Such turmoil she is in. I guess I never realized how much suspicion and animosity there was from the Lorien elves, even from Mirkwood. Yet she is the one who has to make things right. Her anger is apparent. She is the one who can save them all yet they distrust her. Most would say 'fine then, do it yourself and see how far that gets you.' I really feel for her. None of this is going to be easy. But I am so glad Innas is with her now. I really like his character. He stays true to his heart. Celemire is very fortunate, even if they are seperated at the moment.

Author's Response: Yes, Amorith's turmoil is definitely growing now that she has gone into Mirkwood. The Lórien Silvans were known to be fierce defenders of their land according to Tolkien, and even though the Lady Galadriel is Noldo, it does not mean they welcomed Amorith. Amorith, as direct descendant of Fëanor, will always be under suspicion and prejudice--the immortal Elves never forget. As for their Mirkwood counterparts, they are even more withdrawn from the world, led by a formidable King who mistrusts his southern neighbors. Already Amorith doubts her decision, but now that she has gone this far there is no going back. If Innas was not present I do not think she would have lasted long. I am glad you are enjoying him, he is a personal favorite of mine as well. He is exactly as you described him. In a way I am slightly jealous of Celemirë for lucking out with him ;)

I have always wanted to know what it was like when Thranduil and Amorith met. This is just a speck of a glance. I don't normally make requests because I know how busy most people are, but if I may... I would love to see a side piece with these two, how they met, what events might have been taking place at the time, how they fell in love. Yes or no it's fine with me. That being said, the part that moved me the most was this last section with Amorith's thoughts. The paragraph that starts with 'Love, the bane of every Elf and Man.', truly touched me. Your words are so passionate. This is what makes you such a wonderful writer. The last sentence however leaves me wondering what is about to happen.

Author's Response: Thanks Moe. I am planning on writing a piece about how Vanimë and Thranduil met, whether as the fourth part of the series or a seperate piece as you indicated. A kind of prelude to all this perhaps. And now that I have your support I may very well do it! I am glad you liked Vanimë's perspective. It was meant for you to be left with a wondering sense. I feel that love is a huge factor that really makes people's minds spin, and makes you do crazy things you might otherwise not have even dreamed of thinking about even. I appreciate your kind words. :)

Wow! I could almost cry. Such tragedy. Poor Celemire. Isn't it true to life that the most innocent are hurt or taken before steps are made to prevent such tragedy. Thranduil will suffer deeply for this. His pride was his downfall. It always was and he took his people along with him. Now he's responsible for so much sadness. It was inevitable and anyone on the outside looking in could see it coming, but could do nothing about it. I'm angry with Thranduil but at the same time I want to cry for him. Mostly for Celemire though since she is really the most hurt from all of this. Wonderful, excellent, heart-stopping chapter.

Author's Response: Yes, sad times indeed for Mirkwood and her King. As I was reviewing this chapter, the exact statement that you wrote in your fourth sentence passed through my mind. Thranduil is already starting to suffer; there's nothing worse than being the cause of your own defeat. And my own heart goes to Celemirë as well. I am glad once more that you enjoyed this chapter, even though it was quite tragic. I beg you to hold on, for there are more twists coming soon. Not everything is as it seems.

You know, when you said you were flying back I wondered if you would be affected. Of course, I don't know where you're flying to but with such a big portion of the US getting hit by this storm I thought you might be delayed. Well now, you have completely left my head spinning with this one. Everything I assumed has just been tossed out the window. I gotta tell you, I love Galadriel here. It's very true to her personality. Loved how you had her seem cold and threatening as she spoke of the rings and then returned to that motherly figure once more. Just the picture you painted of the three women-elves speaking together was very inspiring. Another great chapter. I hope you are not delayed too long and that you have a safe trip home.

Author's Response: Yup, out of sheer foolishness made it to the airport and found out our flight was cancelled. We're hoping to leave tomorrow but who knows with the weather. And flying into JFK during horrid weather isn't fun. Just keep praying for good weather and a safe arrival home, please. As for this chapter, I'm glad it spun you around. That was my intent. Playing Galadriel is hard; she is such a fierce character. Glad you loved how I portrayed her. She is a strong lady, and even Tolkien wrote that she strove against Sauron in thought and knew much of what he was planning. Plus being Noldo adds to one's machness ;) I wanted Forfirith to have some part in the story as well. If you think this is all the twists and turns you can handle, get ready for more.

You've got me spinning once again. I don't think I saw any of this coming. Well, I knew it was not textbook stuff. I am so reminded of Galadriel when Frodo offers her the ring. This is her test. Will she try to take over Mirkwood or resist and become a balanced version of both Amorith and Vanime. I know Thranduil fits in here somehow but I can't even begin to guess how. How do you do it? This story is one of the most mature and intriguing one's I have read. In your bio you say you're a nurse by trade. My best friend is a nurse too and she comes up with some of the most imaginative ideas. It must be a nurse thing, LOL.

Author's Response: Here's a secret: I never saw this coming either! I sat down to type, with a vague idea of what I wanted, and this happened. I like when my imagination takes over and not the limited set ideas of my mind. Very encouraging that it worked out and you liked it :) Yes, I wanted to show just how deeply the schism is within her own self. She is at conflict now with everything around her, and in her. And tough choices lie ahead. Thranduil will come along shortly. As for how I do this...well sometimes I get stuck on a chapter for a long time. Case in point, 6 chapters ahead, I've been working on it for about 3 wks and still not done. Sometimes it comes easily and other times not. No idea if it's a nurse thing, but very well could be. We do have to be imaginitive at our jobs ;)

Beautifully written chapter. Some tense moments, saddness, longing. My favorite part was the end when Thranduil lays his head on her stomach and embraces her. It was just such a wonderful and sad moment. He still loves her but it can not be. He must be king. He is Thranduil. I am happy but heartbroken at the same time. Simply wonderful writing!

Author's Response: This chapter was a challenge to write. So many emotions running high; I had a soundtrack playing in the background for inspiration. I do believe at the very end I even shed a few tears. Thranduil is so overjoyed to see her, and he is thankful for her choice. They are both starting to acknowledge their mistakes. But with the impending doom upon them only the most serious matters must be dealt with. So many dynamics at stake here, Vanimë is trying to take the higher, harder road. Thanks again for your review and continued support :)

Great self-doubt and conflict in this chapter. And I love how you brought back Haldir's words. I remember reading that earlier. I didn't know then what a significant part it played later on. With all the wonderful characters in this story, I never pictured it being Haldir that would give her the one thing that would bring her back from the edge of despair. Very well done. I'm hanging on the edge again. Who will find her and help her? Can't wait for more!

Author's Response: Thank you. Vanimë has reached the point of no return now. All her inner fears/doubts have risen into this new form to confront her. She had hidden many things away even from herself, but she can no longer hold them back anymore. Depression, self-denial, and repression are never good things. Haldir is her rock now; he was from the beginning. He knew how to handle her angry outbursts and short bursts of temper; he knows the true lady inside is wanting to be saved. Vanimë is realizing he is the one person who can love her now; he is free from other entanglements, unlike Thranduil. And it was the fact that she unconsiouscly connected with Haldir rather than Thranduil that surprised her as well. But as Galadriel warned, "Not all is well between Sindar and Silvan...". At any rate, the ride is almost over! Keep hanging on a bit more, and then we fold this first installment and begin the second. Thanks for your continued support, Moe! :)

What an absolutely wonderful and mysterious twist here with the Entwives. Your portrayal of Galadriel, Vanie and the mirror are so vivid and very true to the attitude of the Noldo, almost insulting at one point. This is understandable though, which I am learning as I read Silm. Just when I thought this tale was told, you manage to take us in a new direction. Excellent and still enjoying this very much.

Author's Response: This chapter was difficult to write; took me quite awhile. And again the twist with the Entwives was such a surprise even for me. I'm glad you liked my portrayal of the Noldo women; Galadriel is such a challenge to write. She's so multi-faceted as well, a very ambitious woman. I meant to put that insult there---as the fierce and defiant lady she is Galadriel is having a hard time restraining herself and not directing things in Mirkwood as she wishes. To quote Tolkien from Unfinished Tales "Galadriel saw that Lórien would be a stronghold and point of power to prevent the Shadow from crossing the Anduin ... but that it needed a rule of greater strength and wisdom than the Silvan folk possessed." That's the point I was trying to get across. Glad you are reading The Silmarillion; it is a bit diffcult to digest at times but it's really rewarding. Once more, I am happy you are enjoying my drabbles :)

You did an awesome job with the battle scene. It seemed very true to life. I loved Thranduil's speech before engaging in battle. How kingly he must look going off into the fight. Innas' thoughts and feelings all came through wonderfully, especially when he was faced with one last decision to fight with or against the King. I could feel the pull at his heart, thinking of protecting the very person that brought such desolation to his love and unborn child. Again, the battle was great. It showed the gruesomeness of war. And the scene of Thranduil seeing twin brothers die together must have really brought it all crashing down. Thranduil's reaction was very real. As mighty as he may seem, he is not too much so that such horror would not affect him. Great job on the whole chapter.

Author's Response: Thank you, Moe! I must confess my hesitation at writing any sort of battle scene, and it's not long, but I felt I had to put some action. Thranduil wanted the men to know that he fights as one of them, not as a figurehead disconnected from everything as he previously was. His past haunts him, and he is seeking redemption. He is reminded of the Last Alliance, when the world then was at a close, and he feels all the losses he has endured because of this Evil. His lone charge is the proverbial taking the bull by the horns. He also wanted to instill pride in his men, show them that he will not cower. Both Innas and Thranduil are still trying to deal with their own emotions regarding each other. It is so easy to give into vice, so hard to hold onto virtue. And yes, war is gruesome. Sometimes with the modernity of things people forget that real lives are lost. It's why I interjected the twin brothers, and the Elves dying from being burnt even as they jumped. They were doomed either way. And yes, Thranduil's queasiness is from seeing the wholesale slaughter of his people, as well as the fact that as Innas pointed out he has been in the palace for some time, away from all these scenes. I'm happy you liked this chapter :)

Simply wonderful. I loved it. I will always want more. The only way to improve on it is to continue since it is 'His turn'.

Author's Response: I have to say, I really like writing Elladan- but he has another story to be told- and I intend to pick that up at Christmas.