 5: The Baranduin
Actually being with a group of people all the time must be very, very hard for Maglor. For so long now, he has been completely alone, at most staying a few days with a group of Mortals before going back to his solitary life. And always the pain, grief and crippling guilt is with him. Jenny Dolfen is working on a lovely picture of Maglor these days which shows this very well! https://goldseven.wordpress.com/2013/02/17/the-harp-no-longer-sings/ Well, now he is with his own kind, and their mere presence must feel stifling. Good thing that his new friends are letting him have these little "breathers". I hope none of them decide to follow him and disturbs him while he goes through his litany - then we would certainly see a Fëanorian fit! So that almost-disaster when crossing the Mitheithel "woke" Maglor up? Good for him - and clearly for the rest of the Harthadrim, too! I wonder if he might not have found a bit of a zest for living the times he tried to kill himself, too. Not that he would admit it to himself if he did. Sneaking Maglor into a leadership position was a smart move on Denethor's side. When he has the responsibility to led the group, he will be far less likely to give up - not if giving up might lead to others maybe dying or getting injured, or failing their goal. And there are undoubtedly lots of challenges ahead.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Thanks for the link to Jenny's site. Yes, it's a lovely portrait. I think it will take Maglor some time to readjust to being around other Elves and feel comfortable with them. Denethor is indeed very wise to sneak him into a leadership position. Maglor might not care about himself, but he's too noble not to care for the welfare of those under him. And we'll see just what challenges lie ahead for them all. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.
Laer · 19 February 2013 · Chapter 5: The Baranduin
The Hobbits; yes I know Maglor has yet to mention them but I still am thinking about them ;) And Tom and Goldberry maybe they are all living in some place kind of warm, warm enough they have some quick growing vegies. Well, ok real quick growing vegies. Maglor as a hero? Yea :) I hope none of the elves get "burnt around the edges" with all this walking and back tracking. Grumpy critters are quick to be hurtful. :(
Author's reply
Hi Laer. I sure many are thinking about them and their fate. I suspect that some went south ahead of the ice. Perhaps Tom and Goldberry did as well. We can only hope. And of course Maglor is a hero, a tragic hero for the most part, but a hero nonetheless. And I'm sure the Elves are able to handle things and not get burnt around the edges as you say. Anyway, we'll see. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
curiouswombat · 18 February 2013 · Chapter 5: The Baranduin
I find myself considering that it would be good to think of Tom and Goldberry still surviving... somewhere.
Author's reply
I would like to think that they survived somewhere as well, curiouswombat, they and the Hobbits. The world would be a poorer place without them, I think.
shirebound · 18 February 2013 · Chapter 5: The Baranduin
What an arduous journey, especially since almost no landmarks remain. Oh gosh, what *did* happen to Tom and his lady? These are such intriguing things to think about. And being the hobbit lover that I am, I hope they find an ancient hobbit hole to shelter in. :)
Author's reply
Hi Shirebound. A very arduous journey indeed and one has to wonder what did happen to Tom and Goldberry as well as the Hobbits. I doubt any of the hobbit holes survived though, which is a pity. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I very much appreciate it.
Tari · 18 February 2013 · Chapter 5: The Baranduin
They are having quite an adventure although I'm sure they're not looking at it that way. I can't imagine traveling 8-10 miles and back again in one day. I'd consider myself lucky to travel two miles and back.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. I'm sure they don't see it as an adventure, at least not as something to be enjoyed, only to be endured with a particular goal in mind. Of course, these are Elves, so such distances are not a problem for them, nor are the hardships inherent in crossing wilderness. I have done hiking and long walks (13 miles along Hadrian's Wall, for instance), but that was many years ago when I was younger. I think I would find it hard to do something like that these days. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it very much.
Kevana · 18 February 2013 · Chapter 5: The Baranduin
Fiondil, thanks! Would it be okay with you if I started poking around with typing them just for fun? Now that I have thought of it, I'm really curious to try it. If you'd rather not, I can just keep my thoughts to myself. :) It brings up all kinds of questions about Eldar psychology in particular. The Mortals should be easy enough, but for multiple reasons the Elves are going to be challenging and the Ainur are just impossible - but I have a few ideas. I'll have to scribble this down in a journal so I don't keep clogging up your review section. Thanks again!
Author's reply
No problem. You're more than welcome to share your findings with me in a PM. I'd be interested to see what you come up with. *grin*
Ilya of Aewellond · 18 February 2013 · Chapter 5: The Baranduin
So the island is useless? Well, let's hope Denethor had better luck! I enjoyed the conversation between him and Maglor, very emotional. it hadn't occured to me that Maglor might find living with others again difficult- I suppose that's like a Reborn in a lot of ways....I'm glad he's opening up more now though. Looking forward to Friday's update.
Author's reply
There is no island, so I guess it is pretty useless and it's too dangerous for them to cross there. We'll see what they decide to do in the next chapter. I'm glad you enjoyed the conversation between Denethor and Maglor. It has to be hard for Maglor to suddenly find himself with other Elves after so long avoiding them; it can't be easy for him at all. Thanks for commenting, Ilya. I appreciate it.
Fantasia · 18 February 2013 · Chapter 5: The Baranduin
Very nice chapter, like it to see the interaction between them. What I like best, is that so far, none has confronted Maglor with his past. I like it, because so much time and suffering has passed that it seems that these elves know how to forgive. I always thought the elves are dwelling in the past and are slow to move on, suppose because their immortality, it is a concept that we can not really grasp. Let see how the ones in Valinor will react, although, they should have a lot of re-borns and returned exiles to balance the reception. Life hurts, for sure, but it is so good to have it.
Author's reply
I suspect that all these Elves have suffered and have done things for which they are not proud, so confronting Maglor about his past would be a case of the pot calling the kettle black. As for the Elves in Aman, that remains to be seen and we won't be seeing them anytime soon. *grin* Glad you enjoyed the chapter, Fantasia. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
6336 · 18 February 2013 · Chapter 4: The Road to Imladris
Given my druthers I think death by bear would not be one of them! I don't think Namo or the other Valar would have been to happy if he had been et! For Maglor to loose his harp just does not seem right, but he did keep the strings, so there is hope that he will get another, they could come in usful for other things though. I don't think he really wanted to die, I think he just so tired of living. So he and Denethor and the Harthadrim have met and he has decided to live, at least for the moment. On to Men Dir! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
I think you're right about Maglor, Lynda. He doesn't really want to die, he's just tired of living, but now he's got something to live for and we'll see how successful they are in reaching their ultimate goal of finding the Straight Road. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. Hugs.
Kevana · 18 February 2013 · Chapter 5: The Baranduin
Embarrassed to say I did not quite grasp the issue of the rivers until this chapter. Lots of water, no easy crossing points maintained because there's no one maintaining them, not even any trees around to make a raft. That is a conundrum indeed. But look at Maglor being the hero! Good for him. Seems he is indeed having some trouble adjusting. It's only to be expected, I guess, after so long on his own. Fiondil, that reminds me - are you familiar with MBTI/Jung's cognitive functions? Have you ever pondered your characters' personality types? I find myself wanting to type them just out of curiosity. A lot of people have fun debating fictional characters' types, though unfortunately I am not all that good at it yet. *grin* And I guess it's debatable whether a human typing system could actually properly describe nonhuman characters but it's been done for all manner of sapient critters nonetheless. Thanks for the update and I am starting to wish this review system let people reply to replies because I keep wanting to respond to your responses and talk to some of the other reviewers! (Hi, guys! *waves*) -Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. One look at a map of Eriador and one can see how full of rivers it is and they have to be crossed one way or another and of course there are no bridges, not anymore. I'm sort of familiar with the MBTI/Jung's cognitive functions but I can't say I've ever tried to psychoanalyze my characters. They keep me hopping as it is without having to type their personalities (and wouldn't I get the arguments from them about that if I did!). *grin* You can always leave a second review if you wish. Some people will do that when they wish to respond to something I or another reviewer has said or to clarify something they have said. Just log in and review as you normally would. Thanks for leaving a review. I really appreciate it.
Celeth · 18 February 2013 · Chapter 5: The Baranduin
Tea with the Belain indeed! (Chuckles). I just love your sense of humor :) I am glad that Maglor has "wakened" even to the point of agreeing to lead their group. He seemed so melancholy at the start, prepared to die and all. I wonder what they will due when they get to the sea. Build a ship? Not cross the Helcaraxe, surely! For Maglor it might be understandable (penance?) but as for the rest... Can't wait for Friday :D
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. Building a ship at this time may be problematic as there aren't any trees, but we'll see what they decide to do once they reach the sea. Of course, they have to get there first and it will not be easy, as you will see. Thanks fo rreviewing. It's very much appreciated.
Kitty · 17 February 2013 · Chapter 4: The Road to Imladris
Why do I get the feeling that the bear was another delay tactic by the Valar? Oh well, at least it was a more useful one than the blizzard – warm clothing would be rather welcome for his journey, and Maglor will need the meat. Though it's still strange how he struggles to get to Imladris just to die – and how he fights to not die before then! Finding his shelter, on the other hand, was obviously somewhat important for the other Elves, as it encouraged them to continue. The second half of the chapter was a lovely reunion with the old oneshot, so to speak, and made me happy. Now we'll find out how this continued! In any case, I still love this meeting and the way Denethor gave Maglor new hope. The news that Dor Rodyn isn't completely closed to him must have been quite the shock for Maglor. The same goes for the knowledge that the Valar even sent someone to find him and bring him to the West. Now I can't wait to find out how they get along and what adventures they are going to have on their way, and most of all, of Maglor's welcome in Aman.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. I once read that a person who, for instance, swims out to sea with the intention of drowning themselves, will swim back to shore if someone comes out and threatens to shoot them. Apparently suicides prefer to die by their own hands instead of by another's even though the end result is the same: they're dead. I suspect Maglor is like the swimmer. And now that we've reached the point where the short story ended we can see what adventures Maglor and the Harthadrim have as they seek the Straigth Road. I hope you enjoy the next part of the story as much as you've enjoyed this part. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Larner · 16 February 2013 · Chapter 4: The Road to Imladris
About time he gets a move on!
Author's reply
I guess so, Larner.
Agape4Gondor · 16 February 2013 · Chapter 4: The Road to Imladris
At Helm's Deep he killed a bear. Just like that. But what else would one expect from Maglor, son of Feanor? I don't think it would have been a pleasant death, being eaten alive by a bear. Good choice. One of few this Elf has taken over the yeni. I have hopes for the harp - as well as for the Elf. Glad he kept the strings. Just being picky at the moment. Wouldn't satchel (small bag - 14th c Fr from Latin) be more appropriate than haversack (oat bag - 18th c Fr from German)? http://www.etymonline.com/ Again the emotions that the Harthadrim and the Elf feel as they pass by each desecrated landmark are profound. And yes, the landmarks are desecrated, for did they not once hold proud and doughty people/men/dwarves/elves/hobbits? I'm glad you gave Denethor and his people a sliver of hope with the finding of Maglor's camp. And the remembrance of Oropher and past history was poignant indeed. As was Maglor's shame at memories of the Helcaraxe. Well done! This was beautifully written: Before we decided on our course we were a spiritless people, lost to ourselves, to our memories and our regrets. But look at us now. At the end, if we separate ourselves from others, will we too not lose hope? I'm truly surprised Maglor held out for so long before deciding he'd had enough and sought death. I loved this chapter. I had to look to see if it the story was marked: Complete, for my heart wanted more - as it always does with your tales. Bless you for sharing so much!
Author's reply
Hi Agape. I've used haversack in other stories, such as "Elf, Interrupted". Satchel may be etymologically older, but the connotation is indeed a small bag that you can sling over your shoulder, something similar to our modern-day messenger bag, so it doesn't hold much. Aragorn, for instance, might carry a satchel containing medicinals and that would be about it. A haversack is larger, like our modern-day backpack or duffle bag, so it holds a lot more, which you would expect if these people don't have a pack horse and have to carry all their supplies on their backs. I'm glad to see that you loved the chapter. This story is not over by any means. Indeed, you'll be reading about the adventures of Maglor and the Harthadrim as they search for the Straight Road well into June, so sit back and enjoy the ride. *grin* Thanks for revieiwng. I really appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor · 16 February 2013 · Chapter 3: Journeying
OHG - I loved the first line. Sounds so much like when I'm traveling, whether it be with friends or the kids. Shees! Patience, Damrod. It's going to be a long journey. ROTFL It almost hurts to see the landscape changed so. You do a wonderful job of describing what ought to be where, what might this be, and, good grief, could this be the great Anduin? I wanted to sob. It felt like - see how the might fall. Not only the landscape - but the peoples of Middle-earth. I wrote a scene at Cair Andros one time. It's good to 'see' the prow still there. One piece of hope to hold onto. As for the Elf -- I love how you portray the hidden hope that propels him onward. He doesn't realize it, but love of life still burns deep inside him, to not fade, nor give over to storms and perils, is to grasp onto life. Excellent chapter. I do so love the interplay between the Harthadrim. You rock!
Author's reply
Hi Agape. Well, there's always someone asking that kind of question in any trip. Why should Elves be any different. *grin* I'm glad you think I did a wonderful job of describing what the landscape might have been like after an ice age has destroyed things. And it does almost hurt to realize what has been lost. I think you're right about Maglor's hidden hope propelling him onward. I think that's the key to his continual survival, whether he realizes it or not. And I'm glad you like the interplay between the Harthadrim. They rather grow on you as you get to know them better. Thanks for commenting. It's very much appreciated.
curiouswombat · 16 February 2013 · Chapter 4: The Road to Imladris
Sad to think there is so little sign of Imladris - but not surprising, I guess. I am pleased to see them meet up - and how good to know that there is a little hope at last for The Exiled One.
Author's reply
Hi curioswombat. Yes, it is sad to think that there's nothing left of Imladris save a few piles of rocks. But the important thing, as you point out, is that Denethor and Maglor have met up at last and Maglor has regained some hope for himself. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Ellynn · 16 February 2013 · Chapter 4: The Road to Imladris
Interesting meeting and conversation. :D Btw, which season is it?
Author's reply
Hi Ellynn. By the time Denethor and his people find Maglor it's probably early June, having set out on their journey in mid-March. I've been very vague as to time here, because in a sense, it's almost meaningless, especially for Elves, and considering their environment where the ice still holds sway even in the midst of what we would consider summer.
bookworm · 15 February 2013 · Chapter 4: The Road to Imladris
Aw Maglor. I wonder if secretly he's been hoping all this time - "hope does not overcome, it endures" I read somewhere. And well. Of all of the Feanorians, he's the one who has, indeed, kept enduring.
Author's reply
You're absolutely right, bookworm and that's a great line, one that we can all take to heart. Maglor has truly endured and I suspect in the back of his mind he was hoping for this or something similar, because, really, if he really wanted to die, why go to all the bother of traveling hundreds of miles to do so? Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj · 15 February 2013 · Chapter 4: The Road to Imladris
I questioned Maglor's sanity in the last chapter already. Here it is even worse. I don't think he really wants to die. He had so many opportunities and never took them. Now that he has met Denethor and his gang he can give up the pretense of going somewhere to die deliberately. He still might die on the search for the Straight Road, but as Denethor said he will not be alone. I think the most important part for Maglor is the acceptance of him that Denethor and his group show him. They are not digging out the old tales. They seem to forgive him and welcome him despite everything he has done.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Maglor probably only thought he wanted to die, seeing no other options open to him, but all the while he was looking for those options, otherwise, as you say, he had all those opportunities along the way to die and never took them. Denethor and the Harthadrim have offered him an out and he's taking it and if he does die along the way it will not be by his own hand and that, too, is an important consideration. I suspect that many of those following Denethor wondered if the "Exiled One" wasn't Maglor, so they weren't too surprised when they learned his identity, so were accepting of him, knowing that the Valar wished it. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
obsidianj · 15 February 2013 · Chapter 3: Journeying
What a bleak landscape and then blizzards on top of all the ice and cold. I loved the last line: "He still had a long way to go to die." That made me chuckle. He really could have it easier if he just wanted to die. Does Maglor even know what he is seeking? I can't be just death. That litany of people he asks for forgiveness seems to get longer and longer. It is so depressing. How did he survive with that much guilt for so long and still keep his sanity... or most of it. I'm not sure I would call it sane to make a journey of several hundred miles on foot to die.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. I don't think Maglor is working with a full deck, if you catch my drift. He has to be slightly unbalanced by now and working solely on instinct. And you're right, he doesn't really know what he's seeking, he only knows he has to get to Imladris. After that, who knows? At any rate, I apreciate you sharing your thoughts. Thanks.
Laer · 15 February 2013 · Chapter 4: The Road to Imladris
I truly had tears in my eyes on this chapter. Maglor and Denethor have made a "pack" and I hope they will all make it to their families and loved ones. Poor Maglor needs to know that some will look at him just as Denethor and his fellow travelers do. Not all, but hey it was the Valor's choice. :)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. We wil see how things go for all of them as the story progresses. Now that they are all together, the rest of the tale will detail their efforts to find the Straight Road and what follows after. I'm glad this chapter moved you to tears. I means I did something right. *grin* Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it very much.