The Inner Light by Rhapsody

This is another great story. I've always wondered at the life Maglor led, and if he had survived to the time of the War of the Ring. Although, I can't figure out how it is that they ened up in Aman at the end. Still, it's a perfect ending.

Rhapsy - This went up on the MEFA site minutes ago.  I'm attempting to crosspost the reviews.  It may be redundant, but what the heck.  The Inner Light is a fabulous piece so it bears repeating. 

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It is fitting that I write this review of The Inner Light in the waning of the year, because that is what Rhapsody captures so well in this story: the autumn of the Noldor in Middle-earth as told through the voice of Erestor. This atmospheric piece inexorably pulls the reader into the palpable sense of regret and loss experienced by the Eldar as written by Tolkien.

Rhapsody develops Erestor as a fully realized character within a short story. His loyalty to - and love for - his lieges, past and present, are clearly illuminated. As he recalls his life from Fëanáro's rallying of the Noldor in Aman to the Third Age, Rhapsody's characterization of Erestor serves a touchstone for the history of the Noldor in Middle-earth.

Rhapsody effectively paints Erestor as world-weary, having witnessed far too much grief in his life, yet he does not wallow in his sorrow, but carries on by virtue of his intense loyalty. Juxtaposing Erestor with Elrond's sons nicely conveys a sense of age for this Noldorin exile.

Rhapsody invokes powerful images with deft strokes. For example: "Lord Fëanor shone as a fierce beacon in the dark that suddenly fell on us." In a single sentence, the uncertainty and fear of the Noldor are conveyed, and Fëanor is shown as their hope and rallying point in bewildering darkness. There are others, too, notably the aftermath of Glaurung's conflagration. That moved this typically cynical and less than sentimental reader to tears.

Rhapsody's pen name is apt. She writes with a lyrical style, and to this reader, The Inner Light has the quality of a dream, a nod to the state of mind invoked by the elvish minstrels. Erestor's song of loss, loyalty and hope comes highly recommended.