Larner
· 4 January 2014
· Chapter 10: X: The Court of the Ainur Begins
There is no question that Rackham's illustrations are well worth deep examination! I have probably seen some by the illustrator you named, but I couldn't say exactly when or in which books.
All sounds most fair, and I so love the description of Manwe's own appearance! So gorgeous! And the robes prepared for Frodo and Bilbo sound perfect for them!
Author's reply
I first saw Wulfing's illustrations on postcards and as an overall print on a t-shirt back when I was in college in the early '70s, so I imagine they have popped up in many places since. They are quite lovely, and were a wonderful inspiration for this part of the story. Thanks ever so much for taking a moment to review!
Larner
· 23 December 2013
· Chapter 9: IX: Before the Dawn
A lovely preparation for what is to come.
(And considering how difficult life has proved for me lately and how long it has taken to update "Stirring Rings," how can I complain about how long it's taking others to update? I am so tired of complications to my life!
Author's reply
Hear, hear -- and I hope your own complications become less so, very soon. I hope your holidays have been happy so far, and wish you smoother sailing in the coming new year!
Fiondil
· 21 December 2013
· Chapter 9: IX: Before the Dawn
Good to see you continuing this fascinating tale, MJ. Can't wait to see the court and how the Valar handle the malcontents. It should be very, very interesting. This was a lovely interlude between Frodo and Olörin. I wish I could wake to the sound of Ainur (or even Elves) singing. It must sound heavenly. Take care of yourself and Happy Christmas.
Author's reply
And a happy new year to you! I also wish I could awaken (or sleep) to the sound of the angels singing, but for now, I'm settling for the sound of my writer's block beginning to break. That's music to my ears, indeed!
UTfrog
· 20 December 2013
· Chapter 9: IX: Before the Dawn
Excellent chapter. I like Frodo's reasoning on why Olorin deserves honor. I also like that Frodo finally recognizes the same about himself.
Hope you feel better.
Author's reply
Thanks very much! If I didn't have a bit of a cold coming on, I'd feel pretty splendid, but otherwise, I AM feeling better, and am pleased to report that the next chapter is well underway.
Shemyaza
· 11 October 2013
· Chapter 8: VIII: Dinner and Deviousness
Poor old Olorin, he just can't cut a break can he? At least when the others were in the War of Wrath they had company of likeminded people; others they could moan to or at about the harshness of war, and they were even allowed to be Maiar, but when the Istari were sent they went as humans, albeit longlived, but with the same things that affect all humans especially as they age.
Olorin helped by Mortals, Hobbits, Dwarves and Elves overcame just as terrible an enemy or darkness as those in the War of Wrath did. Perhaps those in Valinor didn't realise how far and how deeply the darkness spread by Sauron and his people had spread! At the end, like his former master, Sauron had amassed armies every bit as awful in their own way as those Melkor had.
I am glad to see you writing again. I have loved your stories since the beginning. Very much enjoying this one.
Author's reply
Sorry that it's taken so long to reply, but thanks ever so much for the review. I'm glad to be writing again, and I'm in high hopes that my block will continue to melt (and that Olórin will be cut a break before the end of this tale :D)
Fiondil
· 10 October 2013
· Chapter 8: VIII: Dinner and Deviousness
And now I'm caught up with this sequel and am eagerly waiting for the next chapter. I have thoroughly enjoyed this, MJ. Keep up the good work.
Fantasia
· 9 October 2013
· Chapter 8: VIII: Dinner and Deviousness
Ok, I'm praying for you. Go away writer's block!!!!
Your Valars have so much patience and tolerance. I would reprimand all the discontents like little kids (Hey, not out, not TV for an age!) because that is how they are behaving, maybe that is the reason why I'm not a Valar :)
I think that the lack of celebration or memorial after the War was a mistake. Those things are important, celebrate a victory, recognize an action, an individual. And honor the fallen, not with too much tears, but with hope in the future. I don't know, but it is the best way to move on.
Well, I can't wait!!!!! Go away writer's block!!!!
Author's reply
With all the support I've been getting from dear souls like yourself, I can't help but believe that the writer's block will soon be a thing of the past (and it IS beginning to break, so I'm very hopeful the progress will continue). Thanks ever so much!
curiouswombat
· 9 October 2013
· Chapter 8: VIII: Dinner and Deviousness
I like the idea of taking the Lord of Misrule concept and using it to enlighten a few people.
And I recognise what you mean by having 'a fairly clear idea of all that needs to happen, but no idea how long it’s going to take' - I'm in a similar place in something myself, so all my good thoughts are heading your way.
Author's reply
Thanks, and I hope your own writing issues clear up very soon. Here's hoping that the new year will bring greater creative flow for us all,
Larner
· 9 October 2013
· Chapter 8: VIII: Dinner and Deviousness
Knowing what the problem is and who is at fault is the blessing this time, and I hope that the reversal of roles will serve to teach the dissidents the folly of their imaginings!
shirebound
· 8 October 2013
· Chapter 8: VIII: Dinner and Deviousness
I have to highlight my two favorite passages in this chapter:
This world was made to be the habitation of the Eruhíni; we are, in the end, merely guests, here to be of service to the realization of the Music we sang, and the Creator we love.
And...
"And when we wake, breakfast will be ready?"
He said it with such eagerness and such a hungry and roguish gleam in his eye, it brought laughter to many lips and smiles to all.
The blending of 'plain hobbit sense' with the wisdom of these ancient beings is such a delight. I look forward to each chapter.
Fantasia
· 4 October 2013
· Chapter 7: VII: Through a Glass, Brightly
Lovely chapter...for a moment I thought that they will have the Fellowship in one of those stained glass window. Namo's honor to the hobibits was very emotional.
My Dad knew whow to make stained glass windows or murals and I helped a little when I was a child. No painted though, it was the glass cut to a desired shape and put it together with copper or led. Very interesting craft.
Still sick, this cold is impossible to shake, maybe I need to visit Lorien and get some rest there.
shirebound
· 4 October 2013
· Chapter 7: VII: Through a Glass, Brightly
The Shire may not be known to them, but it has a beauty that brings peace and contentment to the hearts of those who look upon it. And if they should ask what beautiful green land it is that they behold in this window, they will know that it is the land where their hope and joy was born.
He turned to Alyasímar and gave him a bow of deepest gratitude. "This is a gift beyond measure, Master Alyasímar. You have captured a moment I will treasure in my heart forever. In later years, after my mortal friends have chosen to accept the Gift of the One, it will give to me a window to the past and a remembrance of the love and joy I was able to share with the most remarkable of Hobbits."
Just when I think your story can't get any lovelier... My goodness, what a sweet, marvelous scene. There's so much love emanating from this chapter.
Larner
· 4 October 2013
· Chapter 7: VII: Through a Glass, Brightly
The windows sound marvelous! And what an excellent reason Namo gives for the commissioning of the one to be set within his halls! Excellent indeed!
Larner
· 3 October 2013
· Chapter 6: VI: At the Faire
A lovely interlude!
Author's reply
Thank you -- and it's not quite over. :)
Fantasia
· 2 October 2013
· Chapter 6: VI: At the Faire
Beautiful chapter, I just can see the Faire. Well, waiting for the perfect storm to break.
I'm sick now, so reading from home in my bed...is another update coming soon?
Author's reply
Sorry to hear you're sick! (Especially since I was last week, my sympathies.) The next chapter will probably be coming tomorrow, after a bit more tweaking. So happy it's giving you pleasure while in your sickbed.
shirebound
· 2 October 2013
· Chapter 6: VI: At the Faire
The privilege of hearing the voices of those who took part in singing the very world into existence truly is a gift.
Goodness, I should think so! It’s nice to imagine that Frodo would be as much honored as a culinary instructor as Ringbearer. I’ve written of trade fairs in both Bywater and (rebuilt) Annuminas, and was delighted to read about such a thing in Aman.
Author's reply
Sometimes, it's easy to forget that the Ringbearer is first and foremost a Hobbit, isn't it? And thank you kindly, I believe I enjoyed writing this part of the story almost more than any other. Almost. :)
Larner
· 30 September 2013
· Chapter 5: V: Evening Council
To realize he'd been manipulated in this manner must be embarrassing to Elennuro. I agree that getting it all out into the open is necessary now, and I hope that Lintamacar can be healed of his bitterness at last. Six thousand years is a LONG time to carry such bitterness,
UTfrog
· 30 September 2013
· Chapter 5: V: Evening Council
Love the complicated scenarios you have created. It will be very entertaining to see what happens. Thank you.
What a perfect idea, that the Hobbits awoke with the first rise of the Gil-estel! And Frodo was right to confide what he heard to Manwe and Varda, of course.
Author's reply
Thank you kindly. As I've said, it was an idea that proved impossible to resist. :)
Just wanted to let you know I am enjoying this story. I remember the story about Olorin's return to Valinor and loved that one too.
Hope you feel better soon.
Author's reply
Thanks, things are improving (not quite as fast as I could wish, but any improvement is good). I'm glad you've enjoyed my tales, and thank you for leaving a comment.
They came at dusk, with the first rising of Eärendil's star: Gil-estel, the star of high hope. Your people were Eru's secret hope for the future of Arda.
That is an absolutely lovely idea.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm not exactly sure where the idea came from, but once it popped into my head, it felt so right I couldn't just ignore it.
Your wonderful story deserves that I go back and comment on each chapter of the preceding tales. I will not be doing that, but I assure you I have read them. This continuation is most intriguing. I look forward to each chapter. Thanks for your hard work.
Author's reply
You're very welcome, and thanks for reading and taking a moment to comment. I hope you continue to enjoy!
Discussions are often the best way to make options and necessary plans manifest. I rejoice they are now better placed to deal with their fellows and the uncertain Eldar.