Name: Khaosity (Signed) · Date: May 09, 2013 12:44 · For: Chapter 58 ~ The Treachery of Kin ~
Wow. This whole thing is amazing.
First of all, Túrin *fangirl squee* He's my favorite character in the Silm (with Fëanor and his two eldest sons being pretty much tied for second). And he's so cuuuute as a little kid! *snuggles*
I also love the "everything coming full circle" stuff, not only with Túrin, but with Celegorm and the twins as well. At least they're sort of even now and I'm glad he's forgiven them. Wait... first Maedhros is raped, then Maglor, now Celegorm - if I were Caranthir, I'd be getting a bit nervous now : (oh how Fëanor would flip out if that happened)Coldagnir is great - and no, Ecthelion, he's not an it :)
"Know any...? Why, yes, Glorfindel, of course, we used to sit around and drink wine, play knucklebones... Know any?!"
Van, no matter what you yourself might think, you are awesome. Always, not only when snarking at people, but that line was epic.
"There really is nothing thou wilt not do, is there?" Ecthelion bit.
"Yes, some few things."
Lol no, there's not much Fëanor won't "do" :)
Speaking of doing, there may be something wrong with me, since I really wanted Gil and Istelion to do the nasty on Gil's grave, because affirmation of life. Bloody stubborn Finwions. All of them, especially Finrod and Celegorm. (Even with my Fëanaticism I'm rooting for Finrod there.)Aarrgh, cliffhanger! *immediately goes on to read the next one*
Author's Response: Thank-you so much, Khaosity, I am so pleased you have been enjoying this.
I love Túrin, too. He is my favourite Mortal character in Tolkien's work, and another whom is very little liked :(. And I always love a chance to write events leading full circle, giving people a second chance.
I am also really happy you like Coldagnir, who almost never got further than when he met Glorfindel, as I was going to have Glorfindel kill him.
"Know any...? Why, yes, Glorfindel, of course, we used to sit around and drink wine, play knucklebones... Know any?!"
Van, no matter what you yourself might think, you are awesome. Always, not only when snarking at people, but that line was epic.
:) Well, at least Van never lost his humour :)
Re: Gil and Istelion on Gil-galad's grave. I can't say I didn't think of that, but it occurred to me that Elven bodies decay really very fast, and so even by the time Gil's body was taken to Imladris, it would have been only dust, so it didn't seem to me to mean that much, having sex on a grave that really contained nothing but dust and ancient armour. It could still happen, however!
Thank-you again for your review!
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 16, 2013 19:57 · For: Chapter 58 ~ The Treachery of Kin ~
!!!!
Can I just leave a review of exclamation marks? Guess not.
Argh I had to go to the opticians before I could read the last two chapters and then the stupid computer just deleted my review: the agony!
So I didn't have time to write anything for the previous chapter because I simply had to find out who the traitor was, it could almost have been anyone! Oh Orodreth, you were a crappy king and now you're being a crappy, jealous brother!
“And thou wert greeted as heroes in Nargothrond, given all the honor Finrod could bestow on thee, save himself and the throne. Which thou didst well-nigh take ! Do not speak to me of treachery !”
*
'He had no son. I was the rightful heir...'
“I came to Nargothrond, and found myself overlooked in favor of kinslayers,” Orodreth said. “Do not think, Finrod, that I did not know how often thou wert alone with this.”
I think I see shades of Maeglin in Gondolin in this. Both loved (fraternal love from Orodreth because I assume he did love Finrod at some point in the past) and both had that loved twisted to bitterness and vindictiveness when the one they loved seemed to turn from them in favour of a 'lesser' person and thwart their true desires (which appear to be becoming the heirs to Gondolin and Nargothrond respectively). Maeglin wanted Idril and she scorned him for Tuor, a man and while I don't think Orodreth wanted Finrod in that way he certainly appears to have felt overlooked, even betrayed, by one who should have loved and supported him above others in favour of those accursed kinslayers. Orodreth's treachery has simply taken a longer time to come into effect and is far less damaging, in execution if not in intent.
-
The whole chapter reads as wonderfully tense; there is such an air of stillness, of things being poised on a (literal) knife's edge.
“The only way thou couldst have come to a throne is by the death of another !” hissed Celegorm recklessly. “Like thy father, thou didst come to a throne by default !”
Oh my goodness! Celegorm, there is a time and a place for a smart mouth! Shhh! And that goes for your hot headed brothers too, although I noticed slightly more even tempered Maedhros keeps his peace here....
Fëanor's realisation that Maglor believes his father will let him be killed rather than give up the silmaril is great; it clearly shakes his foundations. And I think that it has more of an impact because it is Maglor: Fëanor loves all of his sons but I think there is something a little special about dear, beloved Macalaurë.
I'm sure Fëanor takes it as a given that everyone (important) knows that he loves his sons above all else but clearly this has demonstrated that even *they* don't think he places them first. The realisation must be incredibly painful, which you demonstrate here:
Fëanor stared after her, then looked at Maedhros, at Fingolfin, and Glorfindel.
“He thought I would refuse.” He raised his head to the sky and laughed in an agony of shame and pain. “Maglor thought I would let him die rather than give up a Silmaril.”
The silence was his answer.
“How couldst thou think that?” he asked Maedhros and still his voice was quiet. It hurt to breathe through the fire.
“Father,” Maedhros met his eyes. “How could I not?”
Well yes exactly, how could they not think that given the history and Fëanor's previous actions?
I think actually it is a good thing for this to happen to Fëanor (as long as the hostages remain unhurt!!) because it happened in front of all his people, many of whom still do not trust or like him. They saw him make the choice between the lives of elves and his precious, jealously guarded silmaril- and the jewel did not come out on top. I think it would make him appear in a better light to many of his people.
And also, can't believe you left the story like that! :o You realise I have to read straight on right now to find out what happens to Maglor, Tindomion, Celegorm and Finrod??
Author's Response: while I don't think Orodreth wanted Finrod in that way he certainly appears to have felt overlooked, even betrayed, by one who should have loved and supported him above others in favour of those accursed kinslayers. Orodreth's treachery has simply taken a longer time to come into effect and is far less damaging, in execution if not in intent.
Yes, Orodreth did seem to feel overlooked, but it's interesting to note that canonically, Aegnor and Angrod did go and settle and rule in Dorthonion, and Orodreth of all the brothers remained with Finrod. There are any amount of reasons why, but I chose to use it in this way: that he wanted Nargothrond. I also think he knew of Finrod's foreshadowing (when Galadriel asked him why he was not married he said he would swear an oath and go into darkness and that nothing of his realm would remain for a son to inherit. That was not strictly true, as Nargothrond remained after his death, and in this 'verse, Orodreth wanted it. So yes, I suppose he did have a reason for resenting Celegorm.
Fëanor's realisation that Maglor believes his father will let him be killed rather than give up the silmaril is great; it clearly shakes his foundations. And I think that it has more of an impact because it is Maglor: Fëanor loves all of his sons but I think there is something a little special about dear, beloved Macalaurë.
Yes :) There is a one-shot in Fragments of Fëanor thinking of Maglor as his 'song (this is back in Valinor) not that he does not love all his sons, but there's a reason for Maglor being a little different in his father's eyes. And it was painful for Fëanor, because as you say, he thinks his love for his sons is clear to any-one, and it turns out that they were not sure if they would be set before a Silmaril. Fëanor has never had to prove his love before, and here he did before hundreds of witnesses, so it is a good thing for his kingship but also for him and his sons; it's proof positive.
You are welcome to read on :) I am glad it was tense, and that you didn't just leave exclamation marks, as I would not know how to take it :) Thank-you so much for reading, Merin, and for all the reviewing you have done.
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 16, 2013 15:13 · For: Chapter 56 ~ Cauldron ~
He is waiting,” Vórimóro said from the tent-flap.
Tindómion spun on one foot and knocked him from his feet. He did not even realize what he had done until his knuckles pained him. He watched Gil-galad's eyes widen in shock, anger – and satisfaction, before he stepped over Vórimóro and stalked out.
hahaha, Oh well, he did have it coming and is lucky it was only a punch! Tindomion is capable of showing remarkable restraint but I guess everyone has their snapping point!
Author's Response: Tindomion is capable of showing remarkable restraint but I guess everyone has their snapping point!
:) Yes, that was his. Snapping point and slapping point. d;-). Not that it's really Vórimóro's fault, though he is enjoying it, too.
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 16, 2013 1:36 · For: Chapter 55 ~ Never To Be Commanded. Never To Be Owned ~
Ah, Finrod and Feanor together: how wonderful. Lovely, serene Finrod vs charismatic, predatory Feanor who is, lets face it, sex on legs (momentary panic when I thought he was going to arrange it so that Celegorm would find him and Finrod in flagrante delicto! Whew, what a scene that would be! Then my sensible brain kicked and and I though Feanor would never hurt his son so... would he? He is *such* an enigma, sometimes). I'm proud that Finrod stood his ground in the face of his uncle's forceful personality: mild he may appear but never meek: as well he should not be, because he's still in the right and should stand up for himself. Hmm... might have to start a one-girl Finrod fan club at this rate.
Finrod knew an impulse to hit that glowing face. He raised his brows in delicate taunting incomprehension.
“Pretend what did not happen?”
In the adjoining chamber, Fëanor silently laughed.
I laughed too. Good to know I'm in tune with Fëanor occasionally.
Poor Celegorm, he's playing right into Finrod's hands here with his flaring temper: time to take a tighter rein on his own emotions, try for some subtlety and play Finrod at his own game. Although the crushing of the wine cup (kind of him to retrieve it, I thought!) suggests Finrod doesn't have quite the grip on his own emotions as he would like Celegorm to believe!
Another super chapter! x
Author's Response: I thought he was going to arrange it so that Celegorm would find him and Finrod in flagrante delicto! Whew, what a scene that would be! Then my sensible brain kicked and and I though Feanor would never hurt his son so... would he? He is *such* an enigma, sometimes
I think he would never do something he knew would truly hurt his sons. He will tease, even argue, but I think he would stop short at cruelty, because he does love them.
On the other hand, he can appreciate Finrod (:
Although the crushing of the wine cup (kind of him to retrieve it, I thought!) suggests Finrod doesn't have quite the grip on his own emotions as he would like Celegorm to believe!
Yes, that's true. He just has practice in keeping his emotions in check; more than Celegorm.
Aww, thank-you! :)
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 16, 2013 1:00 · For: Chapter 54 ~ Fireflowers ~
That Lorh, he's going to cause some strife somewhere along the line: Maeglin is right to watch him!
“Strong,” Vanimórë repeated feeling the scorn on his tongue. “It was hate, Meluion, that was all.”
Does poor Van ever accept anything good about himself? :(
I know what thou art, Coldagnir had thought into the silent furnace roar of hunger and pain, Fëanor within him in ways far deeper ways than physical possession.
I am Fëanor.
And yes, it was that simple. So simple it was overlooked.
Fëanor.
Spirit of Fire.
Names are power. Names say everything.
Ahh, so this is what you were referring to when you said Coldagnir recognises something about Fëanor? Mmmm.
Very excited about the Rosriel development and wondering who are the snakes in the grass?!
LOL. You make me want to go and read that again. It sounds good XD
You should, it's very entertaining. I might have to reread it a few more times to appreciate it. :D
I am glad you are still enjoying it, or I hope you are!
Of course, :D can't you tell? I'm like a kid in a candy shop. So much delicious naughtiness but no calories: result.
I won't count the chocolate I consumed while reading. Everyone knows that if you eat while your brain is active then that negates calorie intake. ho hum...
Author's Response: Does poor Van ever accept anything good about himself? :(
Not really. Oh, he accepts there are certain things he is skilled at, fighting, ruling, but he sees those as learned over ages, and nothing to do with his character. :
Ahh, so this is what you were referring to when you said Coldagnir recognises something about Fëanor? Mmmm.
Very excited about the Rosriel development and wondering who are the snakes in the grass?!
Coldagnir is Maia, and things that he knew before, in the Timeless Halls, he still remembers. Though this is less a memory than a part of him, an ancient knowledge.
Snakes in the grass will be revealed anon (:
Thank-you (:
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 15, 2013 21:17 · For: Chapter 53 ~ Mind-games And Memories ~
Well I'm not surprised no one's rolling over onto their backs and letting Feanor just waltz in with a balrog and not question it! I liked the flashback to Fingolfin's challenge through Coldagnir's eyes: acknowledging Morgoth's fear and his own hatred of Fingolfin's transcendent beauty; wanting to see him defiled for it but then wanting to keep a bit a bit of the beauty for a reminder. A complex creature like any other.
I like Celegorm so much more when he shows his vulnerability and his fears and doubts. I guess he comes across as more human!
“I hate him,” Celegorm's face was hot as it nuzzled into Fëanor's throat. “I hate him, and I want him. How dare he look at me as if nothing happened ! ”
Awh, bless him. Just like a frustrated and baffled teenager experiencing the first bittersweet agonies of love. Leaning on dad for reassurance and support: it's a really sweet image, actually! :)
“No.” And Finrod's eyes suddenly danced like stars. “And if he does – when he does – I will affect not to remember anything.”
Legolas' eyes widened and he threw a quick look at Glorfindel. Who bent his head and began to laugh.
“Canst thou do that?” he asked after a moment, looking up.
“Yes,” Finrod answered, calmly smiling.
....
“Yes,” Glorfindel admitted, and not without a tinge of satisfaction, “It will drive him insane.”
“Yes,” Finrod agreed. “I hope it will.”
Oh Finrod, who knew you had such a wicked, mischievous side?? :D
Author's Response: I liked the flashback to Fingolfin's challenge through Coldagnir's eyes: acknowledging Morgoth's fear and his own hatred of Fingolfin's transcendent beauty; wanting to see him defiled for it but then wanting to keep a bit a bit of the beauty for a reminder. A complex creature like any other.
Yes, I think he is; I have the idea that Coldagnir experienced a form of PTSD when he came down to Arda and into Utumno - hmm, I must write his story one day - but under what he became, he did remember and yearn for beauty.
Leaning on dad for reassurance and support: it's a really sweet image, actually! :)
Aww. In fact, he is baffled and pretty outraged. And he's matched, because Finrod, for all his enameled serenity, is as strong as steel. He is playing this another way. d;-)
And again, thank-you for taking time to read and review, Merin. I am glad you are still enjoying it, or I hope you are!
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 15, 2013 20:44 · For: Chapter 52 ~ Within These Walls Of Pride And Love ~
Fëanor's expression had slowly changed from murder to amusement as Glorfindel revealed the events on the island.....Glorfindel flashed him a glance. “If I had believed any harm might come to him, I would have prevented his going.”
“Well, there is no harm in an orgy, certainly.” Fëanor's eyes glinted.
***
“Blood calls to blood. It is more potent than that drug my son and thy brother consumed. What was in it?”
“Why, dost thou need some?”
Fëanor smiled. “I can think of some I would like to taste it.”
Fëanor is incorrigible lol
--
“True. Our minds are powerful weapons, for us or against.”
Very true
--
Oh Finrod and Celegorm... you guys have no need of a fire, not when you produce such outrageous hotness between you. Celegorm, you're still winning the prize for being, like, the biggest douchebag on the planet but, day-um, that was some seriously smokin' angry-sex time.
(Sorry, appear to have unleashed my inner American teenager then. Suitable vocabulary has evaporated from my brain).
“Thou didst love me and were willing to see me damned.”
Ok, I concede it's a fair point...
“And apparently, thou didst love me and were willing to see me dead. How did it feel knowing thou hadst succeeded?”
Touche!
“I hated thee for dying !”
Illogical. Pretty much your fault he died, remember?
“Remember,” he murmured as he stepped back. “that I was not on my knees.”
Oh my goodness, things like this make me love you more, Finrod. :)
-
I liked Van's interaction with Coldagnir. He can probably understand him and his present motivations better than anyone although he did seem more empathetic and forgiving than I expected.
“One I love wept for thee,” the murmur dusted his mouth with warmth. “If thou art worth his tears, thou art worth forgiveness."
Then again, perhaps not. Elgalad is too good. Perhaps he is the Jane Bennett of the Elven world lol.
Author's Response: Oh Finrod and Celegorm... you guys have no need of a fire, not when you produce such outrageous hotness between you. Celegorm, you're still winning the prize for being, like, the biggest douchebag on the planet but, day-um, that was some seriously smokin' angry-sex time.
(Sorry, appear to have unleashed my inner American teenager then. Suitable vocabulary has evaporated from my brain).
LOL. You make me want to go and read that again. It sounds good XD
Celegorm is the illogical one in this pairing, though I think the majority of people are illogical when their emotions become involved. Finrod is definitely the logical one.
Vanimórë has ways of dealing with old um...resentments. He has had to, since for most of his life he was ultimately powerless. In Coldagnir's case he is intrigued, but that is not to say he forgets anything. There is a time and place...
Thank-you, Merin (:
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 14, 2013 1:45 · For: Chapter 51 ~ The Longest Night ~
You know, it reads just like I imagine a drug-induced europhia would be like: a sense of discontinuity, disorientation: a dream-like melding of thoughts and sensations. Not that I've experienced such but that's what I imagine. Very hot, it *does* sound like a good night but an awkward as heck morning after!!
That was a spectacular night, Glorfindel thought to himself
Oh Glorfindel, what a voyeur lol. If I were Finrod I don't think I'd be best pleased to know my brother had been spying on my nights!
Author's Response: Lol @ Glorfindel. I think he wanted to ensure he did not have to step in and stop this night.
I've never done drugs either, but I just wrote it how I imagine it would feel. Awkward as heck morning after, also, yes. I could not see how it would be any other way!
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 14, 2013 0:58 · For: Chapter 50 ~ Sparks Blown On A Bitter Wind ~
“Thou hadst no right to throw away thy life,” Celegorm hissed at the hard, serene face gilded by moonlight. “It belonged to me.”
Finrod stopped rowing and stared at him. “Thou arrogant...! I do not belong to thee !”
Celegorm threw himself from the thwart and slammed a hard kiss to his mouth.
“I never knew what a skilled liar thou wert before now !”
Finrod lifted one foot and pushed him back.
“Thou wilt have us both overboard, idiot !”
Celegorm fell silent, both satisfied and dissatisfied by the too-brief kiss. Finrod tasted beautifully of honeyed wine, and he hardened, imagining him, lovely and naked, on his knees, asking forgiveness for placing any-one, anything before his cousin.
Oh my goodness, lol,. Oh Celegorm, I kind of want to like to like you but I just can't when you are so overwhelmingly... so completely and unrepentantly arrogant!!
Espeically this:
“I want him on his knees. I want him to admit his oath to Barahir was of less import than his love for me.”
and:
...imagining him, lovely and naked, on his knees, asking forgiveness for placing any-one, anything before his cousin.
Clearly an obsession with visual penitence with these two, everyone has to be kneeling, but no, no, no, Celegorm, *you* are the one who needs to be humbled a bit and show some remorse!
Finrod, it's a good job you're more than a match for this Feanorion pride! (You'd better not end up on your knees now!)
--- I know it's not obvious but I'm really enjoying this little story arc! :)
Author's Response: Clearly an obsession with visual penitence with these two, everyone has to be kneeling, but no, no, no, Celegorm, *you* are the one who needs to be humbled a bit and show some remorse!
Finrod is with you on that one!
It has been interesting to read reviews on this and Magnificat III by some-one who is very pro-Celegorm, and your reviews where you are right there with Finrod. I like that, as it seems at least I wrote something people could get behind, no matter who they sided with (: . These two have become one of my favourite pairings, because there is so much between them, so much pride and pain.
Thank-you very much indeed for enjoying it, Merin!
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 14, 2013 0:25 · For: Chapter 49 ~ Embers ~
Fëanor! I realise nothing you do should shock me, but that did lol. What are you that inspires such love that is equal parts tormented and shameful, rapturous and devoted? Poor tortured Maglor and Fingolfin are caught so deeply in your web but at least they have each other for some support. Maybe the balrog recognises a kindred spirit in Fëanor,
Also, Fanari's bold woman in white...: Aredhel??
Author's Response: What are you that inspires such love that is equal parts tormented and shameful, rapturous and devoted? Poor tortured Maglor and Fingolfin are caught so deeply in your web but at least they have each other for some support. Maybe the balrog recognises a kindred spirit in Fëanor,
Coldagnir recognizes something else about Fëanor; I think it's in the chapter Fireflowers. Poor Coldagnir.
Yes, Aredhel was the one referred to.
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 13, 2013 23:33 · For: Chapter 47 ~ Betrayal Lies Between Us ~
The Rosriel/Tindomion/Gil-galad scene brought a tear to my eye. I stopped reading for a moment just to imagine it and feel the uprush of emotions from Rosriel. Gil has always wanted love and affection from his nana even if he has tried to hide the fact. I think most people never really outgrow our need for mum in our lives, even millennia old elves, and it will be good for both of them to develop a meaningful relationship. Though surely this is only the first thawing of the ice. Tindomion's kiss was such a simple but giving act; it made me feel an immense fondness for him. :) And well done Fanari on being the catalyst for this little episode.
There is such a theme of a struggle for redemption in your work, even with the balrog.
“I am not an it...” Coldagnir whispered.
Just this one little whisper is disarming and makes him/it seem diminished, vulnerable... sweet? It makes me think it's going to go balrog-ballistic at some point in the future! I think I would be as leery of him as Ecthelion is!
It probably goes without saying that I love Finrod still! There is so much going on beneath his lovely, serene surface; I like his control but also the little flares of anger that escape. Still waters run deep. Slightly wrong analogy, I'm looking for one about being calm on the surface but ragingly passionate underneath but can't think of one...
“I deny nothing. I forget nothing.” Finrod took a hammer to his bitterness and beat it down so that his voice became smooth cold steel. “I do not forget leaving Nargothrond as little more than a beggar. I do not forget Sauron in Tol-in-Gaurhoth. I do not forget dying. But more than all, coz, I do not forget how it felt for the one I loved to betray me.”
Yes it needed to be said... now, where's the contrition, Celegorm?
“I came here to extract a bended-knee apology from Celegorm, to do anything save kill him.”
I would love to see this too! Although unless Celegorm has a personality transplant I'm not sure that will happen sadly.
Author's Response: I think most people never really outgrow our need for mum in our lives, even millennia old elves, and it will be good for both of them to develop a meaningful relationship. Though surely this is only the first thawing of the ice. Tindomion's kiss was such a simple but giving act; it made me feel an immense fondness for him. :)
I think it is true; and there's supposed to be such a strong pre and after birth bond between Elf children and their parents (one of the reasons they're not supposed to have children in times of war, lest one or the other parent die) which Gil-galad never experienced with his mother. When Fingon died, having a mother who loved him could have helped him immensely, and I don't think he ever stopped wishing, deep within, that she had loved him. So at least this is a step in the right direction.
Tindómion has a lot of nobility, I think, and this one kiss was an expression of that.
It probably goes without saying that I love Finrod still! There is so much going on beneath his lovely, serene surface; I like his control but also the little flares of anger that escape. Still waters run deep. Slightly wrong analogy, I'm looking for one about being calm on the surface but ragingly passionate underneath but can't think of one...
Unlike the Fëanorions, Finrod boils on the inside, yes :) although as you say, he has cause.
Thank-you so much, Merin.
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 12, 2013 16:37 · For: Chapter 45 ~ White Moths ~
This was such a difficult and emotional chapter to read. The writing is very stark and powerful; it gives no quarter.
Feanor's all encompassing, powerful and burning love for his sons is so evident; as is the twins' despair and desire and Celegorm's own confrontation with his past and acknowledgement of the damage that caused to Elured and Elurin.
Author's Response: It was a difficult chapter to write. :
Feanor's all encompassing, powerful and burning love for his sons is so evident; as is the twins' despair and desire and Celegorm's own confrontation with his past and acknowledgement of the damage that caused to Elured and Elurin.
I am glad all that is apparent in the chapter. Thank-you!
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 12, 2013 15:42 · For: Chapter 43 ~ Winter's Vengeance ~
Oh my god, thank goodness I am reading this when it is completed because I don't think I could cope with such a cliffie!! (And that's both Glorfindel taking on the balrog and the Celegorm/twins/Finrod arc, although Glorfindel is clearly too epic and enraged to be beaten by any balrog.)
One thing I will say: there is no danger of my becoming overweeningly arrogant when every-one has such faith in me.
haha, poor Glorfindel, but it *is* a balrog, everyone's concerns are well founded!
Daeron's hair has changed colour ('woven with strands of frost'). Elves don't go grey, is this significant? The twins have frost coloured hair don't they?
Author's Response: haha, poor Glorfindel, but it *is* a balrog, everyone's concerns are well founded!
Yes, although of course he would not have been defeated this time; it was supposed to be a kind of poetic reenactment, but with Glorfindel as the victor this time, only it changed as I wrote it.
With Daeron, Elves don't go grey, no. And technically he isn't grey; This is more a physical symbol of his relationship with the twins (being who they are which is gone into in more depth later) and so his dark hair is 'turning' into frosty-white gradually.
Thank-you again, Merin.
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 11, 2013 22:56 · For: Chapter 42 ~ To The Fires Of The Year's End ~
Balrog in the mountain! It's never a dull day in New Cuivienen. And Celegorm conveniently out hunting, and the twins too: events continue apace in Middle Earth.
Thranduil: love or war will take him to Imladris. Hope it's love: to see Beleg, or maybe his wife returned from the west. Sincerely hope it's not war. glad to see Thranduil still can't resist a bit of wine!
Author's Response: I can't say anything without spoilers, lol. Except - yes, Balrog in the mountains :) Thank-you!
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 11, 2013 21:57 · For: Chapter 40 ~ Bonds of Bitter Beauty ~
Notwithstanding the fact that they're talking about murdering someone and engaging in lustful orgies, I find there is something vulnerable and a little child like about the twins. They might love Daeron as a sort of father figure but i don't think he will be able to dissuade them from their course of action. Which spells trouble for Celegorm. Then Finrod to the rescue? That would be a little ironic!!
Toddler Turin is very cute: Bey-eg!
Let not my sorrow ever darken his heart, Beleg thought as he sipped the wine and Túrin mimicked him, coming up from his cup with a white stain about his mouth. Whatever showed in his expression then Beleg did not know, but the child set down the empty cup carefully, stood upon the settle and blessed him with a milky kiss.
“Be no sad,” he said. “Dear Bey-eg. My friend.”
Turin demonstrates that unusual perceptiveness that small children often possess. I might have burst into tears if I'd been Beleg, though I understand ancient, stoic elves can control their emotions a little better!
Author's Response: Notwithstanding the fact that they're talking about murdering someone and engaging in lustful orgies, I find there is something vulnerable and a little child like about the twins.
Yes, I found that when I was writing them, and then later realized it was because they were quite mad, but as they didn't seem unhappy about it, I didn't change it. Well, Finrod saving Celegorm from a fate worse than death would be ironic, but...
Little Túrin only knows that he loves Beleg, not why, not yet. I think Beleg believes that Finrod is so far gone from him now, that he cannot afford the tears, or allow them to show around Túrin.
Thank-you again, Merin!
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 11, 2013 14:57 · For: Chapter 38 ~ Broken Silver ~
Lol at Finrod's rising exasperation at everyone seeming to think he's going to come and throw himself at Celegorm's feet. I mean, why would he do that? He is more clearly the wronged party here. Not that Celegirm seems to believe that: sublime Feanorion arrogance indeed.
So sad to read about the poor, damaged twins. Initial reaction of good, they survived melts into realisation that the hurt done to them in their formative years is too bad to be healed. :(
Author's Response: Lol, believe me, Finrod is of your mind. :)
Yes, I am afraid the twins, though they survived and are happy in their own way, didn't escape being damaged :(
Thank-you, Merin!
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 11, 2013 1:04 · For: Chapter 36 ~ The Breaking of Cold Chains ~
Aha, Rosriel's actions are suddenly much clearer. What a terrible fate to be so twisted by a power and to have to endure an ugly half life of bitterness and hatred that impacts not only yourself but your family. Am remembering that poor little elfling alone but for his moppet :(
I hope Rosriel will find some healing but fear that the chasm of hatred that has grown between her and Gil won't be easily bridged x
Author's Response: Yes, Merin - it was a long haul to find out why Rosriel was so cold, even to her own son.
Am remembering that poor little elfling alone but for his moppet :(
Poor little Ereinion. It is a wonder he matured as he did. It will certainly not be easy for either of them, but both he and Rosriel were robbed of so much that I think they would make a real effort, if only to show that the Valar (Varda in this case) would not influence the rest of their lives.
Thank-you so much for continuing to read.
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 10, 2013 14:13 · For: Chapter 34 ~ A Song of Love and Steel ~
Glorfindel said, softly, knowing his brother could hear him: “Well done, beloved. Very well done.”
Yes well done, beautiful Finrod, you are superb!
Heart was in my mouth for a second when the soldiers arrived,I thought they must be back ups for the valar. Can't believe Namo actually tried to stab Finrod! Complete desperation??
“It was a long battle.” Ingwë threw a look that would have cut ice at Manwë. “Where wouldst thou go? I am at thy service.” His smile blazed out. “From all I saw, I think not that Tyelkormo Fëanárion deserves thee, but if thou wouldst sail, I shall escort thee to the Swanhaven. Thou shalt find friends there also.”
Wow, definitely wasn't expecting the high king of the elves to turn up, this initially private battle has turned into a complete coup. Completely agree with Ingwë: Celegorm is in no way deserving of Finrod!
Manwë went on, as if he had not heard, “Thou art perhaps owed something for thy lifelong resistance to such sin. Thy death was honorable, and now a Silmaril is out of the hands of the mad sons of Fëanáro – let us hope, forever. Thy sacrifice for the Man, Beren, and Lúthien the Beloved entitles thee to some grace. So, son of wise Arafinwë...”
Námo thrust his shoulders forward like a gor crow over a carcass. “Beg.”
This is disgusting :( Namo and Manwë clearly derive some sort of sick pleasure from trying to humble brave, honourable, majestic Finrod. So good to know they did not succeed and indeed their goading had the opposite effect!
Author's Response: Thank-you again, Merin :)
I thought Finrod was superb, too, and this time he was fighting for something he believed in.
I didn't expect Ingwë to turn up either, as he had for so long been thoroughly brainwashed, but the knock-on effect of what has happened had to hit even the Vanyar, the closest to the Valar, at some point. And Ingwë was not always a cardboard cut-out; I shall be writing more of him.
Manwë and Námo had sent the Elves they felt dangerous and hated to the Void, save for Glorfindel, and so Finrod is really the only one they can attempt to belittle and bully :( Or was, rather. But no, they could not succeed, because he had had up up to his back teeth by then, living a second life that was all pallid shadows.
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 10, 2013 12:27 · For: Chapter 33 ~ The Love of a Kinslayer ~
Stunning chapter, really, really intense. Honestly, i have read it three times through now both ladt night and today because i cant take it all in.Now I have to take a moment to draw breath!
I would almost call Finrod cruel when he began things with Celegorm in the gallery, certainly with the kiss, except I don't think there was any calculation in it, just raw, all encompassing need. I don't think he knew quite what he was awakening in himself or in Celegorm. Such beautiful, writing, completely believable angsty-eroticness. I have to admire Finrod's self control, especially to regain it after having broken it so spectacularly.
I even feel for Celegorm, who, along with Curufin, I have always thought of as being the real betrayer in this situation. But you have made me feel his own sense of betrayal so vividly even though it is not from his own pov: Finrod, his beloved, who professes to love him, seems to willingly choose to damn him to the everlasting dark on the whim of this mortal, Beren. I can see why one who holds family loyalty and love above all else would see this as the most grevious trespass. :( there is such a seething cauldron of emotions in both characters, I don't know how you do it!
Loved it, loved it, loved it x
Author's Response: Oh, wow, thank-you, Merin.
I don't think there was any calculation in it, just raw, all encompassing need. I don't think he knew quite what he was awakening in himself or in Celegorm.
Yes, this it it exactly; there was no calculation, but he didn't know what he might awaken.
I am glad it came across as 'believably' angsty-erotic, which was how I envisaged it,
But you have made me feel his own sense of betrayal so vividly even though it is not from his own pov: Finrod, his beloved, who professes to love him, seems to willingly choose to damn him to the everlasting dark on the whim of this mortal, Beren. I can see why one who holds family loyalty and love above all else would see this as the most grevious trespass.
When I first got this idea, only in the chapter where Celegorm was speaking to Maglor, it forced my mind to split, and see the Nargothrond 'betrayal' from two sides. It's obvious Finrod was both usurped of his kingship and betrayed, but there was Celegorm claiming it was he whom had been betrayed. I don't think he believed it could happen, that (vow to the House of Beor notwithstanding) Finrod would choose any-one over him. It felt as if he had been delivered a death blow for no reason.
there is such a seething cauldron of emotions in both characters, I don't know how you do it!
Oh, thank-you so much. I have come to love these two, and could feel that cauldron as I was writing.
Thank-you; I am so glad you enjoyed this!
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 10, 2013 1:03 · For: Chapter 32 ~ Discordance ~
Tindómion and Gil are to be thwarted at every step >:D not only do they play their little game but when they finally *finally* manage to start something then events conspire against them.
Oh Finrod, what a dreadful vision. :( it was going to consume you but then you remembered Celegorm... Celegorm ever the hunter too, as shown in that lovely little flashback. Is there a Feanorion who is backwards in coming forwards? Perhaps Maglor, in certain aspects, and quite understandably.
Love, hate, anger, lust: whatever Finrod feels for Celegorm it is anything but indifferent so you go, Finrod, smash their song of stagnancy and servility with your passion!!
Author's Response: not only do they play their little game but when they finally *finally* manage to start something then events conspire against them.
I am afraid this is true, and much is to do with Tindómion's intransigence.
Love, hate, anger, lust: whatever Finrod feels for Celegorm it is anything but indifferent so you go, Finrod, smash their song of stagnancy and servility with your passion!!
That vision of stagnancy and servility felt nightmarish to me, nothing like Sauron's song of power, as Finrod mentally notes, but dreadful in other ways. :(
Thank-you again, Merin.
Celegorm ever the hunter too, as shown in that lovely little flashback.
Oh yes, even then. (:
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 10, 2013 0:27 · For: Chapter 31 ~ Mosaic ~
Beleg's interaction with Turin and Cell is very sweet and tender and suffused with this underlying melancholy.
Van is right, Beleg does seem to have passed on all his good points, his kindness especially, to his descendants: befriending Maeglin is something I could see Elgalad, perhaps Legolas too, try to do. :)
Author's Response: I a sure that seeing people who remind him of the Elder days even to the name Túrin, is like walking on glass for him, but his nature is giving, and so he would treat them kindly.
befriending Maeglin is something I could see Elgalad, perhaps Legolas too, try to do. :)
Yes, I could, too.
Thank-you so much for following on, Merin. I really appreciate it!
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 06, 2013 11:08 · For: Chapter 30 ~ Complexities of Kinship ~
Firstly, Fëanor jumping from ship to ship is classic.
Secondly, the scene between Finrod and Celegorm was beautiful, beautiful. I was sitting with the morning sun streaming in through the window (sun for once!) and I could picture this lovely imagery:
---The spring sun frosted Finrod with pale gold. He had discarded his tunic, and the diaphanous shirt clung like mist against his torso. His hands clasped the worked stone hard, light flashing from his jeweled hair, the tears on his cheeks. He did not try to hide them as he turned his head. --
Stunning. And then their gentle conversation, and their final kiss which is passionate and delicious. Finrod is gorgeous (omg that picture!) both inside and out and I don't particularly like in general but I did like him and felt for him here.
Oh, and Finrod's confrontation with his father and the valar was another great one. He is super in his temperance and then defiance. I hope they don't manage to overcome Finrod and trap him unwillingly in valinor: I am anxious for him! :o
So Finrod, new favourite character. For now :)
Author's Response: Thank-you so very much, Merin; I am glad you liked Fëanor's jump :)
Secondly, the scene between Finrod and Celegorm was beautiful, beautiful
Oh, wonderful. I never had much feeling for Finrod before I started writing him, and then he was suddenly *there* (Same with Celegorm). So writing these two was completely new for me, and I am thrilled if it comes across the way I envisaged them. There will be more Finrod, worry ye not!
Thank-you again!
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 05, 2013 20:20 · For: Chapter 27 ~ Circles of Fate and Fire ~
oh this is super exciting. Not only is their ust vibrating between, well, practically everyone but you have this wonderful story thread with Beleg and Maeglin and Turin which is so intriguing: can't wait to find out what happens!
Gil, sounds like you're playing a dangerous game but Tindomion is being silly and stubborn so maybe he deserves it a little bit.
Author's Response: Hi Mering. I am so glad you are enjoying it, UST included. I do find it very sexy to write of. (:
I am also glad you like the Beleg/Maeglin and Túrin storyline. (:
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 03, 2013 20:21 · For: Chapter 14 ~ An Unsheathing Of Swords ~
Ah, great chapter! Honestly, I think all your writing is brilliant but you really excel at bringing these big, explosive confrontations to life. Again I was completely gripped and totally there on the quayside with them all. Such exciting stuff!
Author's Response: but you really excel at bringing these big, explosive confrontations to life
Thank-you, Merin. I think that's from being brought up with a very volatile family who could have huge, but very erudite rows. :D
Name: Merin (Signed) · Date: April 03, 2013 0:42 · For: Chapter 12 ~ Ancient Patterns ~
"Ah, yes, Fëanor,” Maeglin snarled. “He who swore the Oath which doomed all the Noldor will be their High King, whilst I must beg to be accepted?”
“Life is unfair, no?” Vanimórë said, dulcet-toned, and Maeglin hissed to Glorfindel, “Why does the Vala of the Elves have ado with the spawn of Morgoth's chief servant?”
“This would be the same Morgoth whom thou didst make a bargain with?”
----
Ooh, Van's rapier wit: sharp and cutting as always. Maeglin, you walked into that one.
Oh, Moriel is back in Aman, though clearly far from healed. I wonder if Van ever thinks of her, or considers the possibility that she has been rehoused. I wonder if she thinks or knows much of the fate of her twins? A reunion would certainly be... complex... I am looking forward to learning more about Vanya- cant remember which book you said that was in though.
Author's Response: Van is a bit hard to phase. He is kind of used to being on the receiving end of this kind of thing. :
I do intend, in later works, to have Van meet his mother. He's never even seen her, and has never considered that even were she healed and rehoused that she would want to see him, but that point will come. Vanya appears later in the timeline, in Dark Blood actually, which is about 26-27 years after this.
Thank-you for following along with this still, Merin (: