Reviews (559)

Imhiriel · 17 May 2009 · Chapter 36: Almaren Rising

You can't help thinking, "With Aulendil and Curumo working on the Lamps, no wonder something has to go wrong with it". Although that is to a certain extent unfair, as I don't think the two of them are at this time sabotaging the endeavour or anything of the sort... "They will pierce the atmosphere," Tulkas said. "It seems almost silly to bother with the pillars at all. Why don’t we just put them in a circumpolar orbit instead?" Hee. Indeed. That's why it's called learning by "trial and error". Although if what Oromë says it's true and they wanted to put out the Lamps anyways after they had awoken plants and such, his explanation makes a certain amount of sense. But Tulkas' objections are duly noted. I continue to like a great deal the little indications of the Ayamunuz and the Mayar showing their inclinations towards their later "portfolios". (not to mention the fact that it helps keeping all those names straight in my mind, ;-)...)

Imhiriel · 17 May 2009 · Chapter 35: The Price of Victory

I had to re-read the last couple of chapters to refresh my memory and catch up with the thread of the story, so now I can finally start on chapters I hadn't read before. I loved the scene of healing and recovery. Very wise of Námo to recognise that the sick Mayar needed a purpose and encouragement, not only commiseration (as needful as that is, too). Very discerning how he could pick out one of her specific strengths and apply it to his immediate plans for his temporary secondments. And I wager that in this way, Ancalequirindë and the three can help each other.

Aiwen · 21 February 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

I very much enjoyed your story and this is a very appropriate place to end it although I will miss reading it. It was definitely one of the most original stories based on the Silmarillion that I have ever read. Thank you very much for writing it. It seems to me that the best decision regarding the firstborn might've been for the valar to go to them rather than asking the elves to come to valinor, but hindsight is always 20/20. And amidst all the arguing about what would've been best for the elves and mankind, what of the dwarves? We really don't know much about their fate and they seem for the most part to have been ignored - although part of that may simply have been that Tolkein did not work it out. That seems a loss when one is confronted by someone like Gimli who is as much a person as any elf or man.

Kaylee · 8 February 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

"So it is doomed." And this is truly "Metta", "The End", for the Valar dwelling alone. Now they will have the Children to amuse (and bemuse) them whichever way they turn. Also, they shall be as gardeners, caring for the fear of the Children as best they can. And so it begins; the rest of the fate of Arda has begun to weave itself in a tapestry partially from the choice of the Valar. ~Kaylee!

Jancy · 4 February 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

Hey! Long time no review, I know. Sorry about that. But, wow--you've been busy when I was away. Lots of updates. :-D this story is really unique and awesome. I think I better understand the Silmarillion and the Valar with this story. thanks a bunch for writing this, Fiondil!!!!

Tari · 3 February 2009 · Chapter 56: Appendix: Timeline

Melkor capturing and corrupting the Elves has always been heartbreaking to me. I do a bit of crying when I read the Silmarillion. The amount of detail you put into your stories always amazes. I’m hoping something will rub off on me.

Larner · 2 February 2009 · Chapter 56: Appendix: Timeline

Have bookmarked this for future reference. Thank you, Fiondil.

Larner · 2 February 2009 · Chapter 999999: Character List

And so we all add to the population of Arda, do we not? Thanks for this.

Larner · 2 February 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

And the doom is chosen and spoken. Tulkas this time had the right of it. There was good and bad in the results, as there is ever with what Melkor has wrought. As for Melkor being bound to a replica of his own throne--too appropriate, and unfortunately the irony is lost on him. And the only torture he will know will be left to his own imagination, which is torture enough. Alas for what he MIGHT have been! And at last this one has come to its end. Thank you, Fiondil.

Kitty · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

It may not be nice, but still, I found it satisfying when Námo spit at Melkor. He's losing his fear, and that's good. Well, the Valar wished only the best for the children, and aside from the rebellion of the Noldor and all that, it was right to invite the Elves to Valinor, I think. What would have become of them in later ages under the dominion of Men, after all, if they could not have sailed? But really, Fiondil - if I'd not know how the story continues, I'd consider the end to this story another nasty cliffhanger equal to EI 1! I will miss this story, Fiondil. It was very interesting, and I already complained to friends that the Silmarillion would be much easier to read if it had been written in the same way as 'The Wars of the Valar' - the Valar and Maiar have more of a personality, and I love the humour in it. Thank you, I enjoyed it very much!

lyncarol333 · 31 January 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

Thanks so much for such an entertaining tale. I have always loved your Valar, and this fic has made me love them even more. Now i can't help but wonder what you will come up with next. Thanks again for a wonderful read. Lyn

Sitara · 31 January 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

Well, if Melkor wanted a throne to stay upon, he's surely got one for all his heart's content. Albeit knowing what we know and I having some very personal and strong issues with our future Morgoth 'smile' , I'm still happy that Namo has had enough strength and heart to wish in his Song for Melkor to find redemption. And this taking into account what he and Vaire suffered in Melkor's hands and his gift of foresight. But thus is Eru's nature and this would be the best proof that the Valar are fullfiling His wishes, in my opinion. As for the Valar's decision to summon the Firstborn to live with them in Valinor...we all know what happened after this. But we didn't know what might have happened if the Elves were left to dwell in the place of their awakening. Maybe the things would have been worse. And surely the things could have been worse, with Sauron, Gothmog, Ungoliant and possibly others around. Maybe their decision meant in fact the doom of they all, but I would like to point out that this doom could have been even worse and all that happened has been fitting Iluvatar's plans. I think also that Valinor was deemed from the beginning to be the Firstborn's home and the sea longing felt by a Moriquendo as well is for me a very strong proof. Eventually, Middle-Earth would become a place only for the Secondborn and I believe Eru knew from the beginning that these Children could be quite possessive regarding their place of dwelling. "wry grin". Always the last lines from LOTR made me very, very sad. It was like, as the Firstborn, especially the Eldar , sailed one by one, the world left behind would remain without Music and Light. Well, an excellent story, one of a kind in LOTR fandom, and, I bet, a very strength-draining one, judging on the amount of research that had to be done in order to obtain such a wonderful outcome, and...you know, those Valar have had to fight at least one War more. Yes, I'm shameless, forgive me. I know and I'll wait for it as much as it is necessary. All my blessings to you, Sitara

Independence1776 · 30 January 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

Due to the ice storm that hit my area a couple days ago, this was the first time I was able to get online. I may lose power again, especially once things start melting. "It was a Song of binding and restraining; of secrets revealed and justice upheld, yet woven into it was the possibility of repentance and release." Echoes of the _Lay of Leithian_. *snickers* Yes, "homey" the throne may be, but it probably didn't help Melkor's rehabilitation, given it was a reminder of everything he had lost. *blinks* Kudos to Námo for keeping his temper that long. I agree with Ulmo and Yavanna! Leave the Quendi alone. That, of course, does not mean I don't understand why the Valar acted as they did. But a part of me wonders what would have happened if the Valar had left well enough alone. Furthermore, if they truly cared so much about the Eruhíni, why did they ignore the ones who didn't/couldn't come to Valinor? Ah, Tolkien, sometimes you give me headaches. "I have begun to collect the tears of the fëar who have come to my brother’s Halls, for I deem that when Atháraphelun’s Time comes to a close, those tears will be needed." Interesting hint of your ideas for the Dagor Dagorath. "We will deal with that when the situation warrants it." But, from what I can remember, you didn't. "Manwë had a feeling deep inside him that perhaps they were in the wrong, but he was genuinely concerned for the safety and well-being of the Children and looked forward to having them here with them." Should have listened to your instincts... "Already, in the back of his mind, he was anticipating the joy of teaching these bright inquisitive beings all that he knew of Eä and of Atar." Pride was the Valar's downfall, in this particular instance. They couldn't imagine anything else, even though there were options. "Let us bring the Children home." To your home, not theirs. "So it is doomed." And so it begins: the Sundering, the division of the Noldor, the Kinslayings, the Curse of the Noldor, and the battles that kept Morgoth in check and set the path for the destruction of Sauron millennia later. But I cannot deny that quote sent shivers up my spine. It is the perfect ending line for this story.

Alquawende · 30 January 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

I liked this chapter. It was nice to read about the Valar debating about inviting the elves to dwell in Valinor. And I thought it was sweet that Namo was so kind in not judging Vaire's decision. [i]Before Oromë could respond, Námo slowly rose and all gazed upon him with wonder, for he appeared to them in a foreboding light, his amaranthine eyes dark with something none of them could put name to and in the words that he then spoke there was the echo of Another’s Voice: "So it is doomed." [/i] I love these lines the best. They stand out clearly.

Sunny · 30 January 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

Whaaat? Is the story finished already? Hmmm … I suppose all stories must end sometime. At least it means that I can start at the beginning and read all the way to the end now, instead of just to the end of the latest chapter (which can sometimes be quite frustrating. No more waiting on tenterhooks to see what happens next for _this_ story.) There was of course a bit of final fun. I certainly liked "Never let it be said that I would deprive anyone, even Melkor, of a few homey features to their cell." *grins* And then, on a more foreboding tone, "So it is doomed." (We know about some of that, don’t we?) So now you can start on something new. What will it be about? How Irmo and Námo got to be such inveterate gamblers? Why Glorfindel and Thranduil are _always_ quarreling with each other? (I loved Aragorn’s little quip in Tâd Edhel a Firion of whether Glorfindel knew that Thranduil _wasn’t_ an balrog…) How Glorfindel and Elrond got to be friends? Thranduil learning of Legolas' new best friend? Perhaps the stories behind some of Vairë’s more … interesting …tapestries? (if Vairë will let you have a peek in her private gallery, that is.) Glorfindel and Echtelion making pranks in Gondolin? Or what happened to that first fëa to arrive in Mandos? The story of the first reborn Elf? Or maybe you will tell about the journey of the Elves to Aman? Perhaps you will take on one of the more neglected characters like Círdan, Fingolfin or Fingon? (Yes, I know that Fingon is very popular among slash writers, and I have grumbled to you about that before. And the main reason I do not care for slash is that that _other_ sort of action often takes the place of the story actually moving forward, or attempts to distract from bad writing and bad plotting – at least in the stories I have read. (And those, btw, are not problems in _your_ stories.)) You certainly won’t lack things to write about. It shall be interesting to see what your muse comes up with next.

Tari · 30 January 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

I can't imagine how horrible it would be to be lock in a small room, chain to a chair for centuries. Yet, I wish they had left Melkor there forever. It is what he deserved. I would happily join the Valar; too bad so few of the Firstborn felt the same way. Your final sentence is scary. (Is this the end of your tale?)

Fantasia · 30 January 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

The last chapter...I will miss this story, I only reviewed once, but I loved evry single sentence. Thanks for this winderful story, be sure that I learn a little about astronomy...and you made Namo my favorite. I hope that this si not the real ned, that you have a sequel, Melkor second rebellion, the Noldor exile, I'm with Ulmo, it was a mistake to move the elves to Aman, but I guess that even the great ones make mistake...and the secondborn, in my opinion, the most beautiful creation in Arda, I bet that they will be a puzzle to the Valar, because they are really so different for them and the elves, not only because the mortality, because our final trip is so unknown to them, mortal will have a great gift, to be with our Creator. Anyway, thank again and I'm reading and following your other stories as well, even if I don't review... Fantasia

6336 · 30 January 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

Oh Rats! I was hoping for more! Well we have Melkor tucked away in his cell, Namo finally giving in to his wish for vengance, even as mild as it was, (I expect he would have enjoyed pumalling Melkor, not for himself but for Vaire!)and the decision made to bring to Children to Aman, should have listened to your gut feeling Manwe, I think Namo knows it is going to backfire on you sometime in the future. Now to go back and reread it, expect more comments! Next up The Coming of the Children? Lynda

ellie · 30 January 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

"So it is doomed." What a powerful and foreboding ending! Wow!

Radbooks · 30 January 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

Ah, very well done. I'm sorry to see this one end, I really enjoyed it. Thanks so much for a wonderfully creative tale!

Ces · 30 January 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

Wow. I feel as if I've been on this journey right alongside all the Valar. That last chapter definitely left me breathless. The end of the beginning. Shivers ran up my spine as Namo uttered those words, "So it is doomed." Great story, wonderful characterizations and descriptions, and all around superior writing! Congratulations on this tale. Time for a light-hearted tale next?! Ces

Thalanee · 30 January 2009 · Chapter 55: The Last Debate

A wonderful last chapter. I read it with one laughing and one crying eye (as the saying here in Germany goes): a laughing eye, because we finally know how the story ends (though we actually already knew that) and a crying one, because it is the last chapter and somehow I would wish the story to go on forever. Last chapters always seem to have that effect... I really love this story and I hope that your muse will whisper to you more tales of the Ayanumuz, the Quendi and the Edain (especially our favourite Ayanuz ;-) ). Thank you for this wonderful story! Greetings, Thalanee

Kitty · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 54: The Trial of the Fallen

Nice trick to get rid of the fire-demons. Only a pity Manwë didn’t discover that one a bit earlier ;) It’s quite ironic that the Ayanumuz used Melkor’s own chain to bind him securely, you know. Oh well, serves him right, considering for what he used that thing before. Entering Utumno must have been creepy, to say the least. And to find Melkor in this state, he who was meant to be as beautiful as the other Ayanumuz, must have been hard for the others, particularly Manwë. Tulkas, on the other hand, really, really enjoyed to *finally* get his hands on Melkor, I suspect. I enjoyed it when Námo during the trial finally faced down Melkor. Well done, Námo! Don’t give him the satisfaction of still being afraid of him! That chapter left me feeling more than once that Manwë should have listend to the others. Not only about the flooding of Utumno and Angamando, but about Melkor’s punishment as well. Melkor is well past correction, even if Manwë doesn’t want to believe that. And poor Námo – I can imagine that he is not happy to have his beautiful halls turned into a prison and to have Melkor, of all people, there!

Tari · 23 January 2009 · Chapter 54: The Trial of the Fallen

Ulmo is right. Flooding Utumno and Angamando with Melkor inside would be the best idea. Oromë also had a good idea; put him in a desolate galaxy and leave him in chains. Unfortunately that was not to be. We all know what happens later. I’m sure Atar knew Melkor would never repent which is sad because he could have had such a wonderful life if not for his greed.

Sitara · 22 January 2009 · Chapter 54: The Trial of the Fallen

Although I’d rather prefer to cut off my tongue than to admit it, I have to be fair and say that Manwë did the right thing. Except for not resolving to flood Utumno and Angamando, Manwë acted correctly, from my point of view, as in regard to both sentencing Melkor to prison rather than to death or banishment to a deserted galaxy and deciding the length of his imprisonement. For this was a war meant not only to stop a fallen Vala , but also to give him another chance. Whatever the risks would be hence this decision (“banging head against the wall and crying out”), I have to say that if Eru considered those risks worth to be taken, I will relent and accept He knows better than I do. Due to your stories, Manwë is beginning to fascinate me, forcing me to dig deeply and deeply into Tolkien’s world (I had hoped to avoid it, but you , dear writer , along with our esteemed Mr. Professor , have both managed to struck my most sensitive chord. “attempting a smile”). Not only that he’s giving now the full measure of his power and status, but he now displays the most touching facet of Atar’s Love: to not give up, not even at Melkor, to always feel pity rather than anger towards a fallen being. I’m even ready to bet that Manwë’s feelings are very much the same during the Dagor Dagorath as well. “smiling sweetly at the author”. But everything comes to an end. I personally don’t think Manwë would be unaware of his brother’s malice. There could be two reasons for his decisions. One, he keeps offering him a chance after another, hoping he would eventually repent of his crimes. On the other hand, you may know something, as a pure and perfect being, but you simply cannot believe it, because is inconceivable to you. Hence Melkor’s trajectory: first, the prison from Mandos’ Halls , second , the Void and, third and final, the complete annihilation. This would be one from the many reasons for me believing that Dagor Dagorath and the second prophecy of Mandos are both vital. I didn’t know for a long time about them and not knowing this seemingly unimportant detail, erased at editing, made me unable to read more than LOTR from Tolkien’s works. Therefore, I will join the already existing and growing club and I will beg you to consider writing about Dagor Dagorath and its aftermath. If and when you have time, it will be worth the waiting, how long may it be. ‘smiling widely” As in regard to how Námo would handle his charge , I think I saw something about it in my poorly translated Silmarilion: it was said that during those three ages Melkor had remained utterly alone in his cell. But I do not trust translations anymore. “grin”. If anything , I would have believed Melkor prouder. He pulled out a disgusting show, only to perform it once more after three ages. Coward and poltroon, on top of all. He’ s truly pathetic in my opinion. Yet the Light of the Two Trees seems to draw him (like a moth to a flame “sticking out tongue”) , but it managed only to make him reach new levels of malice. Námo’s anger for what the Children had suffered in Melkor’s hands enabled him to confront his enemy and this should have remained forever into the Valar’s minds. Only if they knew that this will happen again, even more grievously.... "Should not whatever punishment we devise be for his correction and rehabilitation, so that he might repent of his crimes against us and Atar?" "Oh, Brother, what hast thou wrought in thyself?" "Wilt thou not turn away from thy folly and remember thy first Joy, which rests in Atar's love for thee?" Thusly should speak the King of Arda and I would have him in no other way. You captured perfectly Tolkien's vision. "The doom of the one may well dictate the doom of the other." True enough. As true as it is that the forgiveness granted to one may dictate the doom of the other. Or at least to hasten it. Thank you, dear Fiondil, for another wonderful read and hoping for much more "grin", Sitara