Henneth Annûn Story Archive

I very much enjoyed this slice of Auð's life, seen through her eyes and not always fully explained, but giving depth and layers to her story, together with the clear descriptions of the bustle of preparing for war, and her work as a seamstress.

I like the obviously deep bond between brother and sister. The mother was also a very interesting character.

And some things really seem to be universal: a man courting his his best friend's sister always seeming to be somewhat awkward; the wish for love and marriage, for a deep bond before setting out to war, so as to have something hopeful and joyful to sustain the warriors in grim times.

And, of course, the most important aspect: it was very, very romantic! I'm glad you gave us this chance to see the both of them alive and in love.

Thank you for the comments, Elrûn and Imhiriel!  Yes, the more I learn about Thekk from the characters who knew him, the sorrier I am that he died so soon.  (No, Elrûn; he wasn't wearing the shirt, because he was only going prospecting, not to war.)  I suspect that there will be other short "prequel" pieces like this, as the Muse strikes.

It's fun trying to work out what goes on in those deep dwarf-halls, where so few other people ever go.

Now, back to Saelon and the Ranger . . . . 

Cheers--

Adaneth

I love the cultural depths you've worked into this story, of (once again) Dwarven society in general and particularly of Dwarven women and courtship rituals. There are enough similarities with human romance to strike a sympathetic spark, but it's still very Dwarvish in flavor.

The entire piece is wonderful, leading delightfully through Auð's exploration of her heart and how/why she makes her final decision. I especially adore the description of the women's hearts burning as hotly as those of their men; and of how women have their own secret skills and arts, and that they do not automatically reveal them to the next generation but wait for worthiness in the would-be recipient.

Finally, I loved Auð's thoughts during the kiss at the end! Just perfect, and now I really miss Thekk, too.

Hello, DKP--good to hear from you again!

I'm glad you enjoyed this glimpse into the backstory of my Dúnhebaid Cycle.  Friend and father, brother and husband, Thekk was important to many of my Dwarvish characters, and I thought people might like to meet him properly.

I see you have asked some questions about this piece over in my discussions, so let me get to them.

Thanks for the comment!

Adaneth

Aha!  How I like seeing the distaff side of life within the mountains, and how pledges are made and shared.  And the planned battle-sark--how perfect!

Thanks so for this!

Aha!  How I like seeing the distaff side of life within the mountains, and how pledges are made and shared.  And the planned battle-sark--how perfect!

Thanks so for this!

I haven't been ignoring you, Larner--I was off traipsing in the Wild again, and only found your comment on "Trading Pledges" when I returned.  Thank you!  I'm glad you enjoyed my attempt to capture the rare and elusive dwarf-woman in her natural habitat.

Those of you who have been following her later adventures, I assure you that that pesky ð has been disrupting my typing a lot, lately. 

Cheers--

Adaneth