The Journey Home by Fiondil
6336 · 7 June 2013 · Chapter 36: The Journey Continues
Yay! On their way at last! He and Gloredhil did bind and bring forth children, and so did others. Now to make landfall and find out what happens next? Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Yep, they're on their way. We'll see what happens when they make landfall. We still have quite a few chapters to go before we finish this story. Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it.
someone · 7 June 2013 · Chapter 36: The Journey Continues
For a moment I was afraid that this was the last chapter, but status seems to be still in progress. That's good. *grin* It sounds hard for Maglor to have had pain in that hand for who knows how many millenia, but at least its removal acted like a confirmation that he has been forgiven. And now he has a wife, three children and friends; it's like he has suddenly become alive again for the first time since the end of the first age. And his son is giving future archaeologists a headache by practically littering the city with glowing jewels. If you are going to still continue this and tell of Valinor, I'd really like to know what Glóredhel's parents think of their new son-in law!
Author's reply
Hi someone. No, this story is far from over, I promise. There are still many more chapters to go, though admittedly we are reaching the end, but not just yet. You'll have to wait and see who meets whom, I'm afraid. Thanks for leaving a comment. I greatly appreciate it.
curiouswombat · 7 June 2013 · Chapter 36: The Journey Continues
Ah - just the right place for the shift to 'some time later...' and how good to see this younger generation of the Harthadrim confidently taking their places in the community they have become. I was really pleased to see that we are to have more yet, though, as I did worry that you might have finished with that last line - and not only will I miss this story when it does reach its conclusion, but I am fascinated to see who will greet them, and how they will be welcomed! I can see Maglor being confident to stand his ground as one of the Harthadrim now, in a way he might not have stood it had he returned sooner, should the welcome and attitude of the Amaneldi be less than it should be.
Author's reply
I'm glad you think so, curiouswombat. For me the only teally important 'events' in this story have been rescuing Maglor, having Maglor renounce his Oath and the Silmaril and reaching Valinor. So we've done 2 out of 3 and it's time to do the last bit. And most of the rest of the chapters will show how various groups greet these new arrivals and how the Harthadrim react to being in Valinor. Thanks for taking the time to review. It's always appreciated.
Ellie · 7 June 2013 · Chapter 36: The Journey Continues
I love the family that has been added unto Maglor and to his comrades. These folks are tough and have hung on through so much. I bet it was a joy to have so many children about over these last 500 years in Middle-earth before sailing. Maglor is an excellent dad and has much to be proud of. I think his family will be delighted once they see him again. What a cool touch that the fragrances of Valinor waft out to sea welcoming them home. I bet there are some awesome flowers in Valinor that will never be found in Middle-Earth.
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. I figured it was about time Maglor had a family again, and something more permanent than foster sons. They have had it tough but the persevered and now they are going home at last. And I suspect there are a lot of awesome flora and fauna in Valinor that never found their way to Middle-earth. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It's greatly appreciated.
shirebound · 7 June 2013 · Chapter 36: The Journey Continues
Then after a time that was timeless, it seemed to him that he smelled a marvelous fragrance as of land and flowers, a fragrance that he had long forgotten Oh, how thrilling! And they're bringing children with them! What a glorious chapter.
Author's reply
I'm glad you found this a glorious chapter, shirebound. I think it is, too. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Sunny · 7 June 2013 · Chapter 36: The Journey Continues
So they are finally ready to sail! And here we see one good result of rebuilding civilization when it's a group of immortals who do it - they don't have to reinvent the wheel all over again! A lot of the Harthadrim would haveknowledge and skills from a previous era, so that would cut down a lot on the trial-and-error method - but that method certainly was very much in evidence when they were trying to build ships! Especially as their very first attempt sank outright! :D So the ships aren't like the ones Cirdan built - but I'm sure both he and the Teleri will be very intereted - and it also wouldn't surprise me if the Harthadrim, in their ignorance, came up with some nifty new ways of doing things! And the Harthadrim have had their very own population explosion! If the Amaneldi in this story, like the ones in the elf academy stories, have stopped reproducing, I'm sure all the younglings will set the entire continent on its ear! And perhaps the Harthadrim and their hopeful attitudes will be able to give the Elves in Aman a sort of spiritual kick in the butt to get them to look to the future and start exploring and creating again! ;) I see that Maglor's High Princely attitudes have only been napping. They haven't even set sail yet, and here he is planning how to deal with any snubs and putdowns after their arrival in Aman! I believe I have mentioned before that I think that Elrond will welcome his "ada" Maglor with open arms. It will be interesting to see how he will get along with his younger "siblings". And Nerdanel will also be overjoyed to meet her wandering son again - and her grandchildren! I can hardly wait to see who is waiting on the pier when they reach Aman!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. We will see Elrond and others greeting Maglor and the Harthadrim and we will see just what kind of welcome the receive and how the Harthadrim and Maglor react. Of course, we won't see everyone whom readers think should be on the pier waiting, but I think you will like who does show up and why. The last 500 years have been very fruitful to Maglor and the Harathrim for more reasons than the obvious and they have much to be proud of in their many accomplishments. Anyway, thanks for commenting. I very much appreciate it.
Celeth · 7 June 2013 · Chapter 36: The Journey Continues
The sudden fast-forward timeshift rather surprised me, and I am suddenly reminded that this story is going to end soon :( But its nice to know that Maglor and Gloredhel are now married and even have children of their own. and Arthalion too. He's come a long way from the time they first captured him in Mithlond when he was spying on them. But best of all, how wonderful that they built ships and are now almost home. With Maglor's daughter as chief designer and captain, no less. That was beautiful. I wonder what kind of reception they will find in Dor Rodyn? looking forward to those last few chapters...
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. I decided that with Maglor renouncing his Oath and returning the Silmaril, the only really important thing left was their continuing on to Valinor, and this way the story is not dragged out. Having Maglor give a retrospective of the last 500 years I figured would fill in the gaps well enough and allow us to move on to the next important part of the story: their arrival in Valinor. And while the story will be ending soon, it will not be ending immediately. There are still many more chapters to go. And in the next chapter we'll start seeing how these Elves are welcomed by those of Valinor. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Freyalyn · 5 June 2013 · Chapter 35: Aftermath
Lovely story - I've really enjoyed it.
Author's reply
I'm glad you've enjoyed the story, Freyalyn, and I appreciate you telling me, but it's not over yet. There are still several more chapters to go, so please continue reading.
Kevana · 4 June 2013 · Chapter 35: Aftermath
Oh Maglor, bless your heart and your harp. And Gloredhel, get 'em, gal! That pair is going to make some waves together when they show up in Valinor. I love this chapter, everything is beautiful and nothing hurts. Not even his poor hand. I can only imagine... -Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. I'm glad you loved this chapter. It is a lovely chapter, isn't it? After all the angst that came before, there is great relief on everyone's part, a huge cosmic sigh. I imagine even the Valar were doing a lot of high-fives and happy dances at this point. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I quite appreciate it.
Lyana · 4 June 2013 · Chapter 35: Aftermath
Ahhhh... you always have to watch out for those shy, quiet ones. They tend to know what they want, have a spine of steel and be persistent to a fault. If Gloredhel has him in her sights, great lord or no, he doesn't have a chance. :-) It is lovely to see Maglor free; looking forward to seeing him grow into his freedom.
Author's reply
That's right, Lyana. We quiet ones are very dangerous when we wnat to be. LOL! And no, Maglor doesn't stand a snowball's chance in Angband against Glóredhel. We'll see how Maglor grows into his freedom with the next chapter. THanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
6336 · 4 June 2013 · Chapter 35: Aftermath
Yay! Maglor's back and he is singing again! He probably wasn't really with it when he woke the first time and wanted his harp, it is the only certain thing in his life. How happy he must be to be pain free at last, it is not until it is not there that you realize just how much of your energy it consumes. Good to see that he and Gloredhil have come to an understanding, let's hope it not a couple of yeni before they decided to do any thing about it, I am not in favor of long engagements. Well another 30 minutes before I can call and get my Jury Duty changed to the local court and not the down town one, a lot less hassle and free parking! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, you little realize how much energy you're consuming when dealing with pain, especially long-term pain to which you've adapted, until it's no longer there. The relief is enormous, as we see with Maglor. We'll see how he and Glóredhel get along and what kind of understanding they have in the next chapter. Good luck with the jury duty thing and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It's much appreciated. Hugs back.
Larner · 3 June 2013 · Chapter 35: Aftermath
I find myself rejoicing to see him doing the same! And he is opening himself to a full life once more.
Author's reply
I'm glad, Larner. There is much to rejoice in. And Maglor is indeed opening himself to a full life once more, for which we may all be thankful. Thanks for commenting. It's appreciated.
Laer · 3 June 2013 · Chapter 35: Aftermath
So his therapist is a harp and songs ;) I am glad Maglor and Glóredhel have sorted their feelings a bit. Now for them to decide exactly what those feeling mean to each other. LOL! I have a feeling there will be more coupling and a few elflings...maybe not here, but when they reach "home" siiiiggghhhhhh. Hopeless romantic here.
Author's reply
Hi laer. Yeah, I guess you can say that. LOL! As for what lies in the future between Maglor and Glóredhel, we will see in the next chapter. And there's nothing wrong with being a hopeless romantic. I'm one too and if there were more hopeless romantics around the world might be a nicer place. Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. It's very much appreciated.
curiouswombat · 3 June 2013 · Chapter 35: Aftermath
Ah - the healing is a sign that all can understand - and what a blessing for Maglor. How good, too, to see an understanding growing between him and Glóredhel; I hope neither comes to harm in their upcoming tasks.
Author's reply
Hi curiouswombat. Yes, a real blessing for Maglor. We'll see how things go with him and Glóredhel in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Fantasia · 3 June 2013 · Chapter 35: Aftermath
Ok, I'm done with the heartache, Welcome the Romance! He has every right to be happy and he has found the perfect girl! But knowing you, I'm so worried! So happy that his hand is healed and he is able to sing. I'm really happy for him! (in case that you haven't notice my euphoria) Like Maglor's comment about him be the natural leader, even if the others do not realize it. He is a Great Lord, with capital letters. He outranks anyone in Earth now, including Glorfindel, the twins and any other elves surviving around the planet. Now to see what adventures are coming in this short summer.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Maglor is indeed a natural leader and a great lord, even if the others don't realize it. He was brought up to be responsible for others and that will never change. We'll see in the next chapter how he and the others fare now that the Silmaril is no longer a problem. Thanks for taking the time to review. It's very much appreciated.
Sunny · 3 June 2013 · Chapter 35: Aftermath
Oookay, so Maglor manages to get himself sort of semi-awake and starts thrashing around for what he needs most. It's not water, nor does he need to relieve himself, and neither does he look for his friends -- not even Arthalion or Glóredhel! No, he is desperate to know if his harp made it through undamaged, and won't rest until he has his harp in his hands! And the image on Maglor falling asleep again cuddling his harp as if it were a teddy bear is rather amusing. :) Also I love the way you describe the moment when Maglor suddenly realizes that his hand isn't hurting any more! Glóredhel has definitely staked her claim on Maglor - I hope he is smart enough to give in to the inevitable gracefully, or at least not put up too much of a fight. But stubborn Noldo that he is, I'm sure he'll come up with all sorts of reasons why Glóredhel should have set her sights on someone else - anyone else! So I'd guess she is going to have her work out out for her! :p I hope they will be able to deal with the cat creatures without too much trouble!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Hey! What can I tell you? He's a harpist and harping is his livelyhood. Of course the first thing he's going to think about his his harp, especially all the trouble he went through to make it. *grin* I enjoyed describing Maglor's joy in discovering that his hand no longer pains him and the song he sings afterwards in praise of it. Yeah, Glóredhel has definitely staked her claim on Maglor and no one else can have him. *grin* We'll see how successful she is in snagging him and what success they have against the cat creatures in the next chapter. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.
Ellynn · 3 June 2013 · Chapter 34: Renouncing the Oath
I like the descriptions - it must have been an impressive sight. I wonder, if someone noticed that Earendil's star was brighter than usual, what did they think...
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the descriptions, Ellynn. They must have thought when Eärendil's star brightened, that maybe it would come to earth and take them to Valinor. Of course, it didn't happen that way. They'll have to find another way home, as we will eventually see. Thanks for commenting. It's very much appreciated.
shirebound · 3 June 2013 · Chapter 35: Aftermath
He glanced down at his right hand, suddenly aware of something missing. “It doesn’t hurt,” he whispered in awe and he held his hand up and opened it wide, wider than he had been able to for too long. Oh, how wonderful! I wasn't expecting that at all.
Author's reply
Neither was Maglor. *grin* Glad you enjoyed this, Shirebound. Thanks.
Celeth · 3 June 2013 · Chapter 35: Aftermath
That was a happy chapter, and rather cute, with those scenes between Maglor and Gloredhel. She certainly doesn't waste time beating around the bush, does she? :D Still, I'm so happy for both of them, especially for Maglor, that with all those centuries of pain, loneliness and exile, he finally finds healing, forgiveness and even love. I'm sure there's a long road before them all, but at least, things are now looking up.
Author's reply
A happy chapter, indeed, Celeth, and things are indeed looking up for them all, especially for Maglor and Glóredhel. We'll see how things progress between them in the next chapter. Tnanks for commenting. I really appreciate it.
Lyana · 2 June 2013 · Chapter 34: Renouncing the Oath
Wow. That was amazing - utterly wrenching and utterly beautiful. I hope he will soon find peace, joy and renewal in the aftermath of the pain of the catharsis. And what a blessing to be pursued by the hounds to that point of decision... And the hope in the midst of it - being used even before his full public repentance as the agent of hope - I think you've outdone yourself. :-) As I read Maglor's confession, I had this image of the Valar gathered at Manwe's mansion, all attentions focused on the scene being played out before them and Namo, a bit to the side, with tears streaming down his face. I can't see him being alone in that for long, but the cost of those who have to stand by and watch warnings unheeded and the pain that comes... It is a heavy burden. But the joy when full repentance comes? There is no greater joy than the lost sheep who returns of his own free will.
Author's reply
Beautifully said, Lyana. I loved the image of the Valar you depict and I have no doubt it happened very much like that, especially Námo weeping. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
Agape4Gondor · 1 June 2013 · Chapter 34: Renouncing the Oath
Bravo. Incredibly well written. Had everything I could want in it. Angst, tension, repentance, friendship.... Excellent. I am so glad he is free. Phew!!!
Author's reply
Thank you, Agape. I'm so glad you found this chapter to your liking. I appreciate you letting me know.
obsidianj · 1 June 2013 · Chapter 34: Renouncing the Oath
Wow! That was beautiful, emotional and freeing. I love the imagery in this chapter. The moon, the light, the concurrence of Earendil brightening together with the light of the Silmaril, and then the dark wave that touched no one, but swallowed the Silmaril on the ground. I'm sure nobody will who was there will ever forget it. I loved the formal way Maglor renounced the oath. Sounded very familiar ;-). After that song Maglor will have a chance at healing and now they can really work on getting home. They now know the way.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you loved the imagery in this chapter, obsidian. I tried to make it as evocative as possible. And I doubt any of them will ever forget this night. We will see in the next chapter what effect all this has on Maglor once he recovers from the ordeal. And then, we'll see about getting them home. Thanks for reviewing. It's very much appreciated.
Larner · 31 May 2013 · Chapter 34: Renouncing the Oath
And the jewel held by Earendil shone to be reunited with its sister! How perfect a return! Yes, remember this night for when they at last sail for--home!
Author's reply
A perfect summary of the chapter, Larner. Thanks.
Tari · 31 May 2013 · Chapter 33: Journey to the Sea
How wise Glóredhel is. Hopefully she has guided Maglor down the road he needs to follow. It won't be essy, but well worth it. The Silmaril remonds me of the One Ring, destroying all who value it.
Author's reply
yes, Glóredhel is very wise. And more than one person has pointed out the similarities between the effects of the Silmaril and the One Ring on people. Both are symbols of addicttion and obsession. Thanks for reviewing, Tari. I appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Sunny · 31 May 2013 · Chapter 34: Renouncing the Oath
Yesss! Maglor managed to free himself from the Oath - and I was right that music had to be essential in that! :D The Special Effects team was out in force, too. And those Special Effects made it clear that the Valar had accepted Maglor's renunciation of the Oath and the Silmaril. And Maglor got a nice reward too - he was the one who got the message of when and from where they would need to sail! The renunciation and the vision clarly have taken their toll on Maglor - but then this was a great hurdle for him. He is now on the path towards healing, and it will be interesting to see the effects.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, Maglor is finally free of the Oath and the Silmaril and music did play an important part. I thought the special effects were pretty cool, myself. *grin* We'll see in the next chapter how Maglor fares once he's recovered from his ordeal. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's very much appreciated.