Wow.

I have to say, I was initially slightly revulsed by this story. I'm normally not a fan of either Maedhros/Fingon stuff or of graphic Maedhros in Angband stuff. So the fact that I read through five chapters of it says something about your skill as a writer.

Your beginning really grabbed me - having an opening that really reaches out and grabs people is absolutely necessary, and so few people do it. I also really like the fact that the narrative voice changed - at first Maedhros's slightly confused, distressed narration, and then this brutally rational description. I think you got a real sense of someone who is incredibly traumatised. Just the way that things are described - no euphamisms, no skirting from the subject. Just the idea that he's so detached from himself its almost like he's not describing himself. I think so many people who write about Maedhros don't think about the psychological ramifications for what happened. So very well done on that front.

I do think some of the details were a bit gratuitous. Perhaps you felt that was necessary. Certainly the recurring male rape idea creates a sense of total horror at what was happening in Angband, but it might be more effective if it was used less often. Or perhaps if it was just hinted at occasionally - sometimes what's not said is more shocking.

But overall, very well written, and totally engrossing.

Oh, beautiful and powerful, and I love the hope at the end. I'm so, so happy that you could drag some hope and sweetness out of this mess. Thank you.

Very disturbing, but well worth the read. Well-written and horrifyingly real. Maedhros is incredibly tough . . . nice bit of hope at the end, too. They need it. *wipes eyes*

*sniffles* Wonderful. I love it. It's going on my favorite stories list right now! *sigh*

Your damn Quendi can say whatever he wants, this is moving.
Especially the, say, first chapter ? I s'pose it is this kinda poetic quality that the others chapters lack - well, lack, no, just don't have. Less.
But the rest of it is just as good. Tis among the rare fics I can read over and over again, with the same delight...(is 'delight' really fitting ? it is tough, and anytime I read it I know I'm going to find it harder than I expected, and yet, it so well-written, and moving, and...)
I just love it.
As I love your Quendi, the way the are, so different from any of their others 'they', unlike mine, and yet delightful - dunno how to tell them...
Keep 'em well.

I WANT MORE! This is one of the most touching stories I have ever read... It made me cry, seriously, you are so good! I just want to thank you for writing such a great story... (and besides, I love fingon and Maedhros slash... it's so cute!)

*Sigh* So beautiful. I'm glad your unruly muses took you here.

I'm only sad that this is the last installment of TH for now. But it seems a very good resting point, indeed. After going through all that, they deserve a little peace and privacy of their own.

*claws incoherently at Lipstick's leg*

You know what? You almost made me cry. It is that evil.

:'(

...
...
*Is completely speechless.*

I'm glad your muses rebelled. That was fantastic. And at the end, you made the prettiness work. Go you.

Yes, Maedhros has come a long, long way in this chapter. I throughly agree to leave it for now, because for now it is done. Because Maedhros has to become aware that Fingon has saved in more ways then cutting him free of that mountain. I hope they are very happy!

*shudders* I really feel for Maedhros in this chapter. How did he survive? One tough bastard, the red head. I'd give him a hug, but somehow I don't think Maedhros likes mortals touching him.

'A waste of a good arrow' I doubt that Maedhros.

An incredibly strong person who is terribly hurt, yes.
Actually, when I think about it he was probably too stubborn to die.

Wonderful ending! :D Happy boys after all that angst is a wonderful thing - I do love your (big!)Fingon (MyMaedhros loves him too but that's another story)

I think the best thing in this chapter was the way you portrayed just how much of a struggle it was for Maedhros to accept Fingon. Great stuff and well written. :)

I think I would have told Luinianth to be quiet quite a bit more forcefully than Maedhros did. Maglor's right, of course, the smarty, by wanting to live Maedhros proved himself his father's son. Excellent chapter

?You are the King and I am the poet. It is your place to make things happen, mine to make sense of them.?
"The tunic they brought me was deep red, as if my very presence had come to remind them of blood."
?It is something that one says to mark the difference between acts of affection and acts of violence.?

It's such lines that floor me completely. And then there's the scene where Fingon dances Maedhros backward to whatever 'future' they have.
But any more comments would only destroy this, so I'll keep my mouth shut.