The Journey Home by Fiondil

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shirebound · 21 June 2013 · Chapter 40: The Road to Valmar

“He was very happy to find his hand restored to him when he was re-embodied. Kept running around Lórien shoving his hand into people’s faces and waving it at them. What a delightful detail. :) I'm very glad that Olórin is part of the story.

Author's reply

I couldn't resist putting that in about Maedhros. *grin* It is a very delightful detail. And Olórin just seems to pop up when you least expect him. Thanks for reviewing, Shirebound. I really appreciate it.

Freyalyn · 18 June 2013 · Chapter 39: Tirion-on-Túna

Love how you're carrying on with this - you've passed lots of points where the story could have finished, but you're doing an excellent job of how a group of elves isolated for so long would find trying to fit into such an ancient and long standing society.

Author's reply

Hi Freyalyn. Well, the whole point of this story was to see Maglor and the others in Valinor and meeting with the Valar, so until that happens, the story will continue. It is almost over with though. Just a few more chapters to go. In the meantime, I'm glad you are enjoying it and I'm glad you like how I've portrayed the Harthadrim trying to cope with being in Valinor after so long in isolation from elven society. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.

Kevana · 17 June 2013 · Chapter 39: Tirion-on-Túna

*does interpretive dance to express sheer wordless joy at this chapter* (*...belatedly remembers she's not a good dancer*) I will never never never tire of Arafinwë or Galadriel or Finrod. It is always such a thrill whenever you write any of them. Maglor must not even know how to feel at this point, going back to his old rooms with his new family. The scene of him realizing he's finally home was so touching. Yet there's still a sense of people holding their breath...or maybe that's just me. *grin* I love the Fido suggestion! Would you believe the longest snake in captivity was a giant python named Fluffy? I ended up calling him Iroh, aka the Dragon of the West, from Avatar: The Last Airbender. Iroh was a wise, kind and funny General who learned how to control fire from some very nice dragons, so I think it fits. Have a wonderful week! It's finally summer just as they have come out of the ice - what a great parallel, even if an unintended one. -Kevana

Author's reply

Hi Kevana. I'm not a good dancer either, so that's okay, go ahead and dance. I'm glad you like the way I write Arafinwë, Finrod and Galadriel and are always happy to see them in my stories. You're right about Maglor having no idea how to feel right now and I think you're not the only one holding her breath. And Irho is a good name. I'm sure he'll live up to it. *grin* Have a wonderful week yourself. And the parallel you speak of was unintended but certainly serendipitous. Thanks for reviewing. It's very much appreciated.

Cairistiona · 17 June 2013 · Chapter 39: Tirion-on-Túna

So many good moments in this, but I think my favorite was when Arthalion and Denethor rode forward to flank Maglor, to protect him from any possible unfriendliness from those lining the streets. Such caring companions! And Maglor's moment of breakdown--I'll admit, I'm an absolute sucker for those heavy, emotional moments. Olwë has just been amazingly compassionate. I'm enjoy him immensely. Looking forward to whatever reunions you offer us!

Author's reply

Hi Cairistiona. There are many good moments in this, but I have to agree with you that Arthalion and Denethor flanking Maglor is perhaps the best, though I'm also fond of the interchange between Finrod and Galadriel, so sibling-ish, don't you agree? LOL! Anyway, Olwë is a favorite of mine as well, and has been from the very first. Thanks for leaving a comment. I really appreciate it.

Larner · 17 June 2013 · Chapter 39: Tirion-on-Túna

I rejoice that they are home, and that Arafinwe admits he needed tutelage from his son on how to give over anger, frustration, and old grudges. I hope that Estel learns to love his newly met extended family.

Author's reply

I'm sure, given time, Estel will come around. And Arafinwë has shown wisdom in both listening to Finrod and admitting he needed help from his son to find forgiveness. Not many could do that. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I greatly appreciate it.

curiouswombat · 17 June 2013 · Chapter 39: Tirion-on-Túna

I am so enjoying this new journey of the Harthadrim. It is good to see Maglor being welcomed by his kin - but I do wonder whether he will take to palace life long term. And wonder, even more, if his children would want that! I can see Estel's wish to become their own people having a certain appeal for the older members of the Harthadrim as well. I am looking forward to as much of the story of the reunions as you want to tell us - as well as the meeting with the Valar, of course.

Author's reply

Hi curiouswombat. I'm so glad you are enjoying these final chapters sa the Harthadrim make their way across Aman to meet with the Valar. There are still a few more chapters to go. Thanks for letting me know. It's much appreciated.

6336 · 17 June 2013 · Chapter 39: Tirion-on-Túna

I have the feeling that Maglor and company are going to need a few weeks in Lorien after this is all over, just so they can absorb all that has been happening to them. Too much too fast! Loved Maglor's traveling with children comments, the more things change the more they stay the same! So far things are going well with no overt hostility towards Maglor, let's hope it stays that way, I don't think the Valar will be to happy if any thing happens to Maglor now that they have him within reach, so to speak! Not sure why Galadrial is so cold, after all he gave her the excuse she needed to leave Aman and found her own realm, even if she co-ruled with Celeborn, I think every body knows who wore the leggings in that couple, though Celeborn could always rein her in when necessary! Loved the homage to your Tapestry story or was it one of your Loom ones with regard to Gilgalad and illuminations, I expect he would have been quite happy to have just kept on doing that instead of taking up rule again! I wonder if Russendol is ready to wear the clothes that Olwe has provided them or if he still wants to stick to his comfy leathers for the welcoming feast? We are going to have a few chubby elves if they keep on feeding them this way! Huggs, Lynda

Author's reply

You may be right about that, Lynda. They all need a place to decompress and get used to things, especially the youngsters. As for Galadriel, she remembers the sacking of Doriath where she and Celeborn lived for so long, but I think eventually she and Celeborn will reconcile with Maglor and forgive him for his part in the matter. And thanks for remembering the reference about Gil-galad. It was one of my Tapestery stories. I suspect that he continued doing illuminatinos as a hobby and to relax from the pressures of governing. We'll find out in the next chapter what everyone ends up wearing. THanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it. Hugs back.

Fantasia · 17 June 2013 · Chapter 39: Tirion-on-Túna

This is great, but it is too SLOW!!!!! I can't wait to see Elrond and Maglor's Mother. And there is a lot of people that loved Maglor, his old warriors for example. I'm sure that they will be euphoric with him. As usual, I never warm to Galadriel, I like her, but won't want her as my boss. If I can have a wish list, I wish to see Fingon, for a long time, one of my favorites heroes of ME.

Author's reply

Sorry about that, Fantasia, but they're traveling as quickly as they can. *grin* As to who we will see along the way, that remains to be seen. Don't be too disappointed if not everyone shows up to be reunited with Maglor or anyone else, else this story would just take too long. I can't exactly warm up to Galadriel either but she is fun to write. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

Sunny · 17 June 2013 · Chapter 39: Tirion-on-Túna

I wonder just how successful Maglor is going to be at getting people to drop his title. He was born with it, after all... ;) I also wonder if _Prince_ Estel, _Prince_ Russandol and _Princess_ Míriel are going to be ready to start a new Rebellion when they find out that they are going to have to start behaving in a proper Princely (and Princessly, don't forget that!) fashion? Míriel will probably run away to sea, but it's anyone's guess what the boys are likely to do. The practical Glóredhel will probably tolerate that nonsense, while at the same time plan to leave Court as soon as she can, and return as rarely as she can get away with! (Unless she gets seduced by the pretty dresses and bling, but I can't quite see that happening either.) I suspect the meeting between Arthad and Arthalion is going to be quite emotional. Hell, we're likely to be in for quite a number of emotional meetings. One of these meetings we see here, when Maglor sees the city of his birth again. I'd guess Arafinwë is treating the Harthadrim a bit like a group of new Reborn; shielding them from crowds and the like. I'd guess his wide experience with them are coming in very useful about now. Perhaps Arafinsë has cornered a few Maiar and interrogated them about the conditions in which the Harthadrim have lived, in order to prepare for their arrival - it wouldn't surprise me! And Finrod is being Finrod, I see. I'd guess that if the youngsters are getting fractious, he'll introduce them to the trees in the Palace gardens and introduce them to the joys of tree-swinging! :D

Author's reply

I suspect you're right about putting up with titles and such, Sunny. Maglor may protest, but, as you say, he's been born to the title and now that he is back home it won't be easy for him to put it aside as he did in Middle-earth when such titles were essentially meaningless. And I doubt Glóredhel is the type to be seduced by pretty dresses or bling. She's more likely be seduced by hammers and tongs. *grin* There should be lots of emotional reunions before this story ends. And I think you're right about Arafinwë. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he did just that, asking Maiar or even Valar for information about the Harthadrim and what they had endured. It sounds like something he would do. And Finrod is always being Finrod. He can't help being anything else. *grin* Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It's greatly appreciated.

UTfrog · 17 June 2013 · Chapter 39: Tirion-on-Túna

My heart was beating faster as Tirion camr into view. The travelers are holding up well in what is a very stressful time. Love Finrod, as always. Thank you.

Author's reply

What's not to love with Finrod? LOL! Except for Maglor breaking down briefly at the sight of the Mindon, they are holding up rather well. We'll see how much longer they continue holding up. Thanks for reviewing, UTfrog. I appreciate you taking the time to do so.

Laer · 17 June 2013 · Chapter 39: Tirion-on-Túna

Finrod is such a good elf and to help his Atar to learn to forgive...siiiiggghhh Love this and the fact that it is staying true not only to Tolkien but to the characters that you have created so wonderfully. (Glóredhel, Denethor, Arthalion and the children) They all seem so real to me. Galadriel might need a little more time, but than elves have lots of that don't they. Can't wait until he sees Elrond and meets what family they have there. (Not sure if the twins will be there or not) He can give an update on Arwen's children for him. :) But then Galadriel might require the same information from him. Well, going back to reading it again, just to make sure I did't miss anything ;)

Author's reply

Hi Laer. Yes, Finrod is a good Elf and he helpe Arafinwë and many others to learn to forgive. I'm glad you think I've stayed true to Tolkien but also to the characters I've created. That's high praise indeed! We'll see how things go for them as they continue on their way to Valmar. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.

shirebound · 17 June 2013 · Chapter 39: Tirion-on-Túna

Oh my, there are *so* many stories to tell. How wise to introduce them to places -- and people -- a little at a time.

Author's reply

Less traumatic that way for them all, Shirebound. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

Fadesintothewest · 16 June 2013 · Chapter 38: Alqualondë

Ahhh warm water! Now that is a luxury I love! Much more culture shock awaits the young ones, though not as severe for the others as well. And here a new journey home begins. I half expected Maglor to faint during the ceremony. Thankfully he had 500 years of true happiness though I suspect that is a drop in the bucket of his emotional ocean. He's lucky to have Glóredhel at his side, his rock. Oh I'm not sure if you are going to explore this in this story but my mind keeps thinking about the reunions to come. Who exactly has been released that is eager to greet him. How will they react to happy Maglor. As always I look forward to the next chapter!!

Author's reply

Hi Fades. Yes, lots of culture shock for them all, even the older ones who have to re-remember what life was like before the Ice. We will learn something of who has been released and wanting to greet Maglor and the others and we will see actual reunions, but I will refrain from describing them here so as not to spoil the surprise. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I really appreciate it.

obsidianj · 15 June 2013 · Chapter 38: Alqualondë

Talk about culture shock. Especially for the younger elves that know only Mithlond. I can understand that it is too much. Nothing is "normal". The new "normal" will take a while to be established. I loved the public apology of Maglor. It is hard, but necessary. Now they can move on.

Author's reply

You're right about that, obsidianj. The new "normal" will take a while to be established. I'm glad you liked the public apology. It was indeed hard but necessary so that they can all move on. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.

obsidianj · 15 June 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival

The Valar must be eager to get Maglor back into Elven society when they shortened the way and sent Nyereser to guide the ships. But Alqualonde is a hard one for Maglor. Coming back to the scene of crime with all the guilt he is carrying around is hard. The less than enthusiastic greetings by the locals was to be expected, although I wonder what they really wanted. Just staring at Maglor as some kind of freak, or did they really wanted talk to him and just got derailed by the enormity of it all. That Olwe greets them so friendly will go a long way towards reconciliation.

Author's reply

Very eager, obsidianj. And you're right that Alqualondë was hard on Maglor. The people who met him on the dock I think were, as you say, a bit overwhelmed by suddenly meeting the great Lord Maglor, last seen in those parts doing terrible things to their kin. Olwë, on the other hand, is one cool ellon. I really like his style. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.

Cairistiona · 15 June 2013 · Chapter 38: Alqualondë

It must feel a little like being plunged into a Wonderland for the Harthadrim, suddenly being confronted with vast amounts of good food, comfortable bedding, and, perhaps best of all, running hot water! As a fan of all modcons, I have to say that water on tap has to be tops on the list of wonders. :) Poor Russandol, though... the changes were all a little too much for him. Thank goodness he has wise parents and a wise and compassionate king. Really good to see that Maglor now has the ceremonial forgiveness behind him, though I expect tensions between him and individuals who are no doubt not as quick to forgive will be slower to work out. So... one journey ends, and now the next begins. Looking forward to seeing how they settle into their new lives.

Author's reply

That sounds just about right, Cairistiona. They've definitely have fallen down the rabbit hole. LOL! Russandol is just young enough, more so than the other children, that he's not able to hold in his emotions as well as the others, hence the breakdown, but luckily he has understanding parents and Olwë is very wise in his handling the situation. It has to be awkward even for the older Harthadrim who, like Maglor, would remember earlier, more civilized times and how things were then. We'll see what their reception in Tirion is like in the next chapter as they continue on their way to their appointment in Valmar and the Valar. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It's very much appreciated.

Celeth · 15 June 2013 · Chapter 38: Alqualondë

(sigh of relief) I am glad Maglor finally got the chance to publicly apologize to the Teleri and receive their forgiveness. I am a bit surprised that rotten tomatoes (if they have them in that place) didn't come flying at him while he was onstage, but I guess they respect their king too much. Besides, they have had ages to come to terms with what happened and to make peace with it. Thanks for the new chapter. I'm eagerly looking forward to more of their adventures as they adjust to their new home. The incidents about the faucet and the clothes suddenly remind me that they have had to do with so little for such a long time and indeed, they will need to adjust in so many ways. And still looking forward to their reunion with their loved ones, most especially Arthalion's with Arthad and Maglor with Elrond and his family. I almost wish the story was just beginning haha.

Author's reply

Hi Celeth. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. I had fun showing how "modern conveniences" might flummox the youngsters who had no experience with them. *grin* And I can understand how you feel about wishing the story was beginning instead of ending. I'm sure others feel the same way, but, of course, that is the way of things. At any rate, thanks for taking the time to review. I very much appreciate it.

Larner · 14 June 2013 · Chapter 38: Alqualondë

The poor children--how overwhelming all this must seem! I certainly don't blame Russandol his confusion and unexpected tears! And the ritual of apology was definitely proper. Now--to see the further journey!

Author's reply

I don't blame Russandol either. In fact, I'm surprised there weren't more tears from the other youngsters, but Russandol is the youngest of them so it's natural that he would break down first. I'm glad you found the ritual of apology proper. Next stop: Tirion-on-Túna. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. It's much appreciated.

Sunny · 14 June 2013 · Chapter 38: Alqualondë

It looks as if there is going to be a certain amount of culture shock - especially with the youngsters!I see that Olwe is putting what he has learned about dealing with children and reborn to good use when comforting Russandol. But if the young ellonn can only find someone his own age - or level of maturity - he'll be able to adjust well enough while getting into mischief with his new friend. ;) It looks as if Míriel will be able to slide into the company of the Telerin shipbuilders quite easily. Give them half a chance, and they'll natter about ship construction until everybody around them are ready to scream with boredom

Author's reply

Hi Sunny. Yeah, there's going to be quite a bit of culture shcok for them all. We'll be seeing later on what provisions are made for Maglor's children specifically and the other youngsters generally so that they can find their way in Amanian society. Thanks for commening. I appreciate it.

Kevana · 14 June 2013 · Chapter 38: Alqualondë

Bless their hearts, the kids particularly must be so terribly confused by all of this. At least they're surrounded by people, especially all the Reborn, who I'm sure only wish them well and can help. Talk about culture shock, and they haven't even gotten to the point of reuniting with their relatives yet. But I'm sure they're in the right place and it's good to see there are those who are appreciative of what they've been through. No wonder the crowd at the dock didn't quite know what to say! How do you even express that? "Oh hi, we just wanted to see the dude that may have killed some of us. Er, welcome home?" Haha. Somehow I doubt this is the last shock Maglor's going to get before it's all said and done. I'm so glad he has Gloredhel by his side, and their children to look after too, to keep him grounded, so he doesn't have to face all of this alone. I love, love, love the Fourth Age and beyond details you write of what's happening with the goings-on and developments in Aman. It's such a fascinating perspective and one not many writers address in such creative yet logical fashion. I like that you take risks by introducing OCs and carrying on what's in canon with your own interpretations and ideas. It all fits together so nicely. Yes, you're quite the weaver indeed! Happily awaiting Monday, and is that a new story I see? it is! whoo-hoo! *grin* Oh I'm super excited for this one, from what I remember you saying! *grin* And because I just have to show him off, I'm the proud food procurer/cleaner/bather/maidservant to a new baby dragon. He doesn't have a name yet. I considered Glaurung but nothing with a face this cute deserves that kind of name. I also seriously considered Tulkas because he's going to be a bright golden yellow as an adult, and big too. I toyed with the name Dellingr, but I'm not sure yet. Anyway! Have a great weekend! Thanks for the update! -Kevana

Author's reply

Hi Kevana. It's a confusing time for them all, especially the youngsters. At least Maglor and the older Harthadrim have previous experience to fall back on. I'm glad you love the details of Amanian life beyond the Fourth Age. And I need my OCs because there aren't enough CCs to fill all the necessary roles in my stories. Sometimes weaving it all together into a coherent whole that is true to Tolkien's vision isn't easy but I find it very satisfying when I make it work. As for your baby dragon (cute little bugger, btw), how about being totally different and calling him Fido? Now that should generate quite a few comments, shouldn't it? *grin* Tfor taking the time to leave a comment. I really appreciate it. And have a great weekend yourself!

Fantasia · 14 June 2013 · Chapter 38: Alqualondë

Well, it went very well. Now, the real journey begins.

Author's reply

Yes, it went very well, all things considered, Fantasia, and now the real journey begins. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.

6336 · 14 June 2013 · Chapter 38: Alqualondë

When you think about it, the Harthdrim are coming from a very primitive society in some ways, where many of the conveniences of modern society are unknown, running water, flush toilets and eating implements are a thing of wonder, so are woven fabrics and much more variety in the diet. It will take a while for some, especially the younger ones to adjust. I hope Olwe has a good supply of ginger tea on hand, his healers may need it for upset tummies! Although most of the Linderan have forgiven Maglor he had to be seen to have apologized for what he and his brothers did. Onward to Valmar! Waiting to see what the Harthdrim think of horses! Huggs, Lynda

Author's reply

Hi Lynda. That's certainly true of the youngesters. All they've known is Mithlond and that was in ruins. The older Elves would at least remember what civilization was like so they probably won't need to make as great an adjustment as the children, but it will still take getting used to, regardless. Tirion is the next stop before they continue to Valmar. We'll see how Arafinwë and others of the Noldorin royal family treat Maglor. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated. Hugs back.

shirebound · 14 June 2013 · Chapter 38: Alqualondë

someone in the crowd began spontaneously to sing That's a lovely completion to this event.

Author's reply

I'm glad you thought so, Shirebound. I thought it was appropriate under the circumstance as well. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.

Laer · 14 June 2013 · Chapter 38: Alqualondë

Well darn, inhaled this chapter three times and still want to read it a 4th time. I need to savor these bits of Maglor's life. Poor Russandol, home sick for something that is normal. Loved that Míriel was given her dues as a ship builder. She did great no matter what any of the more refined elves will say :) Hiding away as Estel suggested would not be a good idea. They need the others for no other reason than to help them all grow mentally and emotionally. Not to mention to trade with for fruit. :)

Author's reply

3 times! Wow! I'm glad you liked hte various parts of the chapter, Laer. It stands to reason that some of the younger Elves who've known nothing but living in the ruins of Mithlond would feel overwhelmed and longing to return to someplace familiar, but you're right that hiding away, as Estel wants to, isn't the answer, either. It'll take time for them all to adjust to their new environment, but they have all the rest of the ages of Arda to do so. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

CaitlinRennes · 14 June 2013 · Chapter 38: Alqualondë

Well worth the wait, I had read the chapter twice before the alert arrived. Roll on Monday! And all of your future updates!

Author's reply

Hello CaitlinRennes. I'm glad you thought so. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.