Reviews (1,565)

Rhyselle · 22 February 2010 · Chapter 99: Death on Four Feet

Fiondil, you certainly know just how to write a cliff-hanger! An excellent chapter, and one I was glad to see on this irksome day where there was too much work, too many things went wrong, and the reign of Murphy's Law continued upon coming home. It looks like Glorfindel, at least, is having a worse day than I have. I rather liked the end where he bid Manatamir farewell, and the regrets he had about Algaros and Cundu. (I still haven't figured out the meaning of Manatamir; will you share the meaning of the name with us or would that give too much away?) I get the impression that I was right in thinking that there was more to Manatamir than meets the eye... that searing flash of light could be one of many things... including a Silmaril, perhaps? *grin* Well done, my friend!

Shemyaza · 22 February 2010 · Chapter 99: Death on Four Feet

A cliffhanger! The plot thickens and why do I get the idea that Glorfindel is being allowed to go so far and no further in his attempt to reach Elwing's tower. Mánatamir is no Teler methinks, either a Vala or a Maia possibly? And yet another test for poor Glorfindel it seems, poor soul. No wonder he came to Imladris, the poor little mite probably needed a rest from all that testing.

Hel · 22 February 2010 · Chapter 99: Death on Four Feet

Well after all the trouble the Valar went throught with Glorfindel, I´m shure they don´t wanted to risk something happen to him on his little trip. Or Lord Namo just don´t wanted him back after such a short term. It looks like Gorfindel´s training is paying off.

Tari · 22 February 2010 · Chapter 97: Companions on the Road

I wonder if perhaps Mánatamir was meant to be with Glorfindel (with the help of the Valar). I still find it interesting that Glorfindel is allowed to continue on this quest, when no one else was. Will he, or will he not, finally get to meet his Adar?

Larner · 22 February 2010 · Chapter 99: Death on Four Feet

And why am I not surprised to learn that Manatamir's voice has changed, or that there was a brilliant white light? Hmmm? Heh! A part of me sits amused and pleased and feeling particularly smug! Hah! Take that, hunting cats! Orome and his steed, perhaps? Now, to see what happens next!

Larner · 22 February 2010 · Chapter 98: Snowstorm

It's a good thing he wasn't alone, then. Glad that Manatamir is with him right now, no matter who he is in reality! Glad they found a better shelter, at least.

Larner · 21 February 2010 · Chapter 97: Companions on the Road

I now wonder what warning it is his heart tells him of.

Larner · 21 February 2010 · Chapter 96: The Quest Begins

I find myself wondering about this wandering Teler, myself, and questioning whether or not he is truly a Maia or Vala in his own right. Fresh meat pies in his haversack, eh? And, now that there are two of them Glorfindel will keep watch? Glad I finally have time to get caught back up again. It's been a busy last few weeks!

Hel · 21 February 2010 · Chapter 98: Snowstorm

A snowstorm in August! Elwing and Earendil are really not easy to find. I wonder if those two just don´t want to have visitors or if someone else don´t want them to be found. And Mánatamir´s story will shurely be a very interesting one, which we will hopefully learn sooner than later. Being holed up in cave during a snowstorm is a good occasion for swapping stories by the way.

Eärillë · 20 February 2010 · Chapter 69: In Search of a Lost Soul

Oh, I thought that Elves slept with their eyes open? But if Edrahil was really that exhausted... I found myself liking this method more than the intervention of the Valar. It showed how the Elves could do several things on their own, although they fumbled with it, like children learning things. And here your fondness of dressing up your Ainur was back. *grin* I always like how you put meanings to the accessories they wear. That makes everything so much more special. It surprised me that Edrahil was lucid when he had his hand on his king's neck. I thought it was included in the blood-trance? Then he should not have been aware of anything... But it did set up a valid reason for him to flee. It must be quite horrible for him. And his longing to go back to Mandos tugged at my heart, somehow. It must feel like a mother's womb; somewhere safest from all the hurts of the world. I think you mentioned Finrod's blood-trance before this, but never about when. The exact time surprised me, and the victim of his episode too. So Celeborn was a warrior too after all? Hmm. The grim, hasty procession through those packed streets must create quite a spectacle. Words of it might have spread everywhere even when Finrod was trying to call Edrahil back. Wow. This really complicated matters... A delicious treat, my evil part would say. LOL But now I have to go back to my neglected writing... See you later, then; when I have time again, which is hopefully pretty soon. - Rey

Eärillë · 20 February 2010 · Chapter 68: Trouble With Reborn

Ah. I did not think that far - that Edrahil pushed Finrod down to cover him, but then rushed off. Hmm. Intriguing. (*groan* And this practically nails me in on this story until I get the answer...) It was a mess, yes, and now it seems that everything else is messed up because of it too... Typical. *roll eyes* I hope Edrahil recovered soon, though. And yes, where were the Valar? They popped up at inopportune moments but now none of them were there... I thought that Edrahil would not suffer from that, because he was neither released too early like Glorfindel or in the city-wide accident in Vinyamar. I forgot that Ingwion was in the rescue mission to bring Finrod and Glorfindel back also, so I kept wondering how he was in on this telepathic thing until it was explained. The end of the two point of views - Belegs' and Ingwion's - looked redundant, especially considering how they were put side by side like that, but I am aware of their importance. (Huh. A rather useless statement, eh? LOL But I was indeed torn about it.) Might I borrow the blood-trance? I do not know if I will use it soon or what... but I figured that it would be better to ask in advance than otherwise. Eredhel... Lone Elf? And what about the knowing looks? Was it because he was under the Feanorians, thus dubbed a Kinslaying (or perhaps he was one himself) and shunned by other Elves? Edrahil's episode was quite scary. I would imagine it was more scary for others there... Why was there no one to pick up the knife thrown away from his hand, though? And I lost track of in whose hand his sowrd was currently kept. LOL Trust me to pick things like that... Sorry. I cannot help it. :embarrassed: Oh well. I have fallen into the water. Might just as well swim. So... another nitpick... A comma in one of the two warrior-braided ellyn's comment about orc-brained idiot (LOL Oxymoron.) should be a period. It was just before the dialogue... Again, sorry for that. I did enjoy this chapter, though, in a way. The part about the main mess hooked me up and kept me tied in, and now I really wish to find out how Edrahil's fate would be. (I really hope he would be well soon, for the sake of all people there.) - Rey

Eärillë · 20 February 2010 · Chapter 67: Pêl Cuil ’Wain

Aaaaaahh! You ended it in a wicked cliff-hanger! I have to continue reading throughout the morning if you continue like this. *roll eyes* Oh well. Not that it is unpleasant... Hmm. I should have expected something like that from Edrahil; but still, his reaction startled me, rather badly, especially because I had been thinking about how some tentative strings had been woven in this visit only between those of Aman and the Lonely Isle. Poor Edrahil... And poor Finrod. Heheh. I could see how Damrod got his boldness. It was interesting watching his father point out those things. Despite everything, he looked to be a shrewd man. The familial ties between the two boys were quite interesting as well, and I love their estate. :) I never knew, though, that flowers could be candied. Is that true? Or is it just for the sake of this story? Regardless, I can relate to how the children would protest to Míriel whipping out their secret for everyone - especially those famous Elves - to know and laugh at. Everything seemed to have their lot in the island and all... It sounds very true to Tolkien's description of how Elves were to follow the path in the Great Music, unlike Men. I wonder, though, what were bugs and other pests were doing there. Is it because it was not really the Undying Lands, where there was no maladies and so on as described in canon? The children were quick to recover from their shock of meeting Finrod and co. Then again, their parents were nearly as quick. I wonder why... Mmh. I best get to the next chapter, before I hop around my bedroom because of the overload of curiosity. :rueful: - Rey

Eärillë · 20 February 2010 · Chapter 66: Tourists in Tavrobel

Awwh! How a shock it must be for Gellamion... Greeted in a very unfriendly manner by the great marchwarden of Doriath. Then again, he had started all the mess there. I love all two point of views and the atmosphere in which they were set in. (The less-than-smooth encounter with Gellamion in the shop just spiced up things, to me.) You made me feel as if I were there and shopping or sitting around. Another nack of yours, I fear. *grin* And I am quite fond of the talk about the items in the shop, as I know next to nothing about sailing, despite my love of the sea. (Sad, really, and embarrassing.) Olwë's story about Círdan made me have to stifle my laughter in order not to wake up my sleeping younger brother. It was so hilarious! His fascination with the water, stubbornness, insistance... and becoming a good swimmer (towing his friends into the bargain in the process) because of how many times he had fallen off his raft... ROTFL To think that he was a very respectable shipwright now... The manner of saying was rather bland, but the story provided for itself. And I just noticed how it must be a bittersweet memory afterwards... I did not know, though, that Elennen was old enough to experience Círdan's exploits with his rafts first-hand. It was a bombshell falling on me, and I stopped reading for a moment to digest the information. So he had been Olwë's guard for... who knew how long? I am glad that Lindarion was striking up very well with Beleg. They truly looked and behaved like cousins! I wonder, though what were in their minds; especially Beleg... And why did Balamir called his parents Atar and Ammë, not Atar and Amillë? It is like just calling one's parents Father and Mummy... A bit weird. I love the scene in the square before they made their way to Balamir's shop, especially when the group saw the Elflings. The atmosphere was quite warm, and here was the prove that those people coming from Middle-Earth were no longer afraid to let their children wander off in the open without any kind of defense (unlike the three Elflings in one of your one-shots, who carried weapons with them even when they were just intent on playing in the woods nearby their home). I wonder how long it had taken them to adjust to this orc-and-warg-free situation. How long had it been from the end of the First Age at this point? The interaction in the Blue Dolphin was no less great! I laughed, though, when the son of the tavern's owner called Sador young. Well, you mentioned him as young too... What does it say? A pot calling a kettle black? Dunno. But it was amusing nonetheless. *grin* And I built up a fondness towards how courteous the father and son were towards the guests, even when they knew that those were Amaneldi. True, I have forgotten the details in Sador's kidnapping, so I could not recall if they had been just as warm to Sador and his grandmother... Their shock was only half-expected; with how casual Arafinwë and the others acted, I often forget that most of them were royalty. The same goes to the Valar and Maiar, I think, despite how often you mention giving obeisance, titles, politics, and all. I wonder where Finrod and his group were... Perhaps it is in the next chapter? I had better check. Hopefully they were not in trouble. But, as someone had pointed out (Sorry. I forget again who it was. :embarrassed:) so aptly, Finrod and Glorfindel being together were just something bad waiting to happen. *grin* - Rey

Eärillë · 20 February 2010 · Chapter 65: Going to Town

Hahaha! Such a girlish question! I would imagine it was a sort of embarrassment for the sister too, the culprit, not only for the brothers. *grin* It was good that I was not drinking again at that time. I can hear my keyboard's relief on that. You have the nack to make random, hilarious things appear. Life-like, really. I have forgotten much in the way of little details from earlier in the story, but, regardless, I do hope that in time Beleg would not interact with his kin more because of his guilt... That kind of attitude would not be permanent, and it would ruin many things in the long run instead. I am still a bit skittish when it comes to Eärnur, wondering when he will be taken/go to Numenor... But his being unintentionally ditched by the two segments of the group was amusing in a way. People usually cluster in accordance to gender, languages and interests, indeed... Poor ellon. The bit about Gilvagor was surprising. I do not know if you have said something about him earlier in the story... Here you put the sea-longing as a kind of random illness, like the flu, also. It is quite interesting; but what do you make of that? People in Lindon surely went to the sea at some point, so why were not all of them affected by the sea-longing - like Legolas was, towards the end of the War of the Rings? This illness brought more spice to the story, though, and I wonder if there will be something to do later in the story regarding that - healing or something else. And speaking of the sea... I do wish Ulmo or his Maiar would come some time in the story. You have many instances of interaction between the people of some Valar - and the Valar themselves - but not this particular people... The government in Tol Eressëa was quite interesting; rather like the Laketown before and after Smaug's time. I do not know if I have said that before; if I have, then I would like to reiterate it again. :) Quite a good solution, actually (to me, at least) with the island being a melting pot of many interests and cultures and whatnot, like someone from the contingent said in the last chapter. (I think, and I am sorry that I cannot provide you with a name. :embarrassed:) The rumor that Manwen and Laurendil had been made prisoners by the Amaneldi was shocking. Hmm. I wonder who spread all those outrageous rumors around... This was not the first time. I feel that you are setting us readers up for something. Anyhow, I hope it will be resolved soon; say, in the next 10 chapters, at most. The suspense is killing me slowly but surely! And speaking of suspense, I had better go on to the next chapter. *grin* Who knows if it has the point of views of other groups... (Oh wait. You and the other readers know. :sheepish:) - Rey

Eärillë · 20 February 2010 · Chapter 64: Meeting the Locals

Well, I forgot who the Elflings were, but I did remember them vaguely. :) I should not have eaten and drunk while reading the chapter... I nearly spouted out the water in my mouth when I came to the last sentence in the chapter! Awwh. Poor keyboard just missed a bit from being thoroughly wetted... But it was truly hilarious! I am reacquainting myself with your style of writing, and glad that it was just like before... So steady. :) Humor and seriousness mixed in. Quite life-like. I forget what about the three hunters and their wildberry pie, though... Quite unfortunately, I would say. Sounds so interesting... (And to think that they bantered about such petty thing as wildberry pies and who got the most! ROTFL) I am glad Pelendur and Haldir were well into their reconcilliation... It was interesting knowing that they gradually mended their relationship. And you brought it up so naturally. Quite successful with that, I would say. :) And I bet Bronweg (Huh. Another misspelled name in my part, I fear...) and Handir were getting the time of their lives. *grin* Sitting at either side of Vána! Coupled with how they were now acquainted with all the legends-come-to-life and the kings from mainland... It is just like what Oromë said - And he did it rather cheekily too! (Your Ainur are quite 'humane', so to say, and I love it that way.) Umm. But I suppose the Valar did not join the dinner - *cough* uninvited - for just the sake of the meal... I am curious to what their intention really was... Hmm. I wonder if next chapter holds the answer to that. - Rey

Eärillë · 20 February 2010 · Chapter 63: Back at the Encampment

Ah. I wish I read more of Vairë's Loom before this... Oh well. Later. I cannot fit so much reading in. Awwh. The dinner must wait... Then again, this chapter was... interesting, to say the least. Quite surprising, and it was a kind of eye-openner too. I am glad Haldir was well into reconcilliation with his father, and Olwë forgave Celevern. (I hope I was not misspelling the latter... But knowing me, I probably did.) It would have been much worse if Celevern went out from Lórien in his spiteful self, like when Glorfindel and Sador encountered him the first time out of Mandos. Uh. I think I will refrain from imagining that... It must have been rather difficult for Olwë to do that - forgiving people who had ransacked his realm and killed his people... But yes, the returning Teleri who harboured no ill feeling towards the Kinslayers helped, much. I love how this goes... Umm. But I remember something unpleasant coming on some time during this visit... Well, we cannot always get what we want, can we? I was surprised when Haldir addressed his parents as Atto and Emmë. Finrod and the others addressed their parents in a more formal tone, even when they were only with family... or so I remember. Why so? I am glad the women in the company were striking off quite well. Will there be something from their point of view some time? It would be quite interesting... LOL And I did not quite expect Arafinwë to yearn to seek out his wayward sons himself, and in a manner much younger than he was also. Then again, I would imagine that just sitting there doing nothing must be boring, and life as a king was no less so. Besides, everyone has their own childish moments. I am looking forward to how the six hunters would react to Olwë and Arafinwë. *grin* (And I forgot that Olwë was in the contingent! I thought Ingwion and Lindarion were there to replace their fathers... And where were they? Whoa. My memory of this story is quite rustic after a long time of hibernation. Sorry.) - Rey

Eärillë · 20 February 2010 · Chapter 62: Glorfindel and Sador and What They Found

Argh! I thought I had reviewed this chapter... In fact, I thought I had reviewed it till Chapter 68. Oh well. But 40 chapters to catch up on... Ow. This was one hilarious chapter! You managed to make it quite humorous even when the situation called for some seriousness. Great. I wish it covered the dinner also... Oh well. I just have to read along, then. *grin* Umm. Was the waterfall there a place you featured in one of your one-shots in your Tapestry collection? Perhaps complete with the former Elflings too? Anyway, it was quite an interesting place to meet... and to think that the meeting was quite unconventional (and neither was it polite, at first). I love how Glorfindel handled the youths. Quite hilarious! I would not be laughing if I were on any of the six Elves' shoes, though. Legends springing up here and there! What Eomer experienced was dwarved by this encounter... Hee. The hunters looked so young at first, childish. It was vastly amusing. But then they seemed to see and respond to things in a much more mature manner after the revelation of Glorfindel'sname. It only added to the amusement. *grin* And poor Damrod in a shock... Well, I would, too, if I were him. Finrod was alive and well and before him and talking so casually! Although, I thought that the youths would at least be nervous about meeting Arafinwë in person; not mentioning the two crown princes. They were royalty, at least, although the hunters perhaps did not respect them as much as they did, say, Finrod. Why would it be doubtful if the other kings from Beleriand would stay and live in the Lonely Isle? Oh, by the way, I was a bit confused about something in the brothers' first encounter with the six hunters... You said that one of the Sindar in the company had spoken, but the one doing the speaking was the Noldorin leader... So which one was right, the tags or the reference? I thought "blood-brother" was "muindor"... :uncertain: Anyway, I am looking forward to the next chapter. I doubt it will be this humorous... but there are many other things to occupy me with, I am sure. *grin* - Rey

6336 · 19 February 2010 · Chapter 98: Snowstorm

Hm, interesting weather pattern, 'they', whoever 'they' are, really want to keep Elwings Tower hidden! Poor Glorfy, what a time for that memory to surface. Still think there is more to Manatamir than there seems! More please, Lynda

Tari · 17 February 2010 · Chapter 96: The Quest Begins

I find it most interesting that Mánatamir appeared out of the blue, so to speak. Something is a bit troublesome about him. I don’t know that I can accept him saying that he is just a wanderer. It’s a good thing Glorfindel is keeping watch. The shoreline may not be as empty as it seems.

Parmalokwen · 17 February 2010 · Chapter 92: To Keep Estel

Oh Arafinwë and Olwë, how devious! Soronwë's story: I really, truly loved this. There is so much to bother Finrod about that asinine stunt he tried at Tol Sirion, so I'm glad he got to hear that there was a positive effect of his otherwise-futile duel of songs. Canon error: It was ten years, not twenty, from the Dagor Bragollach to the liberation of Tol Sirion. Ponies! Apparently the ability of children to get excited about ponies is universal :)

Parmalokwen · 16 February 2010 · Chapter 91: Council Meeting

I think Olwë's withdrawal of the invitation served as a much needed Knocking Together of Heads. The people of Tol Eressëa needed to learn, one way or another, that bigotry is just Not On. And if the invitation of the people of Angobel to the mainland inspires a little productive envy, so much the better. Hopefully it will not backfire with a deepening of resentment. I think Glorfindel was both brave and right to speak up as he did. However, I don't think he ought to claim any comparison between Martandur's workshop and Angband in the presence of the people of Angobel. It would not go over well.

Sunny · 15 February 2010 · Chapter 97: Companions on the Road

Heh. This "shadow of a threat" Glorfy has detected presumably means there is some sort of critter whose ancestors were bioengineered by Morgoth lurking around - and which at some point perhaps will try to find out what this new prey tastes like. Of course, actually getting the prey to a state where it can be tasted may not be all that easy - we know what Glorfy is like with sharp-and-pointy items, and hopefully his new friend will at least be able to help out ;-) All of which should teach Glorfy to pay attention to his new alarm system. well, it _is_ new, and presumably he isn't used to it yet... (Of course, it may be possible that they _won't_ meet the critter, but since you already have delivered the warning, I think it is unlikely that you _won't_ make what use of it you may...)

Rhyselle · 15 February 2010 · Chapter 97: Companions on the Road

Lovely chapter. I like the "on the road" parts of your stories very much! I'm in the middle of cooking myself, so I enjoyed reading about the meals that Glorfindel and Manatamir put together for themselves along the way. Cundu is a fun addition to the cast as well. I have a feeling that whether that momentary sense of threat that Glorfindel sensed was a fragment of memory of his first journey through these lands, or a warning of a new danger, something interesting is ahead for them! I supposed that I've been reading your stories too long because even as I am enjoying Manatamir's entrance into the tale, I find myself wondering if he really is who he says he is... Cundu too. *grin* But I won't press... because sometimes an apple is just an apple and not an orange in disguise! It's always a pleasure to open my email and see the story alert for any of the tales that you write. But this one continues to be among my favorites. As always, well done!

6336 · 15 February 2010 · Chapter 97: Companions on the Road

I guess Alagos must have some Mountain Goat in his ancestry? Well they are nearly there, but I think that Glorfindel will wish he had followed up on his bad feeling, somehow I don't think it is going to be as easy as he hopes it will be to find the Tower,the Mair went to some lengths to protect its location. More please, Lynda

Tari · 12 February 2010 · Chapter 95: Glorfindel in Alqualondë

If the Maia kept the elves blindfolded so they wouldn't know where they were going, why does Glorfindel think he will find it? I think that will only happen if it is the will of the Valar.