Hello,
Sorry this is not an update but I thought that I should address some of the issues brought up in the last set of Reviews. I totally appreciate your honest opinions and constructive criticism. I am serious when I ask you for your opinion on the author's note and ask for your sincerity. So I appreciate that you guys shared some of your worries and trepidations concerning Thorin and Fili's OOCness. Constructive criticism improves my writing and helps me while writing other stories.
I felt that due to the fact that most People were unhappy with Thorin and Fili's development I should address that. I understand that some of you may be unhappy with the fact that Thorin is so possessive of Laurel and that Fili is being so nasty to her, but... as hard as it may seem to believe... I do have a genuine reason for having both characters act like that.
There will be no Spoilers in the following explanations, so read on without worries or fears :)
To Thorin's developments: I know that some of you guys are disappointed (or even more disappointed because Thorin has pretty much acted and treated Laurel very badly throughout the entire fic) in my portrayal of him. But I do dislike Thorin fics where Thorin is portrayed as nice and cuddly. Thorin is a middle-aged dwarf who was experienced so much loss and dissappointment in his life that he won't simply let go off his bitterness. I think that something like that would be incredibly unrealistic and I hate fics where a new character simply fixes Thorin. He is a king and incredibly stubborn, as much as I love Laurel I don't think she is that virtuous and good that she can Change him (especially as she is undergoing her own issues). I hate fics that disregard or downplay the aspect of greed in Thorin. That is a Major aspect of his character, as stated by Tolkiens, and adoring the author as much as I do I can not simply not write it. I totally respect it if you guys believe that Thorin's possessiveness is out of Canon and is not explainable by his greed. But I Kind of thought that if Thorin was obsessed by the Arkenstone, it would not seem far-fetched if he became similarly absorbed by the woman he loves. It isn't something you see in a lot of fictions and I thought that it could be an interesting plot Twist.
To Fili's developments: Again I totally understand that you guys think that he is acting OOC and that considering how I characterised him up until now, he would never act as vile as he does now. All I can say (ok one Spoiler) is he will not continue to be as bitter and cruel as he is now. But I do think that his reaction is understandable. He is incredibly hurt by Laurel and Thorin and he feels that she has lead him and his brother on this entire time. Furthermore, it would not be adverse to say that hethinks she might be playing him, his uncle and his brother for fools. Also Tolkiens has often underlined the Special relationship between uncle and nephews (see Théoden and Éomer) He has known Thorin all his life and he is a role model for him. He reveres his uncle and as such is unable to become angry at him or Show him any form of disrespect. While he does confront him a Little, it is not fully-fledged because Fili has too much respect for Thorin. As a result he would mostly blame Laurel and take out his Anger on her as we saw in this chapter. It isn't right but I think that it hurt Fili too much to think that the woman he is in love with and his uncle betrayed him. As a result he wants to believe that his uncle has been bewitched by Laurel and isnt in his right mind and would never willingly hurt and betray him like this.
I can also understand that some People think the fic is too dark. I don't enjoy writing happy, sunshine fiction where is everything is alright and there is no conflict. I do like dark and angsty stories. Accordingly I will Change the genre from Drama to tragedy.
(Phew) Glad to have gotten this out of my chest. As always I would appreciate it if you guys responded to some of the Points I raised here and told me if you can understand my thought process or tell me of any reservations you still have.
I will try to update as soon as I can, but currently I am really overwhelmed academically.
Love, Ria