Reviews (1,161)

Radbooks · 29 July 2007 · Chapter 114: Reconciliation

Well, I never saw that coming! Although I certainly should have now that I think about it. It was only right for Ingwe to ask for forgiveness. It was the only true way to restore their relationship and he had certainly hurt Glorfindel and damaged their relationship. (As an a side note, I really cried through through that section because I have two brothers who need to humble themselves and ask forgiveness of each other like that so that life in our family can have some sort of normalcy and I despair of it ever happening. sigh) Finrod was right and Glorfindel absolutely needed to wear his braids again, even if only to show the people there that he was fully restored to his former position. Interesting how Finrod was introduced! Ingwe is really recognizing and accepting who he is, isn't he? I loved Sador's comment that perhaps Glorfindel had also been released too early from Mandos. Will we find out why Sador has been released early? I assume that we will at some point, and I know that Orome at least has plans for him. Perhaps I should just be patient, huh? :) Thanks for another wonderful chapter!

Nieriel Raina · 29 July 2007 · Chapter 114: Reconciliation

It is very nice to see Ingwe apologize as well. Though what he did may have been necessary, enough hurt had been caused by it. I do find it funny that Alassiel still isn't speaking to him. *grins* I love this story. Can't get enough of it. You make me love these characters so much that I actually FINISHED the Silmarillion, and instead of yawning and struggling through it, LOVED every word, so much that I bought it on audio CD to listen to again at work. I swear *looks around nervously for Eonwe* stories like this are going to turn me into a 1st age author! *grin* Thank you so much for sharing such an incredible story. I'm also waiting on the edge of my seat *fell off a couple times* for the next chapter of the Wars of the Valar. *applause* NiRi

Kitty · 29 July 2007 · Chapter 114: Reconciliation

Glorfindel muttered an oath or two as he waited to be summoned, being careful not to invoke either Eru, the Valar or even Ingwë’s name for fear of having Eönwë show up with that damnable Book of his *snicker* Love that! I’m sure, knowing how that works out, they will be a bit more careful about oaths in the future. Hmmm ... so Ingwë got a tongue-lashing from everyone on Glorfindel’s behalf? Have to admit I find that satisfying – you know already how I think about his treatment of Glorfindel, don’t you? And I am glad to know he apologised to Glorfindel so publicly, too. It’s raising my esteem of Ingwë again. And Glorfindel has his braids back :-)) I’m glad this matter is finally out of the way and Ingwë and Glorfindel are hopefully able to be – or become – friends again, as it would make things easier for both of them.

Hellga · 28 July 2007 · Chapter 113: iArachûd Finrod Aran

Your writing is very good (though at times seems forced and artificial, those moments are very rare), but why did you twist and torture Arda into something resembling Victorian England more than Tolkien's world, rooted in sagas and other epos? Half the time I am tempted to run to characters masquerading as canons and scream "Who are you and what have you done with the real XX?" Not the Valinor I would ever want to visit...

Bodkin · 26 July 2007 · Chapter 113: iArachûd Finrod Aran

Prospective mother-in-law problems and naughty elflings! Finrod's life gets ever more complicated! There seems to be a spirit of reconciliation in the air - if only every problem solved didn't seem to lead to a dozen more. It's going to take a lot of lateral thinking to overcome the prejudices of pretty well all and sundry and achieve a fully blessed realm. (I imagine they're still working at it!)

eiluj · 26 July 2007 · Chapter 112: Dinner and Diversion

I agree with your interpretation of how the Valar view the Ban. I’ve never understood the logic of those who argue that all the elves from Middle-earth are stuck on Tol E until the world ends. But then, I tend to think also that the hobbits and Gimli at least *visited* the mainland at times. I’m wondering about the tabards Vorondil and Alassiel are wearing: plain or with a device, and if so, whose? You’ve made me curious about cinnamon in chicken soup. Maybe I’ll add cinnamon the next time I make cream-of-everything soup. [Then again, not sure how well cinnamon would go with the mushrooms.]

eiluj · 25 July 2007 · Chapter 111: Tea With Balrogs... er... Sugar

I’m glad Estë healed Glorfindel; he’ll have enough difficult moments in the next few days without everyone staring at his bruises too (*and* asking him what happened -- when he doesn’t even want to tell his friends). By mutual consent, Finrod and Glorfindel declined to spar against each other -- One of the possibilities I’ve been considering is that the Bad Guys attack (or whatever they’re going to do) while Finrod and Glorfindel are having their championship match, which with all the fuss is left unfinished. So Finrod and Glorfindel spend the next several years arguing about who *would* have won.... No, they’re elves: they spend however many yéni remain until Glorfindel leaves for Middle-earth arguing about who would have won! And when Glorfindel returns in the FA, they’ll *continue* arguing about who would have won. Of course, just because the readers are so paranoid doesn’t mean you’re necessarily going to have *anyone* attack.... I don’t blame Amarië for refusing to return to Vanyamar, with a mother like that. Somehow I’m getting the impression the Wedding will turn out to be Midsummer *this* year. Those ellyn are just too smug.

Jane · 24 July 2007 · Chapter 46: A Belated Begetting Day

Oh. My. Goodness. I absolutely LOVE this peek into Glorfindel's ever-so-mysterious encounter with life and resurection. I'm am ever so grateful I stumbled across it. My friend (literally) had to drag me away from it. The thing that draws me most to this story is the very spiritual quality of it. There's something in your description about the Valar and ESPECIALLY Eru that reflects God's presence in our everyday life. Just the descriptions of Eru's love bring tears to my eyes, and give me bittersweet memories. I'm still reading it, but it keeps on getting better and better. -Jane-

Nariel · 24 July 2007 · Chapter 108: Artaquetta Findaráto as Manwë

Fiondil, while looking at the table of contents page for 'Elf Interrupted' I do hope you know that for Chapter 108 it says Finarato not Findarato! Well, that is just so if you are able to correct the error! Namarie!

Radbooks · 23 July 2007 · Chapter 113: iArachûd Finrod Aran

Finrod is getting quite a collection of elves, isn't he? I'm anxiously waiting to see what their parents say and then what Finrod will do with them! I know that he'll be kind to the youngest two that were lead astray, but I have a feeling that the oldest three have some hard times ahead of them. Although I know it will be good for them in the long run.

Nariel · 23 July 2007 · Chapter 111: Tea With Balrogs... er... Sugar

Sorry, I had one last bit to add and I sort of forgot to add it when typing my review. Poor Amarie... During tea I think she is very fearful that Findarato will cancel the betrothal becuase he can just no longer handle her mother. If he did I keep thinking that no one will want her anymore because she has refused many ellyn already for centuries just waiting for Findarato...but then Finrod would not be that cruel to her... I would not really blame Finrod if he did CANCEL the betrothal because of Lady Almariel, but if he did he is NO longer at the top of my fav. characters!! Yeah...Fiondil as you might be able to tell I like to always think of 'What ifs?' A lot... Well, cannot wait to see the chapter of the evening of the ball at Ingwe's soon! Hopefully before this Friday (American time)!!!!! Fiondil, I am just VERY impatient to see who wins the tournament and how Finrod, Glorfindel, and Sador will solve the wedding day problem and Lady Almariel's attitude. Oh yes, one more thing I do hope Amarie stands up to her mother one day soon. Hopefully her because if Finrod yells at Lady Almariel, Almariel might find a way to persuade her husband to refuse to let Finrod marry Amarie completely. (I am starting to think her goal in life is to make illustrious marriages so that her child or children will be royal or in extremely high positions.) I keep thinking also that she is very ambitious. Is she? Because I would not be suprised if she cannot wait to see her daughter upon the throne of the Noldor with a crown on her head. But if she keeps with her attitude I do not think Finrod and MAYBE Amarie will even want to invite her to their wedding(which is like the wedding of a century in Aman...)!!! Well, U-P-D-A-T-E S-O-O-N!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Namarie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Radbooks · 23 July 2007 · Chapter 112: Dinner and Diversion

The dinner sounds marvelous! I was glad that Ingwe and Glorfindel had a chance to speak before the public event, it was certainly necessary for Glorfindel to know what was going to happen. I don't know that it put his heart at ease any, but it's still better to know what is going to happen to you when you're in a situation like that. I continue to be amused at Ingwe and his reactions to Finrod the King - and to seeing the elves as the warriors that they are/were. Those things don't go away quickly and it's so important for him to see that part of his people have experienced things that he can't even imagine. I like the idea that perhaps someday some of the elves from ME might be able to come to Valinor proper and go to some of the unsettled lands and establish their own kingdoms. You can't have all of these former kings running around without giving them something to do! :) Silly elflings! So typical of young ones, but are they going to regret it, well, perhaps not. I wanted to point out that in that section you have one of the elleth fleeing into Ingwion's arms and I think it should be Ingwe's since a moment later you have Ingwion holding an ellon and Ingwe holding an elleth.

Radbooks · 23 July 2007 · Chapter 111: Tea With Balrogs... er... Sugar

Another very enjoyable chapter! I knew you had something planned for getting Glorfindel healed before the tournament, but I hadn't considered the fact that he was going to appear before all of the people and couldn't do so looking like he did. There would only have been more gossip spread about him. I'd only considered the fact that I wanted him to be able to participate in the tournament. :) Amarie's mother is an 'interesting' person. No wonder Amarie didn't want to return to Vanyamar after Finrod left for ME, it couldn't have been much fun to live with her! I certainly wouldn't want to be around when she finds out when the three brothers have planned... I'm looking forward to seeing how this all plays out.

Nariel · 23 July 2007 · Chapter 111: Tea With Balrogs... er... Sugar

Sorry, I was doing a camp for girls in the Sierra Nevada for a week! I really enjoyed all the updated chapters, but this one has to be my favorite! Maybe that is because it gives me an idea of Amarie's family of which I never really thought about. I do so love how you portrayed lady Almariel! She is very emotional and mean. I like that though because I never really thoght about how Amarie's parents would feel about Finrod deserting her for far off lands. Even if you described lord Castamir as being easy-going I am starting to think even he might feel a bit insulted that his daughter was snubbed by a mere prince of the Noldor(now heir to the throne). How does he feel anyway? Will he be thier at the announcement of the wedding? Also what was Almariel objecting to Finrod's behaviour with Alassiel? Amarie doesn't seem to care though I have a strong feeling that she secretly does! Does she? About the trust, I just keep thinking Finrod is going to abuse that trust. He is the type of person to abandon another. I am a bit suprised that he has not abandoned Amarie by now even if he is the so called 'the faithful.' When Finrod said their is a ceremony to be through tonight as an excuse to leave is that his moment of foresight about the little elflings? Another, Fiondil, what is Earwen up to? I do not like the sound of it though... What does Finrod mean when he says," 'Midsummer is too soon and Amarie...' " to GLorfindel after they leave Almariel's? What is wrong that Amarie doesn't want it then? Is she afraid (Amarie) of something? Why does Aman need them to be married anyway? How does their marrying effect Aman? Is the outcome REALLY important to Valinor's history? Fiondil, what WOULD happen if Finrod wanted to release her? HOW would Amarie react to that? Sorry! Lo Siento, bout the MILLION questions in this comment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Namarie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

eiluj · 23 July 2007 · Chapter 110: Putting Glorfindel in the Mood

I'm feeling sorry for those two elves in the trees. No one will ever give them an explanation.... “Why can’t I be an apprentice, too?” -- I don’t know about being an apprentice, but Glorfindel seems to have been adopted by a large and growing number of Maiar.

vampfan30 · 22 July 2007 · Chapter 113: iArachûd Finrod Aran

enjoyable , as usual... I am really beginning to like Vorondil & the odd relationship he has with his master. Glorfindel & his brothers seem to be planning something or another with all of that wedding talk... looking forward to the next chapters.

Kitty · 22 July 2007 · Chapter 113: iArachûd Finrod Aran

Very impressing „trial“ for these five elflings. It’s interesting that one of the ellith and the youngest ellon were the most courageous, isn’t it? And Finrod rewarded this courage, while he punished the others for calling them 'babies'. Very satisfying. But somehow I fear handing Veryandur over to Vorondil is courting disaster, knowing Vorondil and his mishaps. I look forward to know how he will handle the responsibility without dragging Veryandur into any trouble *grin*

Kitty · 22 July 2007 · Chapter 112: Dinner and Diversion

This chapter makes me hungry! All these delicacies make my mouth watering. Hmmm .... I had expected an attack, but elflings? That seems a bit tame, but maybe it's not the end of it. I truly wonder what they had planned to do. Well, at least I am satisfied Ingwë witnessed how efficient the warriors acted.

Kitty · 22 July 2007 · Chapter 111: Tea With Balrogs... er... Sugar

Nice of you to update so soon I’m able to enjoy it on Sunday afternoon instead of sneaking at SoA at work. And as I’ve finished HP7 already, I’ve even time to read :-) Ah, I’m glad Estë healed Glorfindel – didn’t like the idea of him being seen so beaten up by anyone. And I *loved* Vorondil practising his bedside manners *snicker* (not to mention the phrase!). And Amarië played along well. As for Almáriel ... uh. Tea with a balrog, indeed! Poor Finrod, to have her as a mother-in-law! If she’s continuing at this rate, she’ll bring herself into trouble, I suppose. The Kings will not be too happy about this behaviour. And as surprised I was at first about Glorfindel and Sador, now I have to admire their deviousness. It’s true – nobody said *which* Midsummer *grin* Oh, can’t wait until Almáriel finds out!

Radbooks · 19 July 2007 · Chapter 110: Putting Glorfindel in the Mood

Glorfindel, Glorfindel, Glorfindel... he does make it hard on himself, doesn't he? I wonder if there is any kind of quick healing stuff that can get him ready for the tournament... probably not. sigh. Arafinwe and Olwe were right in making him withdraw the challenge, but what a way to get to that point!

Radbooks · 19 July 2007 · Chapter 109: Further Conversations With the Elder King

Very enjoyable chapter, as always! I had a question about Finrod. Why is he SO angry with Vorondil? I can understand his initial reaction because Vorondil is always getting into these little 'mishaps', but once he found out that Sador pushed him in, why is he still mad at Vorondil? I loved the conservatory... I'd like to go and visit one just like it or have one in my backyard. :) When the Valar and Maiar are all laughing about the clamming incident, it just makes me laugh. I don't know how they can hold a decent conversation when all of the other stuff is going on in their heads! Well, Sador might not want to know why he was released early, but I do! However, I'm guessing that you won't tell so I won't ask, but you are free to tell me if you want to. :) Ah, Vorondil arguing with Namo... now that's an interesting thought. I'm glad that he was able to accept an embrace from Namo at the end. I imagine he needs a lot of those.

eiluj · 17 July 2007 · Chapter 109: Further Conversations With the Elder King

You read "culumalda" incorrectly. It's "culuma" (orange fruit) + "alda" (tree) -- Yes, "culumalda" makes much more sense as the singular of "culumaldar" (from what very little I understand of Quenya!). So I think you've got a typo in your Notes, where "culumlada" is given as the singular "orange tree." [I'd been assuming the "culumaldar" in the chapter itself meant referred to the fruit as opposed to the tree(s) that bear them, but in that I wasn't thinking, as I generally *do* recognize the basic words for tree, both in Sindarin and Quenya.... Really I do! Usually....] I decided that there were some scenes I would not be writing simply because this story is getting to long and cumbersome -- No, never too long or cumbersome, at least from the readers' point of view.

Nieriel Raina · 17 July 2007 · Chapter 110: Putting Glorfindel in the Mood

Okay, I think from here out I should be caught up and will try to review more. These last few chapters have really made my days and distracted from a tough month. I just adore Glorfindel and it breaks my heart sometimes to see what he has to go through, however, his stubborness is so priceless, I can't help but snicker when he gets the tar beat out of him. It's a mixture of compassionate amusement. Of course, I'd love to tend the wounds afterwards. *grin* And I would love to find a story with a good romantic plot for him (not thinking this one will be, but do you know of any?) Thank you for sharing such fabulous tales. They stir my heart, bring a smile and I often wipe a tear. NiRi

eiluj · 17 July 2007 · Chapter 109: Further Conversations With the Elder King

What a good idea to have a conservatory atop that cold and snowy mountain. Between the bath and the clam-digging (which must surely have messed up his clothes again) and the tide coming in, poor Vorondil continues to have a very wet day.... “They were no longer in the conservatory, or at least he didn’t think so” -- Admittedly it’s a large and unusual conservatory. There are even deer, so why not a seashore too? 8-) I’m definitely disappointed that we didn’t get to see Finrod & co.’s reaction when Vorondil walked in with the bucket of clams. Also wondering how Vorondil felt about his prize after carrying them all the way down the mountain.... "It felt like home," he answered without thinking, yet it was a sincere response. Manwë nodded. "Thank you. That’s what I needed to hear." -- Yeah. Hopefully this will be the end of the worst of Vorondil’s fear. I read the “culumlada: orange tree” in your notes and my subconscious responded with “mermelada,” which is “marmalade” in Spanish. Somehow I don’t think Tolkien had that in mind....

Hildigrim · 16 July 2007 · Chapter 110: Putting Glorfindel in the Mood

I'm sorry. I went back and re-read Chapters 99 ("My oath I have given to another, but thou hast my forgiveness and my love, Sire, if ... if I have thy forgiveness as well.") and 100 ("'I suspected as much once I...got over my anger towards you and thought things through.' He ducked his head in embarrassment."). I cannot make the connection between Glorfindel's interactions with the High King in them and his challenge of the High King in this chapter. If, for example, Glorfindel had sulkily refused some ceremonial role in the tournament or New Year celebration until his sword-brothers and their brethren played with him, that I could understand. But his anger here with the High King seems like a plot discontinuity.