Fantasia
· 31 May 2013
· Chapter 34: Renouncing the Oath
Very emotional chapter, just made me cry. I'm glad that the cursed jewel is gone and the Oath and the agony and now Maglor can focus in his future and move on. If someone has paid for the Oath, it was him, his life was a living inferno.
You know, when Arthalion told him to seek forgiveness from the one that he had wronged the most, I thought about his Mother. She was left behind and lonely for maybe an eternity, because I believe that only Maglor will return to her.
Beautiful chapter, thank you very much.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. We'll hear more about Maglor's mother later in the story. For now, we will concentrate on Maglor himself and what effect the renouncing of the Oath will have on him and the others. I'm glad you found this chapter beautiful and I appreciate you letting me know. Thank you.
6336
· 31 May 2013
· Chapter 34: Renouncing the Oath
He's done it! The Oath is renounced and hopefully Maglor can now concentrate on living. He finally has a future that is not wholely tied to the past. I half expected you to have Eonwe there to record it!
I don't think it will be too hard for people to remember the stars and the moon of this night.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Yes he has, Lynda. And Eönwë probably was there, only the Elves didn't see him. And being Eldar, the People of the Stars, I'm sure none of them will have any problem remembering what the sky looked like on this night. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated. Hugs.
Lady Edlyn
· 31 May 2013
· Chapter 34: Renouncing the Oath
Meldonya,
A perfect and emotive act of contrition and catharsis, beautifully written and keeping in character with the Good Professor's Catholic roots. I'm in tears. Bravo!
Author's reply
Hi Edlyn. I figured people familiar with Catholicsm would recognize that Maglor's 'confession' is based somewhat on the 'Act of Contrition' prayer. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Lynn H
· 31 May 2013
· Chapter 34: Renouncing the Oath
Oh my! VERY impressive writing!
Author's reply
I'm glad you found the writing of this chapter impressive, Lynn H. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Kevana
· 31 May 2013
· Chapter 34: Renouncing the Oath
*sniffles* That. was. perfect. Anything else I could say would just ruin the moment.
Author's reply
And really, what more needs to be said, right? Thanks, Kevana.
shirebound
· 31 May 2013
· Chapter 34: Renouncing the Oath
The entire world went still at the sound of it as Maglor sang a song newborn from the very depths of his fëa. He sang in Quenya and it was the song of his life
What a stunning line, it brought me to tears. This chapter is a most powerful experience for all of them... and your readers.
Author's reply
I'm glad you thought so, Shirebound. It was a very powerful experience writing this chapter as well. Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated.
curiouswombat
· 31 May 2013
· Chapter 34: Renouncing the Oath
What a wonderfully powerful chapter. It seemed absolutely right. I was very taken with the idea that this night not only showed Maglor what needed to be done, to break with the past, but also what will need to be done to reach the future they all want.
I like the way that it is clear that Voronwë must be very old himself, to have an opinion on Caranthir; some of these elves have been through an awful lot. And that the tale of Fëanor and Caranthir reminded us, and the other Elves perhaps, of what a larger than life, dominant, figure he must have been. That no matter how strong the personalities of the sons (and how could they be otherwise with such a sire?) the father's was still the strongest, and he would expect them to follow him.
I admire very much the way that you have given Maglor Arthalion as a companion who has no previous ties to any of the others, no shared history with any of them, and his own opinions of Maglor formed whilst he had no historical knowledge to colour them. So someone who will always tend to see him as he is.
Now, having 'Squeed!' all over you, I must go back and read it for a third time...
Author's reply
Hi curiouswombat. I'm glad you liked this chapter and found it so powerful. Many of the Elves in this group are quite old and no doubt knew Maglor's brothers when they resided in Beleriand, not just Voronwë. The story of Caranthir does indeed remind us that, as powerful as Fëanor's sons were in their own right, he was even more so, so it's no wonder that they had no chance to refuse him.
And Maglor needs someone like Arthalion who has no historical knowledge of him so that he does see him as he is and is not afraid to call him on it when necessary. I think we all need an Arthalion in our lives to keep us honest. *grin* Thanks for commenting. I greatly appreciate it.
Laer
· 31 May 2013
· Chapter 34: Renouncing the Oath
Wow. Just wow. what a wonderful way for the cursed stone to be redeemed. Now we will see if Maglor is or not. I hope he is, and that he will soon see his family and better still 9to me)at least half of his adopted family. :)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. I'm glad you liked how this chapter went. We'll see what effect it has on Maglor in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Celeth
· 31 May 2013
· Chapter 34: Renouncing the Oath
Wow! i wish i'd been there to listen when Maglor finally poured out his repentance and his very soul in song! It must have been quite a performance.
That was a very beautiful scene you painted for the renouncing of his Oath. i've been wondering for sometime how you were going to do it, but it was nothing like I imagined. Its awesome and yet very fitting. And I believe the Belain were pleased. Now Maglor can really go on living and enjoy his time with his companions. Maybe even fall in love and marry (wink! wink!)
and that was a funny story about Caranthir. i can just imagine him snarling and wriggling like a furious kitten, and then SPLASH!!! hahaha i loved that side story
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. I am sure those who heard Maglor's song did not soon forget it. The side story about Caranthir was fun to write, if only to give a glimpse of the dynamics of Maglor's family and especially to point out that his father was a force to be reckoned with and perhaps it explains somewhat the power he had over his sons. At any rate, we'll see how Maglor fares now that the Oath has finally be renounced and the Silmaril is safely where it belongs. Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated.
Lyana
· 30 May 2013
· Chapter 33: Journey to the Sea
I've been tremendously remiss in rendering proper payment for stories enjoyed, but oh, how I've enjoyed this tale! Maglor is such a tragic character, and to see him having a chance of hope, redemption and restoration if only he'll allow it has been a treat. I really like how you've portrayed the hold of the Silmaril, and that there is no easy, quick answer - that makes it ring true, even as one aches for him and the thousands of years he's borne this burden. Thank you!
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. I'm glad to know that you are still reading and enjoying this tale and that you like the way I've handled the whole Silmaril thing. There are no easy answers and I refuse to pull a deus-ex-machine on readers. That's a cheat and readers deserve better. Which is also why I haven't magically transported them all to Aman by now. They're going to have to get there on their own steam, as we will see soon enough. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it very much.
Agape4Gondor
· 29 May 2013
· Chapter 33: Journey to the Sea
Unbind yourself. Yeah. Sure. Easier said than done. Even with the help of such friends. I feel so for Maglir. I do so hope he finds a solution for this terrible problem.
Author's reply
Indeed it is easier said than done, Agape, but if Maglor is going to have any chance of a future, that's what he has to do. We'll see what solution he comes up with in the next chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Ellynn
· 29 May 2013
· Chapter 33: Journey to the Sea
Wise girl, Gloredhel. I like her words. Maglor should really think about them and take her advices.
Author's reply
Hopefully, he will, Ellynn. We'll just have to see. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it.
Fantasia
· 28 May 2013
· Chapter 33: Journey to the Sea
Hey! they found sunken ships! nothing to be used, as the wood is rotten and wasted, but...Ok, don't know why I think that it is important.
I'm curious why Arthad was collecting gems, it seems that it has some significance, but you haven't explained yet.
It sounds so cold when they are considering the possibility of killing Maglor, even Arthalion! I know that it is for the well being of the community, but sounds so unfeeling.
Hopefully, Maglor will find a way to get rid of the Oath, it is tainting their souls. Cursed Jewel!
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. No, the wood, if any is left, will be useless but there might be metal and such that can still be salvaged. As to why Arthad was collecting gems, I really don't know unless he was influenced by the finding of the Silmaril or there was some other force affecting him. Just one of those little annoying mysteries of life that never get solved to anyone's satisfaction, I'm afraid. And yes, it does sound cold when they are considering the possibility that they may have to kill Maglor, but the Elves are realist and as much as it would sorrow them, they know that there might not be any other choice given the circumstances. And presenting it to Maglor as they have may act as a wake-up call to Maglor that he cannot let things continue as they have if he wants any kind of future with the others. Well, we'll see soon enough what he decides. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
someone
· 28 May 2013
· Chapter 33: Journey to the Sea
I feel so sorry fo Maglor and Ragnor - Maglor for going slowly insane and Ragnor for having to avoid the others because of the silmaril. Maglor needs to find a way to give up the jewel, if Ragnor is still able to give it to him... Does the silmaril affect everyone in sight or were Fëanor, his sons, Morgoth and Ungoliath the only ones addicted to it?
Cats are nice, but the saber-toothed ones seem to trouble everyone even when they aren't there. The elves need to move elsewhere, they can't kill every nasty cat in the neighbourhood, can they?
“No ship built by Círdan would dare do something so crass as to sink.” Which means that they can find one still floating somewhere in the sea! Unlikely, but why not.
I've been wondering for some chapters now about the venison. Are there deer in such a cold climate? (Or reindeer or whatever is the un-domesticated version of it called)
Author's reply
Hi someone. I'm so glad you mention Ragnor. He too is suffering in all this, though we don't see it, since this is from Maglor's POV. We will see what effect, if any, the Silmaril has on him in the next chapter.
The deer are probably a type of cold-weather deer, like reindeer or ancestors of the same. Deer are found in Alaska so it seems logical to assume they thrived in the tundras during the ice age.
Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Kevana
· 27 May 2013
· Chapter 33: Journey to the Sea
As others have previously said, this reminds me more and more of a struggle with addiction. Even Maglor doesn't know how to free himself, and now it's putting his friends in danger. I hope he'll find some inspiration as to how to move on before something hits the fan. You’re ratcheting up the tension to a fever pitch and I am biting my nails here!
It did finally occur to me that if the radioactive rock o'doom was in Ulmo's domain he could have easily have dealt with the thing, right? But he didn't. Then I started wondering if the Alien Overlords allowed it to be found so Maglor would finally face his past and be able to come home with his new family.
Seriously though Maglor, your family is gone, you are the only one holding yourself to the Oath any more. Please don't go losing your new family to the same Oath. :(
I live near the "graveyard of the Atlantic" and can just imagine being there on that land surrounded by wrecks. That is pure nightmare fuel!
Great chapter, chewing my nails to nubs till Friday. Wishing you and any vets in your life a very meaningful Memorial Day and a good week.
-Kevana
Author's reply
The Professor often referred to the One Ring as symbolizing addiction and I think the Silmarils are similar, particularly as regards the Fëanoreans and Maglor in particular, since, as you point out, he's the only one of the family left. So, certainly what Maglor is experiencing here is probably similar to what an addict, any addict, feels when the object of his or her addiction is in reach but they are trying to "kick the habit".
I think the Valar allowed the Silmari to be found as it was for just this purpose: Maglor needed to actually deny the Oath or be consumed by it and we will see in the next chapter what happens in that regard.
I can only imagine what such a graveyard of ships would look like if the ocean no longer concealed it, never having seen one in reality, so I'm glad the imagery works here.
Thanks for your good wishes, Kevana. I hope your holiday was equally meaningful and you alos have a good week. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's very much appreciated.
Kevana
· 27 May 2013
· Chapter 32: Moving On to Mithlond
Moving into deserted Mithlond must be incredibly creepy, though perhaps Elves take a different and more practical view of such things.
Aha, and at last we see a little improvement on the music front. I imagine it to be a bit like being in the company of a shell-shocked Mozart refusing to do more than play chopsticks.
Now if only they could get their hands on some surviving Ent-draught to get those trees growing, hehe.
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. I would imagine moving into a deserted Mithlond would be creepy even for the Elves, especially those who once lived there. And that's an apt description of Maglor with regards to his music. Very apt, indeed. I'm afraid they'll have to grow the trees the old-fashioned way, though, as there are no Ents, alas, and no Ent-draughts.
Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
shirebound
· 27 May 2013
· Chapter 0: A Conversation Among the Valar
I don't believe I'd read this Prologue before. What a straightforward, yet loving, conversation.
Author's reply
How odd not to read the Prologue before plunging into the story. Oh well... I'm glad you found the conversation between the Valar both straightforward yet loving, Shirebound. The Valar are realists, if nothing else, but they do have a romantic streak to them, as well. Thanks for commenting. It's appreciated.
Fadesintothewest
· 27 May 2013
· Chapter 19: Approaching Storm
I am happy to see that Thurin is making progress. Certainly he possesses knowledge that will be helpful. I am curious as to his backstory. I am happy that I have lots of chapters to catch up on. By the way I was waylaid by another of your stories. Elf interrupted, part 1!!
Author's reply
Yes, he is making great progress and he will prove very helpful to Maglor and the others. We never do learn much about him though (he's very tight-lipped about it even to me). And that's fine if you get waylaid by one of my other stories. The beauty of it all is that they are still here when you can get to them. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Larner
· 27 May 2013
· Chapter 33: Journey to the Sea
Frodo, after all, proved himself equal to his name by learning through his own experiences, allowing what he learned to put him amongst the Wise. Now it is Maglor's turn to do the same. Gloredhel is a worthy one to have by one's side, and Maglor could certainly do far worse than to seek her company! Heh!
Author's reply
I think you're right about that, Larner. Maglor is in the position now to do something similar to what Frodo did. And Glóredhel is indeed worthy to have by one's side. Maglor is one lucky ellon, let me tell you. Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it.
Sunny
· 27 May 2013
· Chapter 33: Journey to the Sea
Maglor is definitely not a happy camper here. Neither are the rest of the Elves, for that matter, but Maglor is clearly in a league by himself with regards to mental pain and misery. And no wonder. The Oath has been eating at him for millennia now, and having been presented with the Silmaril again can't have been good for his mental state. Seeing that again has awakened that dangerous Oath, and probably also brought back the memories of all the evil things it caused Maglor, his father and his brothers to do, and probably also the memories of the losses and the pain he has suffered in his life, too.
Yes, Maglor is rather clearly a basket case right now.
I hope someone was smart enough to pack Maglor's harp for him, since I have a sneaking suspicion that music may be the instrument (pun intended) that will enable him to break the metaphorical chain the Oath is.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. No, Maglor is not a happy camper at all, and frankly, no one else is, either, but they are accepting of the situation and only want to help him to resolve this issue once and for, which we will see happening in the next chapter. And Maglor may be a basket case, but he's not an idiot, and I promise he did bring the harp with him. Thanks for leaving a review. I greatly appreciate it.
6336
· 27 May 2013
· Chapter 33: Journey to the Sea
Gloredhel is a very smart young ellith, Maglor has been controlled by the Oath and the Silmaril for far too long, he is not living he is just existing. The Oath was sworn by the Valar and not to them, they never accepted it, maybe that is the way he has to go, maybe renouncing the Oath and relinquishing the Silmariltoy the Valar will work and he will find peace. Ha cannot go on this way.
Still reading, if not reviewing,
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. All that you say is true and we will see in the next chapter what Maglor decides must be done and how. I appreciate you letting me know that you are still reading and I appreciate any review you are able to leave. Hugs back.
shirebound
· 27 May 2013
· Chapter 33: Journey to the Sea
one can certainly go forward to a different kind of innocence, an innocence that accepts what has been and looks forward to what can be again.
What a truly wise thing to say. I'm so eager to find out how this will be resolved.
Goodness, that ship graveyard (and the receded Sea) is a chilling image. I wonder if even the ruins of Numenor might be visible now.
Author's reply
We will see how all this will be resolved shortly, Shirebound. And I think it's a good thing that we do not know if Númenor might be visible with the Sea receded. That is an even more chilling image than the graveyard of ships, I think. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I really appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 27 May 2013
· Chapter 33: Journey to the Sea
Gloredhel is a wise elf. But, as Maglor said it is easier said than done. How can you accept your past and move on? Especially as an elf with their long memories... Well, let's see what Maglor comes up with.
So, that is how Arthad and Arthalion could raid so many wrecks without traveling along the whole coast... I love the idea.
Author's reply
I'm glad you love the idea of a ship graveyard, obsidian. It certainly made my life easier. LOL! We'll see in the next chapter how Maglor resolves things (as he must). Thanks for commenting. I greatly appreciate it.
curiouswombat
· 27 May 2013
· Chapter 33: Journey to the Sea
Ah, Maglor - when something has been at the core of your life for so long it is hard to realise that, perhaps, you have the choice to make it otherwise.
I wonder if you will ever tell us why Arthad had such an urge to collect jewels. Perhaps it was the voice of the Silmaril calling to him, too - but less clearly. (Hmm - would that make him and Arthalion distant relatives of Maglor?)
Author's reply
I really don't know what Arthad's motives were, curiouswombat. Arthalion never learned and it's unlikely we will as well. Just one of those mysteries Life throws our way at times, I'm afraid. You may be right about the Silmaril calling to him, but who can honestly say. At any rate, we will see in the next chapter what Maglor ends up doing with the Silmaril. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog
· 27 May 2013
· Chapter 33: Journey to the Sea
Glorhedil is a wise woman. The ship graveyard is a treasure. I hope there are items to be found of more use. Good chapter with continuing descriptions of the changes in the land. Thanks
Author's reply
She is indeed, UTfrog, and I'm glad you still enjoy the descriptions of the land changes and the ship graveyard. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.