Reviews (79)

Aldwen · 7 September 2023 · Chapter 9999: New Beginnings

Fantastic story! The events, the humour, the characterizations! And the ending... "...a land that was now free of evil..." Oh, this was heartbreaking! Thank you so much for this!

mystarlight · 26 July 2018 · Chapter 1: Sparks

I love this story and absolutely love your senseof humour. Thank you so much for sharing.

Klose · 8 April 2010 · Chapter 9999: New Beginnings

It seems I never reviewed the last chapters of this story, which is odd and terrible since I know I read them, and loved them. I'm really quite in awe of how much you've accomplished with this story - there's political maneveuring, diplomatic issues, family, friendship and so much more. The little details - like Ingil's new friend - truly make this story (and the little post-War of Wrath encampment) come to life. This is definitely one of those stories I'll come back to re-read every now and again, and having just done so, I know it will be as funny, heart-warming and engaging as it was the first time I read it! Thank you so much for writing this, and sharing your wonderful portrayals of these great characters with us!

Haleth · 11 October 2008 · Chapter 5: A busy morning

The vision of Ingil, son of Ingwe with a seagull perched upon his head will haunt me for some days. The comparison between the calm, measured life in Valinor and the hectic, chaotic life of Middle-earth is an interesting one. The confusion and sense of misplacement would be quite real. Poor Erenion. Honest to goodness, though. For supposedly being perfect or next to perfect, Tolkien's elves certainly could carry a grudge. It's not a glowing character trait. Mortals forgive each other far worse in far less time. I really enjoyed Elrond's musings on the differences between himself and his twin. Tolkien doesn't have much to say on the reasons the brothers chose different fates. Your ideas really add depth to Elrond, who has had millenia to reconcile all of the different elements of his background and upbringing by the time we see him in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Erestor with his love of schedules and proper penmanship makes me laugh. It's one way to try to impose order on a chaotic world but I doubt he'll have much luck with Erenion.

Klose · 15 March 2007 · Chapter 7: Flying words

Lovely to see that short mention of Anaire - between her, Nerdanel and Earwen, people seem to forget that she also lost her husband and all her children (and most of her grandchildren) to death. Very nice to see the conversation between Ereinion and Finarfin being described to Ciran - yet another unusual story-telling device, and yet it tells us just as much about the complex relationship between Cirdan and Ereinion. Father/son, brother/brother, mentor/student, etc. And I do now feel that much more for Finarfin, too, now that I see the reason for his antagonism towards Celebrimbor. It's justified, I would say, but still a bit unfair to Celebrimbor - and that for me is such a poignant reminder of how messy and tangled relationships truly are, and I'm in awe of how you've showed that here - in this whole story, really, but also in this chapter as seen from the discussion between Oropher and Celeborn. So many difficult things tackled in this chapter, but you really do make all this look so easy, with all the details and threads you incorporate into the narrative. This is easily becoming one of my favourite 'classic' fanfiction stories! :D

Klose · 11 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Kingly dinner

I loved the... discussion of Galadriel and Celeborn being depicted from the perspective of the guards, their irreverent observations are easy to relate to, and give it the right touch of humour. And I'm not sure how you managed to do it, but that has to be the best dinner party scene I've ever read! (And you do have me intensely curious about just how exactly things went down for Fingolfin during the Mereth Aderthad! Any chance we will ever see that? :D) All your carefully wrought threads of tension came together very nicely, and despite there being quite a number of them, I think it's indicative of your talent that I could keep up with everything without being too confused. I have to say, Elros is quite an endearingly obnoxious young man, isn't he!

Klose · 11 March 2007 · Chapter 3: Pleasant encounters

Yet another fantastic chapter - mostly dialogue, but these are some very meaningful conversations taking place. Finarfin and Celeborn - I've read a few far-out philosophical verbal sword-dances between them, but this must be my favourite. Two headstrong people, both with their own agendas and intentions, each doing what they think is best - and at the same time, coming to a bit of an understanding. "...and suddenly that knowledge became admission, and the dams of pride and diffidence were overflowed by understanding and compassion, the gift of the wise." Beautiful. And of course, there's your dry, witty style which I admit I now love to bits and wish I could emulate!: “Look, my love!“ Galadriel chimed in a falsely mellow voice, seeing the dwarf looming over Oropher, “your kinsman seems to have made a new friend!” she laughed out heartily as Celeborn felt an overwhelming urge to gag her and pack her back to Nenuial. And Ingil's little retrospective monologue had me laughing for a few minutes! Mistaking the Edain for the enemy, oh dear! ... because nobody had thought of carrying horses on board. *dies* :D Such wonderful details truly bring this story to life. His disconcertment with death was sobering, but also thought-provoking. I'm terribly excited at Celebrimbor's appearance in this story. I think I'll need to read through this story slowly, to savour each chapter as best as I can, and I realise my reviews aren't quite worthy, but I just want to let you know that I'm truly enjoying this journey I've begun with these characters!

Klose · 10 March 2007 · Chapter 2: Having Fun

The... argument between Ereinion and Oropher was absolutely perfect - poor Ereinion, getting knocked down like that! But poor Oropher too, although he did have it coming. Even if his dislike for dwarves is understandable! The Peredhil are very interesting - complex characters, especially Elrond. But what really shone in this chapter was your skill with dialogue, between the twins and Ereinion, but more so Ereinion and Oropher. It's all terribly amusing, but there's always still that hint of gravitas that makes it all the more believable.

Klose · 10 March 2007 · Chapter 1: Sparks

The premise for this story is so refreshingly original - the transition from an Age of darkness to one of more hope, following Melkor's fall, and of course the clashes of all the various characters that could of taken place - and I'm so excited because this first chapter seems to indicate that you're going to tackle all of these things, and more. I have to commend you on your portrayal of Finarfin, in particular - he's really such a neglected character, oft doomed to being the goofy, wimpy younger brother... but surely the father of Galadriel, brother of Feanor and Fingolfin can hold his own among all the greats of the Noldor. And surely your Finarfin does, and I had to giggle a bit at Celeborn's discomfort in the face of his father-in-law. Your writing style is so beautifully casual, and it's so easy to relate to all of the characters here. And there are so many tantalising plot threads you've set up in this first chapter - leading the people to new lands, Ereinion having to come to terms with his Kingship and building a new settlement for himself, etc - can't wait to proceed to chapter2.

Ellie · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 9999: New Beginnings

I have been reading this story in bits and pieces for months now and finally got around to reading the conclusion. Nicely done. I like the way Ingil turned out and what was awaiting Finarfin at Mandos. The scene with Erenion. Elros and Elrond all having to go one to something new was well done. I loved the Curdan bit about Fingon's most valiant undertaking was sending his son to the Havens. Nicely done!

BetanSurvey · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 9999: New Beginnings

Wow. This is a fantastic story. Funny without being silly, and at least for me a very satisfying version of what the early Second Age was like. It's an often-neglected period. I do wonder how long it took Ingil to get his seagull to stop dropping fish on him, though.

elliska · 22 October 2005 · Chapter 9999: New Beginnings

Oh I am sorry to see this end (and sorry to be so long in reviewing its last chapter). I really enjoyed this one and all the little explored characters in it. The scene in Valinor was great. I particularly like the part between Finarfin and Ingil--especially this: Only when I managed to overcome my fear and listen intently to what the rocks and trees and waters had to say was I able to understand that it is the same song that runs trough the veins of Arda, Finarfin, and we, “elves of the light” as we proudly call ourselves, know but one of its many chords…” Great line! And the departure of Elros was very well done and very sad. But my favorite part was Gil-galad's memory of Elrond's earlier words, his plee that Elrond return and Elrond's promise to do so. I love the relationship between these two that you showed. And the ending was great! You did a wonderful job showing Gil-galad's development into the High King. Great story!

Redheredh · 18 October 2005 · Chapter 9999: New Beginnings

Oh, what a very amusing beginning to this long epilogue! Ingwe discomboblated! Indris smirking(although in a most lady-like way)! Finarfin going blank-faced with disinterest and gloriously agape! Ingil sent down from Lorien! LOL! But, I did love seeing Ingil like this, so naively taken with the *native* style and yet clearly wise. A happy sidhartta. Your portrayal of him and the Vanyar in general was one of the more appealling I have read. Very spot on, imho. How perfect that his faithful feathered fan has been blessed, has progressed with her life, and has become a good friend - and gossip. ;) Very kind of you to have Finrod come back to his family now and not way later. And everyone else is satisfiyingly squared away too. I am really glad that you left Gil-galad with high hopes about the new age. Having the sure knowledge that things can get better and be made good will sustain him in the darker times to come. Thanks for writing this and letting us all read it. This was pratically another chapter - which was most welcomed.

Nilmandra · 17 October 2005 · Chapter 9999: New Beginnings

Oh, a very find ending, Perelleth. I love Ingil's change - the clothing and hairstyles and all of it. The bird, too! I loved that she followed him! Rearranging Lorien's garden? I was laughing throughout. It was both hilarious and yet profound, as he showed Finarfin. I especially like that Finarfin regained his oldest son at the end of that part. How fitting that one who had lost all was given someone back in return. Elros all grown up and going off was grand and glorious, and I liked the pride that Gil-galad and Cirdan took in him, as well as the promises of alliance for so long as their descendents lived, but I think I was (predictably) most touched by Gil-galad's wish that Elrond see him as family... and I am glad Elrond did. Both young peredhil were well shaped by the young king.

French Pony · 17 October 2005 · Chapter 9999: New Beginnings

Yay! Hooray! You write nice endings. There's a lovely sense of wrapping-up and tying off loose ends, even as the story continues in Middle Earth. I love that the seagull has a happy ending all of her own. And the wonderful scene of Elros sailing off into the sunset, ready to begin his own adventure, is both sad and exciting at the same time.

daw the minstrel · 17 October 2005 · Chapter 9999: New Beginnings

And so this finishes with people letting go of those they love, who have grown in ways they might not have wished for. But they come back too. Nice job, Perelleth.

Bodkin · 17 October 2005 · Chapter 9999: New Beginnings

Poor Finarfin! What he did to Ingwe's son indeed! Remained patient and remarkably tolerant, really. But Ingil has come on a lot - he seems to see a lot more deeply into things now. And, of course, he has his feathered admirer. Ingwe isn't going to be happy to have his son go off to Eressea. But I rather think he is going to have to put up with it. I love the gleam of wisdom in his eyes - and the comfort he offered Finarfin. And I LOVE the return of Finrod. Finarfin deserves it - and so does Finrod. Not to mention Earwen. Elros has grown into kingship then. And Mariner-ing. And Elrond has been coaxed into a role of his own, so that he won't miss his brother as much as he might have done - I'm glad he sees Ereinion as family. And then there's great-uncle Celeborn. Also known as Lord of Harlindon. Ereinion's sense of humour is delightful. I am glad to see him settling into his role. Probably greatly helped by the absence of Oropher. This is a lovely story - I have enjoyed all the twists and turns and I'm so pleased that Ereinion is balancing carefully at the top of the pyramid. (And that Finarfin's oldest son has returned to his family.) Now what do you have planned for a follow-up?

Redheredh · 11 October 2005 · Chapter 11: The Council of Gil-galad

Well, what more can I say, you make me laugh out loud at the peculiar machinations of history and politics. But really, Erestor's bet was a sure thing that Ereinion probably should have just let pass. Nor should he have paniced over Celeborn helping out. But, I am very glad you found the humor of it all too good to ignore. I surely love your take on Cirdan and the Hirdawar as statesmen. The council did clear the air and help everyone let go of some past grievances. It was a good example of how if the majority want to get something good done, they will. Someone just has to take the lead and bring the opportunity to participate. No easy job, though. Oropher and Gil-galad's closing conversation was very satisfyihng. Enough of a resolution for both of them. All done with a wave of a hand...! :D The armor was gloriously described, just as it should be. The homage given by all was nicely done but the Ereinion finessing Celeborn into it was perfect. But, Ingil - vernal, ingenuous Ingil - remains my favorite charater in this story. And I am very happy to see his admirer is not fickle and had made herself useful. ;) The light-banter that occurs throughout your writing is seriously loads of fun. I hate to think the epilogue is all that is left. But, then you will start a new story, right?

Nilmandra · 11 October 2005 · Chapter 11: The Council of Gil-galad

I am really glad, after all this, to see young Gil-galad finally getting some respect! He is about the future and about Middle-earth, not the past. He carries neither memories of past wrongs in Valinor nor the dissent between races of elves, as he grew up in a mixed environment. He is the perfect king to lead this group of elves. He even manages to get Oropher properly in some semblance of place. And he must be relieved that Olvarin is going home! I like his reaction to Elrond, too. The disappointment that the half-elf can't wait to get out of the city, yet also a little excitement that he is being trusted by the king to carry out duties in his name. I do like your Cirdan too - that he is the first one to swear his loyalty to the young king he raised. That brought tears to my eyes.

elliska · 11 October 2005 · Chapter 11: The Council of Gil-galad

I read the "In which..." opening line and started cringing right then. :-) But this meeting did go as well as could be expected. Putting that many people with such a past into one place is sure to cause a bit of conflict and I liked it--very well done. But I loved the revelation of Celeborn's deal with the dwarves and Gil-galad's plan for shipping Oropher east. I chuckled at that for certain. But I absolutely loved the conversation Oropher had with Gil-galad--that was a perfect reconciliation, as much as those two will ever see. And the last line there with an unconscious and almost perfect wave of his hand that caught him by surprise. Great symbol for his transformation to Gil-galad. I like how you've played with that throughout the story. And of course the part where they swear their oaths to Gil-galad was wonderfully done. I was sad to see there is only an epilogue. This has been a fun story. :-)

French Pony · 10 October 2005 · Chapter 11: The Council of Gil-galad

The meeting was awesome, although when Celebrimbor started describing the glories of the cities he intended to build, I had a treacherous little vision of the old Monty Python Architecht Sketch. . . the one where the architect describes, in glowing terms, a proposed building that turns out to be an abbatoir where the owners wanted a block of flats. But watching everyone digress and snipe at each other about their military aid or lack thereof was seemed very right and proper for a long meeting like that. And it's good to see them showing some sense and giving Oropher the trip east that he wanted. Everyone will be happy that way. Ereinion is certainly learning the delicate art of people-management.

Bodkin · 10 October 2005 · Chapter 11: The Council of Gil-galad

Ahhh. Lovely Ereinion. Everything is almost coming together. And Oropher is almost being pleasant now that he has more or less got his own way. And that his wife has threatened violence to his more delicate parts. I'll bet Ereinion is relieved that Ingil and Olvarin have stopped tormenting poor Finarfin and agreed to return home. I don't think that their presence would have been . . . helpful in the Second Age. Good that Gundaghâl has offered to help with the building in return for Celeborn's concessions - and that Celeborn and Galadriel have given Ereinion their support. Just as well, too, that Hirdawar has used his influence to convince such a range of people to behave themselves. (Now, that is an elf of power.) Something about the idea of Elrond and Erestor being sent off to complete in actuality what they appeared to be plotting - that's Justice. And telling Oropher to look after Elrond and be respectful to him. Toe-curlingly delicious. I love the way all and sundry have decided that the time has come to be nice to Ereinion - good presents. Good story. Good characters. It's just a shame that Ereinion won't see some of them again until after he gets to be rehoused in a future so far distant I wouldn't want him imagining it. Excellent story.

daw the minstrel · 10 October 2005 · Chapter 11: The Council of Gil-galad

Things nearly came apart there, when everyone started voicing their grudges. I guess there was enough suffering and betrayal that no one was safe. Good joke about Elrond and Erestor and the mapmaking! LOL Serves them right. Wonderful ending. Gil-galad has earned this.

elliska · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 10: Preparations

I have to say, I absolutlely loved Oropher through his wife's eyes! The less then meticulously done chores and the flowers! And I'm glad she can call him on his comments to Gil-galad. Well, at least the tall one gave up with that unbearable music of his...it is no wonder that they packed him to this side of the Waters, if he was bothering the Valar with such din. LOL! That was also a great exchange! And then we see another hint at the truth of the matter in the next conversation. Too funny! And then cause of the end of that conversation! I loved the scene between Gil-galad and Finarfin, especially: He knew where to send the things that were important to him for safekeeping…” And I equally loved the conversation with Cirdan, especially: That you want to do it. You truly care for the people that surround you, and you do believe that it is your responsibility to care for their well-being. Great chapter--I really like how Gil-galad has developed in this story

Nilmandra · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 10: Preparations

I feel equally behind, but I did enjoy having these two chapters to catch up on. I enjoyed the bird's 'thinking' and watching of Celeborn...and worship of Ingil! How funny....I always knew that they schemed to drop on things designed to express their contempt for us humans (elves). So Erestor and Elrond's game is outed (bad Erestor! He is old enough to know better) and a few people are aware of how awkward the Peredhil feel amongst the two kindreds. That is good. I especially liked the chastisement that Erestor received for his conspiring. Then we have Erienion dumped in the drink; the cousins making Finarfin's life miserable and ulitmately the orphaned king of the exiles doing what he does well in bringing people together. I was touched by him inlcuding the peredhil in the ceremony of his adopted father and giving the crown to Finarfin. I also think Finarfin should have it, and it belongs in Aman until time ends. I have to say your Erienion has really grown on me. He has no guile in him.