Author's reply:

Thank you all, for the comments that enabled me to improve this. Finch, I would be honored to have this linked to your page.

I also wanted to thank Alena, which I neglected to do before. I realize now that it was 'The Day Sirion Died' that gave me the push to write this.

Referring to my previous review: the minor (as far as I can judge) but crucial changes you made turn this second version from a good story into a great story. It's more obvious now that the people at the Havens didn't expect the attack to come so soon, and that escaping in ships was not an option anymore. Elwing's reaction to her vision and the decision she takes decision are more thoughtful and better motivated on her part. I actually like her better in this version.
Can I link this to my Silmfic page?

I don't know what to say! I didn't see the original version, and I certainly don't know enough to spot anything wrong with the canon. Otherwise I thought it was perfect. Heartrending, in fact.

I've often wondered why none of these people just gave the Silmarils back, but your explanation was thoroughly convincing and poetic. Elwing came across very nobly. The boys were lovable and the messenger of the Feanorians suitably creepy. I loved the little touch of Maglor singing to the children. It brought it all home, somehow.

Wonderful!

Marnie :-)

awwww, so sad cause they dont know the kids are alive. it is really good though. i like it!!

I've often felt that the people of Balar had to have some concept of the important role the Silmaril would play in order to defend it, especially given what Elwing and the others of Doriath had suffered for it. I like the way you've given this foresight to Elwing; she's such a lovely and noble character in your story.

wooohooo!!! this is cool!! is there more, cause theres room for more chapters or a sequel...u cant leave it like that! one more thing -> elves dont have beards. no matter how old they are. just needed to mention. please write more!!

I think that, to have stayed there, Elwing surely did not know that the sons of Fëanor were going to come. But this story is most insightful, and, yes, sympathy for Elwing rises considerably after reading it. And not only for Elwing, but for the poor inhabitants of Sirion.

This is stunning and sad beyond words. The insight you gave to Elwing´s character, picturing her as loving wife and mother, and yet as a stern Lady of her people is exellent. Your use of language and words is beautiful, very fitting for the events you chose to write about. It makes the reader actually feel the anguish she holds for those who are slain and wounded and for her sons. It must have torn her heart apart to see Maedhros with them, still holding his sword in hand... and yet she sees that there is a path she must follow and does it, even though she has to forsake everything she knew and loved.
(But maybe I am biased, since Elwing is one of my favourite characters).

Beautifully written. In places it's very poetical, and I found myself repeatedly carried along by the rhythm and the alliterations.
As for Elwing: yes, this is how she could have felt and thought and decided (except that I would have left out her visions of Earendil with the Silmaril, because they reduce the dilemma), and I'm happy she's being done justice here.
But the weird thing is, that this story made me wonder why she didn't pick up the Silmaril and her twin boys and set sail to Balar, instead of sending a boat to ask Gil-galad's aid. But that's something the original doesn't explain either.

Gil-galad! Gil-galad! AAAHH!!

Okay, sorry, I just love Ereinion, and he was a simply marvellous young King in your story!

You know, I never really like Elwing, because she refused to give up the Silmaril... but now I realise how much courage she would have had to muster up to do this. I mean, she had to leave her children, and how can any mother do that?

Yet there was still the deal with the Silmaril. Or rather, what it represented: The blood of those who had given their lives for it.

Very well done introspection, Lyllyn, and bravo. :)

This is wonderful! As well-written I've ever seen. Your defense of Elwing is admirable, and your writing superb. I would love for you to follow this. I have always wanted to know what occured between Elwing and Earendil, when she flew to him on the Vingilot. If this inspires you, please write! ^_^

This is very nice! The council scene is especially wonderfully done, and I loved the thought that Elwing foresaw the importance of the Silmaril to all Middle-earth. It really shows a great deal of understanding...

I liked Egalmoth very much, as well as Gil-galad and your descriptions!

That was fabulous. Fabulous and sad. My one wish reading the Silmarillion was that the stories had included more detail and dialogue and thoughts of the characters like LOTR did, and here you've filled a gap flawlessly. That is just how I imagined the Third Kinslaying to be.

Wonderful job.