Radbooks
· 1 September 2008
· Chapter 28: WICKED: Maiar Games
I finally had time to read this and I enjoyed it very much! I'm glad that the Maiar were watching out for the returned exiles and were able to get them help... even though they were 'playing games' at the same time. *grin* I especially liked the one with the children and Olorin turning into a white fawn and leading them to a peaceful waterfall. That sounded just beautiful, though I'll admit that for a moment I was afraid that since they had bows they might just attempt to shoot the deer for food. :)
Author's reply
Hi Radbooks. I'm glad you enjoyed this tale. It was a lot of fun to write, even the angsty parts. *grin* I think the elflings were so enthralled by seeing the white fawn that it never occurred to them to try to shoot it and I'm sure the other Maiar would've stopped them if they had tried. *grin* Thanks for reviewing.
obsidianj
· 27 August 2008
· Chapter 25: SMOKE: One Night at the Laughing Vala
Oh, boy. Lord Namo and his bets. I knew they wouldn't be able to stay in character, but burning down the inn? They do nothing by halves ;-).
Author's reply
Well they didn't burn the inn down completely thanks to the quick thinking of the Maiar, but yes, these boys never do anything by halves. *grin*
edlyn
· 27 August 2008
· Chapter 28: WICKED: Maiar Games
ROTFL! Rock music! That was SO funny, meldonya! This had the perfect balance of humor and angst and I loved it. It was good to see the Maiar having fun along with being helpful. But I have to say the rock music was the funniest thing in here.
Edlyn
Author's reply
*Grin* I had a lot of fun with this story, especially the rock. The Maiar are probably bigger children than the elves and enjoy a good joke like everyone else.
Lisselinde
· 27 August 2008
· Chapter 18: FAULT: The Doctor Is In
Fiondil, it is 5:06 in the morning. I have been awake all night, and it is Your fault! I can't put these stories down. There is another person sleeping in this house. I should not be laughing as hard as I am for fear that I will wake her up and she will never let me visit again. And that, at least for the time being, would mean no more reviews for you, at least not from me! Nonetheless, I am laughing so hard that there are tears in my eyes. That was hysterical! How about having Herr Freud do an analysis of all of the valar? Oh, and of course, he really should analyze Findarato and Glorfindel, that is the way you have written them. I don't think he'll be able to go beyond this world for a very long time. Oh, don't forget Eol and Maiglen and Aredhel. talk about familial intervention! And then I would like very much to know what Turgon's analysis would look like, not to mention... ... ...
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed this one, Lisselinde. Whether we will ever read about Freud's analysis of the other Valar remains to be seen, but it would be highly amusing and enlightening, I think. *grin*
I hadn't thought about how Findarato might feel to have returned without scars. Your observations are well made here. The scars I bear, both the visible and the invisible tell the story of my life and the lessons I've learned. Findarato knew this, and Arafinwe came to understand it also. I was once told by a dear friend that a scar is nothing less than a special reminder of God's healing. For that reason, I, too would feel lost without them.
Author's reply
I've never heard that about scars being a special reminder of God's healing, but certainly that is one way to look at it. I think we define ourselves more by our wounds (both physical and emotional) than anything else and I wanted to explore that bit of human psychology in this little tale.
Lisselinde
· 27 August 2008
· Chapter 14: DISGUISE: Emissaries
Ah, another brief look into Gandalf's history! This was very well done. We see the two istari about whom we know very little. We see Radagast, whose part is small, yet important, and we see Saruman, snobbish, high-handed, arrogant right from the start. Then, we see Gandalf the Grey, compassionate, thoughtful, and, as you said, the wisest of the five.
I do have to wonder why Manwe made Saruman the head of the order when Gandalf was clearly the wisest. Was it because he was the eldest, or was Manwe simply not using good judgement? Now, what details will I next see in this tapestry?
Author's reply
I thought it would be interesting to show just how the selection of the Istari came about and Gandalf's role in it. I have a feeling that leadership was determined by seniority rather than by merit. Or perhaps the Valar suspected that Saruman would not have accepted anyone else as the head of the Order and so gave him the job. Or perhaps Manwe thought that giving the leadership role to Saruman would be a way of assuaging Aule who's already lost one of his Maiar to Melkor and pitting Saruman against Sauron would be a way of expiating any blame Aule might have about it... or who knows why? Only that that's how it came about.
Yet another good story, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with pure fluff. Every balanced fan fiction diet should certainly include generous servings of pure fluff! I especially liked seeing Irmo's appearing. I've often wondered how you pictured the emergence of a new vala and what the event would be like.
This does bring up something which I have been thinking about because of your Wars of the Valar story. In this story, you said that Namo was fearful that he had not pleased Atar. From what I understand, the timeless halls are meant to be Heaven, the full presence of God. Yet in Heaven there is no fear, no anger, no uncertainty. Why would Namo have been afraid, and how could he have known what fear was? Knowing how much Atar loved him, why would he have thought that his actions would not be pleasing?
In spite of my questions, I loved seeing how this trio of valar might have appeared before the Aynulindale. Now, on with my reading!
Author's reply
I'm not sure if the Timeless Halls are strictly what we would call Heaven as it is conceived in Judeo-Christian theology, since we have Melkor's example of jealousy and hatred even then, but certainly all younglings have fears or at least doubts and Namo is very young here so he is just new enough to things to have some doubts about how Atar might react.
Lisselinde
· 27 August 2008
· Chapter 1: SONG: Name That Tune
Now that is a story worth telling! I love your description of Legolas' voice and his gentle teasing of both Pippin and Aragorn. So strider was grouchy in the morning? Hmm, I wonder what Arwen thought of that.
I really like how you had Gandalf remembering the song as if from a great distance, almost, but not quite forgotten. I can just hear his voice changing as he sings. He has always been one of my favorite of Tolkien's characters. I know, I say that of so many of them, but how can I not? I wonder what memories he did carry with him and what he had to temporarily leave behind when he took his great task in the hroa of an adan. How great was the sacrifice he would have had to make.
Author's reply
Thanks, Lisselinde, I'm glad you enjoyed this story, especially Gandalf singing. I thought having him sing Namo's (and Atar's) lullaby would be a fun thing to do... the first time that mortals had heard it I suspect.
Larner
· 24 August 2008
· Chapter 28: WICKED: Maiar Games
It is wonderful to see the healing begin for these damaged ones. And loved the use of the rock as a means of bewildering the one ellon! Heh!
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I'm glad you saw that even in the humorous sections there was attempt to bring healing to these elves, although I have a feeling the poor ellyn with the rock are going to need additional counseling. *grin*
artistic sprite
· 24 August 2008
· Chapter 28: WICKED: Maiar Games
More!
Author's reply
Three will always be more as long as the Muse is cooperative.
Kitty
· 24 August 2008
· Chapter 28: WICKED: Maiar Games
Well, the Maiar are rather naughty here, playing ghost and frighten Gilithil and Damrod to death! And the ones playing with Barafinnel and Merilin weren’t much better, though it left me snickering. Poor Barafinnel, being forced to apologize to a tree!
Olórin and this friends did better, leading the elflings to this beautiful place and singing and dancing with them.
And Eönwë and Maranwë’s encounter with Brandir and Hithwen was touching, though sad. Poor ellon, he must have seen so many terrible things! I am glad the Maiar tried to help and are now on their way to talk with their Lords about these cases who really need healing in Lórien. (And I *really* hope they don’t get into the hands of these Loriennildos who treated their patients so badly!)
The Valar are right, I think – this little experiment was a success. The Maiar had fun, but they were helpful to the elves, too, if necessary.
Author's reply
Naughty, perhaps, but all in good fun. *grin* And no Elves were harmed in the writing of this tale. *LOL*
I think that the problem with the Lóriennildi that we see in "Elf, Interrupted" had more to do with the Reborn than with the Returnees, although I'm sure some of them were not too kind to them either. I have the feeling that both Irmo and Estë along with the Maiar had to do alot of damage control before it all came to a head.
6336
· 23 August 2008
· Chapter 28: WICKED: Maiar Games
Not quite 'Everything you wanted to know about Maiar, but were afraid to ask!' but close. I think Tiutalion, Roimendil, Manveru and Erunaro were having too much fun, but they did show some discretion leaving when they did!
Ingil, Olorin and Lisselinde still had fun, just not quite the way they had planned, Olorin seems to enjoy changing his shape, has he been taking lessons from Awendil(sp)?
Eonwe is right, Maranwe would not have enjoyed the The War of Wrath, too much blood and gore and too many orcs, not nice. So they even had PTSD in the Eldar days, I hope Irmo is able to help Brandir.
I enjoyed this, do you plan to write any more snippits of life among the Maiar?
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
I'm sure Irmo was able to help Brandir and others like him (after all we see in "Elf, Interrupted" that happening with Mithlas). Whether or not I write other such snippets of life among the Maiar is totally up to the Muse, but you never know. Thanks for reviewing.
Kaylee
· 23 August 2008
· Chapter 28: WICKED: Maiar Games
Oh, meldonya! I loved this little tale. It made me laugh and cry at the same time. The chestnut throwing tree was one of my favorite parts *grins* Insulting a tree is never a good idea, is it? Especially one inhabited by Maiar. *amused*
The singing rock was another funny one, lol. But I really, really felt for that poor ellon at the end of the story. *hugs him* I hope the Valar will help him get better!
Oh, and by the way...Bronweg? That name sounds familiar...
~Kaylee!!
Author's reply
Bronweg is a common name among the Elves, like John among humans, so don't read too much in the names given here.
Glad you liked the chestnut throwing tree... and I'm sure the Valar will do all they can to help Brandir. After all, as Námo reminded Eönwë and Manveru, the Elves of Tol Eressëa are precious to the Valar.
Rhyselle
· 23 August 2008
· Chapter 28: WICKED: Maiar Games
Oh, this was so very sweet! :)
I loved the "following rock" and then the "singing rock"! Oh, I just laughed and laughed!
It's so much fun to see the Maiar interacting with the elves on Tol Eressea, and I so very much loved how, when they realized just how much pain even the elflings had experienced, that they put aside their trickery and worked to cheer up the children and to help them.
I really liked Manveru and Eonwe's time with Brandir. Even when you think you aren't getting through, your caring does make a difference.
Thanks so much for posting this. I've had a particularly trying day and it was just what I needed. Well done!
Author's reply
Hi, Rhyselle. I'm glad you enjoyed this one. I enjoyed writing it, even the angsty parts. I wanted to show the Maiar in a different light from how we usually see them as servants to the Valar and decided showing them 'amusing themselves' would be the way to go. I originally thought the entire piece would be humorous but the Muse insisted I put in the two angsty scenes as well and I think the balance between the humor and angst works very well here, showing that while there was room for fun there was also need for healing. And of course the Valar had their own little agenda going all along as we see in the end. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
6336
· 18 August 2008
· Chapter 27: ERRAND: Tarrying
Just reread this one too, boy, Ulmo really had Tour take the senic route didn't he, looking at the map, he would have done better to have headed south east over the Ered Wethrin and then east to Gondolin, but he had to swing by Vanyamar to pick up Turgon's tokens didn't he?
I don't think Atar is the only one to draw straight with crooked lines, some of the Valar have him beat all hollow!?
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Well if Ulmo had had his way Tuor would've been in Vinyamar months earlier, but then he would've missed meeting Voronwë and that meeting proved important for many people, not just Tuor. Anyway, reading the full version of the story in "Unfinished Tales" I got the impression that Tuor was a bit dense, hence the comments between Ulmo and Námo. *grin* All-in-all, though, it was fun to write the story from their POV -- sort of like seeing the story from behind the scenes, as it were.
6336
· 18 August 2008
· Chapter 26: SKIRTS: Fashion-sense
Having reread this and the reviews, thought I would satisfy all those inquiring minds, most, not all Scots, go 'commando' under their kilts. The only ones to routinely wear something are the dancers, considering how the kilt flairs and flys when dancing, not a bad idea. I understand those guys who are married get their wives to knit them for them, I suppose the unmarried guys get their mum's to make theirs!
Got the info from the mother of a lady who was married to a piper and if his wife dosen't know who would!?
Namo in kilt still gets me inspired, to do what I am not sure, but the image is still inspiring:)!
Hope you have finally come to roost for a bit, I have missed your regular updates!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Knitted underwear... now there's a thought. Saw some kilts yesterday at a Celtic store.... There was one that I could see Námo in. I think he would've looked quite nice in it. Even Vairë would agree. *grin*
I've come to roost for a while so updates will be a regular as possible. The Muse and I are still recovering from the trip so just be patient.
6336
· 9 August 2008
· Chapter 19: BRIDGE: Pá Valaraucar ar Námier
Ooops! Just found out I reviewed this back in May, 'head-hand'! The old memory just ain't what it was, I swear my job is rotting my brain! Well I suppose the good thing is I get to enjoy reading your stories for the 'first'time again!
Off to get another cup of tea to wake herself up!
Bye,
Lynda
Author's reply
It's always fun to rediscover a story that you've read before but don't remember having done so. That happened with me once. Got three-quarters into the book before I realized I'd read the book before but as I couldn't remember how it ended I decided to keep reading. It was as if i were reading the book for the first time, all over again. *grin*
6336
· 9 August 2008
· Chapter 19: BRIDGE: Pá Valaraucar ar Námier
Can't think how I missed this one, with you trundling across Asia and parts of Europe heve been rereading your 'body of work', collecting crumbles on the way, think I have found about three or four so far!
Olorin's/Gandalf's comments on his memory in ROTK tie in so well with your discriptions of the memory problems the Re-born have. He seems to enjoy his promotion!
It would be interesting to know how Namo and the Valar responded to Saruman when he showed up in the Halls, I have the feeling Iluvitar 'sings' the basic outline and lets the players fill in the details on most things, only taking a hand when it needs a nudge in the right direction!
Hope you are not too bored with sitting all day and have been able to get a lot of writing done, looking forward to updates when you get settled in.
Pleasent traveling,
Lynda
Author's reply
I'm not sure the Valar even allowed Saruman to return to Aman. I think they held their judgment right there at the place of his death and sent him on his merry way into the Void.
I haven't been bored at all, though I'm looking forward to finally stop traveling and not having to think about my next destination. I've even managed to lose count of what day it is from time to time. Updates will be very soon, perhaps sometime this weekend.
I simply can't imagine Osse sticking his tongue out at Mandos! LoL!
Author's reply
Well here he does. *grin*
Beruthiels Cat
· 26 July 2008
· Chapter 19: BRIDGE: Pá Valaraucar ar Námier
Guess who just read this and liked it? Can't keep up with who is who, but very much enjoyed the tale once I explained to him about the names being different for the Maiar between Aman and ME. You may just have gained a new fan *grin*...he's one that usually doesn't sit still long enough to read something like this!
Cat's Fang
Author's reply
Hi Cat's Fang... Welcome aboard Fiondil's Valar-verse Fan Club. *lol* I'm glad you enjoyed the story and hope you look at some of the others here in "Tapestry" and elsewhere. Thanks for reading.
Kitty
· 26 July 2008
· Chapter 27: ERRAND: Tarrying
Poor Tuor. How is the poor guy to know that Ulmo is after his head in his impatience? *grin* It’s not his fault that he is not feeling the same urgency, isn’t it?
And I am so sorry for the mariners on the ship. How nasty to kill them all save one! Ossë deserves a severe talking-to about the way he played with them and frightened them.
This was an amusing look at the Valar waiting for things to unfold – and taking a hand in it. And the birds complaining to Manwë ... *lol*
Author's reply
Well as for the mariners, that's how it happened according to both the Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales... the only parts of this tale that I made up (the rest of it is all Tolkien's) was the interaction of the Valar and the 'behind-the-scenes' of the storm that Ossë brewed.
Glad you liked this one, Kitty. Thanks for letting me know.
Larner
· 25 July 2008
· Chapter 27: ERRAND: Tarrying
Ah, so that was how it came about, was it? It's been perhaps too long since I read this part of the Silmarillion; but it's alway interesting to see Eru interfering with His Valar's own schemes. And love the gulls and swans complaining about being used as signs to set this one upon the correct way! Certainly they have the right! Heh!
Author's reply
The Silmarillion actually has very little of this. You have to read Unfinished Tales to get the full story of Tuor's journey to Gondolin. Glad you liked this. Thanks for reading.
6336
· 25 July 2008
· Chapter 27: ERRAND: Tarrying
Hey, sometimes you can be too subtle, some people you have to whack upside their heads to get theit attention, maybe Tour was one of them and may be Namo was right and Atar had a finger in the pie.
I get the impression that Osse was a middle child, he is always acting out to get his brothers and Atar's attention, of course being a one time follower of Melkor must have twisted him a little!
Good one Fiondil,
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, some people are not into subtlty... and in Tuor's case, I think Atar definitely had a hand in his meanderings.
Hey! I'm a middle child and I never acted out to get anyone's attention. If anything, I tended to hide so no one would know where I was. *lol* I think Ossë was the baby of the family, myself, and in constant need for attention.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kaylee
· 25 July 2008
· Chapter 27: ERRAND: Tarrying
Well, I'm glad Tuor FINALLY got on his way, lol! I wonder what Ulmo and Manwe had to say to each other about the gulls and swans when they finally got to talking. *wry grin*
And I feel sorry for all those poor fear. Was it necessary for Osse to scare them like that? I really hope Uinen DID give him a piece of her mind!!!
~Kaylee!!
Author's reply
Thanks Kaylee. I'm glad you enjoyed this story. One has to remember Ossë did hearken to Melkor at one point, so he's a bit of a wild card and has to be watched very closely. I'm sure Uinen gave him an earful or two. *grin* Thanks for reviewing.
Yes, imagine the Doomsman wearing a rainbow robe and walks around looking like a hippy. Now look what you have done, I now have the image pf Eomer walking around in kilts imprinted in my mind!!!!( Although I think Eomer has hot legs....then wearing kilts is a good idea after all);D
Author's reply
hi Sprite. *hee* Namo as a hippy... now there's a scary thought. Glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for letting me know.