Reclaiming Khazad-dûm by Ellynn
shirebound · 23 May 2021 · Chapter 28: Chapter 28
Dwarves would absolutely sing in such a moving situation, and this song is wonderful. "One day we'll meet again. And then we'll tell him about the mines of Khazad-dûm" That would be a very comforting thought.
Author's reply
This poem was maybe the greatest challenge of the whole novel - because I am a total absolute anti-talent for poetry *lol* I'm so happy to hear it is good. :))) Thank you so much.
Aldwen · 17 May 2021 · Chapter 27: Chapter 27
I am glad Durin's kids are alive! I like that Dwarf! :)
Author's reply
I'm glad to hear it! :) Thank you for the review! :)
shirebound · 16 May 2021 · Chapter 27: Chapter 27
"Soldier! Do I really need to repeat?" That's perfect. Oh, I was as relieved as Durin!
Author's reply
Relieved, yes. This was a good event for the dwarves. But bad things happen in wars, we all know that...
Aldwen · 9 May 2021 · Chapter 26: Chapter 26
I am glad they gained the Second Hall and that the main characters are still well! I am getting quite attached to them. :) But there are probably some nasty surprises waiting for the Dwarves further ahead...
Author's reply
Well, there is no gentle way to say it - but yes. Nasty surprises ahead. I'm so glad to hear you're getting attached to the characters - I guess it's a sign I didn't mess up writing them. :) Thank you so much for the review! :)
shirebound · 9 May 2021 · Chapter 26: Chapter 26
And they advanced – foot by foot, yard by yard. So many battles are truly like that. You make this encounter very real.
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm glad you think so. *happy*
Aldwen · 4 May 2021 · Chapter 25: Chapter 25
This is one interesting story! Finally found time to read all chapters, and now I am eagerly anticipating what will come next. :) Great characters, very relatable. Thank you so much!
Author's reply
And thank *you* so much for reading and for your kind review! You made me very happy. :)
shirebound · 2 May 2021 · Chapter 25: Chapter 25
Truly, may Mahal be with them! How frightened -- and exhilarated -- they all must be. *paces nervously*
Author's reply
Thank you for the review, dear! *hugs*
Larner · 2 May 2021 · Chapter 24: Chapter 24
Good sense--and proper thinking on both sides of that argument. I love the strategy, and hope that it works as planned. Although we all know that the plans of both mice and men all too often go astray!
Author's reply
In this war, some things will go as planned, some won't. You'll see. ;) Thank you so much!
shirebound · 25 April 2021 · Chapter 24: Chapter 24
This is marvelous. They begin at last! The conversation between Durin and Nard really rings true.
Author's reply
yes, they begin at last!!! :) And I'm glad to hear that the conversation sounds good. *happy* Thank you! :*
Larner · 18 April 2021 · Chapter 23: Chapter 23
It sounds as if they are as prepared as they can be, given the circumstances. Using the torches as weapons and distractions is also a good idea, considering they are fighting orcs. I am glad that I would not be expected to fight, however. Heh!
Author's reply
There will be more interesting weapon-gadgets! :) Thanks for the review!
shirebound · 18 April 2021 · Chapter 23: Chapter 23
Durin is the best kind of leader -- strategic and decisive, but wise enough to ask for -- and take -- advice from trusted colleagues.
Author's reply
I hope people won't start to see him as some sort of Mary Sue. :) As for that, I'll say - yes, he is wise, but not infallible. Oh yes, he can (and will) make a big mistake...
Larner · 12 April 2021 · Chapter 22: Chapter 22
I rejoice that Durin is able to connect so with the first of his name, the first of his line, the first Dwarf to waken in Middle Earth. And to see Durin's crown in this light! Delightful!
Author's reply
As I said to Shirebound, I don't think they are the same person (more in my reply to her ;) ). Well, if you are interested to hear more about the first of that name and of the crown... I'll allow myself a little bit of SSP and say that "Story of Aule's firstborn" shows several vignettes about Durin I. :) Thank you for the review! :*
shirebound · 11 April 2021 · Chapter 22: Chapter 22
And if I send my thoughts across space and time, maybe he will be able, from his place in Mahal's halls, to see that I lead our people into reclaiming the ancient kingdom he had founded. What a magical and marvelous thought. This is a very special and spiritual king.
Author's reply
It is implied that all seven Durins are connected, although I am not sure that Tolkien explicitely stated that it was re-incarnation. Anyway, my own opinion is that it's not one and the same person re-incarnated, but that all seven of them are strongly connected and that they can occasionally feel each other's thoughts and even memories. Thank you, dear. :*
Larner · 10 April 2021 · Chapter 21: Chapter 21
I find I love Bergvi and his eagerness to fulfill the duties of a Dwarf and the Dwarf-king's son. The partings are not easy, but are necessary. Now--the Dwarves go to war for their homeland and heritage.
Author's reply
A child - but not so much any more, an adult - but not yet. Tough period for anyone. Thank you so much, dear.
Larner · 10 April 2021 · Chapter 20: Chapter 20 of 39
At least Tyra was able to get the truth through to her. Bless Darri for his understanding and his willingness to forgive. Now they have reason to work for the victory over the orcs.
Author's reply
Tyra is a wonderful friend. When we find someone like that in real life, we should greatly appreciate her/him. Thanks for the review!
shirebound · 5 April 2021 · Chapter 21: Chapter 21
there are other tasks to be done. Can I entrust you with some of them? What a perfect way to phrase this, so that the lad knows his contributions are valued. May Mahal watch over them all!
Author's reply
Durin is a wise king and he knows what he should do. :) Thanks, dear! <3
Lindelea · 1 April 2021 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12
My goodness, the Forest's surprises certainly are anything but over! And I see my earlier guess about the bear was not wrong, merely premature. I loved this exchange: "T-Ty-Tyra..." she stammered, and her voice sounded squeaky and weak. "What have we just seen?" "By Mahal's name, I have no clue," whispered her friend. Interestingly, our cats are more focused on putting me to bed at night than they are at getting me up in the morning. The old fellow actually nips me if he thinks I'm sitting at the keyboard past my bedtime. Before the nip comes, he'll cruise by a few times, brushing my ankles like a Great White shark on the prowl, to warn me that the nip is coming. Looking forward to reading more.
Author's reply
I see my earlier guess about the bear was not wrong, merely premature. Exactly!!!! :))) It was sort of easy to think of forest surprises and adventures. Bears, spiders, The Bears, magic... plenty of options! Once the dwarves reach the plains, there seemed to be less possibilities for adventures. But there *were* some - and I hope I won't dissapoint you. Thank you so much! :*
Aranadhel · 31 March 2021 · Chapter 20: Chapter 20 of 39
Suilaid, mellon. I look forward to the impending battle at Khazad Dum. Azanulbizar 2.0! Baruk Khazad!
Author's reply
Haha, I *love* this name, Azanulbizar 2.0!!! :))) <3 But there will be more than one battle, I'll reveal that much! Thank you so much for the review. :)
Lindelea · 31 March 2021 · Chapter 11: Chapter 11
Oh my! I had a moment of whiplash at them finding the little house in the Wood... (I have my own little house in the Wood in several stories, no relation to yours, I'm sure) Been there, done that. (Taking turns holding up towels for others to wash in privacy) Her good feeling after washing and donning clean clothes resonates strongly with me. One of the two things that gets me out of bed is the shower calling my name. The other is coffee. Tyra sounds like a good friend. Nice cliffhanger.
Author's reply
One more thing that can get you out of bed is meowing of your cats, demanding breakfast! *lol* Tyra is a wonderful friend. :) Thank you! :)
Lindelea · 30 March 2021 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10 of 39
The conversations at the beginning are so reminiscent of teens... It seems as if Darri and Halldis are kindred spirits. I don't know if "dreamers" is quite the right term, but there's a certain artistry to their perceptions. I loved this description of Elves, beautifully couched in a Dwarvish context: "Like a beautiful gem you discover in a rock, new and totally unknown till that moment, and you realize you have discovered a whole new world... and at the same time you realize that it was here long before you and that it is ancient. And that it is different from all the jewels you have known so far... but that only now, when you discovered it too, you have the whole picture of the world surrounding you." Looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
You know when you meet someone, and at the very beginning you have the feeling that you have so much in common, and that you know the person for a long time? It doesn't have to be a romantic partner, it can be a friend. But you know what I mean. Anyway, that's what I tried to achieve with the two of them. This point, when she asked "what are they like?" was a difficult one - I had to come up with a good answer. I'm glad if I succeeded. :) Thank you!
Lindelea · 29 March 2021 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Methinks Darri is one sharp character. His realization that the story is growing with each telling was well done. I like the moment of connection with the passing elf. I'm sorry the king took offense. Sometimes it is a better idea to listen quietly than to show off your pride. The elves might have had information worth hearing. Interesting speculation about the hidden spider nursery that keeps replenishing the forest supply. Since we no longer have giant spiders in the world, I wonder what hero might have been responsible for finally eradicating the menace? I have tried mead once or twice. I remember the last time clearly; it was not to my taste. Rather than sweet, like a Rheinland Auslese (which is what I was expecting, seeing as it was made from honey), it was dry and reminded me more of a very dry French wine. (My taste runs to German or California or Washington or Oregon wines rather than French; I have tasted French wine mainly at family gatherings as that is my brother-in-law's preference. I find Italian, South American, and Australian wine quite palatable as well. And now you're going to think me a lush. Sigh, I love wine, but it does not love me, so these days I use it mostly in cooking. Still, they say to cook with a wine good enough for drinking...)
Author's reply
Back in carboniferous period, oxygen level was about 30%. All the insects and spiders and their relatives were GIANT. I'm SO glad they are small now. :))) Thank you for the review, I'm glad you like those little details. Thanks for reading. (I like sweet drinks. Sweet sparkling wines, sweet liquers made of blueberries. And yes, I think wine is a good addition for cooking. :) )
shirebound · 29 March 2021 · Chapter 20: Chapter 20 of 39
Tyra is such a wonderful friend. I'm glad the young lovers are together again!
Author's reply
I promised things would get better, didn't I? :) And now... towards Khazad-dum and war.
Lindelea · 27 March 2021 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Quite an exciting battle! But what happened to the young Dwarves who were planning on spectating? Early in the reading, I had the curious thought: if female Dwarves had beards, what if Gimli had been Gloin's daughter? Odd, the things that happen before-coffee. I loved this bit of characterization: "Your highness, it could be dangerous," his general warned him. "As if that will stop me," replied Durin, and one end of his lips rose in a smile. Somehow, the dialogue with the Elves' leader reminded me of Legolas and Gimli's counting game. Ah, yes, mead. The celebratory post-game drink.
Author's reply
You mean, what happened to Darri and Faldur - on the way towards the center of events? Well, nothing much. You can simply imagine that by the time they reached the front part of the camp - near which the battle happened - the battle was finished. But that doesn't mean that something interesting won't happen to them just a little later... :))) Can you believe that I have never actually tried mead and that I have no idea what I'm writing about when I mention it? *lol* I've tried different drinks, but somehow I haven't had the chance for mead. You? Thanks for the review. :*
Lindelea · 26 March 2021 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
The precautions against the possibility of giant spiders sound quite practical. I have to tell you, I laughed out loud when Darri swore. The perfect Dwarvish expletive! Looking forward to reading more.
Author's reply
I supposed that Dwarvish swearing should be different than ours, so I tried to come up with something funny. I'm happy I succeeded! :))) Thank you.
Larner · 24 March 2021 · Chapter 19: Chapter 19
As if this will ease ANY pain! Foolish girl!
Author's reply
Foolish, yes. But young and inexperienced in love. And *very* scared. Thanks for the review, dear.