Reviews (715)

Cairistiona · 13 March 2009 · Chapter 55: LONELY: Waiting

I like stories that make the reader guess who the protagonist is... and then it all clicks together at the end. I have to say I thought it was Aragorn at first, but was puzzled by the idea he was looking for someone, and puzzled still more by the name Voronwë. Then I kicked myself when he cried out, "Gil-galad comes!" I should have known it was Elendil. You drew the parallels between Elessar and Elendil very craftily. Nicely done!

Larner · 13 March 2009 · Chapter 55: LONELY: Waiting

Elendil sees his ally and friend come ere they must away to Mordor, never either to return again to their own folk, giving their all to bring Sauron down. Yes!

Marethiel · 13 March 2009 · Chapter 55: LONELY: Waiting

Beautifully done. Many thanks for your sharing of your talent. ~Marethiel

6336 · 13 March 2009 · Chapter 55: LONELY: Waiting

Ah! Elendil waiting for Gil-Galad, should have caught it when his guard was named. Later names seem to be less Elvish, if you know what I mean! Another of your fill in ficlets! Very good, More please, Lynda

ellie · 13 March 2009 · Chapter 55: LONELY: Waiting

Cool. I wodnered which king you were talking about. I could feel and see everythign around hi, nicely written!

Sitara · 8 March 2009 · Chapter 54: NOTHING: It’s Just a Scratch

As I strongly suspect it was perhaps the reply given to one of my reviews that determined "a previous fan" to make some statements about Fiondil's "condescendent" manner of answering to the comments posted on this board, I should speak up and clarify the matter, if it was really about that particular review. In fact, what I've posted then for that story wasn't a review at all but my way to vent out some frustrations, having little to do with the story itself. The reply I received for posting that it was well-deserved and, to tell the truth, I would have deserved much more. As the author pointed out to me, my message has no place on this board simply because it has nothing to do with the story. However, the matter was settled shortly after my posting. I'm saying this now because the things are not always as they seem to be and, if the problem was the reply given to my review, I'm the first to acknowledge that what I did then it was wrong and unfair for the author.

Kitty · 8 March 2009 · Chapter 54: NOTHING: It’s Just a Scratch

Really, Legolas has to be the worst patient ever! I don't envy Elrond for having to put up with him. Well, we can only thank whichever Vala looks after elflings and other fools that he managed to escape from the orcs and find us *grin* Glorfindel must think about what particularly Námo, but other Valar as well had to put up with *him* But I think to keep Legolas in bed would have given even Námo a headache ;) As unreasonable as Legolas' escape attempts were, it was amusing to watch him to try and get away. In one way I am sorry he reinjured himself, but he paid heavily for that and deserved it ... maybe he learned something from it. Oh well, one can hope ... Liked the end, with Thranduil turning up, and was even glad he was all loving ada, though Legolas deserved a tongue-lashing, in truth. That reminds me of the time when I was joking around with a friend about stubborn injured Elves and Rangers in fandom. We settled on 'It's nothing' = at least a heavy cut and on 'just a scratch' = nearly fatally injured ;) And as some others, I did read the review by 'A previous fan' and only could shake my head. So that one thinks your stories are boring? Maybe s/he then could explain to me why your WIPs so often have me on the edge of my chair, or even dangling from the cliff. And not enough plot?? With so many things going on? Sorry, but I really wonder if that one was reading the same stories as I did.

Kaylee · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 54: NOTHING: It’s Just a Scratch

Saw your review from "A Previous Fan", meldonya. S/he doesn't know what s/he's talking about! This story was wonderful. *huggles* I know I've been reviewing sporadically at best, and I'm sorry. :( That doesn't mean I haven't been reading and enjoying. It was lovely to have this to come home to after finally getting my staples out! *turns to Las* Believe me, Legolas, I know how you feel. I was stuck in bed too. *nods* Ick. Well. *turns back to Fiondil* This story was wonderful and I'm so glad Thranduil was there for his son! Silly elfling, and how typical, re-breaking his arm. I also loved the "Ada Elrond" bits. :) Tye-melin, Kaylee!

Natalie · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 54: NOTHING: It’s Just a Scratch

I was supposed be translating things for a competition my school is taking part in. And where did I end up? Reading fan fiction instead of doing school, as usual. If we're late, you can consider it your fault, Fiondil. *grin* ...he only understood one word in twenty and those were the words that sounded the same in Sindarin. Lol, this is exactly how I learn words in French - those that are similar in Polish or English. Sometimes my classmates look at me in a very strange way when it turns out that I know or recognize words like l'appendicite. "Ada Elrond" sounds so sweet!... and funny at the same time. But it's a really wonderful way to show the relationship between Elrond and Legolas. "I drew the lot for this spot, the others are ranged around the healing wing since we weren’t sure in which direction you would go." Elrohir is being so painfully honest! Poor Legolas, you will not win with them! Havne't you learned that yet? Err... Glorfindel? Embroidery? *bursts out laughing* Of all things in the world, this is the last one I could have expected him to enjoy. But the idea is very interesting and certainly contradicts the stereotype of a deadly warrior. Anyway, I really liked the story. Legolas is not a perfect patient, is he? Thanks for writing this! And now let me return to less entertaining things. Translations... *sigh*

6336 · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 54: NOTHING: It’s Just a Scratch

Just read your reply to 'A Previous Fan', well poo on them! I liked it and was very pleased to see how short the indicator at the side of the page was, it meant a nice longish tale from you! If they like your old stuff so much, maybe they should go back and read it some more! Lynda

Rick · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 54: NOTHING: It’s Just a Scratch

This was great! It wasn't really fair of them to scare poor Legolas so much that he broke his leg _again_, tho...:) My mother rolls her eyes (I'm never sure if she's talking to the ceiling or to God) and says "it's a guy thing" - and Dave Barry on the subject of injury to guys is just hilarious - maybe Legolas is a guy? In a strictly elvish sense, of course. Thanks for writing. I'm behind on my reviews again...

Sitara · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 54: NOTHING: It’s Just a Scratch

I also happen to like the "Legolas-gets-injured" plot and, in my opinion, you did a very remarkable job with it. You know, when it not comes about some...people "grin" , I think myself as being pretty objective as in regard to an author's writings. The story was laced with humor of good quality, the plot very well developed and, all in all, the story unfolded itself very realistic. Huh..for an instance, were I Legolas, most likely I would have ended up gagged as well, not only chained. "chuckle" This plot is not unusual but you did it nicely, very much to my liking, and I thank Nina for suggesting it to you. Glorfindel was speaking about a Vala caring for elflings and fools. Well, that was rich, coming from Glorfindel, of all people. "grin" Well, I don't know which Vala had he in mind, but I'm ready to place my money on Namo. "smile" However, beyond the humiliation to see himself chained and caged, I suppose Legolas should be glad that more than one person cared enough about him to fight him for his own good. "sigh" At least, in my mind. As for Thranduil's behaviour, thusly should react a father, from my point of view. As for the humorous side of the story... I suppose not even I would want to stay all the time focused only upon the remaking of Arda and fallen beings who may or may not be redeemed. "smile". I liked it. I won't say this about all the stories of this collection, but I liked well this one and especially the idea that sometimes you may be lucky enough to have others fighting (for) yourself, when you aren't able to do it anymore.

Sunny · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 54: NOTHING: It’s Just a Scratch

Legolas is a determined little cuss, isn’t he? It was quite amusing seeing him plot to elude his cap… ahem, his caretakers. And he claims he isn’t an elfling! :-) I suppose Elrond would have experience with bad patients, and I suppose that even if Legolas didn’t make a new record for “worst patient” he would certainly be up there among the very most difficult ones. Especially since they finally had to chain him up to keep him in bed! Wonder if Legolas is going to take up lockpicking along with his archery now? And I think Elrond is seriously displeased! One of _his_ patients actually having the temerity to go and reinjure himself, and - to make matters even worse - make the injuries even worse!!!

6336 · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 54: NOTHING: It’s Just a Scratch

Oh poor ellon, men make the worst patients! Determined little scamp isn't he, I am not surprised Elrond resorted to a chain, even if it was at his Adar's suggestion, at the end. There is nothing wrong with ribbon embroidery, it is good for manual dexterity, besides if Glorfindel can do it and other males of our aquantance, so can Legolas! More please, Lynda

Ces · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 54: NOTHING: It’s Just a Scratch

Well, I must say I disagree with the last reviewer. I loved this story from beginning to end. I've always enjoyed the way you portray Legolas and this was no different. The humor you infuse throughout the story is subtle sometimes and other times it's laugh out loud. Poor Legolas, trying so hard to be all grown up and prove himself and look what happens! I'm glad you had Thranduil there at the end. I was wondering how Legolas managed to take care of all the baddies himself! And we get to see Thranduil as the loving father that I think he is. Yet still strict enough, like most parents to point out right from wrong. Will we ever see Legolas ask Glorfindel about the ribbon embroidery? Ces

A previous fan · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 54: NOTHING: It’s Just a Scratch

I have to say, this is so very cliched and dryly written that about half way through it I had to just stop reading because I was bored, and I tend to LIKE Legolas fics in general. Cliched can be done well, as evidenced by your Tad Edhel a Firien, but in this case... In the last year or so I've felt your writing in general has deteriorated from being very entertaining to becoming dull and boring and not very interesting. It just drags on and on with little plot for the most part, and not just this story, but several of your WIPs. I've been very disappointed as I greatly enjoyed your earlier writing. :( It's like the spirit has gone out of it. The characters have become flat...the emotion is just not there! You've always told a story in narrative sprinkled liberally with stronger bits of POV, but even in this story where the POV is stronger, it's just... flat is the best word that comes to mind. I've also noticed some of your review replies have been condescending and rather arrogant. This also makes me sad. Has something happened in your life to bring you down in some manner? If so, I'm so sorry! I've always gotten the feel from your stories that you were a compassionate and friendly person but some of your replies to reviews that are not glowing praise make me cringe in shock. Reviews aren't supposed to all be positive. If they were, authors would not grow in their art form. Praise is good, but it's the reviews that sting that spur growth (or choke with bitterness if allowed to take root). I've been very dismayed to see you all but tell reviewers to not leave you negative comments on your review board. But THAT is what a review board is for! Both positive and negative (though NEVER rude or insulting!!). I know hearing this may not be pleasant, but I had to come out of lurking to say how I feel. It's not meant to hurt but to maybe help. I don't know what happened but I can definitely see a big difference in the quality of your writing compared to your earlier works. It makes me sad.

Larner · 6 March 2009 · Chapter 54: NOTHING: It’s Just a Scratch

Alas for the pain we give ourselves when we try to do more than we are ready to do! Nicely done, Fiondil.

Elflingimp · 27 February 2009 · Chapter 53: DECEPTIONS: The Last Council of the Wise

Wow! I really got into reading that!, I only wish it was continued, you wrote it so well Hugs The Imp

Sitara · 27 February 2009 · Chapter 53: DECEPTIONS: The Last Council of the Wise

I believe I know what would be the perfect punishment for Saruman. "evil chuckle" No, not to get on the bad side of Morgoth and Sauron and to be forced to spend an eternity in the pleasant company of both of them. Just to be employed for my country's government and having to rack his brains because of their irrational whims. "rubbing hands". And if he deemed as fools and simpletons his own kin and the wisest Firstborn dwelling on Middle-Earth, I wonder what would he thought having to deal with these particular Mortals?....Poor Saruman. Not even he does deserve such a torture.LOL Sorry, Fiondil. It seems that my brain finally broke down. Now, back to the matter, reading your story, I felt again sorry for Aule. First Sauron, now Saruman. Indeed, Saruman's ill deeds weren't such as Sauron's but this was only because he didn't had the innate levels of power Sauron possessed. The Ring of Sauron is his chance to surpass his condition and his obsession with gaining power (borrowed power, not his own) is clearly shown by his appraisal of the Elven lords, all of it referred mainly to the fact whether they possessed or not a Ring of Power. He lies and uses his own kin only to reach his goals, cold-blooded and never showing a trace of remorse. Not even at the end..Such an irony for the fallen Ainu: to be thwarted and ultimately brought down by some creatures whose existence he had never acknowledged until Gollum spoke Bilbo's name in the dungeons of Barad-dur. Saruman were given his chances to repent. We know this from the LOTR books. He could have returned to Aman, to face the Ring of Doom, no doubt, but he would have had a chance, as both Melkor and Sauron had to make the same choice. They didn't wanted it. "covers eyes" A view from within Saruman's mind are you offering us this week, Fiondil, and its impact is very strong. And very, very sorrwful.... Now, if you don't mind, may I indulge myself a little? "smiles sweetly" Speaking about Rings...According to what we know, Galadriel came to rely (heavily if not completely) for the defence of the realm she ruled and desired so much to achieve, on Nenya, the Ring of Adamant. Well, that would be fine with me...with the condition that said Ring to be shaped as...an eight-rayed star, for an instance. "rolling on the ground and howling with hysterical laughter" Sorry. "straightenig and dusting herself off" I just couldn't resist.

Sunny · 27 February 2009 · Chapter 53: DECEPTIONS: The Last Council of the Wise

Quite a portrait this, one painted all in different shades of disdain and contempt. And I suppose Curunír even still thinks of himself as wise. Such a delusion! Aesop said, “The smaller the mind, the greater the conceit.” And by now Curunír’s conceit is great indeed. The greatest of them being that he thinks others are mere distorted mirror images of himself. Radagast and Gandalf he calls fools. And they are of his own order, which means that they are his equals – though he, being the White, is the head of their order. The Elves – despite their being “mere” mirroanwi, there are those he just can’t ignore. They are just too powerful – in more than one way – and some, I expect, Curunír regards as being dangerous. To himself and his own plans, that is. And by now that may be the only way he measures other people. He certainly hasn’t bothered to _really_ get to know any of them. It got the impression that there were only three Elves he had any real respect for. Two of those Elves wear Rings of power. The third was the Balrog-slayer. As for Men – those seem to be a mere army of chess pieces for him. Except for those he might designate as tools. And – perhaps – a few who might be considered somewhat dangerous – which means they should be eliminated. And Hobbits wouldn’t be on his radar screen at all!

Ces · 27 February 2009 · Chapter 53: DECEPTIONS: The Last Council of the Wise

Curunir's assumption that Celeborn and Erestor are basically meaningless is so arrogant and so wrong. And he has Glorfindel pegged wrong too, doesn't he? Batting zero there white wizard! I'm glad you had Legolas there and asking questions. Sometimes obvious questions are overlooked but need to be asked. He could have been so much, yet his jealousy and arrogance became his downfall. He fully deserved what he got in the end. It's always interesting to see things from other perspectives, even from the 'baddies.' In this case you nailed it perfectly. We get to see the Council from the eyes of someone who thinks everyone else there is so far beneath him that he will have no problem manipulating things the way he wants. Too bad he didn't use all that intelligence for good. Ces

Larner · 27 February 2009 · Chapter 53: DECEPTIONS: The Last Council of the Wise

Ah, indeed all too likely a chance! Time to interfere and find the Ring, and here Saruman is doing his best to stonewall everyone. But not all believe that that it is gone indeed. Well done!

Kaylee · 27 February 2009 · Chapter 53: DECEPTIONS: The Last Council of the Wise

Curunir gets a chance to speak up, hm? Not sure that I like his perspective on things. Alas for Curunir, that he followed Aulendil into folly. He could have been worthy of being the White, had he put his pride and arrogance aside, but that isn't how it happened. His disdain for the others...his dismissal of Erestor and Celeborn makes my blood boil. Galadriel...well, I will at least agree with Thranduil that the daughter of Arafinwe has pride issues of her own to set aside, however I do like Galadriel very much even so. And that doesn't excuse the relatively young King of Mirkwood from being prideful, either! But back to Curunir... His dismissal of Men and their allies will, in time, be his own downfall, of course. And his dismissal of Olorin is a grave mistake, as is his sneering at Radagast. Radagast may be 'simple' and may have 'failed', but who except a follower of Yavanna would forge such close kinship with the birds and trees of the forests? In his own way, I think he did his best to complete his missions. *I* like Radagast. *nod* His labeling of Glorfi as a "troublesome Reborn" may not have been far off the mark THEN, but Glorfindel of Gondolin has become Glorfindel of Imladris and taken up the place it is his duty and honor to have. He is a Lord again, powerful and wise, NOT to be discounted in any way, shape or form. Nor should Erestor or any of the others be. Elrond was right to tell Curunir off about disparaging Elros' line. I just wonder what sort of welcome home Curunir received, in the end...or rather than a summons to the Mahanaxar, was he given a one-way ticket to the Void as soon as he was out of Mandos? Or given the fallen Vala's old cell? Alas that the mighty have fallen. He could have been so much more, had he not permitted himself to be seduced. And so, much as I dislike Curunir, I weep for him. ~Kaylee

Radbooks · 27 February 2009 · Chapter 53: DECEPTIONS: The Last Council of the Wise

A most enjoyable read on a Friday morning! It was fun seeing this whole thing from Curunir's view since we don't often read anything from his POV - not that I would particularly want to read that too often. :) Nicely done!

Kitty · 27 February 2009 · Chapter 53: DECEPTIONS: The Last Council of the Wise

You know, Fiondil, that chapter left me wanting desperately to kick Saruman somewhere where it really hurts :/ His dismissive manner against people like Galadriel, Celeborn or Erestor made my blood boiling. They all are so much more worthy than Saruman! You caught him very well, IMHO, outwards playing the all-knowing wise and inwards an arrogant bastard who believed himself to be faaar above everyone else. One can really see how his downfall started! If by ‘the weak’ Mithrandir meant Men, then he was more a fool than Curunír had originally given him credit for. Ha, and who was the fool in the end? *evil grin* With *that* opinion of Men, it's no wonder he underestimated the Hobbits as much as Sauron did. Not to mention that he forgot that the Ents have a will of their own.