I rejoice to see you returned and enjoying some level of recovery. Have had my own bouts with depression, although mine have been situational. In my case writing helped me maintain sanity when others sought to literally drive me crazy or into serious troubles of their manufacturing.
I am curious to see where Manwe will lead Olorin and how Olorin's experiences can affect Manwe's enjoyment of their little joint vacation.
Author's reply
I'd say I'm curious to see those things, too, but at least for me, it's just a matter of getting them out of my head and typed out!
I've had speeds of situational depression that were also helped by writing (and I'm glad to hear you were able to find relief in the process), but this spell is due to an inherited neurological disorder, compounded by lovely little things like PTSD. I'm very glad that I started treatment, and that I've been able to write at all again — it's something I missed very much. It also comforts me to see that familiar "faces" are still here and still interested in reading. Bless you for taking the time to review.
Always happy to see an update to any of your wonderful stories. Thank you so much
Author's reply
You're so very welcome, and thanks for sparing a moment or two to comment, it's very much appreciated.
NotACat
· 17 April 2015
· Chapter 16: XVI: Curiouser and Curiouser
This is most intriguing. I hope your Muse will be kind enough to help you continue in the fullness of time!
Tallis Keeton
· 20 September 2014
· Chapter 16: XVI: Curiouser and Curiouser
Hello MJ :)
I've start read this story some months ago and only now I have the time to finish it.
I simply adore any stories with storyline - "after the war of the ring" and with any locations - Gondor, Shire, Mordor, Rivendell.
But most of all I adore one destination : Valinor 4th age :)
I must insist on continuation of this story. I very much would like to see the end of this fantastic ff :) It is fantastic becouse I lost some nights sleep reading it :) Do you plan to finish it? If so please do it in this incarnation :)
I'm sorry about my "raw language".
It seems I dont have many occasion for exercise with speaking or writing. But I can translate q. well.
I'm the big fan of Larner, Shirebound, Antane, Illyria, Dreamflower, Werecat, Tyalis, Pearl Took, Gayalondyel, Tulip Proudfoot, Citrine, Cuthalion, Elendiari, Soundofhorns, FBoBE, and many others :)
You my fav. authors are ones of the most priceless peoples whom I have the privilege to "meet" - of course mostly only by your stories with some exeption of the ones with whom I wrote some emails from time to time - their emails were very interesting, informative and inspiring to me as a translator and Tolkien fan.
For me being a reader of some ff authors it is mostly like to make a journey into someone's creative mind and meet his or her ideas, problems, hopes and fears filtrated by Tolkien's world. Or Tolkien's world filtrated by his or her live and ideas and problems etc...
For me as a Tolkien fan it is most fantastic to see other fans making creative things (stories, poems, music, theatre, film) with his world and also see that such authors would be so nice to help me to better understand their stories and Tolkien's world.
To any ff author who would read this I want to say one big sincere THANK YOU :)
Warm greetings from Silesia to all great authors :)
Your fan
Tallis
Larner
· 14 March 2014
· Chapter 16: XVI: Curiouser and Curiouser
To learn what is causing much of the distress felt by the dissidents is necessary, and I hope that Olorin will be free to explore that idea soon. But he, too, has needed this fuller realization of his kinship with Manwe.
As for Muses with vagaries--well, that happens frequently to all of us! Take care!
Fiondil
· 13 March 2014
· Chapter 16: XVI: Curiouser and Curiouser
Chapters are as long or as short as they need to be, MJ, or so I've discovered in my own writing. I can feel Olórin's frustration at the end, not being able to find a place for peace and quiet. I was feeling rather smug that I thought of Ilmarin before he did. *grin* It is indeed curiouser and curiouser and I can't wait to see what Olórin and Manwë together accomplish. It will be great to see them working together.
Larner
· 20 February 2014
· Chapter 15: XV: Close Encounters
Trust Olorin to make this connection, and to find a means to relieve his friend's concerns. Wise he is indeed!
I, too, have Frodo receiving a gift of a wind chime, and this one sounds so much more beautiful than mine! I love it!
Fiondil
· 20 February 2014
· Chapter 15: XV: Close Encounters
Another lovely chapter, MJ. The gifts given to Bilbo and Frodo were very appropriate to them both. The chimes sound exquisite. The conversation between Olórin and Turmanarmo was very poignant. It has to be so heartbreaking to love someone who has turned away from the Light and not be able to do anything to save them and wondering what their ultimate fate might be. I like Olórin's idea of Eru having a place apart for those Maiar who rebelled where perhaps they can reflect on what they have done and perhaps find their way back to the Light, but then, I'm a die-hard romantic. *grin*
Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
shirebound
· 20 February 2014
· Chapter 15: XV: Close Encounters
The gifts given to the hobbits are utterly wonderful. There's such love and gentleness in your story.
I had to laugh at the description of the various Valar showing up willy-nilly to importune the Hobbits with questions from their respective Maiar. But the discussion that followed when Aulë, Oromë and Tulkas showed up at the same time was very serious and I don't see how it can be resolved. I get the feeling that the Valar are in a "damned if they do, damned if they don't" kind of situation and that's not one anyone enjoys being in. It will be interesting to see how this works out. I am really enjoying the dynamics between Olórin and the Valar, MJ. Can't wait for the next chapter.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you've been enjoying this! Yes, the Valar have managed to paint themselves into a bit of a corner, but trust me, there's a solution to it. :) I never start a story without knowing how it's going to resolve itself, and this is no exception. Now, to get on with the writing...! Thanks for continuing to read and review (it keeps my capricious Muse from starving or sulking).
Larner
· 7 February 2014
· Chapter 13: XIII: Still Waiting
Yes, the Father has a way of making things turn out as they are intended in spite of us, using us as His hands.
Author's reply
He does indeed. Thank you for continuing to read and review! :)
Fiondil
· 3 February 2014
· Chapter 13: XIII: Still Waiting
Oh, I know all about protective coloring, MJ. When Námo shows up as Nate in my Elf Academy series, he's always wearing a black duster. Sunny thinks he's pretending to be Harry Dresden. I wouldn't be surprised if he were. LOL!
Anyway, a most enjoyable chapter with a most intersting discussion about customs and their origins, always a fascinating topic for an armchair anthropologists like myself.
Hope you're doing better. Stay warm.
Author's reply
Hmm, does that mean that Namo's hiding a sawed-off shotgun and other unexpected implements of death and destruction under that duster? *winkwinkLOL*
I'm doing okay and surviving the cold (though I wish it would give up and give spring a chance). Thanks for asking, and thank you as always for reading and reviewing. :)
shirebound
· 2 February 2014
· Chapter 13: XIII: Still Waiting
I enjoyed this very much: "Kindling the log kindled the joy in your own heart, and you shared it freely with everyone you met during Yuletide. That is magic of its own kind."
It's lovely that Frodo and Bilbo are learning so much more about their own culture -- as well as sharing ideas with their new friends. And to imagine that Sam's arrival is already being anticipated with joy by so many folk makes my heart happy.
Author's reply
I'm so glad it does! And I do daresay that others are learning things about Hobbit culture they should have learned literally ages ago. :) Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Fiondil
· 22 January 2014
· Chapter 12: XII: Waiting for Answers
Now even I've never dared dress Námo in anything but dark colors, so bravo to you MJ. LOL! Poor Námo running away from his own Maiar for a little peace and quiet. Too cute. So what questions are they asking? Enquiring minds want to know. *grin* Good chapter, MJ. Can't wait to see what happens next.
Larner
· 22 January 2014
· Chapter 12: XII: Waiting for Answers
Now, the arrival of Namo is indeed a surprise, and no mistake! Heh! And for such a mission? It should give both Bilbo and Frodo a good deal to think about as they seek to enlighten without overwhelming either themselves or the Maiar whose questions they seek to answer!
UTfrog
· 22 January 2014
· Chapter 12: XII: Waiting for Answers
This story keeps getting better and better. Thank you so very much. A sheepish Namo is delightful. I am looking forward to the questions he delivers. The Hobbits may have to establish a lecture series.
A great chapter, MU. It took my ENTIRE lunch hour to read it but it was worth it. It will be intesting to see how it works out and whether the Valar have a clue about washing dishes or sweeping floors. LOL!
Only found one oopsie: "But Mortal thought they be, the periannath are not Men...." It should be "though".
Eagerly waiting for the next chapter.
Boxing Day reversal of roles predates Christianity, even. Glad to see it finding its place in Aman among the Ainur. I hope the dissidents don't find a way to damage it before it becomes a custom, and that they realize that they have a true chance to honor one another as is the greatest form of praise and delight.
This chapter was absolutely adorable! I'd like to do something like that sometime, it sounds wonderful and a great way to show appreciation. And of course it's simply precious to see them all as one big if slightly dysfunctional family. I would love to hear some hobbit music myself, haha. ;)
This story is so heartwarming, really. I always smile every time I see you have updated. Great work and thanks for posting. Have a spectacular evening and lots of good wishes to you and yours!
Take care,
-Kevana
What a lovely chapter - I cannot easily pick out any favourite part, as so much of it made me smile. Thank you.
Fiondil
· 5 January 2014
· Chapter 10: X: The Court of the Ainur Begins
So great to wake up on a Sunday to see this story continue, MJ. Now enough of all the descriptions and let's get on with the court. LOL! I really shouldn't complain since most of my trial/court scenes generally take 3 or 4 chapters to describe. Anyway, looking forward to the next chapter with bated breath. And all kidding aside, your description of the court was quite vivid and easily 'seen'. A rare gift.
Author's reply
Thank you so much (she says, and would be blushing if her blusher hadn't broken years ago, lol -- and thank YOU for not spelling "bated" as "baited," it's a pet peeve of mine ;D). You are about to get your wish then, since I'm just finishing up the next chapter and should have it posted later today. I hope it's up to your expectations!
curiouswombat
· 4 January 2014
· Chapter 10: X: The Court of the Ainur Begins
What beautiful pictures you paint with your words. And I am so pleased that you mentioned Sulamith Wülfing - I used to have a much loved poster by her, a long time ago, but had forgotten her work entirely until you reminded me.
Author's reply
I'm glad to have provided a reminder, then, since her work is lovely and well worth remembering. Thanks for reading and leaving a review.