Reviews (559)

Nieriel Raina · 19 December 2008 · Chapter 49: The Uninvited

Oh, this chapter was just simply beautiful, Fiondil! Well done!

Edlyn · 19 December 2008 · Chapter 49: The Uninvited

I just realised that part of a sentence in my review got cut off for some reason. Here's what I meant to have typed: Hmmm, I wonder if the reason that the fëa acts as if he was still in hröa is because eventually he will go back to having a hröa when he is Reborn. I think it would be even more difficult to adapt to a body again if one didn't have the "physical" memories of what it was like. Not to mention that right after an elf dies the shock alone would want him to hold onto something familiar amidst all the fear and strangeness. Also, I had the impression that this particular fëa was a child or at most an adolescent. Am I right? I know that Námo is taller and larger than any of the Erunini but from the description it seemed that this Child wasn't fully grown. The fact that he was calling for his mama just reinforces my impression. I think that is it, meldonya. I really hate it when I get interrupted while typing, I end up making mistakes or forgetting to finish what I start... Edlyn

Tari · 19 December 2008 · Chapter 48: Many Waters

What an absolutely beautiful ceremony.

Edlyn · 19 December 2008 · Chapter 49: The Uninvited

Oh, meldonya, was this as hard to write as it was to read? My heart was breaking as I realised what had happened both for that lost Child and for Námo. I can understand why Atar did (with hindsight, of course I can do that), however, when one doesn't understand and doesn't have all the information that we readers do the not knowing is difficult to deal with whether one is an Ayanumuz, an Eruhin or whatever else. I had wondered when the little gardens were going to appear and who made them. It hadn't occurred to me that the Máyar had built them. So now I'm wondering which one of them had a hand in building the garden that Glorfindel recovered in. I suspect that Námo's upset and feelings of betrayal aren't entirely dealt with, despite Atar's words and love. I find myself wondering if a part of his mind is wondering whether Atar allowed him to be captured and hurt so badly, just so he'd have this understanding for what the fëar of the Firstborn have gone through. Hmmm, I wonder if the reason that the fëar acts as if it was still in *In My own Time, Námo,* Atar replied. *All things must come to fruition in their own time and Mine.* This is something I know I have to remember but it's so hard to be patient! I am glad that Námo has his faithful Máyar to aid him and very, very glad that he has Vairë. This is hard enough with their support and love. I would hate to think about having to deal with it on his own. Beautifully written, as always, meldonya. I so appreciate the work you put into each chapter and the depth of thought and feeling as well. Eru bless and keep thee. [Proofreader on duty--I think you may have a missing word or two in this sentence as it reads rather awkwardly: He was not sure what was happening, only that a great need to call out what he instinctively knew was a Word of Power in a language he did not know but realized that his actions were a summons. I'd rewrite it this way: He was not sure what was happening, only that he had a great need to call out what he instinctively knew was a Word of Power in a language he did not know. Even so, he realized that his actions were a summons.] Edlyn P.S. Now I am being pestered by a plot bunny about the first of the fëar waking up and exploring the Halls for the first time...

Radbooks · 19 December 2008 · Chapter 49: The Uninvited

*sob* That was incredibly sad. What a horrible way for Namo to discover the arrival of the Children. It makes perfect sense since we know Melkor found them first and he had to have killed some, but still... I love the image of Namo sensing that name within himself and calling the fea to him and then learning how to speak to the child. That was all very well done and wonderful to read even as I was teary eyed through it all. I just love Namo and Vaire's Mayar - their loyalty and love is wonderful to see.

6336 · 19 December 2008 · Chapter 49: The Uninvited

Oh, that was beautiful, very sweet and loving. Poor Namo, poor fea! So now it begins, now he knows why he built the Halls so big. More please, Lynda

Beruthiels Cat · 19 December 2008 · Chapter 49: The Uninvited

This is the chapter I've been hoping for for a long time...I knew it would be powerful, and it certainly is. Poor Námo, to finally realize the great purpose for which he spent such time building his Halls. So bittersweet, and so very much a part of why he is, beyond doubt, my favorite Vala. I just love his reaction to the Elven fëa, and his conversation with Atar...so many times he has been placed in the position of having to take things on trust, more than all the other Valar put together. 'Well done' just doesn't seem to be enough to say for such a chapter, but well done it is...and then some.

Kaylee · 19 December 2008 · Chapter 49: The Uninvited

Oh, meldonya!! *sobs* The poor little one...and to know that Melkor has found them...oh...*shudders* Namo will take good care of him, I know. Ai...and such a secret to hide from Manwe. But at least Vaire will know. And I suppose what Atar said to Namo is akin to what He told Ulmo before*...that not all things are in Manwe's purview to know and he will recognize that, and leave some things as a trust between Atar and his brothers? ~Kaylee! *P.S....Before, being of course, the little chat Atar had with Ulmo about being his secret voice. :) Though that was in Tapestry, not here.

Kaylee · 12 December 2008 · Chapter 48: Many Waters

Oh, meldonya! They're finally wed! FINALLY! And as everyone else has noted, poor Namo...he'll be so distraught when the first fëa to enter his Halls is *not* a Mortal. In fact, I'd been wondering if said occupant of his Halls would be his Fallen Brother...not that Melkor was dead of course, just that...didn't Melkor get locked up in Mandos? He's always saying how Melkor's cell has been empty a while, and I do remember Melkor's imprisonment from somewhere in my Silm, I'm sure, I just can't remember exactly when it occurred. *is only half awake* So...Finwë or Melkor? *ponders* And I want to know but I'm not certain I want to know...what do you think happened to the fëar of the orcs? ~Kaylee

Radbooks · 11 December 2008 · Chapter 48: Many Waters

Ah, at last the two of them have come together. YAY! I was chuckling as I read the description of the Halls and how much thought and effort Namo put into it when I considered your earlier story where Pippin and Merry arrive there and the Bree shopkeeper is stirring people up about how plain everything it. If he only had a clue about how much love and care went into that place for his benefit! But then, most of us never consider the effort and love and care done on our behalf! :) Nicely done...

Edlyn · 11 December 2008 · Chapter 48: Many Waters

Hurray! They're finally wed! This was a beautiful chapter, meldonya. I absolutely love their vows, the nermir, and oh, everything. It was perfect. I find myself wondering what Maranwë's statue looks like. :) But even with all the joy in this chapter I find myself worrying for Námo, because the first fëar to enter his Halls will be those of the Firstborn and he doesn't know it yet. Well, I also have to remember that I'm seeing it from the other side of the time line and none of them know yet that Feanor's revolt is going to happen. At the point in time that the Ayanumuz and Máyar are at in your story everything is still potentialities. Beautifully written meldonya. Thank you!

Thalanee · 11 December 2008 · Chapter 48: Many Waters

Poor Namo... he'll be so distraught when the first fea to arrive will be that of an elf. That will come as a shock. *sigh* that was such an incredibly sweet ceremony (I nearly cried). I'm incredibly happy for both of them. The translation of that psalm was beautiful. Already looking forward to the next chapter, Thalanee

Independence1776 · 10 December 2008 · Chapter 48: Many Waters

"'I still find it rather odd that Atar would have me build this now when even the Firstborn have yet to arise.' He frowned a bit at the thought, thinking he was overlooking something important, something obvious." Poor, poor Námo. All the Valar are going to be heartbroken when the first one to arrive is an Elf. Finally! Oh, that's the best use for the Halls. Hallowed by love after they're built. (Not that they weren't during the construction, but a wedding is special.) Ooh... Is this what the Eldarin wedding ceremony is based off? And the translation carries the meaning quite well. Well done! (Though now I get the feeling more trouble is coming now.) ~ Indy

Fantasia · 10 December 2008 · Chapter 48: Many Waters

Fiondil, I haven't review your stories, don't know why, because I have been reading all of them loyally since you started to post in this site, let me tell you that I love your stories, your characters and your beautiful and moving writing style. I love the way that you describe the Universe, the creation of Arda, the Valars and God...the way that you show their love for each other and the world, the way that ADA is always with them and us, taking care, loving all his creations...I don't know how to express my feelings when I read your stories, specially this one, but they really touch my spirit and they are incredible fantastic, inspirational, and...I'm rambling, must be the season, it is close to Christmas...Anyway, I just want to say Thanks for your wonderful job and keep writing. Even if I don't review, know that I always read and enjoy all your stories. Love Namo, his compassion and I don't want his job when the elves souls start to shown before him. I remember in one of the Glorfindel stories that Sador said that Namo had built the Halls before the Children were awake, and if he has known the purpose of the Halls, he must has cry because of that...now I think that it is good that he doesn’t know, because for us, Mortals, by ADAR creation, Death is a journey to an incredible destiny, a blessing, so the Halls should not have to be a sad place, just a preparation for the journey but for the Firstborn, Death was not part of the plan... Now, just a thought, it has always hunting me, if the first elves souls were the one of those ones metamorphosed to Orcs? What happens to them, to those very first ones, the “Fathers” of the Orcs? Will they go to Namos' care after their dead as Orcs? Or they souls will abandon their body when they become Orcs? It is not a terrible and sad fate? I was wandering if you have thought to include that in this story… Thanks again… Fantasia

Kitty · 10 December 2008 · Chapter 48: Many Waters

So Námo still has no idea that the Firstborn will be the first to use his Halls? Poor guy. But it sounds really lovely what he did. It must be a place of great beauty. And now we *finally* get THE wedding! Yay! It was about time, really. And it was beautiful, all of it - the ceremony, the surroundings and the nermir. Lovely, Fiondil! *happy sigh*

ellie · 10 December 2008 · Chapter 48: Many Waters

that was lovely!

Larner · 10 December 2008 · Chapter 48: Many Waters

A time of joyous cleaving and pain not forgotten but transcended fully at last! Lovely!

6336 · 10 December 2008 · Chapter 48: Many Waters

Yea! Finally after all this time they get married, sniffles happily! And Atar sent them Nirmir, beautiful! So the Halls are finished, I wonder how Namo will feel when he finds his first charges are not Mortal but Elven faer, he will weep bitter tears, poor Namo, one thing he has not forseen! More please, Lynda (By the way what happened to my wedding invite, didn't even get a save the day card!)

Rhyselle · 10 December 2008 · Chapter 48: Many Waters

At last! At last! That was soooooo lovely! I'm at work and don't have time to tell you everything that occurred to me while I read this chapter, but I had to tell you how much I love it, from the Valar being inspired to build and complete things, to the symbolism of the gifts that the Valar and Maiar gave to Namo and Vaire, to the ceremony itself. The vows just lifted my heart! Well worth the wait!

Kitty · 6 December 2008 · Chapter 47: Brothers’ Keepers

When the first ones to inhabit Námo's halls truly were the Secondborn, then it would be rather early to built them now, but I fear the first ones will be Firstborn. But maybe it's better Námo doesn't know that just now. The poor guy is already feeling bad enough. Anyway, I like the statue of Námo with the nermi and the swan boat. And Námo may not know it yet, but I think his job is one of the most important among the Valar. To take care of the fear, particularly of the elves who are going to be reborn is quite a responsibility and certainly not always easy (and I don't talk about the 'menace to civilization' here, but about all these who were burdened with nightmarish experiences, guilt and the like). What Eönwë said when he returned to Manwë is absolutely lovely, and I am very glad Manwë told Námo about it. Anyway, Námo is really touching here in all his insecurity and wish to create something beautiful for others. I'd *never* thought I could come to really love him, but you proved me wrong. You turned me into a huge Námo fan.

Edlyn · 3 December 2008 · Chapter 47: Brothers’ Keepers

You know, meldonya, I cried in sympathy at Námo's upset in the last chapter (having had my own times of feeling worthless and insignificant and not good enough, as have we all) but I cried even more at this chapter--this time in compassion. We have no memory of Melkor before his fall so it's hard to remember that he was once Atar's brightest and beautiful and Manwë's beloved big brother who he adored. You keep reminding me of that throughout this story and while, like Námo, I cannot love him or even dredge up barely more than a smattering of pity for his lost potential for good, Manwë still and always will love and miss, and mourn his lost big brother. So now we know where Námo's insecurity and self-esteem issues came from. When he told Manwë that Melkor calling him "Little One" made him feel worthless and insignificant I stopped reading for a minute and my mind went back over the previous chapters and I could see the shadow of that over Námo's reactions even before Melkor captured and tortured him. I love the statue in the Hall for the Secondborn. I can see it in my mind's eye and the glimmering of the jewels on the nermi's wings is gorgeous. Everything about this chapter was wonderful, the conversations between Námo and Manwë, Námo's memory of Melkor getting Manwë in trouble with Varda (like all big brothers do to their younger siblings to one degree or another), the swan boat on the river/conduit out of Eä, Manwë's realization that he does have 6 brothers even if Melkor has left him, and Námo's conversation with Atar. Thanks so much for this. Itwas a perfect read for today. Eru bless, Edlyn

Anonymous · 3 December 2008 · Chapter 47: Brothers’ Keepers

Morgoth as rapist and as pedophile (which you seem to suggest here) - I can see why one would think of those as evil things, but it's certainly not what I expect to see on a site that touts itself as being 'family-friendly.' It's overall an intriguing concept for a story, though, to try and tell the 'how' of creation from the point of view of the creators.

Independence1776 · 2 December 2008 · Chapter 47: Brothers’ Keepers

This chapter nearly made me cry, both from Námo's continued thinking of himself as worthless as well as from the fact that at the end, he's finally starting to heal. Well, I think Manwë figured out that the Firstborn may have first use of it. And if he did, I am very thankful he didn't tell Námo. He didn't need to hear that right then. “'Plain is good,' Tulkas replied, 'and there is nothing wrong with ordinary. Much of life is both.'” I like plain- though I prefer the term simple. And Tulkas is right, though I dislike to admit it. (It's also fascinating to think about from an in-universe perspective. For example, that the Elves think it's ordinary to walk on snow, while to us it's astounding.) "Manwë took him back in his embrace and rocked him gently." This is my favorite part of the chapter. Yes, everything Námo has gone through will make him better able (perhaps moreso than the rest of the Valar) to deal with the Children. ~ Indy

Sunny · 2 December 2008 · Chapter 47: Brothers’ Keepers

I suppose part of Námo's problem is that the time for him to do his main job has not yet come. The Children have not yet arrived - so none have died, as yet. It will be interesting to see what Námo's reaction will be when his first "guest" arrives. Which will be one of the _firstborn_, who aren't _supposed_ to die. The conversation between Námo ans Manwe was wonderful. *sniffles* And what Manwë told about Eönwë's summary about his time of service with Námo was, too!!

6336 · 2 December 2008 · Chapter 47: Brothers’ Keepers

Rome wasn't built in a day neither were Namos Halls. We all have our doubts and insecurities, even Manwe, overcoming themn makes us better people. I wonder how Namo felt when his first 'charge' arrived, which had to have been an Elf! More please, Lynda p.s. Did not receive a notification for this or Elf Inturrupted, yrch in the system?