No Greater Love Part One: The Reckoning by MJ
PSW · 4 November 2015 · Chapter 5: V: Home at Last
This was such an amazing story. Gandalf/Olorin has really become my very favorite Tolkien character, and I haven't seen many stories with him as the focus. I have thought of writing a few of my own, during his years in ME -- but that's for another time. :-) I'm so happy to have found this, there's so much thought and depth in it, I'm sure I will have to go back and read it again (and not so late at night). Thanks so much for writing!
Fiondil · 5 October 2013 · Chapter 5: V: Home at Last
Have FINALLY been able to read this wonderful tale and am looking forward to getting on to the sequel as soon as I can. I love the idea of Olórin being Manwë's younger brother. Wish I'd thought of that for my own stories. Anyway, I'm sorry to hear you've been having such a rough time in life of late and I can certainly relate, but I'm glad you're back. And now on to Part Two.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed this half of the story, given how much enjoyment your own tales have given me! If you ever want to borrow the notion of Manwë and Olórin as brothers, please feel free. Thank you for review, as well as your kind sentiments. It's good to be back, as sporadic as it may be.
Larner · 22 September 2013 · Chapter 5: V: Home at Last
Good to see the newly realized relationship growing already, and the pleasure it gives Frodo as well as the two brothers. Depression, anxiety, and illness I've known far too well in the last two decades, and I rejoice merely to see you back again. And I rejoice to learn that Ms. Kurtz has had an impact upon you as she has upon me as well. A wonderful writer, and a fascinating world she has presented us with as well.
Author's reply
Katherine did indeed have a strong impact on me, both as a writer and as a friend, and I feel deeply honored to be able to count her as such. Always wonderful to find another soul who has enjoyed her wonderfully detailed works! Thank you for your reviews as well as your kind wishes for my health. The improvement may be slow, but it is still improvement, and knowing that others are keeping me in their thoughts is one of the best medicines.
Larner · 21 September 2013 · Chapter 4: IV: Recognition
Ah! In my-verse the relationship between Olorin and Aulendil mirrored that of Manwe and Melkor, while in yours the joy of the discovery of the younger brother eclipses the grief of the loss of the elder one. Both wonderful possibilities! I rejoice with Manwe to see this relationship made plain before all of Aman, and I smile to know of Bilbo's glare that Olorin isn't released fast enough for his liking to join him and Frodo for breakfast! Bless the dear Hobbit!
Author's reply
To me, one of the great joys and fascinations of fan fiction is the diversity, the ways in which different readers find ways to interpret or explain things left unexplained or unexplored. The potential Sauron/Olórin sibling dynamic is one certainly viable path to take; Manwë and Olórin as brothers was one that I thought few people would explore, and since Tolkien himself had pointed out their similar natures, my Muse refused to let it go. I'm so glad you've enjoyed it!
Kevana · 20 September 2013 · Chapter 5: V: Home at Last
I've been sitting here trying to figure out how to review this lovely story, and I've finally come to one ultimate conclusion: It makes everything better. Everything, it takes it all, and makes it better, and I am left with a huge silly smile because I freakin' love it, man. I know we haven't 'met' before, but you're a superbly talented writer, I enjoy your take on – well, everything here! – and I'm off to go read the Part Two. Bravo! Sorry to hear about your many trials and tribulations of recent times, I sincerely hope things go much better for you and your family. Lots of happy thoughts to you, and best wishes! -Kevana
Author's reply
Greetings, Kevana -- and wow, thank you very much! I've never made everything better before (that I know of, anyway), and I'm delighted to know that I have for you. Thanks for your well wishes, too. Things are slowly improving for me and my husband, and I have every hope that the trend will continue. Messages such as this certainly help by brightening my day!
Larner · 20 September 2013 · Chapter 3: III: Remembering the Past
A terrible thing, to remember such agony. Traumatic amnesia does happen for a good reason.
Author's reply
Very, very true. My own experience with it was much briefer, but nonetheless appreciated.
Larner · 20 September 2013 · Chapter 2: II: Eruhantale
I too believe Frodo is right--the one way to slay the final fear is to face it even as did Gandalf with the Balrog. And I rejoice that both Glorfindel and Ecthelion are willing to do so as well. In this case what appears to be courage is knowing that the worst is nowhere as bad as they'd previously thought.
Larner · 19 September 2013 · Chapter 1: I: Before Dawn
A good beginning to this festival. Now I wish I'd read this before I started the other, of course--but sometimes when things have made our days complicated reading them in the order encountered cam work! Heh! Love the description of the windchime garden especially, I find.
Author's reply
Don't feel bad, you did what I've done with a number of book series -- read them inside out because I couldn't find everything in sequence. So long as you're enjoying it, I'm happy. Thanks,
curiouswombat · 19 September 2013 · Chapter 5: V: Home at Last
It is lovely to see you back - I am sorry to read of the reasons for your absence. And what a fascinating idea you have given us here - I really think this is a unique story-line - but immediately believable, especially when considered with your earlier writing.
Author's reply
Thank you very much! I'm glad to be back, and glad that you're enjoying the story (and have enjoyed the others I've written). I knew I was taking a chance when I decided to write this idea (would people hate it, think I'm crazy...?), so I'm happy to find it being accepted with such enthusiasm!
Fantasia · 18 September 2013 · Chapter 5: V: Home at Last
This is one of the most beautiful stories that I read in this site, and I've visited this site for years and years now. Just beautiful. Hopefully your life is much better now and with a brighter future to look upon. Wish you the best and I'll wait for the next story. Thank you
Author's reply
You're quite welcome, and thank you for your concern and your kind words of praise! Life isn't perfect, but it is getting better, a trend that I hope very much continues. I should start posting the next story within a day or two, and I hope you enjoy it, too.
shirebound · 17 September 2013 · Chapter 5: V: Home at Last
What a beautifully crafted story. I'm finding it very inspiring. You've been going through difficult times, and I truly hope that many of the clouds are lifting.
Author's reply
Thank you kindly for your praise and your concern. These last few years have indeed been dark and difficult, but those clouds are beginning to lift, thank heavens. Some days are still a struggle, but I'm hopeful that the good days will soon outnumber the bad.
shirebound · 17 September 2013 · Chapter 4: IV: Recognition
“It was wise to keep the knowledge hidden, for if this had been known from the beginning, Melkor surely would have attempted to corrupt or harm him, to the great sorrow of many. As the youngest of us, with no acknowledged relation to any and of a humble demeanor, Melkor would have deemed him to be of no consequence." How fascinating! I've greatly enjoyed the unfolding of this secret. And the idea of Varda looking forward to spending time with Frodo and Bilbo makes my heart happy.
Author's reply
Again, my thanks. I've seen depictions of Varda that paint her as cold and distant, but somehow, I couldn't imagine it. After all, the Ainur came into this world for the love of it, and Eru's Children, and these two are so easy to love!
shirebound · 17 September 2013 · Chapter 3: III: Remembering the Past
I expected no personal gain or reward for my work, but I thank You for the experience, Father, and the gift of understanding. I took on the onus out of love for Your Children, nothing more. I know what I have achieved. I have not always done the best thing, nor the right thing. I have made mistakes, and I have failed to do things I set out to do, but never did I willfully do wrong. I have done the best I was able, always, and that is all that You have ever asked of us. That's lovely. It's possible to be truly humble, yet totally aware of the worth of one's being, and one's achievements.
Author's reply
And would that such a balance was easier to achieve in our real mortal lives! Perhaps this is part of why the Ainur fascinate me so, since it's just such things I struggle with every day.
shirebound · 17 September 2013 · Chapter 2: II: Eruhantale
I marvel at how intricately and lovingly you've imagined the sights, sounds, and residents of Aman. And, being a great lover of hobbits, I appreciate the gentle, loving, humorous, yet respectful way Frodo and Bilbo are treated, the peaceful life they've found in the West, and the many folk who are pleased to call them friends. I'm slowly reading and enjoying your tale, and find myself captivated by new and creative ideas such as... a bier of white and silver and gold had been set between the remains of the Trees, upon which the mortal shell that had been Olórin's burden during his labors in Middle-earth's Third Age had been laid to rest after he had been permitted to release it and resume his natural life as a Maia. The body did not decay, and it had been placed there both to honor the Istar's achievement, and to remind those who had never tasted mortal life of the sacrifices that had been made to free all of Arda from the evils of Sauron.
Author's reply
Thank you very much! While I unabashedly admit that my favorite of Tolkien's characters has long been Gandalf in all his manifestations, I have always had a soft spot for Frodo and many of the other hobbits. More of them will be seen in Part Two, so worry not!