The bear still could be one of several things. One of which didn't care all that much for Dwarves, as I recall, though he put up with them, with a little machination by a certain Grey Wizard.
The tall young Dwarf evidences empathy and imagination. Quite promising.
Safety in numbers. Yes, that sounds like a good plan.
Looking forward to reading more.
Author's reply
Oh, this one was just the ordinary bear. :)
But who knows what future brings...? :)))
Thank you. :*
shirebound
· 22 March 2021
· Chapter 19: Chapter 19
Oh no, poor confused Darri.
Because numbers matter. Because any fighter can contribute. Because our common goal is above us individuals. Because we create a future for our people, for those who are not born yet
Those are very good reasons indeed.
Author's reply
This is not an easy period for any of them. Some are confused, some are scared... some are hurt.
But things *will* get better, I promise. :)
Thank you. :*
Lindelea
· 22 March 2021
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Talk about an enchanted stream! I was so glad it wasn't the kind of enchantment that would send her off to sleep and threaten to drown her (though I imagine that the dark magic has been cleansed and driven out of the Wood of Greenleaves - at least, I should hope so). That the stream communicated with Halldis and told her its story... somehow seems to fit with her artistic bent.
Dwarves are so practical. (They picked up the dead wood and didn't cut live wood in part because the branches were too high to reach. I snorted at that.)
Hmm. I can think of two kinds of bears that might be in the forest. Looking forward to seeing where this story goes next. What a nice way to wake up and drink my coffee before starting my workday.
Author's reply
I think that, after almost seven centuries of peace, there is no more darkness in the forest, so I believe this was the right kind of magic to write about.
No more darkness... almost.
I am saying no more about it. Or about the other kind of bear. *significant silence*
:)))
Thank you. :)
Larner
· 18 March 2021
· Chapter 18: Chapter 18
Finally, am all caught up! Each has his or her own reasons for wanting to enter Khazad-dum once more, and Durin has his plans set. Excellent planning shown, and am glad they are planning to deal with the Rohirrim,
Author's reply
Well, trade is the logical next step once they settle in Khazad-dum. No country or people can produce *everything*, so trade is a necessity.
Thank you so much for all the reviews. *hugs*
Larner
· 18 March 2021
· Chapter 17: Chapter 17
Durin is thrilled to see the mountains of their beginning at long last, and two of his younger followers are finding one another. Life will continue, and their people will once again flourish once the halls of their ancestors are won!
Author's reply
I think that Khazad-dum, when turned from empty blackness to the place filled with light and life, is really beautiful.
Larner
· 18 March 2021
· Chapter 16: Chapter 16
Ah! But love is blooming, and he now knows that Grandfather's stories were based in fact. And she wants to walk with him!
Author's reply
I guess that "asking to go for a walk" is used in all the ages of many worlds. :)))
Larner
· 18 March 2021
· Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Oh, yes--males! And they have made a new, very young friend!
Author's reply
Males are often like children. *giggles*
Larner
· 18 March 2021
· Chapter 14: Chapter 14
Ah, yes--the perfect way to brighten the evening--to have reason to speak with the woman who has captured his attention and is fast capturing his heart as well.
I am sorry your day was not going well when I last reviewed your story. I could not read further--had doctors' appointments to get ready for. I was ill for several weeks, and am still easily tired after my time in the hospital last month. I do NOT recommend developing a large kidney stone and an infection--not my idea of a good way to spend a good part of a month. At least I will be returning to work next week. One important step toward normalcy!
I am so glad that Halldis has a good grasp of diplomacy, and did not add to Darri's embarrassment.
Author's reply
Oh dear, I'm so sorry to hear about your health problems! Kidney infection sounds very serious - I hope you'll soon be better. Please take care of yourself!
Well, she likes Darri a lot, of course she won't embarrass him! :)
Lindelea
· 18 March 2021
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
If I ever knew about the name-change, I had forgotten it. I wonder if I have the same mistake in my 4th Age stories?
This bit was marvelous: Now, in the night, the forest looked black. It was almost like the tree trunks were absorbing lights and they were invisible, while the leaves were like a drifting black sea. And there is no wind, Darri realized. Then why are they moving? And although all conversations stopped, it wasn't silent. Crackling was reaching his ears; then occasionally distant howling was heard, and sounds that reminded him of rustling. There is no wind, he reminded himself and shuddered. All the sounds were low, barely audible, but constantly present.
I have experienced that same greed in a U-pick strawberry field. Just a few more...
(Her brother wasn't worried when she told him she was going off-road?)
Author's reply
As for me, my weakness are strawberries and blueberries! :) <3
As for her brother, you can easily imagine that she was like "oh, I'll just go here nearby, behind those first few trees next to the road, and I won't go further than that", and that her brother thought it would really be that way. but things can get out of control before we are aware of it... :)
Thank you so much for the compliments! :*
Lindelea
· 17 March 2021
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Interesting list of dos and don'ts for traversing Greenwood (Mirkwood). Hmmm. Foreshadowing?
I love how carefully planned everything is. Somehow, it reminds me of Bilbo's dwarves going to Gandalf to help them not to have an unlucky number in their party. And bringing musical instruments to Bag End, all ready for an impromptu concert. (Any musicians along on this journey? Although I rather doubt someone would be carrying a large bass viol.)
I like the glimpses of humor. And I really really identify with Halldis. I listen better with my eyes closed. I am also shorter than average. We bought a house from a tall man. Everything built-in seems to be scaled for taller people. We have multiple step-stools, and even with a step stool, I can't reach the top shelves in the laundry room and kitchen. I can barely reach the rod in my closet with a step stool. Even the shower head is set too high! I empathize. I think I'm going to enjoy following her as a character, especially because she has wit and humor.
Looking forward to reading more.
Author's reply
Well, a good plan is, what, 50% of the success? A huge quest like this just can't be done without careful planning. :)
I like glimpses of humor in the stories/books that I read, I think that they are a good addition to the story, so I'm trying to put some in my own stories. :)
I think that listening better with eyes closed works for everyone. When you have to give attention to something important that is being read aloud, vision is a distraction, I believe.
Thank you so much for the review!
Larner
· 16 March 2021
· Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Love the backstory for Beorn's people, and the reactions it elicits from the two Dwarvish women. A wonderful encounter.
Author's reply
Aww, thank you, I'm glad you think so. :)
And what to add in the end of this set of reviews? I had a very difficult day today (a long story)... But you just made it so much bette. Thank you. Thank you for everything.
Larner
· 16 March 2021
· Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Well, now at least WE know the truth--a Beorning! And a good deal more hospitable by nature than his ancestor, or so it would seem. But, then Beorn was living in a far more dangerous time and environment.
At least we know they will eat well, and enjoy their time with Grimbar.
Was he the bear Halldis saw in the forest?
Author's reply
Well well, an interesting question in the end! No, of course it's not the same bear. The first one was a normal bear. It didn't cross my mind that any of the readers would think them the same bears, I have to say. ;)
Yes, Beorn lived in difficult times, and Grimbar doesn't have much to worry about, so he can be cheerful.
Larner
· 16 March 2021
· Chapter 11: Chapter 11
The question about the abandoned hut and clothing must be answered, and hopefully Darri will assist the girls as they investigate further.
Author's reply
While writing this reply, I know that you already got all your answers! :)))
Larner
· 16 March 2021
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10 of 39
Aha! Attraction is definitely building between the two of them. And all are eager to be out of the woods, under open sky once more, ready for the new life to begin--which includes new alliances--and romances. Heh!
As for the thoughts on the numbers of orcs--I find they make perfect sense. The highest and the lowest are diminishing in numbers within Middle Earth. Dwarves will last at least somewhat longer than Elf numbers, I suspect. But in time even they will diminish as well.
Author's reply
It was such a delight to write their attraction. :)))
Larner
· 16 March 2021
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
That brief moment of connection was enough to cement respect for these different beings and their long histories and endeavors to cleanse the earth of the Dark Lords' evils. Lovely details.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you think so. *hugs*
Larner
· 16 March 2021
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
A most satisfactory alliance, as fleeting as it might prove. And now to hear words of current conditions regarding Ungoliant's distant get!
Author's reply
Fleeting definitely. The dwarves are here only for a short time, not to return.
And I just had to put a few spiders in the story - I hope it was more interesting that way. :)
Larner
· 16 March 2021
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Aargh! Spider webs, in this time's Forest of Green Leaves! I, too, hope that no danger stalks them at the end of their time within the forest. And at least it wasn't just Halldis and Tyra who reported the sightings, so no one can accuse them of hysterical imaginings.
Author's reply
Well, if the scouts hadn't noticed webs, they would be very bad in their job, wouldn't they?
Larner
· 16 March 2021
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
I'm four foot ten, so know about being shorter than almost everyone else. Love her experience! And now she has an ally should she be tempted after strawberries again.
Author's reply
Oh, she will, she will... :)
Larner
· 16 March 2021
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Well, now even more Dwarves have left the road, and at least she has been heard! Now, will the rescuers become lost, too?
Author's reply
Rescuers needing to be rescued? *giggles* Well, perhaps I should memorize this as inspiration for some future story! :)))
Larner
· 16 March 2021
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Famous last words! I hope her fate won't be that of Theoden, who in the movies had too many such utterances!
Author's reply
She is one of three main characters - of course it won't be! :)))
Larner
· 16 March 2021
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
I like Halldis, and have my suspicions as to the tall, blonde Dwarf who mistook her for a child. Now, she could take up the knife--a thrown knife can be deadly in the hands of an expert.
Author's reply
I don't know what's in your head, but I believe your suspicions are correct! :)
But I'm afraid she is no expert - so no knife. Her field of expertise is something completely different. :)
Larner
· 16 March 2021
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2 of 39
I read this days ago, but the tablet was not allowing me to leave a review. Love the story about Narvi and Celebrimbor particularly, and then the Elf losing to Narvi's wife! So right of a memory held by Dwarves! Heh! And now they linger just outside Thranduil's realm....
Author's reply
Well, I tried to put as many humoristic elements as possible. :)
shirebound
· 15 March 2021
· Chapter 18: Chapter 18
He just couldn't wait for the moment to set foot in Khazad-dûm.
What a thrilling plan for him, and all of them. Historic indeed.
Author's reply
You haven't seen anything of the plan yet, dear... *cunning smile* And I promise it will be thrilling, to use your own word. :)
Thank you for the review. *hugs*
Lindelea
· 11 March 2021
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2 of 39
Very interesting and realistic! The vivid writing makes the story come to life. I found my memories of hiking and camping in my younger days coming back as I read. The king sounds very wise; 20 years of training to become skilled warriors in preparation for the journey, I hadn't thought of that. Nor had I thought about what they'd carry on their journeys, but it makes sense that food and weapons would be the most important items, and tools could be crafted upon their arrival in their new home.
I find myself (along with the king) greatly anticipating seeing Moria through the eyes of the Dwarves in this story.
Author's reply
I tried to be as realistic as possible. :)
Thanks for the review!
Lindelea
· 10 March 2021
· Chapter 1: Notes and Prologue
Ooooh. I love the care and consideration that your notes point to. This truly sounds like a work of love.
Bold, too, as a work of fanfiction, considering that I can imagine very few familiar faces coming into the tale. But I already like Durin (the Last). And the comet seems an inspired touch.
Nice beginning!