I have to admit that I'm one of the "faint-hearted" readers you've said that this story is *not* for, but is there any chance that this will become less dark? LIndir has now lost everything for his crimes of having been so deluded by his misplaced love and loyalty, and his future now looks even bleaker than his past, even if Glorfindel makes this half-hearted attempt to save him. (I can't help think that if the situations were reversed, LIndir would never have left him to suffer alone.) The devastating part of all this is not in the details, gruesome as they have sometimes been, but in the very fact that the Valar are largely responsible for so much suffering. If that *is* the point, I guess I've answered my own question. But you write this brilliantly, regardless of my personal preference for *some* redemption, somewhere!

Author's Response: Again, thank you; I very much appreciate it. To answer your question, I do not know the ending yet, but I am aiming for a much less dark resolution, at least for Glorfindel and Lindir.

The only word that comes to mind to describe the story now is "Kafkaesque," which is not a word that I ever thought I'd be applying to LOTR fanfiction, lol!

The ambiguous conclusion of the "show trial," the insidious way in which the "rationalising" of mpreg seduces the judges and their minions into actions comparable in their cruelty to those for which the absent defendant(s) are (supposedly) standing trial, the several surprising methods with which the defendant(s) are able to manipulate the judges into releasing their key witness, the growing realization that this society is almost entirely built on pretense and actual lies, the many questions left unanswered about what actually happened and why, the lingering shame and sadness that even rebirth cannot erase, the flickering hope that some measure of reconciliation may come with time and care, the recognition that everyone is sometimes weak and wanting in some way, and that the guilty can be better than the good in certain situations... well, I could go on, but that's probably enough for one reader. Not an easy read, in any sense of the word, but a tremendous accomplishment by the author!

I don't suppose there's any chance of a final "afterword" someday? In particular, a meeting between Lindir and Laiglass?

Author's Response: Ha! Well, there's a first time for everything. :) I did, originally, intend to include a reunion between Lindir and Laiglas. Perhaps I will include it if and when I revise the story. Thank you, again, so much for your support; your generosity in sharing your thoughts regarding the story; and for simply reading and reviewing it. I doubt I would have finished this story without your input.

Oooh, I'm hooked, I'm hooked! More, please!

OMG, you updated! *does happy dance*

And it looks like Aragorn and Legolas are in for a long, hard road ahead, doesn't it?!

Angsty, angsty, angsty! Won't there be more chapters to this? *stomps foot and pouts, then changes mind and looks pleading*

Author's Response: Oh, thank you so much for your sweet review, ebbingnight. I'm so glad you enjoyed this story. I haven't thought about writing another chapter to this story, but if I do, I'll be sure to let you know. Thanks again.

I thought this was fascinating and thought-provoking, however, I would propose a sixth theme: the nature of time? A recurring theme in many of the stories you list is the difference between the ways elves and men experience and perceive time, given their very different lifespans. Our human memories and metaphysics are those of a mayfly, in comparison with those of someone more or less "immortal," so that allows writers to explore and exploit time in a way that is unlikely (though not, of course, impossible) in contemporary "realistic" fiction, while still grounding their world in what eventually becomes our reality (according to Tolkien!)

As for slash, I read it avidly, but have no simple, single explanation as to why I enjoy it. Probably to experience emotions that aren't available to me in real life? Hmmmm....

Author's Response: Our human memories and metaphysics are those of a mayfly, in comparison with those of someone more or less "immortal," so that allows writers to explore and exploit time in a way that is unlikely (though not, of course, impossible) in contemporary "realistic" fiction, while still grounding their world in what eventually becomes our reality (according to Tolkien!) That's so right! Have you read Forbearance by Jdav? It exploits this difference very nicely. Another story that just got this right is Murder the Dawn by Crowdaughter. I am not good with essays or writing in general. I lurk for the most of the time. I read slash too much. It's something I got into during my university days and never recovered. I still don't have an explanation ;)

Ah, this chapter is a bit easier to take, as it no longer involves Erestor as such a young boy. I hope that he finds the strength and maturity to deal with all the problems that are so obviously at hand.

And what has happened to Lindir? I want to hear more of the Green Elves!

You're doing an amazing job of storytelling, in case you weren't already aware. :)

Author's Response: Oh, I am glad you enjoyed this chapter more :D I am actually quite relieved I am done writing a young Erestor. I didn't expect it to be so hard to write a child, but it was. I kept on getting mad at him for not acting more mature lol! I am hoping for some definite character growth, or the revelation of character growth in the next chapter.

Oh Lindir? Well we haven't seen the last of him, but he's still several chapters in the future... he might make a reappearance at a certain high-kings court ;)

I am disliking this more and more with each chapter, but in a way that speaks to your skill as an author, I think. The bullying, racism, and sexualized cruelty here is becoming increasingly real, and therefore harder to read without revulsion, particularly as your Erestor and Lindir come across as very normal youngsters more or less trapped in this extremely hostile environment.

Author's Response: Thank-you for your honesty ebbingnight. I understand where you’re coming from, it is a hard read, even darker then I had originally envisioned. I will say things will be getting a less dark (I hope :D) but then, I haven't even gotten the kinslayings.

" particularly as your Erestor and Lindir come across as very normal youngsters more or less trapped in this extremely hostile environment."

Thank-you again for the review. I do hope you will continue reading even with the graphic raw nature the story has taken :( I haven't started writing ch 5 yet, but I am hoping for a less dark one :D

I'm a little surprised that Erestor even suspects that he may have these feelings: it's not as though his "experience" with Mórivo was anything other than painful and shameful. It's almost as though he's blaming himself as the victim (which, psychologically, isn't that unusual, come to think of it.) Interesting chapter: anxious to see more!

Author's Response: Thank-you for reviewing ebbingnight :D

I'm a little surprised that Erestor even suspects that he may have these feelings

Terribly, terribly dark for Erestor, and beautifully written. I haven't read the story yet for which this is a prequel, so I have no idea as to what kind of person will eventually emerge from so much loss and grief. Will Erestor take after his father, or not?

Author's Response: Thank-you for taking the time to review ebbingnight!

Thank-you again for reviewing, it means a lot :D