This is beautifully written and characterized. Maybe my favorite Earthsea fic so far (not that there are many). Thank you.

I'm just coming to the end of reading the Earthsea books for the second time, so this fits in rather well! I think it's lovely - really incisive look at Thar, who is intriguing I think because we don't see much of her in the book. I especially like the glimpses of her relationship with the other Arha. Excellent!

I only check on the Earthsea section seldom, and your story was a true pleasure to find. You pulled everything together effortlessly and with beautiful language. I can only wish that you would waste less time writing LOTR fics . . . : )

I liked the way you depicted Kossil's political manueverings, how they were crude and stupid, but effective at last in their very stubborness. It's chilling, how evil can creep in on the world in that manner . . .

When I was new to FFnet, I searched for Earthsea fanfics. I found a handful, but none of them worth a second look. I always hoped that one day someone would write Earthsea fanfiction that would do LeGuin's writings justice in regard of characterization, awareness of language and overall quality. Thank you for making a dream come true! I hope some more Earthsea plotbunnies will bite you.

Dear Altariel,

I like the first chapter of your voyage to the Earthsea very much.

The balance of description, thought and dialogue is perfect. I felt drawn into the harsh life at the monastery instantly.

The way you desribe Thar's battle with her faith is disturbing and very realistic.

"Faith an act of will" - I like that phrase very much, the way it outlines Thar's personality.
"No way beyond the darkness" - this phrase sent shivers down my spine.

That Thar cannot come up with an answer to the old Arha's question in time is haunting and feels very authentic and real. That is the true darkness in life, that some questions perhaps have no answers, and that all too often the answers come too late.

The last line "It was almost as if she believed." is a perfect and poignant end for this first chapter/short story.

Thank you for sharing this.

Yours
JunoMagic