Elegy for Númenor - Volume 1: Journey to Umbar by elfscribe

I have re-read this story twice this morning, and honestly, this becomes better each time I read it. Some stories don't; some books and fanfic I read through once and don't return to, but this, I re-read and it just gets more involving, more wonderful each time. I am gagging for an update, although the re-reads are delicious. :)

Oh, my gosh, I don't know what to say.

Sûla and Tigôn's lovemaking was beautiful; it was so sweet and erotic, with Tigôn's virginity and learning what pleased him. Gorgeous!  I found myself so absolutely happy for them. Sûla needed Tigôn's generosity and sweetness so very much. They were deeply suited to each other; it was beautifully written, as always, and I was so sad thinking they would not be able to meet again in that way, although yes, it would be very dangerous. Their coming together was so very different to the calculated sex between the king and Mairon - on Mairon's part at least.

And then O_O Dulginzin with his throat slit -- well, few would weep for him, (certainly not me!) but there is no way that Sûla could have explained such a thing; no wonder he was in a blind panic!

Looking up towards Tigôn’s room, he touched his lips with his fingers and blew a kiss. “Farewell my friend. We both knew it was doomed from the start. Think well of me.”

So poignant. :( 

*Puts head in hands*

Reading this chapter reminds me of eating a dark chocolate truffle, deliciously sweet outside and with a lovely, bittersweet centre catching you by surprise in the centre.

Elegy is getting better and better. This chapter is magnificent, a wonderful treat, and the proof of how superbly you master your craft, 'scribe.

Ah, Sîan was enthusing over Chapter 19 of this the other day on her LJ, so I immediately dove in (her recommendations always being well worth a look) and swallowed the story so far in 19 breathless gulps.

And now I too am anxious for the 20th chapter, if only to see Sauron and his "tenant for life" battle for interior dominance, while Mairon and Ar-Pharazôn battle for exterior dominance. The outcome of the one is perhaps much more important than the other....

What a wonderful work!  I am so glad to have discovered it through the "Little Christmas Contest!"

You have gained a fan.  :)

Oh, seriously. I re-read this story and it never loses its magic, Elfscribe. Sûla and Tigôn must be my favorite OC's. They're so different, beautiful young, real  -- at first sight there would seem to be nothing in common between them. The way that their friendship evolved was masterly; from disaproval on Tigôn's part and  kind of defiant, cynical teasing on Sûla's, to something closer and to this last chapter is truly superb work, and being some-one who enjoys the exploration of darker charaters, I adore Mairon, too, at least in his gorgeous incarnation here, although I am glad that the poor Elven spirit is not giving him the easiest time.

I know you were saying that you were finding it hard to get back into the next chapter, and I absolutely understand that as it happens to me flicking between two WIPS, (it takes time for the engine to turn over and start running) but you have many fans, and I am completely stuck on this story and your wonderful characters. It's like a crush :D

I was getting a bit worried, so I'm glad to read your response to your last review  and learn that the next chapter is partly written and you're making progress on it. You didn't precisely end this one on a cliff-hanger, I suppose (at least not for Sula--and Annatar must be used to such things), but Sula seems to have gained a bit of mental freedom while entirely losing his material security during the last chapter. It all seems very precarious, and I'm anxious to see how the story continues.

As I said on LJ -- this story continually enthralls me. It's just got everything. Annatar's problems increase, and he is now feeling the Elf's emotions and memories, yet he's extremely controlled and does not lose the edge when he is playing his games.

Sûla and Tigôn -- these two are delicious and heartbreaking. I am glad that it was discovered that Sûla was almost raped by Dulginzin, although it gives Sûla more of a motive, : I hope Annatar can discover that it was not him. (I am sure he can if he wishes to, or why did he *encourage* the king to ask about the body? And why did he reveal what had happened to Sûla at Dulginzin's hands?)  Deep games, Annatar.

Simply wonderful work, as always.

Oh, good!! (One of my more articulate comments, I know...)

Over the holidays, I've again read the whole tale so far and, oh boy, it just grips you and doesn't let go. I am so utterly hooked into this story, I'd love to see twenty chapters more tomorrow.

It's been hard over the months you've been writing the later chapters to realise that so much happens in a single night, but this time I was on the edge of my seat, following all the different threads, enjoying your wonderful characters and the many twists in your tale. Your Annatar is superb as the devious villain, a spider patiently luring his victims onto his sticky web, and the boys are just gorgeous enough to eat. All other characters, however minor, are fleshed out and add to the feeling of stepping onto a real story with real people. The plot moves as smooth as quicksilver from joy to dread, from excitement to a heart-clenching fear for the fate of the boys you've made me love. 

Elegy gets better every time I read it, elfscribe!

I will comment here, apart from LJ, to say that this story just grips me more and more and I could easily read another 100,000 words of this right now.

I mentioned on LJ, but I will say this here to, that your Annatar is entrancing in the same way as I found Hannibal Lecter when I read the book 'Hannibal'. He can be urbane, cultured, charming, seductive, intelligent, and so incredibly dangerous that only when he's killing you do you truly realize what he is. His shadow, like the dragon's wings is beginning to spread over every character in this story. Tigôn and Sûla are perfect foils for him, as they are so young, and though Sûla is a damaged soul and in no way an innocent, both he and Tigôn have that shiny gloss of youth and hope. Sûla wanted enough money to just live comfortably, which ambition is not unworthy or even selfish.

Oshun mentioned on LJ that Tigôn was in love with Sûla, and I do think she is spot-on. It was his thinking about Sûla climbing out of the window, the tenderness really shone through, and it was a wonderful and delicate way of showing his feelings. He did not think at that moment of desire or sex, but of a person whom he fears for.

I did hope Annatar might do something to help Sûla, which makes me laugh, since there should be other people, noble and honorable, who would bestir themselves, but of course to them, Sûla is just the king's courtesan and body-servant, and not protected by being of the nobility, with the laws that would apply. He's promised a trial, but as matters stand he looks guilty, and who would care if he was put to death, save Tigôn? Of course matters may change, but at the moment, Annatar is the only one who can really help him. Sûla is expendable, even to the king.

This is such a engrossing story, every chapter is like a three-course meal. Brava!

This chapteris packed with really good stuff.

I am always interested in getting an update on Sauron's borrowed body. You dealt with that struggle very well, but I think my favorite part was this:

a painfully bittersweet ode to a dead lover – in Sindarin no less! Something that only those infernal tragedy-loving elves would compose. “His hair was as bright as mallorn blossoms in spring; now his fae has fled like a bird on the wing.” No! It must be that cursed son of Celebrimbor making an appearance! Fabulous chapter all and all, but I screamed when I saw where you were ending it. Is that your underhanded way of getting your friends to nudge extra hard to work on the next chapter? All right. I'll do what I can to encourage you to write it as quickly as possible.

Oh no!! Don't stop here! Okay, if you absolutely have to--but post the next chapter soon, will you?

I'm feeling really bad for Tigon and Sula and the only minor consolation for now is that image of Mairon choking himself and bashing his head against the wall, then having to explain that to the astonished guards...

You know I am still reading. :)  I become more enthralled with each chapter, and go back and re-read because it's the kind of story that if it were a race horse I would urge on to the finish-line, but also never want it to ever finish. If there was a category for best OC's in the MEFA's ( I don't know if there is) your beautiful young men would deserve to finish lengths ahead.

Hi,

I'm on a not-really-that-epic delurking quest, I've read Tolkien fanfiction for years but never commented, and the Elegy for Númenor update is the perfect opportunity for me to gush about your writing.  You have some of the hottest writing of anyone I read, but damn can you tell a story as well!  Elegy for Númenor is an especially good example of an amazing story.  It's very OC-centric, and normally that bores me.  Definitely not bored here.  I adore Súla and Tigôn and the relationship between the two drives me up the wall (in the best way).  I'm glad Elendil's back, I like your characterization of him.  And the ending! I often forget how the story has to end, but of course now I remember that they're all basically doomed, especially Súla, poor kid.  I'm very happy that the updates have been coming quickly and eagerly await the next one!

Elendil was a lovely character in this conversation. I was so thrilled though, to have more Sûla and Tigôn, who have so drawn me into their lives that I will remember them forever. You created two OC's and made me care about them more than any-one else in the story. Whatever happens to them, you must be so proud of what you have achieved in this story. It is a rich, complex, beautiful and intelligent story.

I was beginning to think it was time we saw Elendil again. I'm glad he proved to be supportive, although clearly his support is going to have to be limited. I can't help hoping Annatar is wrong in his dire prophecies of coming betrayals and a price to pay, but I fear he isn't. Nevertheless, Tigon and Sula might still weather the storm... (In fact, I am beginning to wonder what I could bribe you with to let them have a happy ending, but clearly in any case there is still a long way to go!)

Good grief! That was an eventful chapter (and long--I like long). Like everyone else I am dying to see how this turns out. It's a little bit overwhelming that this is just the first stage of many. (Excuse me--I always reflect my own laziness when envisioning the work involved on others' projects. This is a BIG story. I've known that from the beginning. Every chapter whether looking back or forward with the introduction or re-introduction of characters reminds me of that.)

Everything fits together so plausibly. It's an impressive organizational effort in conjunction with the lush details and lovely prose. Enjoying it more than I can say. The characterization is amazing as it has been throughout. Tigôn and Sûla continue to stand out. This novel in the series will always be theirs for me. I kind of hate reading this in segments. It ought to be read all at one time. Oh, well. Can not resist bringing myself current every time you post.

Yay! Another chapter!!

(So much for detailed criticism...)

And in the end, it was his unbridled heart that made the decision, though he knew not where it would take him.

Dear Tigôn. he is so sweet, really; he even thinks of the poor pleasure slaves when he hears they may be cast out. he does think with his heart. And Sûla..well one can't blame him for wanting power, through the king and now Annatar.

“Once we get him to Númenor,” Pharazôn affirmed, “he’ll be cut off from all his support – no servants, no orcs, no fell beasts to call upon.  We will have him surrounded. What harm can he do?”

That's such a classic line.

Just wonderful, every single chapter!

Perfect sene in too many ways to enumaterate. And it felt so realistic, with Sûla's initial rejection, and then their wonderful tussle, which lead to an even more wonderful tussle.

I loved their laughing and trying not to laugh; that shows their youth and the fact that they still can laugh -- I think they might have a hard time with humour in the future, but it was gorgeous. No wonder these two are drawn to each other, Tigôn has an endearing honour and sweetness and Sûla, under his expertise and beauty is so desperate for some real, true care and love.

I adore them.

I wonder why I feel that any plans that do not involve ditching that dragon thing asap are hardly destined for success?

When is Sula going to figure out that it is the magical equivalent of a sonic dog collar?

For B2Me, I have to review a story with artwork in it, and this gave me the perfect reason to revisit Elegy.

I am still so in love with this story; the politics, Annatar's masterly manipulation even in his early time as a prisoner, these beautiful, wonderful boys who are so perfect, so real that they should definitely be canon, and their flowering relationship. There is such a sweetness in it that is contrasts wonderfully with Sûla's life. He's cynical, and sells himself because he knows nothing else, but Tigôn slips through those barriers, and they are just beautiful together. From your hints, and the way this story ended, I do have an idea of what the immediate future at least, holds for Sûla, and how it will change him. I cannot but wonder if Tigôn will still love him, I hope so, but however you write it, I will read completely delighted and enthralled by your skill and these amazing characters, both canon and OC.

What a great description of the audience and map room. Everything is so sinister and your Sauron so powerful, evil and petty in his narcissism. I can tell this is going to be a story I won’t be able to put down.

I find the witch king humorous, especially in later chapters.

Poor elf on the edge of madness, but not yet succumbed to it after all those centuries. The elves suffered so much didn’t they, being turned to orcs, now this one has his body high jacked. I love the ring as a character. It is all I can do to keep from skipping to the mid and last chapter as I usually do with such wonderful books.