Fan fiction resurfaces

[loveme4whoiam]

Hi. I'm relatively new to this section of the forums (poets and artists scare me) but i thought this would be the right section for this - if not mods move it please.

 

Anyway, on to the meat of this. Before my untimely demise on the forums, i was working on a series of stories spun off from the Silmarillion, the precursor to the Lord of the Rings for those who haven't read it. I love this book, even more than LotR truth be told (i haven't even completey finished reading it yet :ohmy: ) and i decided to expand on the stories of some of the characters that are, frankly, barely alluded to in the Sil. These include Gil-Galad and his time in Falas with Cirdan, Maeglin the Betrayer, Turgon, and others. They all have the central theme; that they all wind up and the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, the Fifth Battle. In the mythology of the Sil., this was when pretty much all of Beleriand (this won't mean squat to those who haven't read the book) went to assault Morgoth in in stronghold of Thangodrim (sp?). It is written in the Sil. in Tolkien's usual style; ie beautifully descripitive while at the same time not giving any actual detail.

So, this is what i've been doing. I'm going to write the back-story of one of the characters i mentioned (and others, i don't have the book or all my stuff in front of me at the moment) and then, once all the characters are done, write the battle itself, from the points of view of all the characters individually and in general. With any luck, once read all at the same time it will create a nice effect for the reader.

 

Anyay, the reason i'm telling you lot all this is because, well, i value your input and opinions. You are generally slightly more literate and knowledgable than most people i know, and certainly know more about LotR and will understand the stories better. So, i'm going to attach the first one i've written (once it gets a tune-up - call it a couple of days tops) to the thread and hope you guys read and comment on it. In this fashion i'll put them all up here (until i'm told not to be the mods) and i'm all done.

 

The first one i've done is based on Gil-Galad, and since i happen to have an early copy on this system (my decent copy is at home, snug in a good hard-drive instead of these awful college ones), i thought i'd put a little bit of it up on the thread, to kind of get you interested. Enjoy! :D

 

:construction:

 

Of Ereinion Gil-Galad, and the Devastation of Falas

 

And so it came to pass that Fingon, through the valiant death of Fingolfin in single combat with Morgoth, became High King of the Noldor, but he was fell with misery and anguish. He reflected on the death his father, and was much afraid for the life of his son, Ereinion, in the war against Morgoth Bauglir. It came to him that he must preserve his house and his line, for ever-present in his mind the treachery of the sons of Fëanor contended with the threat of the Black Lord. He sent for his son, and instructed him to leave his halls for the Havens in the land of his friend, Círdan the Shipwright, and to watch over the waters of the Belegaer. Here follows the account of his time in Falas.

 

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Gil-Galad drew up along the ridge, just off the side of the road. The worn track led up over the crest of a small hill, to plunge, he knew, onto the wide plains of Falas. He looked back at his companions, who were filing off the road behind him, one of which spurred up to the crest of the hill. The rest dropped gratefully from their tired horses, and began making camp. Gil-Galad followed him. As he crested the summit, the sunlight burst upon his face as a golden wave, for they were on the western edge of Beleriand. From this vantage point he could see far across the lush expanse, for the plains of the Falas were equal but for two groups of small hills. Wild horses rode in small herds in the grass, and several small topes of trees dotted the landscape. His eye was also draw to a dazzling broken line of silver flowing away from where he sat astride his horse, and in the distance in the same direction was a hint of white light reflecting off a piece of metal, possibly a sword-blade, for it was in troubled times that he journeyed to these lands, he reminded himself. If he twisted in his saddle he could see a similar course of light in the east, which had been in sight almost since they had entered the lands of Círdan. He would follow that river to its end soon, and so come to the eastern haven of Falas, Eglarest. But first, he must wait for the coming of Círdan to welcome him into his land.

 

He coaxed his horse forwards, to pull up next to his silent companion. Following his gaze, he looked out at the sea. “Beautiful, is it not?” His friend remained silent for a time, almost as if he had not heard him, but he finally said, “It is the fairest sight I have lain eyes upon. Truly, this is a land of splendour. If this were a time of peace, would that I could sail far on those waters.” Gil-Galad was taken aback, for never had his friend spoken so strongly on a topic of this sort. In the times that later past, it was said that it was at this time Eldandil heard the horns of Ulmo and was forever tied to the seas more than any Man, until the time of Tuor, father of Eärendil Halfelven. Pulling a map from his saddle-bag, he stared at it for a moment, more for show than for actual reference, for it was engraved upon his eyelids for the time he had studied it. “That,” he said conversationally, pointing, “is the River Brithon, which carries down to the city of Brithombar, the western haven.” Watching his friend's face carefully, he said, “We shall speak more of this place at a later time. For now, let us make camp and wait, for it shall soon grow dark and our host shall not arrive ere the morrow.” With that, he turned and trotted his horse down to the rest of his troop, where he dismounted from his steed, and aided them in building the camp. But there immovable stood Grithond Eldandil, until the darkness closed in around him and the sea was hidden from his eyes by the falling night.

 

At dawn the camp awoke, and made ready for the arrival of Círdan. A watch was posted to the ridge, while packs were reloaded on their owner’s beasts. But soon, much sooner than Gil-Galad had expected, the watch called that the entourage of Círdan could be seen riding across the plains, and would be upon them within two hours. Thinking it tactful, Gil-Galad and his troop mounted, and rode down the south-face of the hill onto the plains, meeting their host at its foot. Attired in his uniform of the Noldor and carrying in his hand the Spear of Aeglos, Gil-Galad was the figure of Noldorin majesty. Círdan, by comparison, took the appearance of a squire, clothed in traditional flowing robes common amongst the Elf-Kind. He wore no weapon, and he rode with an escort of five only. It seemed to Gil-Galad that he was bringing war to a country that did not desire it, and was in no form to fight it.

Círdan slowed his horse near the edge of the slope, and dismounted, waiting patiently for Gil-Galad to descend onto the plain. As his troop trotted to a halt, Gil-Galad dropped lightly from his saddle, and walked to address his host.

“Hail Círdan the Shipwright, Lord of the Falas. My father sends greetings, and asks that you may extend to me the same friendship you have always shown him.” He offered his hand.

“If the son holds the valour of the line, that friendship is assured. Well met Ereinion Gil-Galad, son of Fingon.” He clasped Gil-Galad’s hand, taking his wrist in his other. “It is in times of sadness you come to my realm. News reached us of your father’s father; I was much saddened.” Gil-Galad nodded sombrely. “As we all were. But for his death I would not have been sent here.” The small silence that followed was broken by the sound of the rest of Gil-Galad’s company dismounting. He turned. “May I acquaint you with this, lord, my company that I keep.”

They lined up naturally behind their leader. Gil-Galad walked along the line naming each, and their history. “These are Veryandil, Macilon, Tirinvo, and Ohtar. They were my father’s men, who fought by his side at the Dagor Bragollach, and are each brave as any of the Noldor. And here are the brothers, Eruondo and Sorondo, who have chosen to journey with me.” And so on it went, with Séretur, Ermehtar, Maito, Tulcon and Manetur, all presented before Círdan, unknown to any of them that they would be remembered in song, the greatest sung by the Falathrim. Finally, they came to Eldandil.

“Thus we come to Grithond Eldandil, son of Mithond.” Before Gil-Galad could continue, Círdan suddenly stopped him. “You are a Man,” he said simply, addressing Eldandil.

“A Man of Hithlum, taken into the service of my lord Fingon. It is now my proud duty to continue to follow those of his house.” Círdan nodded, and looked in the eyes of Eldandil, who met his gaze. For a few moments it seemed to Gil-Galad that Eldandil would challenge Círdan, but instead he turned away to the west, looking out over the Great Sea. Círdan looked for a few moments more, then stepped back. “You are a Man of great strength, Grithond Elf-Friend. I see we share the love of the sea.”

“A love I did not feel until entering your lands, lord.”

“As is often among your kind. We shall speak again, son of Mithond.”

 

He turned swiftly to Gil-Galad, who had stood idle throughout this exchange, and said, “Let us take to horse. We shall be at Eglarest ere the night falls.” With that, Gil-Galad son of Fingon entered the land of the Falathrim.

 

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So, what do you think? Comment, please. This is actually an old version, but i can't remember all the changes i've made so i thought o'd leave it as it was. Nothing is concrete (unless its something that Tolkien specifically said was done) so it can pretty much all be changed if it will sound better. Thanks in advance.

[Malchik]

You know me, mate. I read most things AND comment but I do it in PM. I don't think most of our members can read though. Come on all you Tolkien freaks - give some feedback!!!!

[Kaningutten]

Nice! It's an interesting story you've begun telling, and I do appreciate that you've kept everything (so far ;)) in thread with Tolkien's writing. I like it, and I'd like to see the continuation. Just one question; Is this Eldandil character someone I've missed in the books or did you create him? Anyway; 'Thumbs Up!' and 'Keep Up!'

[loveme4whoiam]

He's made up; i needed a character that could talk to Gil-Galad to open his character up. I'd like to, at some point, write a story focusing on him, but at the moment i'm concentrating on getting the two i've started done.

 

I'll try and attach the rest of the stuff i've done by Thursday at the latest; at the moment i've got a HUGE History exam on the way (20% of two year course, pretty important) so my real-world efforts are going into that. Thanks for the encouragement you two. This is keeping the project ticking over.

[Malchik]

I'll finish my comments before Thursday. Don't forget after the history exam is over to comment on the posts Tor_Anders and I have made. So it's a cliquy little trio but trinities are important to some sections of society. Most of whom it seems can't read!

[Kaningutten]

Eldandil is a fascinating character! You really should write a story about him sometime... Anyway, I'd really like to help you to the same extent as Malchik, but my English-skills makes me less suited to judge! I could be your Middle Earth advisor, though! :lol: But it seems like you've got that part covered yourself!

 

Malchik; One day you're gonna get you a** kicked by one of these illiterates you keep putting down... ;)

 

Anyways, Good luck on your exam, loveme4whoiam!

[loveme4whoiam]

Malchik; One day you're gonna get you a** kicked by one of these illiterates you keep putting down...

 

:lol: I'd be worried if i were you Malchik, they out-number us a fair bit.

 

I'll comment on your poem now (IT teacher has taken an "unscheduled leave of absence"). Thanks for all your help and support guys. I'll add in all of your suggestions once this exam is done.

 

Damn, he just came back in. Bye :bye:

[Malchik]

Malchik; One day you're gonna get you a** kicked by one of these illiterates you keep putting down... ;)

 

Ah, but those who read this forum know I don't mean them and how are the others gonna know? Those for whom English is not a first language and whose knowledge of it is not as good as yours - and there are several who post - are excused reading great chunks of prose. It's those who claim English as a first language I'm getting at!

 

Still, I'll keep a wary eye open for threats like:-

 

"Use a ignirint bustard wot needds 2 b tort a lessen and I'm gunna do it!" :lol:

 

I've got the fork of horripilation to hand!

[Icefiddell]

I was just reading your story, i like it ive been doing things simular myself...well trying; i'm never happy with stuff though lol.

 

Yer i have to agree with you on that point, i also like the Silmarillion better than lotr's lol

[loveme4whoiam]

Cheers Icefiddell. I know what you mean, its really hard to please yourself, the hardest critic. Putting this stuff on here though is useful, because people like Malchik and Tor_Anders have a lot to say, and pick up on things that I miss.