Reviews (715)

Edlyn · 23 February 2009 · Chapter 52: APRON: Ambiguities of a Lexical Kind

This was very, very funny, meldonya! Especially after spending a good portion of the morning laboring over participles and an adaptation of Vergilius' Eclogue 4. The last line is perfect. Edlyn

Kaylee · 23 February 2009 · Chapter 52: APRON: Ambiguities of a Lexical Kind

Ai, meldonya! I'm striving to keep my laughter in my mind only, as 1) it's just past 1 AM and my mother would wake if I didn't, and 2) I just returned from the hospital last evening with sixteen staples in my abdomen, and I don't want to aggravate them any more than they are. This was an absolute gem to come home to, and I appreciate it very much! "Gimli's Blankie." Hah! That was too good. And a naked Legolas...who wouldn't want that? *brilliantly wicked smile* Now I need to go read that Naked Yule fic again...but first, back to bed to see if I can sleep. Tye-melin, Kaylee!

Kitty · 21 February 2009 · Chapter 52: APRON: Ambiguities of a Lexical Kind

Oh, that was just hilarious! These language games can be fun, and when you do play that with three different races, it is bound to be interesting. And you will always find the exception to the rule to irritate the other, as Aragorn is doing *grin* Really, 'apron' is bad enough, but 'Gimli's blankie' is even worse *ROFL* So in the end, Legolas had the last word ;) It was great to see these three having so much fun!

Elflingimp · 21 February 2009 · Chapter 52: APRON: Ambiguities of a Lexical Kind

Ha!Ha! Thanks for the good laugh,it seems The ELF always wins the word games! LOL! Hugs The Imp

Larner · 20 February 2009 · Chapter 52: APRON: Ambiguities of a Lexical Kind

Nah, it's not quite as precise a language as Legolas would have Gimli believe. Heh! Nice smirks generated.

Independence1776 · 20 February 2009 · Chapter 52: APRON: Ambiguities of a Lexical Kind

*snorts* I love this. Wordplay is always fun. :D "I know those who were," was his only comment and both Aragorn and Gimli blanched at the implications of those words, giving each other uneasy looks. Eep. Though there is a chance Aragorn knows one or two, depending on the Exiles, etc. But to hear Legolas say that, when he's normally thought of as a lot younger… Though I do have to say that I despair of ever learning enough Sindarin to understand more than words here and there. (I've been neglecting it.)

Sunny · 20 February 2009 · Chapter 50: MEMORIAL: Carved in Stone

Poor Legolas. Being an Elf, he wouldn’t be able to truly grok mortality. And yet, with the death of Gimli (and earlier, the deaths of Aragorn and other mortal friends), he has to deal with it, somehow. Whether Olórin has been sent by one of the Valar – or pointed in Legolas' direction by Elrond – or he has come of his own accord; whoever originated this visit certainly knew that Legolas would need counseling. And Olórin would – with his peculiar background – be suited to the job: An Immortal who would have _had_ to deal with Mortals – and the loss of cherished friends. And Olórin has the right of it: the most permanent memorial is in Legolas’ heart. Not the transitory (to Elven perceptions) medium of stone.

Sunny · 20 February 2009 · Chapter 52: APRON: Ambiguities of a Lexical Kind

Language is _fun_!!! And watching someone having fun with language is almost as much fun. So long as that someone has the necessary skills, that is. ;-) Hmmm. This makes me want to go and haul Eric Flint’s _Pyramid_ books off the shelves – just for the sake of the puns. Oh, yes, I definitely think I will – as soon as I have finished _Regenesis_ by Cherryh, which is one of the books I got from Amazon on Thursday. (Currently enjoying my bibliophilia – or is it bibliomania? – to the max)

Sitara · 20 February 2009 · Chapter 52: APRON: Ambiguities of a Lexical Kind

A little gem, this week's story. A very enjoyable piece of mischief and lightness that got even me smiling. "grin". I recalled that part from "Elf, Interrupted" when a Teler learns his first words in Sindarin and unfortunately for him, his teachers are Findarato and Laurendil. "laughing" A very clever use of words, congratulations. Legolas' reactions are priceless, as well as Gimli's skill to names calling. Aragorn is taking advantage of his knowledge of Sindarin language but, as long as the result is a beautiful moment such as the one that ends your story, nobody should be angry. "smile". The sight of the Dwarf Lord of Aglarond, the Elven Lord of Ithilien and the King of Men playing like children is absolutely precious. Thank you, Fiondil. A story such as yours was very much needed for me these days. And (I cannot help myself, you know) I'm still going to notice the moment when both Dwarf and Men felt once again that their friend belongs to another world. They are Mortal, he is Immortal. But , fortunately for them, they didn't let this to spoil the moment. Even as they all know that their time together will come to an end, as can be noticed from both Aragorn' and Gimli's reactions. However, I'll try to ignore Legolas' comments about Elven loremasters and leave, even for one day, the past to rest. "grinning" No inquiry whatsoever this time. Just enjoy the fun.

Natalie · 20 February 2009 · Chapter 52: APRON: Ambiguities of a Lexical Kind

Wonderful piece, I thought I was going to die from laughter when Aragorn said: "Éomer ’ar higil na Legolas lanc." *chuckles* Such linguistic differences in meaning are always funny... as long as you know them :) The whole thing made me think about French. For example, "mon propre enfant" and "mon enfant propre" mean: "my own child" and "my clean child". And there are tons of adjectives with double meaning, depending on the order. I am so glad we don't have anything like this in Polish... Not that I can think of. *grin* Anyway, this was awesome! A perfect beginning of the weekend. Thank you!

Ces · 20 February 2009 · Chapter 52: APRON: Ambiguities of a Lexical Kind

Great story to read during lunch! People did ask me what I was laughing at though! Any banter between Legolas and Gimli is funny and this is no exception. Especially when Legolas reminds them that it was the elves that gave voice to words. Still, Gimli has to try and have the last word - a thing that is hard to do with elves I think. I do hope you write more Legolas stories - I have enjoyed those that showcase him. Maybe you can prompt your Muse to write a Namo checking up on Legolas story? Ces

6336 · 20 February 2009 · Chapter 52: APRON: Ambiguities of a Lexical Kind

Oh this was funny! No language is truely precise, a lot of words mean diffrant things to diffrant people, baste(in sewing) and baste(in cooking) comes to mind and I am sure if I think about it a bit I can come up with more! Like the idea of a naked Legolas, but I would not be holding a knife to his throat, more like handing him a blankie, but not Gimili's!Sigh! More please, Lynda

Ellie · 20 February 2009 · Chapter 52: APRON: Ambiguities of a Lexical Kind

How delightful! ROTFL with Aragorn.

Thalanee · 20 February 2009 · Chapter 52: APRON: Ambiguities of a Lexical Kind

This was absolutely hilarious! I´m so glad that I am alone in this room, otherwise I´d have no idea how I would have explained why I literally fell of my chair laughing like mad (though my dog probably thinks me crazy) I can just picture it: Legolas being chased by Gimli while Aragorn´s laughing himself silly "Gimli´s Blankie" *snicker* that sets me laughing again! Are we going to read more such stories about those three? Already looking forward to the next chapter (whatever it may be about), Thalanee

Independence1776 · 15 February 2009 · Chapter 51: END: Nightfall in Aman

Oh, this is a sweet story. Sometimes, it takes a child to bring some light into an otherwise dark time.

Kitty · 15 February 2009 · Chapter 51: END: Nightfall in Aman

When I saw the summary, I expected something dark, but that was rather sweet. It's so good to know that at least one elf could find something beautiful in all this fear and despair, even if it was only an innocent elfling. Such a lovely image, Itarildë sitting on that rug, enjoying the stars and giving them names! Glad her father didn't put her back to bed but stayed with her to enjoy it, too.

Larner · 14 February 2009 · Chapter 51: END: Nightfall in Aman

No, nothing is the same, but that does not mean that all is bad. And at least this child lived to find happiness in the Mortal lands before returning to Aman with her husband. I love her delight with the stars--one who yet does not know true terror.

Arasinda · 13 February 2009 · Chapter 51: END: Nightfall in Aman

Dear Fiondil, Thank you for another lovely vision of Aman and an extension of Tolkien's work from a point of view that seems to understand this world well. Having the gaps or questions regarding the lives of many important characters filled in logically and believably leaves me with joy and excitement. Sincerely, Arasinda

Elflingimp · 13 February 2009 · Chapter 51: END: Nightfall in Aman

Aw, that was so very sweet! Isn't it the children that can see the beauty in evrything ! Hugs Deb the Imp

edlyn · 13 February 2009 · Chapter 51: END: Nightfall in Aman

This was so very lovely, meldonya! Your writing is always so evocative and the images your words create in my mind are so beautiful. I loved seeing Itarildë and her toy sitting on the balcony naming the stars. Isn't it wonderful how children find the beauty and wonder in things? Thanks for this! Eru bless Edlyn

Sitara · 13 February 2009 · Chapter 51: END: Nightfall in Aman

Huh...dangerously close to my nightmares. "breathing deeply" Such an irony..but this time a good irony, a hopeful one. Back then, Arda was still so young and in its very beginning, all seems to have come to an end. But fortunately it hadn't been so. And right now I'm imagining for the theme Beginning some moments taking place when the End will come. "smiling widely". The cyrcle would be complete only then. I truly don't know if I'm right or wrong (small wonder about that "grin"), but I always felt that Idril' story is very sad. Beginning with the darkening of Valinor and ending with hers and Tuor's disappearance (leaving behind only a flickering hope through a ministrel' song), her life was very tragic, in my opinion. In your story, she's such a sweet child that saw what most of the adults couldn't at that time: the stars's brilliance could be seen only in darkness. Whatever Melkor did, there is still hope. Apparently, only a child had been able to see it. And soon enough, this child will begin to lose, one by one, all she had known in her life. A home, a mother, an aunt......only to begin the list. Nenya...One of the Three Rings...very nice. I can imagine how that star was shining, like mithril. As for the Trees..Well, after several days of rummaging like crazy through the bookshelves of each bookshop I could find, I finally got my hands on "The Shaping of Middle-earth" and I could read The Second Prophecy of Mandos. Since then,(after coming down from the clouds, of course), I keep wondering how would look the Trees rekindled. What could be that great light coming forth from them? And then even Itarilde will be there, back to the place of her birth. And perhaps, watching in awe that divine light, she would remember the stars that one night, when her world had begin to shatter, spoke to her about this very day. Thank you, Fiondil. You've just told us that the nightfall is always followed by the dawn. And the stars are there just to remaind us. Even if we would have to wait as long as Arda endures. The waiting is worthwhile.

6336 · 13 February 2009 · Chapter 51: END: Nightfall in Aman

Oh, what a gentle little ficlet to wake up to! What a profitic(sp?) little child she is, Nenya indeed! I am looking forward to your 'What happened in Aman' story! More please, Lynda

Kaylee · 13 February 2009 · Chapter 51: END: Nightfall in Aman

Oh, well done meldonya! *hugs Itarilde* She's so adorable, I especially love her naming the "diamondy" star "Finda". *smiles* See, this is what I get for suffering another sleepless night...I drag myself out of bed at quarter to five and this is what I have...a new story! I'm glad it's here, it made me a lot happier, though the pain in my abdomen is stubbornly NOT fading. Where are Este and Elrond when I need them? *sighs* ~Kaylee!

Sitara · 11 February 2009 · Chapter 31: COURTEOUS: Lack of Manners

I suppose I should keep my mouth shut. I don't know anymore how many times I've said these words and the answer is always the same: I cannot. I cannot keep quiet any longer. I apologize, in advance, for my impudence and I leave to your judgement the truth or the folly of the things I'm going to say. For once (and only this time!), I would leave rendering judgement concerning the deeds of the Firsborn to the Firstborn themselves. This time I will think over the deeds of the Secondborn, more to the point, the actions of the only Secondborn involved in this. To a certain point, not further. Beren. And, (as a Mortal pondering the deeds of another Mortal), let me tell you in brief words what I learned about this part of Silmarillion. Somehow, Beren, a Man from Beor's house, entered Doriath, penetrating Melian's Girdle, where he saw the love of his life dancing in a glade. Needless to say, he went head over toe with the most fair of Iluvatar's Children and she loved him too. But, as always, there is be a problem, as in all the fairytales. The girl's father is less than impressed with the rank and attributes of his want-to-be-son-in-law and he thinks to put to good use some knowledge brought to him by certain doomed relatives. He wants, as a price for the bride, a Silmaril, no more no less. I won't bother to say now something about Elwe Singollo. Others did, quite vocal, and I won't disagree with them. Instead, I will look to the other side of the coin. What Beren did then? Well, after throwing a barb regarding the trading qualities of his future father-in-law (after all, what could have done a Man to prove his ...manliness "hope I got it right"), he set out wearing high his bann..er..ring to Nargothrond to collect a debt. Where he finally found out (if he didn't already know but I'd grant him the benefit of this doubt)what exactly was the thing he sought to acquire, from his friend's mouth who now learns from experience a thing or two as in respect to vows. As I did, finally understanding why the Lord warned ud about taking ANY vow. Well, what should our noble and brave Mortal do? Only two things. One, to go forward with his quest, with or without Felagund (better with him, though), to pursue further the jewel and, through many sacrifices and brave deeds, to finally claim a Silmaril from Morgoth's crown, showing thusly that a Mortal and a young gi..er..female did what some stupid and conceited hotheaded fools couldn't. And, of course, to win the hand of his lady, as her heart was already taken. The price would be , of course, blood and bitter loss but, in the end, the heroic deed will be done and Samwise Gamgee will hear after more than two ages stories that would fill him with awe. Brave. Heroic. The other thing...well, for the other thing, it would have been need of something more than bravery and courage. It would have been need of Love. "Agape". To not raise up to the challenge, to appear like a coward, to break your own heart in order to save the other's, to keep all the suffering for yourself and your love..."If You are the Son of God, jump off!". This was echoing through my mind while reading the part I could read from Beren's and Luthien' story. To tell the tempter: "I could do it, but I choose to not do so. I won't be the one to release upon this already dreaded land something akin to plague! If I believed for one second that our love is worth all that, then that means only that this love isn't anymore love, but pure selfishness. I choose to break mine and Luthien's heart rather than to bring ruin upon these lands! Leave the Jewels to Morgoth and we , the Free People, we would have eachother against the enemy!" And I dare Elwe Thingol to sneer at this kind of words! What would have been "all that"? Let's see "counting on fingers": the peace and ultimately very existence of two kingdoms, the life of a friend and his followers , the life af another friend, even forelegged, the life of a father-in-law and the happiness of an Ainur, the lives of a son and two grandsons, possibly a Battle of Unnumbered Tears with its deads, a High King among them, their own lives, a ship destined to wander the skies until the End with its sailor and the last, the remaining sanity and life of seven fellows that were somehow trustworthy until they heard the "S" word. I know I'm somehow exaggerating but only if the tenth part of his would be true.... What I'm trying to say is only that the things are never so simple as they may appear. And all of them have sinned and all of them are bearing a part of that guilt that engulfs Arda. Melkor's darkness touched them all, not only that one or this one. And, until each of us would turn the accusing finger to his own chest, until then Arda won't be healed. I'm sorry if I upset you with my words but I couldn't help myself. I wrote this several days after reading your piece, that caught nicely a side of the coin. I only thought that Elu Thingol would never miss flamers and judges. "grin". What about the others? I know Eru allows our mistakes and through they His plans are carried further, but a mistake remains still a mistake. And no one is held blameless. I apologize again and I bid you a very good night, Sitara

Kaylee · 8 February 2009 · Chapter 50: MEMORIAL: Carved in Stone

*ponders* So when (if) Legolas finishes the inscription, what will all the words look like, I wonder? I have a feeling I know what they would say... "Here lies Gimli son of Gloin, Elvellon, Lord of the Glittering Caves, First of Mahal's Children to come to Aman." Or something like that. What do you think, meldonya? ~Kaylee! P.S. By the way, I agree with Olorin that a memorial engraved in their hearts and honoring Gimli's final request (the other final request, not the harp playing) is the best way to honor Gimli.