All right then, on with the questions, comments, feedback..um.anyway. Let
me know if you rather have the responses on the top or bottom.
JediKnightBalthasar-
Just a quick question, are you trying to compare this to the Holocaust? I don't know, but I'm pretty sure you won't find anything in your studies referring to a deranged village of mortal hating elves. :o)
-Why will they get in trouble for talking? Is it because the Elves fear them? Well yes and no for the first question, and yes and no for the second. (Have I lost you yet?) You'll just have to wait and read the story to find out.
-How many children are there? Good question. From Estel's point of view it's a whole handful, but it's really around 20 or so.
-How old are they? Well, they're pretty close in age, between 7 and 12.
-As for kids and children, What exactly do you mean? You've lost me there (See, we aren't all perfect)
-As for the kids not thinking for themselves, well that is because (as quoted by one of my teachers) 'If someone tells you over and over, day after day, that this is the way it is, you're going to eventually start to believe it.'
- In a sense it brings up the Holocaust (again). Hitler told for the German soldiers so long that Jews were the reason for their down fall. It was because of them that Germany wasn't able to rise above and draw in power, and the soldiers began to eventually believe it. (Stupid physiology lessons in class actually comes in handy)
-Then when they slowly began to believe the first lie, they start to believe the others, and slowly they teach the same lesson to others, because it is all they really know. Unlike Estel who has had a home, and a family, with a loving father, and two caring brothers, along with close friends, the others have been on their own. Estel isn't as easily swayed because he knows right from wrong, and the others, well they only know wrong, it really has been the only thing that has been taught to them.
-As with talking, yes you can! You're the most talkative reviewer I have, and I love It! (I've already said that haven't I?) You bring out a lot of good and interesting points, and ask very good questions, just trying to remember them all gives my brain a workout!
It's really helpful when reviews do something in this manner, because just saying it was good isn't all that helpful. Sure I'm glad that you all like it, but what parts did you like the most, what parts didn't you like. What things were confusing and so on, and you do a lot of that stuff, which is really nice! That way I can write my stories in order to suit my fans more, it's something that I've been trying to do :o) (Hehehe, I can talk a lot too!)
arabella thorne-
I can speak some Elvish, (It's whether I'm pronouncing the words correctly or not that matters)
As for Caycayal, the name isn't even Elvish (Ironic since I gave it to an elf)
It's actual a name I completely made up, and that's the way I originally had it to be pronounced, I never even thought about the elf language being that way. I should actual say that I haven't really looked at it. I have it, but I had to abandoned my Elvish lessons because I'm in Spanish now.
(Do you have any idea how hard it is to learn two different languages at the same time? I mean my teacher will ask a question in Spanish, and I'll have the answer halfway ready in Elvish before I suddenly remember I have to answer in Spanish!) So.. I mean I don't know.
You might be able to think of it as a rule-breaking thing, (such as i before e except after c and a few other exceptions thing) But hey I don't know! I'm not Tolkien. Go and bug him about it! :o)
Anita- Like I stated before, I don't think anyone really reads that disclaimer part because it's the same thing on every story, so I really shouldn't have put it there.
In the books it states (in the appendixes) that Aragorn left for Rivendell with his mother when he was two, and his mother lived with him in Rivendell. So he has had at least two years of living with Men, and with his mother, he should be able to speak fluent Western. I haven't included his mother in the fics, mainly because Tolkien never really told us anything about her, so, yeah, you get the idea.
But then again Aragorn is also bilingual, (I actually think he was more than that, but I'm not sure, I'll have to look that up! :o)
----(I talked to Cassia about it, and she's not sure either. But were guessing that he spoke near six or seven different languages in his later years.)
Also take into fact that these children have been captives most of their lives, and has been around the Elves, so therefore they too should know Sindarin or some form of Elvish, as you stated Aragorn would.
So sorry, but no, the elves aren't surprised to hear the kids speak Elvish, although I'm sure they don't even listen, they really don't care.. well then again a few do, but that's getting ahead of ourselves.
AloriaMoonbeam:TheLastFae-
Thank you for the kind review! Sorry, but I'm not published, But I really want to be someday! It's kind of a long-term goal.
-Elrond with a foster home? Haha! LOL, that's great. (New story idea coming!)
---'What you get is a living-What you give is a life.'---
Gish
Chapter 8: Memories
Estel had worked the small shovel into the hard ground until his fingers screamed in agony, still it was early in the morning. He was thankful that a light mist had continued throughout the morning, washing away most of the heat that would normally be there. He gave a sigh, striating up, watching birds fly over head.
He was startled when a hand was placed on his shoulder. He jumped lightly and turned to see the Elf who had helped him a few days before standing next to him. His fair gaze searched the area around them quickly, as if looking for someone. Once satisfied that they were alone the Elf motioned for him to follow.
Curious and somewhat frightened Estel quickly dropped the shovel and followed the departing Elf. He led him into the nearby woods, quickening his pace when they got deeper into the forest. Estel had to run in order to keep up with him.
He broke into the clearing moments after the Elf had, but he was gone. Estel searched the treetops quickly, knowing how agile Elves could be. But they lay empty. Frowning he calmed his heavy breathing, listening intently for a sound that would lead him in the direction the Elf had gone.
"Looking for someone?"
The question caused Estel to jump. He turned around quickly to see the Elf standing behind him. He shook his head in disbelief. "But how?" he asked quietly.
The Elf just laughed, walking toward him. "Don't worry yourself about it too much young one. You did well for a mortal. Who taught you to move in such a way?"
"My father, and brothers," he replied, watching the Elf approach.
"You still have a family," he stated. It was a statement, not a question. Estel gave a sigh. "Yes, though I do not know if my brothers are alive."
"So tell me young one, what is your name?" The Elf asked, changing the subject.
"Estel.." he said softly.
The Elf's eyes deepened. "An Elf's name? Who gave you that name?"
Estel hesitated for a moment. He was unsure of whether or not he should tell the Elf about his adoptive father, or if he should keep silent about.
Choosing his words carefully he spoke again. "Elrond." The Elf did not need to know that Elrond was also his father.
"Lord Elrond?" the Elf asked, studying the child.
Estel nodded.
"You have.spoken with him?"
Estel nodded again.
"Do you know him well?"
Once again, Estel found himself nodding, though more slowly. He was starting to fear that he had said something wrong.
"Are you his son," the Elf asked after thinking for a moment.
Estel's wide eyed glare caused the Elf to laugh helplessly.
"I figured," he replied once he had stopped laughing. "I had heard the Lord Elrond had claimed a mortal as his son. You seemed too graceful and thoughtful for you age to have lived with mortals. Once you mentioned that you knew Lord Elrond, that is when I was sure," he said, quickly explaining to him.
"I am Caycayal," he said, introducing himself. He reached above him to a branch, snatching a couple pieces of winter fruit from the limb. He tossed one easily to Estel, biting into his own. "Come," he said, "Follow me."
Estel followed once again, now able to walk since Caycayal stride had slowed massively. They walked in silence until Caycayal had led him to a small pond that was fed by many small waterfalls. At one side of the pond the water had pushed it's way over the bank and was slowly creating a tiny stream.
With an easy leap Caycayal landed on the top of a boulder that sat in front of the pond. Estel followed at a slower pace. He sat crossed legged, finishing the rest of the sweet fruit. Above them the sun was breaking through the clouds, mixing with the light mist from the waterfalls, creating small rainbows that seemed to dance in the air.
"This is my favorite spot," Caycayal said, watching the colors wave gently in the air before disappearing. "When I was younger, just a few decades, my mother and I would walk here in the early mornings, before everyone else would wake up. The two of us would sit up here, and greet the morning light of the sun, or the Earth-Candle as she called it," he said gently.
"This is the best spot to greet the sun. The light shines directly on the rocks that the water rolls down, turning them a wave of colors. But it is only in the early morning that this happens, it lasts for only minutes, then it is gone until the next day."
"My father had died before I was born, leaving only the two of us, and my brother. But he is far ahead of me in years, and he cared little for our mother. She would often spend much of her time with me. She taught me many things young one," he said, turning to Estel, "She once told me that kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the dumb can understand.(1) She always held true to that."
"What happened to her?" Estel asked softly.
Caycayal gave a heavy sigh. He closed his eyes as memories slowly came back. "It came to a point in time that the others did not trust her. They claimed that she used dark magic and that their lives were in danger as long as she was allowed to draw breath. One night they cast our house ablaze, planning to kill both of us."
"We were lucky, for we escaped unharmed. But as soon as we escaped, they took us captive. My mother begged for them to spare my life. I don't know, I think they feared her, they were afraid that if they didn't do what she asked, she would come back somehow, and claim revenge. So her wish was granted. I would of very well of gone with her, but my brother would not let me."
Estel watched him with surprise and disbelief lining his face. "But how could he do that? Why didn't he do anything to stop them?"
Caycayal shook his head sadly, "I already told that he did not care for my mother. He believed what the others had told him. I begged with him to save her, or at least let me go with her to the end. But he wouldn't listen. I blamed him for her death years afterwards, but one morning I woke up early, before the sun had risen, and I snuck out here, and greeted the sun."
"It was then, when the sun shone off the black rocks, turning them a wave of colors, that I remembered what she had said the last time I saw her," he lifted his head up, letting the soft rays of the sun on his face, "She said, 'Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never fires, and a touch that never hurts(2). I have yet to forget that young one. It would do well for you to remember it also. Harming a soul for any other reason than protection will gain you nothing but deep wounds that you may never be able to heal."
Estel nodded softly.
Caycayal looked at him softly. "You have questions," he stated.
Estel nodded, "Why don't you leave then, if you do not like it here?"
Caycayal smiled sadly, "Because there are young ones I must watch over. If it weren't for me, you and the rest would be treated even worse than you are now. That is why I stay. I once promised myself that I would bring all of you to freedom, and a new life. I told most of them that, so they had hope to cling to, but I fear that most of them have lost it."
Estel shook his head. "But why are they here? Why do they hate us?"
Caycayal sighed softly, "They are all orphans. Someone found them in a village as young children. Orcs had attacked their village; they were hidden in a corner of a burning house. They were all who had survived."
"They were brought back here, and they have lived most of their lives here. As for why they hate them, I don't know? Their elders taught them that mortals carried evil in their hearts. But I was taught different. My mother had a kind heart. It is what one can wish for the most," he trailed off.
They stayed and talked for a time, and it was not until the sun had started to set that Caycayal noted on how late it was. Quickly the two departed from the pond, making their way back to the dry fields.
Estel quickly picked up his shovel and got back to work. No one had been there, Caycayal noted with relief. Before he returned to the boulder he stopped by the boy, grabbing his arm gently and pulling him closer, so that he could whisper.
"You must promise me that you will keep our meetings silent young one. For your life as well as mine," he warned softly.
Estel nodded, locking onto his steady gaze. "Worry not, for your secret is safe with me," he promised.
Caycayal smiled, nodding his thanks before departing to the side.
TBC.
SO? What did you think? PLEASE read and review!
1) "Kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the dumb can understand."- Seneca 2) "Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never fires, and a touch that never hurts"--- Charles Dickens
JediKnightBalthasar-
Just a quick question, are you trying to compare this to the Holocaust? I don't know, but I'm pretty sure you won't find anything in your studies referring to a deranged village of mortal hating elves. :o)
-Why will they get in trouble for talking? Is it because the Elves fear them? Well yes and no for the first question, and yes and no for the second. (Have I lost you yet?) You'll just have to wait and read the story to find out.
-How many children are there? Good question. From Estel's point of view it's a whole handful, but it's really around 20 or so.
-How old are they? Well, they're pretty close in age, between 7 and 12.
-As for kids and children, What exactly do you mean? You've lost me there (See, we aren't all perfect)
-As for the kids not thinking for themselves, well that is because (as quoted by one of my teachers) 'If someone tells you over and over, day after day, that this is the way it is, you're going to eventually start to believe it.'
- In a sense it brings up the Holocaust (again). Hitler told for the German soldiers so long that Jews were the reason for their down fall. It was because of them that Germany wasn't able to rise above and draw in power, and the soldiers began to eventually believe it. (Stupid physiology lessons in class actually comes in handy)
-Then when they slowly began to believe the first lie, they start to believe the others, and slowly they teach the same lesson to others, because it is all they really know. Unlike Estel who has had a home, and a family, with a loving father, and two caring brothers, along with close friends, the others have been on their own. Estel isn't as easily swayed because he knows right from wrong, and the others, well they only know wrong, it really has been the only thing that has been taught to them.
-As with talking, yes you can! You're the most talkative reviewer I have, and I love It! (I've already said that haven't I?) You bring out a lot of good and interesting points, and ask very good questions, just trying to remember them all gives my brain a workout!
It's really helpful when reviews do something in this manner, because just saying it was good isn't all that helpful. Sure I'm glad that you all like it, but what parts did you like the most, what parts didn't you like. What things were confusing and so on, and you do a lot of that stuff, which is really nice! That way I can write my stories in order to suit my fans more, it's something that I've been trying to do :o) (Hehehe, I can talk a lot too!)
arabella thorne-
I can speak some Elvish, (It's whether I'm pronouncing the words correctly or not that matters)
As for Caycayal, the name isn't even Elvish (Ironic since I gave it to an elf)
It's actual a name I completely made up, and that's the way I originally had it to be pronounced, I never even thought about the elf language being that way. I should actual say that I haven't really looked at it. I have it, but I had to abandoned my Elvish lessons because I'm in Spanish now.
(Do you have any idea how hard it is to learn two different languages at the same time? I mean my teacher will ask a question in Spanish, and I'll have the answer halfway ready in Elvish before I suddenly remember I have to answer in Spanish!) So.. I mean I don't know.
You might be able to think of it as a rule-breaking thing, (such as i before e except after c and a few other exceptions thing) But hey I don't know! I'm not Tolkien. Go and bug him about it! :o)
Anita- Like I stated before, I don't think anyone really reads that disclaimer part because it's the same thing on every story, so I really shouldn't have put it there.
In the books it states (in the appendixes) that Aragorn left for Rivendell with his mother when he was two, and his mother lived with him in Rivendell. So he has had at least two years of living with Men, and with his mother, he should be able to speak fluent Western. I haven't included his mother in the fics, mainly because Tolkien never really told us anything about her, so, yeah, you get the idea.
But then again Aragorn is also bilingual, (I actually think he was more than that, but I'm not sure, I'll have to look that up! :o)
----(I talked to Cassia about it, and she's not sure either. But were guessing that he spoke near six or seven different languages in his later years.)
Also take into fact that these children have been captives most of their lives, and has been around the Elves, so therefore they too should know Sindarin or some form of Elvish, as you stated Aragorn would.
So sorry, but no, the elves aren't surprised to hear the kids speak Elvish, although I'm sure they don't even listen, they really don't care.. well then again a few do, but that's getting ahead of ourselves.
AloriaMoonbeam:TheLastFae-
Thank you for the kind review! Sorry, but I'm not published, But I really want to be someday! It's kind of a long-term goal.
-Elrond with a foster home? Haha! LOL, that's great. (New story idea coming!)
---'What you get is a living-What you give is a life.'---
Gish
Chapter 8: Memories
Estel had worked the small shovel into the hard ground until his fingers screamed in agony, still it was early in the morning. He was thankful that a light mist had continued throughout the morning, washing away most of the heat that would normally be there. He gave a sigh, striating up, watching birds fly over head.
He was startled when a hand was placed on his shoulder. He jumped lightly and turned to see the Elf who had helped him a few days before standing next to him. His fair gaze searched the area around them quickly, as if looking for someone. Once satisfied that they were alone the Elf motioned for him to follow.
Curious and somewhat frightened Estel quickly dropped the shovel and followed the departing Elf. He led him into the nearby woods, quickening his pace when they got deeper into the forest. Estel had to run in order to keep up with him.
He broke into the clearing moments after the Elf had, but he was gone. Estel searched the treetops quickly, knowing how agile Elves could be. But they lay empty. Frowning he calmed his heavy breathing, listening intently for a sound that would lead him in the direction the Elf had gone.
"Looking for someone?"
The question caused Estel to jump. He turned around quickly to see the Elf standing behind him. He shook his head in disbelief. "But how?" he asked quietly.
The Elf just laughed, walking toward him. "Don't worry yourself about it too much young one. You did well for a mortal. Who taught you to move in such a way?"
"My father, and brothers," he replied, watching the Elf approach.
"You still have a family," he stated. It was a statement, not a question. Estel gave a sigh. "Yes, though I do not know if my brothers are alive."
"So tell me young one, what is your name?" The Elf asked, changing the subject.
"Estel.." he said softly.
The Elf's eyes deepened. "An Elf's name? Who gave you that name?"
Estel hesitated for a moment. He was unsure of whether or not he should tell the Elf about his adoptive father, or if he should keep silent about.
Choosing his words carefully he spoke again. "Elrond." The Elf did not need to know that Elrond was also his father.
"Lord Elrond?" the Elf asked, studying the child.
Estel nodded.
"You have.spoken with him?"
Estel nodded again.
"Do you know him well?"
Once again, Estel found himself nodding, though more slowly. He was starting to fear that he had said something wrong.
"Are you his son," the Elf asked after thinking for a moment.
Estel's wide eyed glare caused the Elf to laugh helplessly.
"I figured," he replied once he had stopped laughing. "I had heard the Lord Elrond had claimed a mortal as his son. You seemed too graceful and thoughtful for you age to have lived with mortals. Once you mentioned that you knew Lord Elrond, that is when I was sure," he said, quickly explaining to him.
"I am Caycayal," he said, introducing himself. He reached above him to a branch, snatching a couple pieces of winter fruit from the limb. He tossed one easily to Estel, biting into his own. "Come," he said, "Follow me."
Estel followed once again, now able to walk since Caycayal stride had slowed massively. They walked in silence until Caycayal had led him to a small pond that was fed by many small waterfalls. At one side of the pond the water had pushed it's way over the bank and was slowly creating a tiny stream.
With an easy leap Caycayal landed on the top of a boulder that sat in front of the pond. Estel followed at a slower pace. He sat crossed legged, finishing the rest of the sweet fruit. Above them the sun was breaking through the clouds, mixing with the light mist from the waterfalls, creating small rainbows that seemed to dance in the air.
"This is my favorite spot," Caycayal said, watching the colors wave gently in the air before disappearing. "When I was younger, just a few decades, my mother and I would walk here in the early mornings, before everyone else would wake up. The two of us would sit up here, and greet the morning light of the sun, or the Earth-Candle as she called it," he said gently.
"This is the best spot to greet the sun. The light shines directly on the rocks that the water rolls down, turning them a wave of colors. But it is only in the early morning that this happens, it lasts for only minutes, then it is gone until the next day."
"My father had died before I was born, leaving only the two of us, and my brother. But he is far ahead of me in years, and he cared little for our mother. She would often spend much of her time with me. She taught me many things young one," he said, turning to Estel, "She once told me that kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the dumb can understand.(1) She always held true to that."
"What happened to her?" Estel asked softly.
Caycayal gave a heavy sigh. He closed his eyes as memories slowly came back. "It came to a point in time that the others did not trust her. They claimed that she used dark magic and that their lives were in danger as long as she was allowed to draw breath. One night they cast our house ablaze, planning to kill both of us."
"We were lucky, for we escaped unharmed. But as soon as we escaped, they took us captive. My mother begged for them to spare my life. I don't know, I think they feared her, they were afraid that if they didn't do what she asked, she would come back somehow, and claim revenge. So her wish was granted. I would of very well of gone with her, but my brother would not let me."
Estel watched him with surprise and disbelief lining his face. "But how could he do that? Why didn't he do anything to stop them?"
Caycayal shook his head sadly, "I already told that he did not care for my mother. He believed what the others had told him. I begged with him to save her, or at least let me go with her to the end. But he wouldn't listen. I blamed him for her death years afterwards, but one morning I woke up early, before the sun had risen, and I snuck out here, and greeted the sun."
"It was then, when the sun shone off the black rocks, turning them a wave of colors, that I remembered what she had said the last time I saw her," he lifted his head up, letting the soft rays of the sun on his face, "She said, 'Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never fires, and a touch that never hurts(2). I have yet to forget that young one. It would do well for you to remember it also. Harming a soul for any other reason than protection will gain you nothing but deep wounds that you may never be able to heal."
Estel nodded softly.
Caycayal looked at him softly. "You have questions," he stated.
Estel nodded, "Why don't you leave then, if you do not like it here?"
Caycayal smiled sadly, "Because there are young ones I must watch over. If it weren't for me, you and the rest would be treated even worse than you are now. That is why I stay. I once promised myself that I would bring all of you to freedom, and a new life. I told most of them that, so they had hope to cling to, but I fear that most of them have lost it."
Estel shook his head. "But why are they here? Why do they hate us?"
Caycayal sighed softly, "They are all orphans. Someone found them in a village as young children. Orcs had attacked their village; they were hidden in a corner of a burning house. They were all who had survived."
"They were brought back here, and they have lived most of their lives here. As for why they hate them, I don't know? Their elders taught them that mortals carried evil in their hearts. But I was taught different. My mother had a kind heart. It is what one can wish for the most," he trailed off.
They stayed and talked for a time, and it was not until the sun had started to set that Caycayal noted on how late it was. Quickly the two departed from the pond, making their way back to the dry fields.
Estel quickly picked up his shovel and got back to work. No one had been there, Caycayal noted with relief. Before he returned to the boulder he stopped by the boy, grabbing his arm gently and pulling him closer, so that he could whisper.
"You must promise me that you will keep our meetings silent young one. For your life as well as mine," he warned softly.
Estel nodded, locking onto his steady gaze. "Worry not, for your secret is safe with me," he promised.
Caycayal smiled, nodding his thanks before departing to the side.
TBC.
SO? What did you think? PLEASE read and review!
1) "Kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the dumb can understand."- Seneca 2) "Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never fires, and a touch that never hurts"--- Charles Dickens