This is very dark and psychologically relentless in the hits to the soul, that's for sure. He has some pleasant moments, and some muted joy, I think, but at least for many years, he is tremendously damaged and is unwilling and/or unable to receive any true healing. Despite my belief in how the world works, I'd love for him to have a happy ending at some point— perhaps in the third novella I'd planned. But it's all still to vague in my mind. I'm actually doing an information poll on that; I'll wait to get your thoughts until you've read the canon.

You write Silmarillion fics? Where are your stories housed? Since elfscribe5 sent you so very generously, I should have known you're a LotR writer: it's where I cut my fanfiction and writing teeth as well, though I was primarily a Third Age author. Not exclusively, but mostly. The icon works!

Thank you, so much, for your effusive and thoughtful commentary to my story.