Reviews (1,161)

vaske · 1 April 2007 · Chapter 67: Return to Tirion

I have this mental image of elves with only one side of their hair braided:) I hope it doesn't take too long to grow back. It's good that the kings are finally learning some of the lies and misdeeds and are acting to fix some of them. The prisoners must have felt extremely hard done by to even contemplate another rebellion or kin slaying! Now that even the Noldóran is riding to Valamar are we going to find out what happens to Glorfindel? *grin* Or are there yet more twists and turns to make? Well, I don't really mind either way, all the other detours have made very enjoyable reading:)

vaske · 1 April 2007 · Chapter 66: ...and Counterattack

I hate it when elves fight elves, especially in Aman, I am curious to find out who is behind all of it though. It seems like the leaders are so out of touch with the mixed feelings in their kingdoms. Good thing Sador's trusting and willing to obey advice. Just who was it giving him the silent commands? Excellent chapter:)

Kitty · 1 April 2007 · Chapter 67: Return to Tirion

Glad to know Arafinwë still considers Sador his family and welcomed him so lovingly. Laurendil got Olwë’s personal ship? Well, that’s a honour! And I think it’s a sign for every other elf thinking to do something that stupid, too – the times are past that they did get away with their hatred and more. Now the Kings are aware of the problem, there will change a lot. The Reborn telling the other Tol Eressëans about their judgement would be a first step, I think. I am sure Haldir and Gwilwileth will see to that as soon as they are back on the Island. Uh – the Guild Masters are the ones responsible for the higher prices? Well, that’s unexpected! And all that only to foment war and maybe worse? *shakes head* Did they not learn *anything* from what happened earlier? Now I am truly curious what their punishment will be. To be honest, I don’t know what I would do with them under these circumstances and don’t envy the King this problem. But now I’m wondering just *what* they had planned to demand in exchange for Sador’s life. Lower prices or the like, as I first thought, wouldn’t make much sense if the Tol Eressëan guilds are behind it. The end - Arafinwë riding with Sador and Laurendil to Valmar in battle dress – is so promising! I can only repeat: Can’t wait for more!

vaske · 1 April 2007 · Chapter 65: Attack...

I can't believe they cut off one of is braids! So insulting, and it'll take ages to grow back. I guess it's better than 'a more vital part' though. This chapter just increased the suspense from the previous one. I'm glad you post more than one chapter at a time:)

Kitty · 1 April 2007 · Chapter 66: ...and Counterattack

Laurendil reached Tol Eressëa just at the right moment. What a relief to watch the warriors take over! And I see Netilmirë has overcome the initial shock enough to think things over and found the important clue herself who led them to Sador. Was again amused about the help of the Valar or Maiar; I am glad they didn’t allow Sador to be injured. Wonder if they had something to do with Sador running straight into Laurendil and his friends? Anyway, I can’t say I am very sorry the one of the kidnappers broke his neck. He did bring it about himself. And the other deserved the broken nose, no doubt. Honestly – to kidnap someone and to maim him is not much better than the kinslaying, if you ask me, and I’d not be too surprised if Sador is right about at least the one belonging to the kinslayers. "Well enough now that you are here. What are you doing here, anyway? Shouldn’t you be in Lórien giving Lord Irmo grief?" Laurendil laughed. "He decided he needed a respite from my presence and sent me to check up on you." *LOL* I see I’m not the only one to see it this way! I’m very pleased to know at least these bad guys have all been caught and Sador is safe with his great-grandmother again and surrounded by warriors, so he is well guarded against more attacks now.

Kitty · 1 April 2007 · Chapter 65: Attack...

Weaver’s shop? That means this arrogant guild mistress is involved? Then it is no wonder the negotiations went so badly ... For someone not truly being a warrior Sador managed to evade the initial three attackers very well. It’s rather embarassing for the attackers how many ellyn they needed to overwhelm him. Hm, I see – the Valar may say it’s all only the problem of the elves, but they can’t stay out of this *grin* Well, if Sador came to any harm and his kidnappers killed him, I am sure Glorfindel and Finrod would besiege Námo’s doorstep and whine because they want their friend back at once (or at least Glorfindel would ... ;-)), so Námo and the other Valar have to help a little bit. Somehow I doubt Námo wants to have Sador back in his care. >> Awww! Give me a break! How many writers do you know who update as frequently as I do, anyway? You should thank Eru and all the Valar that I don't make you wait MONTHS for an update, like some writers do! *lol* You’re right, of course – I should be ashamed, as you’re posting around five chapters a week and that is more than one can expect. But still, there’s always a little voice inside my head demanding for more. Take it as a sign how much I love your fic ;-)

Rhyselle · 30 March 2007 · Chapter 62: A Familiar Scene

That shipping to just one port and then having to send goods by road just doesn't make sense for a place the size of Tol Eressea. I'm rather looking forward to seeing how this whole socio-political thing works out in the end. I'm sure it's much more complex than it seems. I liked how Netimire changed the "your family" to "our family". I like Gilvagor. He's a helpful and friendly person. I like his attitude towards the Reborn... and Sador's response was great! "Perhaps if you took the time to tell that to your own Reborn, they might begin to feel differently." Good point... people tend to assume the worst when they aren't told the good. I know that my self-esteem rises considerably when someone tells me I did a nice job instead of just being silent about it... when I don't hear positive comments I tend to think that I must be doing something wrong. I find it interesting how very much this chapter revolves around the Eldar's assumptions about what the Halls of Mandos are like and what they think their loved ones must be doing there. And when one is told that the dead have no memory of their lives and loves, it would be a shock... until one has it explained, as Sador did for Netilmire, what a blessing that lack of memory is while a fea heals. I knew the moment that I saw the elves were gathered around a tree and the elleth was asking her love to come down that we were dealing with another Reborn. *giggle* I like the idea that when life gets too scary the Reborn tend to retreat to trees. I find it amusing how any mention of Glorfindel's name seems to grab attention. At least Haldir came down from the tree rather than fell out of it! I liked how calm Sador was throughout all of this. It was as if everyone around him were children getting all excited and upset, and he's a serene and peaceful spot in the clamour. It hadn't occured to me before that Judgment would be different for the Sindar than it was for the Exiled Noldor. But it makes sense, for all the reasons that Sador described. Although I'm sure that facing it with just Lord Namo would be in its own way as traumatic as facing all of the Valar. I thought that Sador using the same language to Haldir as Lord Namo used to him was sweet. :) I was shocked when Gwilwileth asked if Haldir had been judged in chains... who ever started such talk? I oughtn't to be surprised, as when people don't know things, they will make up all sorts of bits and pieces--sometimes based on other events--to fill the gaps. Netilmire's stepping in to tell Haldir that asking Sador to tell of his own Judgment was rude was so in character--but also points out the problem that perpetuates the lack of accurate knowledge about the process of Judgment amongst the Eldar. If it's considered rude to ask about it, most likely the Reborn are going to get the idea that it's "not done" to talk about it openly, as if it were something to be ashamed of, and so they won't volunteer the information. And that leads to the lack of morale in the Tol Eressean Reborn, and a continuation of the incorrect assumptions people have been making about these experiences. Sador's being willing to share his experience is a wonderful thing... I look forward to seeing how everyone reacts to it. :) Good chapter!

Bodkin · 30 March 2007 · Chapter 64: Chains of Hate

Things just keep getting more complicated! Which is, I think, inevitable when you are talking about immortal elves together - with all their differences and ancient resentments. The Blessed Realm isn't going to be some marshmallow heaven. But what is going on here sounds nasty - and needs sorting out. Ordinary hostilities are bad enough without having the deliberate and vindictive targeting of the elves of Tol Eressea. I think Sador's report to Finarfin is going to be a considerable shock - and indicate the need for much more interaction between the different groups. Because understanding is key - and you don't get that by isolating yourself from the rest of the world.

Bodkin · 30 March 2007 · Chapter 63: Echoes of Judgment

Some of those Amaneldi are very twisted and bitter! Hardly good examples of what life in Aman has achieved - they might feel better than everyone else, but they're not giving a good showing of themselves. Good thing Lord Namo popped by! And Ulmo. Having dinner with strangers is a much more sensible thing to do - because then they stop being strangers and become friends.

Bodkin · 30 March 2007 · Chapter 62: A Familiar Scene

Sador is perfectly positioned to help Haldir - and his own situation provides a bridge. How have all these reborn elves / sailed Sindar / returned Exiles managed to live alongside each other for so long without speaking to each other about these things? They are making rods for their own backs!

Rhyselle · 29 March 2007 · Chapter 61: Family Ties

It was sad for Netilmire that the Tol Eressean Guild Masters were so stubborn. She, at least, had gone there with a true desire for an exchange of knowledge; a shame that politics messed up what could have been a very useful, and probably profitable arrangement. I can just see her eyes twinkling as she tells Sador "Someone has to be here to haul you out of trouble." She's come a long way from that bitter stubborn elleth we first met. The discussion about the name changes and career changes was neat. I giggled when Sador had to be reminded to define the Sindarin terms he was using, and not just explain that there were two words for "Green". When he stopped dead as the penny drops and he makes the connection of Ezelmiril with Calemmiriel, I could identify with him in a way. I've been doing a lot of genealogical research into my father's maternal family line and I bet he felt a lot stronger version of what I felt after trawling through the censuses ranging from 1860 to 1900 and discovered my great-great-grandfather James Wilson and his wife--I'd been trying to find out about his wife for over fifteen years and when I finally found the document that unmistakeably showed who she was, I wanted to laugh and weep at the same time. I can understand why he fled as the emotions took over... and I love how Netilmire comforted him. And then the situation gets turned around as he blurts out the revelation of who his grandmother was. While I realize that this chapter was from Netilmire's POV, I admit that the part of my mind that deals with attention to trivial details wanted to know where Sador got the goblet from... LOL! But it's not something that she'll care about with this stunning bit of information to deal with. *grin* I like how Sador takes over caring for her after her shock, and demonstrates again his increasing maturity. It must have been hard for him to tell her that Ezelmiril/Calemmiriel and her husband had been slain in the fall of Doriath. But I can see him smiling as he explains about how his anatar and anamille met, and how his atar took up pottery. I love it that Sador's atar was named after Sador's great grandfather. :) Netilmire looking at him to try to see her daughter in him was so sad. When he told her that everyone said he looks more like his anatar, it made me wonder if, by some chance, Ninniach might be the one to look like their anamille. Hmmm. IF Ninniach is still alive and has traveled west, that would be an interesting scene if Netilmire saw her and for an instant thought of her as Ezelmiril. "I have lost both husband and daughter," she whispered, "but I have gained a great-grandson, whom I love very much." What a great scene... I admit that I wonder what kind of looks they are getting in the common room as they react to the things they are telling each other! *grin* Her interaction with Aule and Yavanna was lovely. I love how they reassured her about what her state of mind had been before she finally was able to grieve her losses and accept the love that had always been waiting to comfort her. If that had not happened, there was no way that she could have accepted Sador as family, I'm certain. It truly must be frustrating to the folks who want to know about their loved ones and be told "We can't tell you that"... but I like it that she was asking not as much on her own behalf but Sador's. What a mix of pain and joy! And the closing scene of the chapter is my favorite. I can see Sador bundled up in bed, with his present from Atar Arafinwe tucked in next to him, burbling over with joy as he relates the revelation to Lord Namo. :) And I can see Namo's joy in his "best beloved"'s reaction. "She's my anamme... she's my anamme." *happy gleeful smile* I like how Lord Namo told Sador that he must have faith. Just as the Isrealites who had God with them in the form of a pillar of fire or of cloud as they crossed the desert from Egypt into Canaan needed to have faith, the elves who have their own 'proof' of Eru's existence still need to have faith in Eru. I think that is one of the greatest gifts that the Reborn can give to the people of Aman and Tol Eressea--their experience, their knowledge of the divine love of Eru for all of his children. Now if only the Amaneldi and the people of Tol Eressea will just listen! I think that I would like to be hugged by Lord Namo. :)

Calenlass · 29 March 2007 · Chapter 63: Echoes of Judgment

Where did you find your information? I mean the information in most of your stories--concerning jewels, plants, languages, and names? ~~~~~~~ Anyway, my real review: I'm beginning to like Sador very much. If only he were canon...

eiluj · 28 March 2007 · Chapter 64: Chains of Hate

‘”I often sat on the beach while my sister and her friends played in the waves. Lady Elwing would bring her little ones down to play as well."’ -- Yet another connection among the gwedyr -- and yet, neither Glorfindel nor Sador has ever referred to Eärendil (and/or his kin) in quite the right words for the other to make the connection.... [Oh, and throw in Laurendil and Manwen also, as they know Elrond. Elrond has definitely been mentioned in Finrod’s hearing at least (under a couple of his names), but Glorfindel -- if he’d been there -- doesn’t know who Elrond is, not does Finrod. It’s a small world, and everyone has connections to almost everyone else -- but nobody tells Glorfindel anything! Could the author possibly be doing this *intentionally*?] ‘"Well, from what I’ve been told," Sador continued, "the Amaneldi greeted the Noldor and Sindar by telling them that they were living on Tol Eressëa on sufferance and that anyone whose loved one died in Endórë went to their judgment before the Valar in chains."’ -- This is confusing and you may want to change it. As it is, it seems to say that *the loved ones of the dead* went in chains to be judged by the Valar -- rather than the dead themselves (the subject of “went” is “anyone”). Maybe something along the lines of “... on suffrance and that their loved ones who died in Endorë....” I am becoming more and more convinced that Sador’s sister Ninniach will be found among the living. Probably wrong again. ‘”Apparently, the Amaneldi have decided our goods are either not needed or not good enough for them.”’ -- I wonder how much of this began as outright prejudice, and how much was merely the interaction of two cultures with radically different taste in design and color preferences? It looks weird; it’s not what I’m used to -- therefore it can’t be any good, and I won’t buy it. Furthermore, I’ll tell all my friends they don’t want any of it, and it’s a waste of time going there to shop. I’m looking forward to Laurendil’s observations about the problems on Tol Eressëa in light of his several weeks as Irmo’s apprentice, cause it’s looking like the Loriennildi could do a land-office business among the residents of that island. My favorite ideas for rescuing Glorfindel from the mountain? Well, the best-spectacle ones involve a visitation from on high by either Vingelot or Thorondor -- and then dropping him off in Ingwë’s garden! [Isn’t Eärendil based somewhere north of Taniquetil? Or was that in some fanfic I read?] But the poor elf -- not much fun for him to turn up looking like something the cat spat up when everyone else is being Prince and Rescuer and Avenging Hero.... I just doubt he’s in any condition to climb so far down on his own at the moment, much less walk to the other side of the mountain. Oh, and if the Good Guys show up on Taniquetil to pick him up -- he won’t be there at that point. Yeah, I know, probably wrong.

eiluj · 28 March 2007 · Chapter 63: Echoes of Judgment

I’m glad Kitty pointed out that the jewel Sador saw through the doorway was Elwing flying away from Sirion with the silmaril. I hadn’t thought about the timing, and was thinking confusedly of Eärendil, though I knew that wouldn’t have been until considerably later (then again, what is Time in Mandos?). I liked that it called to Sador, though I’m not sure if that is everyone’s reaction to the beauty of the silmarils, or the hope of Gil Estel, or both. [Thanks, Kitty!] ‘"Close the door, Sador.... There is nothing for you there now. Time to come in."’ -- Interesting -- but after all, some of the spirits of the dead do refuse to go when they are called.... Those spiteful Amaneldi who “welcomed” the elves returning from Middle-earth sound like bosom buddies of Ingoldo and Tinwetariel. [I’d say they must have *been* Ingoldo and Tinwetariel except that the High King’s brother and sister-in-law would surely have been remembered as more than just visiting Amaneldi -- if the elves they were speaking to didn’t know exactly who they were and how important they were, they wouldn’t have delayed in identifying themselves.]

Elflingimp · 28 March 2007 · Chapter 64: Chains of Hate

I know I am going to sound ignorant or I probably missed something, I am enjoying the story,but if you please will excuse me wheres Glorfindle? for I seem to be missing him and wondering if he is okay.

Kitty · 28 March 2007 · Chapter 64: Chains of Hate

It is about time more of the Reborn talk about their experiences. And I am very glad Sador came to Tol Eressëa; it is about time Arafinwë and Ingwë learn of the way the Amaneldi acted there! Now I agree with Finrod – Sador may be in danger, considering the tension on the island, and I am somehow glad to know Laurendil is on his way back to look after him. Getting a better image of the many problems between the different groups of elves, I have an idea what to expect of the chapters to come and am waiting anxiously! And I agree with Eiluj – I’d not mind more frequent updates, either. Four days or so are much too long – do you have any idea how often I check the site for updates? Just now I’m sitting on the edge of my chair, wondering how to survive until next time ;-(

Kitty · 28 March 2007 · Chapter 63: Echoes of Judgment

The star Sador saw when he died was probably the Silmaril Elwing saved from the sons of Fëanor, as it happened at Sirion? A pity he probably didn’t know what it meant, otherwise he could tell Glorfindel. Somehow I have the impression he never talked about Elwing and Eärendil with him, though I suppose Glorfindel would appreciate it to learn more about Eärendil and his family. Hadn’t expected of Sador to tell about his own experiences so publicly, but it was certainly reassuring for the others. Honestly, at the moment I want to kick a few Amaneldi backsides for telling the elves of Tol Eressëa this nonsense. That was so mean and cruel! No wonder there is so much hostility. I was glad Lord Námo interfered before someone attacked Netilmirë. The onlookers must’ve been rather in awe about the way Sador and Haldir talked with him *grin* But now I start thinking ... with Sador and Finrod and Glorfindel and Valar knows how many other Reborn set loose, Námo will finally have problems to be everywhere at once with all the ensuing trouble ;-)

Kitty · 28 March 2007 · Chapter 62: A Familiar Scene

Sador is a wise one, and I begin to see why Arafinwë decided to train him in diplomacy. He is right – the elves of Tol Eressëa should tell the Reborn how they think about them, it would do them a lot of good. It seems an outsider is better able to see the problem. Love the bit of conversation between Sador and Netilmirë. That she had meet her great-grandson and he is explaining all this about the Halls of Waiting is probably important for her – somehow I’m not sure she would be able to cope with it if her husband or, even more difficult, her daughter was released in her care without this knowledge. "At least I’ve some experience in dealing with stubborn Reborn ellyn who like to hide in trees." Had to grin about that. Oh yes, after Finrod and Glorfindel our dear Sador is used to the problem! And his method worked remarkably well. Of course the remark about 'judgement’ disturbed Haldir so much, and Sador could understand him so much better than the Once-born, even if he suffered not the same. But he knew enough to understand.

vaske · 28 March 2007 · Chapter 64: Chains of Hate

There's a lot of tension in these last few chapters, all these threads of information starting to weave together, vague pictures starting to form... I can't wait for the next few chapters!

vaske · 28 March 2007 · Chapter 63: Echoes of Judgment

I love how the reborn interact with Namo, they joke and play with him while listening to what he says. It was so thoughtless and spiteful for the mainland elves to spread those lies though, as if they'd know.

vaske · 28 March 2007 · Chapter 62: A Familiar Scene

Sador's really maturing quickly, and he seemed to know just what to say. It must be frustrating for the reborn to watch the lack of understanding shown by the once born. But at least the elves on Tol Eressëa are more understanding when everything is explained to them. I guess it helps that they see the reborn as being heroic.

eiluj · 27 March 2007 · Chapter 61: Family Ties

I’ve been expecting that this story was taking place in the timeframe which sees the returned Noldor and other Middle-earth elves able to settle in Eldamar, but I didn’t anticipate all the unrest in Tol Eressëa. Hmm. I suppose Finrod might well have met Mallor -- and possibly Calemmíriel as well -- in Doriath or Nargothrond. The Valar devious? Say it isn’t so! For more than 25 years, I had a job which involved speaking Spanish quite a bit. I am now reasonably fluent, but am not a native speaker. I once made the classic error of using the verb “embarazar” to mean “embarrassed” -- unfortunately, it actually means being pregnant (if you ever read Dorothy Dunnett’s Francis Crawford historical fiction, she has a not-so-fluent character make that same mistake). Re. conversing about food, twenty years ago a man in my Spanish class, when asked what kind of food he enjoyed, replied “Me gusta comer los chinos” (“I like to eat Chinese people”) instead of “Me gusta la comida china” (“I like Chinese edibles”). Poor guy -- we *tried* not to laugh at him.... “Finrod and Laurendil continued to act as apprentices, following various journeymen on their rounds and attending lectures, although no one, least of all the masters, was fooled by this.” LOL when I saw that. Lots of big sighs of relief among the Loriennildi when Finrod and Laurendil go haring off east! I’m looking forward to seeing (eventually) Arafinwë’s and Ingwion’s reactions to the New and Improved Finrod. I am still so concerned about Glorfindel that I’ve come up with a couple of *very* interesting ways to get him off the mountain. Doubtless you have something different in mind. [But they are both *great* spectacle!] You know we really *wouldn’t* mind if you’d post more frequently....

Edlyn · 26 March 2007 · Chapter 14: Adjustments

Mea culpa! I know I said I'd do more reviewing yesterday but may I plead the exigencies of an unusually beautiful day and a severe case of spring fever for not doing so? I couldn't resist going out and walking along the river and communing with nature. Do you think Glorfindel and Finrod (and more importantly, Lord Námo) will forgive me? I have to admit that I don't like Amarië's attitude. She's definitely got some serious hurt in her past to make her so bitter and unkind. The fact that she is selfishly looking to exploit the change in Finrod's attitude for her own benefit makes her someone that I don't think I'd want to associate with. At least she was sensible enough to pay attention to Finrod's silent censure and not push for an answer about Elenwë's fate. I can see that Glorfindel and Sador would feel at a loss after the excitements of the day. So much had happened and Sador especially hadn't expected to be "going home" with the King! I don't think I'd be able to sleep in their situation either: a new place, a new family (one where you haven't had a chance to figure out how you fit into it or even if you do). This day has contained at least two of the top three stressors anyone can have. I am growing exceptionally fond of King Arafinwë. He is a king, and a good one from what I can see so far, but he remains a loving father and husband (unlike a certain Ruling Steward of Gondor who I can name who seems to have forgotten how to be either by the time the Ring War occurs). The way he stopped to check on Glorfindel and Sador just touched my heart. And then when he sat up all night watching over his sons... I was chuckling right along with Arafinwë about the image of the puppy huddle. It's a charming echo of the pile of sleeping fëar in Mandos' Hall of Renewal. Well, Finrod seems to be something of a morning person, even if Sador doesn't appear to be. I laughed so much at the "Does your amillë know you talk like that?" line. I can just see all their faces in the various expressions of amusement, surprise, teasing and embarrassment. It's quite obvious that our three Reborn ellyn are definitely in an adolescent state! The teasing at breakfast was also very well done. And the hints of what Finrod was dealing with in trying to find his place among his family and people upon his return made me sympathise with him completely. Glorfindel handled the situation perfectly. I loved the segue into the teasing of Glorfindel and the idea of Lord Námo throwing a party for the other Valar in celebration of Glorfindel leaving Mandos and Lorien. If the party actually happened I'm betting the miruvor flowed quite generously! I was so glad to read that Arafinwë finally and truly in his heart believes that his other sons are safe and happy in Mandos and that they WILL eventually come home. Finrod's little temper tantrum was quite impressive and why am I not surprised that he ended up in a tree? I also think that both Finrod and Glorfindel are more upset at people snarking at Sador than themselves (I know that I can tolerate being harassed and and teased myself better than I can tolerate someone who is under my care being harassed--I once punched a wall, breaking my wrist, rather than literally strangle a person who totally destroyed the self-esteem and confidence of one of my technical trainees. I'm betting that I had something like the light of Mandos in my eyes at the time. Luckily, my wrist healed OK and the person who did the damage to my trainee was demoted two pay-grades and removed from thier supervisory position. Unfortunately, my trainee ended up changing his mind about re-enlisting after the incident.). It's the protector in them. Oh, I definitely don't want to get Arafinwë upset with me if Well, I'm sure the palace population is bemused by the idea of their prince sleeping in an oak tree and their King and Queen sleeping under said tree. There are definitely a lot of adjustments going on among all sides but I've come to the conclusion that once the adjustments are made things are going to be wonderful for the entire royal family. Thank you for the chapter, mellon-nin. It was great fun to read. May you lived blessed, Edlyn

Ellie · 25 March 2007 · Chapter 61: Family Ties

I was not expecting the depth of the problems in Tol Eressea and though the bitterness there an be understood. I REALLY wasn't expecting the news about great-grandma. How beautiful! And I loved it when the "comforters" showed up at the end - proving that the Valar really do care and try to guide AND they haven't forsaken or forgotten the elves on Tol Eressea. I sooo can't wait for more!

Nikara · 25 March 2007 · Chapter 61: Family Ties

Yay! I'm so glad that Sador finally had something really good happen to him. He has a family, even if it is a small one. You are being rather cruel, aren't you... leading all of the various plots to a climax, then leaving them for the next plot. That's not nice. Oh well, this is the last one that we need to catch up on. I look forward to more.