Reviews (1,565)

Sunny · 11 January 2010 · Chapter 92: To Keep Estel

Well, well, well – another surprise, namely that Olwë’s abrupt ending of the meeting was just slightly less than spontaneous. Although the sentiment that they might petition the Valar that certain despised groups – like the former thralls –be permitted to go to the mainland is probably genuine enough. Setting the cat among the pigeons, indeed! And hopefully the strategy will have a positive effect. If not, it is likely that a number of people from the “nobility” of Kortirion and Avallonë may start new careers as shepherds up around Formenos, though whatever might happen that would produce such a result would undoubtedly also produce a fair amount of undesirable fallout as well. The meeting with the ordinary citizens went well, though – and I can certainly understand how the story Ailinwë told would have a deep effect – on Finrod in particular, though most there would have been affected, I think. I expect Ailinwë will take Olwë’s and Finrod’s suggestions. But are they now going to invent the concept of the Revolution? ;-) *wanders off, whistling La Marseillaise*

ellie · 11 January 2010 · Chapter 92: To Keep Estel

Arafinwe is coniving, but it's for a good cause :-) Ingwion and the others followed suit very well considering they were clueless about what Olwe and Arafinwe were planning. I guess Olwe scared them pretty badly with his remarks to the council. i like the guy who came to talk to the kings with the little band of ordinary people. i missing the frequent postings of chapters by you now that elf academy is done. Do you have any cures for the withdrawal symptoms?

Larner · 11 January 2010 · Chapter 91: Council Meeting

Yes, about time to force some hands! Now, to hope that the ruse works!

Larner · 11 January 2010 · Chapter 92: To Keep Estel

Good sense tends to do better among those who actually live by doing than those who are raised to see themselves as privileged and thus somehow born to lead. Such folk all too often become ideologues.

Imhiriel · 6 January 2010 · Chapter 91: Council Meeting

First: Happy New Year to you, Fiondil! As for this chapter: I liked how my (and probably other readers') assumptions about some dangerous incident that was certain to happen weren't fulfilled, particularly after some of the Elves themselves speculating about it in the previous chapter. Olwë just leaving without further ado was great. I agree with his reasoning, and I feel it would be a slap in the face of these supercilious bigots with their feelings of entitlement if those "lowly" folk like the Nandor and the people from Angobel got invited to the mainland whereas they themselves were still forbidden. On the other hand, however: isn't that - removing the troublesome people who disturb the narrative the Tol Eressëans can tell themselves about how good they are - exactly what they want (as we can see from one of the hecklers)? Wouldn't it be ... hm, "wholesome" is perhaps what I mean, should they remain and be a thorn in the side, a prick for their conscience? Granted, that would perhaps a little hard on the Nandor/Ex-Slaves, but given that they are now explicitly under the Valars' protection and the other islander can now be sure that the Valar and/or Maiar might appear to enforce that protection, danger would be mitigated?

Hel · 5 January 2010 · Chapter 91: Council Meeting

That was a rather abrupt ending and surprising, too. But Olwe did react right. A society can be judged how it treats its weakest members, in this case the elves of Angobel. Compassion seems really in short supply on Tol Eressëa. I just wonder how many elves really believe that the elves who were slaves of Morgoth are traitors and dangerous and how many just don´t want to contradict them to save themselves trouble or who just don´t care. I guess even elves like it to have someone to look down on no matter what they themselves have done. It will be interessting how the different groups react and how they will get out of this mess.

Aiwen · 3 January 2010 · Chapter 91: Council Meeting

What a shambles!

6336 · 3 January 2010 · Chapter 91: Council Meeting

Wow! Go Olwe! You tell 'em! Bigoted, selfrightous idots! Let them stew in their own juices! I have a feeling that this will be the kick in the butt that some Tol Erasseans need to get their minds out of the rut they are in and thinking along other paths. United you stand devided you fall into Anarchy! Jumping down off soap box! Sorry not to have been reviewing lately, R.L. has been interesting and hectic! The cats are slowly recovering from the Orclings visit, it will take Nana and Granpa a little longer! Lynda Happy New Year!

Rhyselle · 3 January 2010 · Chapter 91: Council Meeting

Wow! That was not quite how I expected things to turn out. Olwe's reaction just stunned me! But I'm behind him 100%. I was proud of Glorfindel when he spoke of being a thrall. That had to have been terribly hard for him. Fiondil, I love this chapter! Go Olwe! :) (Of course this does complicate things, doesn't it? *grin*) Well done!

utfrog · 3 January 2010 · Chapter 91: Council Meeting

I did not expect that chapter ending. Good for them (and you).

Kitty · 3 January 2010 · Chapter 91: Council Meeting

Well, I had expected some sort of trouble for that meeting, but not that! As frustrating as I find the reactions of the Kortirionians, in the end I was cheering Olwë on about the way he told these bigots off. Disgrace to all Elvenkind, indeed! He's absolutely right; leave them to themselves and their bigotry and arrogance! I am only sorry for Borhael and Thorongoron and the few other sensible ones. But I absolutely like the idea to remove the former slaves and maybe the Nandor and some other sensible Elves to the mainland. The message would be more than clear when these are allowed to remove to Valinor while these arrogant idiots are denied access. Now I am *really* wondering how the problem Tol Eressëa will get resolved and when! And the worst is, I know I will have to wait forever to learn about it! *sigh*

Sunny · 3 January 2010 · Chapter 91: Council Meeting

So Olwë has decided to pick up his marbles and go home, and the rest of the Amanians are following his example. The reason for this reaction is admirable in a way - a reaction to the Kortirion ruling council's snobbery and lack of compassion towards the former thralls. Yet I wonder if the Valar are going to accept that the situation on Tol Eressëa _still_ doesn't seem to be any closer to a solution. And Arafinwë and Olwë certainly has set the cat among the pigeons by indicating that what seems to amount to the self-appointed nobility of Avallónë and Kortirion should not be permitted to sully Aman with their presence, while the disdained people of Angobel would be welcomed... One week to the next update. That is going to seem a very long time...

njomo · 2 January 2010 · Chapter 90: Kortirion

Hi Fiondil, So, it will be good to have Glorfindel on the move again, though I know there's a bit of story to take care of first. One guesses from the mood of some of the elves in Kortirion that the meeting the next day may be "interesting". I'll wait patiently, I really will. But I really can hardly wait until Glorfindel continues on his quest! At least the Progress has given him a few sources of information he might not have found otherwise, even though they were right under his nose. Joanne

Kitty · 30 December 2009 · Chapter 90: Kortirion

Well, that didn't go too bad. I'm not sure if I am glad or disappointed; after all that happened already in this story, I am always on edge in such a situation, expecting something bad to happen. Am I weird or what? On the other hand, Finrod seems to feel similar ... Ah, so Glorfindel has found another one to ask about Eärendil! Would be nice when Sador could tell him a bit about him. And I am glad he will not run away on his search without a word; we have all seen what huge amount of trouble that caused last time.

Larner · 29 December 2009 · Chapter 90: Kortirion

The park sounds beautiful. And Sador was in the tree chosen by Earendil for his main mast? Most interesting!

Larner · 29 December 2009 · Chapter 89: Table Talk

Poor lady--she's not healed at all, apparently. Hope she begins to now. And her misery taints the lives of others.

Sitara · 29 December 2009 · Chapter 90: Kortirion

Hmm….A nice and quiet day, for once. I loved the orange-fruit trees and I’m sure the park was worth to be seen. I liked their initiative, to preserve even a bit of Middle-earth, as a proof of the fact that some things are worth to be seen and remembered. “She sometimes acts as if she is the only one who has lost a loved one and waits for their release from Mandos.” Well, there is that. “grin” However, I’d like to know also the backstory , as to better appreciate whether she had the right to sulk. Or to think that she had the right to sulk. “lol” Glorfindel seems to be near his target. Save that he’d find rather the wife of the one he was looking for…but that might be only my point of view. At any rate, the meeting should be an interesting one, whomever he would find. “grin” I liked much Kortirion in your description. The imagery was beautiful.

Rhyselle · 28 December 2009 · Chapter 90: Kortirion

My favorite bit of this chapter was Sador telling about going to the Birchwoods of Nimbrethil when Earendil and Cirdan chose the trees from which Vingilot was built. While my drabble showed the selection of the tree from which the keel was made, here you've told us about the mainmast. I know that my drabble series is separate from your ficverse, but from now on, I'll always envision Sador sitting in the tree! :) It was nice to have a relatively quiet chapter. I'm sure the next one will be a bit more exciting in one way or another. I love the idea of the garden of Middle-earth species. :) I know I'd love to walk there! As usual, well done!

Sunny · 28 December 2009 · Chapter 90: Kortirion

I see that Glorfindel has found another source of information on Eärendil. It shall be interesting to see just what information Sador has. I suspect Glorfindels plan is to visit Eärendil - though it shall be interesting to see the various reactions when he is ready to unveil his plans ;-) Heh. "I have a feeling tomorrow’s meeting with the city council and the guilds will be less than peaceful.” And I have to wait _an entire week_ to find out just how "less than peaceful" it will be. And who will be the source of the "less than peaceful" behaviour...

Hel · 27 December 2009 · Chapter 89: Table Talk

Just as easy as they make friends they make enemies. An astonishing talent. I wonder what actions Galadhwen will take when she is finished crying. In Avallóné they provoked an open attack. So what will it be this time? Though one must pity Galadhwen for her lost, she is cold and ruthles enough to uses it as weapon to manipulate others. And somehow she is able to intimidate the other counsillors in a way that they don´t dare to act openly on their own. It will be interesting to know how she got so much influence and by wich means she controlles the other councillors. But I really like the Lady Meril and the thought that she is the wife of the rather restless Gildor. And how startet this little war between Meril and Galadhwen?

Sitara · 23 December 2009 · Chapter 89: Table Talk

Unfortunately, I don’t feel being ridiculous enough as to stop here and not press the matter further. “sheepish grin” I agree, it seems that indeed we have different concepts of what the Peace of the Valar could mean. Furthermore, I don’t recall much about the part of the Silmarillion or HoME dealing with such matters. However, I’d still like to make a series of comments in regard to the things you’ve said. Yes, Valinor is indeed called the Blessed Realm and, to cut my own throat, “lol”, Tolkien seemed to have the same perception, as he highlighted in one of his letters (don’t ask me which one) that Frodo has had the opportunity to heal and live in a pure world, free of taint or something like this. I don’t really remember the paragraph but its meaning cannot be doubted. I have a few things to say about this. Firstly, that Melkor has imbued the whole Arda, Valinor included, with his darkness and Arda in its entirety needs to be Remade, not only Middle-earth. I agree, the Valar, as beings filled with Peace and inhabiting a land inherently blessed (I can accept that too), have the possibility to fight against Morgoth’s darkness and to counteract it, somehow and to a certain degree. What I’m saying is that the simple fact of removing the Elves from Middle-earth and bringing them to live in Valinor is not enough to make them part of that Peace. As you’ve said, it has to be a conscious act on the part of the Elves and this act is bound to be decisively influenced by the Valar’s actions. You may say that the Elves were given a choice: either you come with us and abide by our rules, or stay here and do whatever you like. True, but it’s equally true that the Elves had come to Valinor relying on some promises, made more or less explicitly, by the Valar. The Elves had to do their part, granted, but the Valar had also their own part of the bargain to keep. I said that Fëanáro didn’t have much Peace to disturb because, in my opinion, the process of integrating the Eldar in the Peace of the Blessed Realm hadn’t been very successful. The reasons for this are complex and of different types. I wouldn’t want to reduce my reasoning to two things, which, although very significant, I never considered them to be the only reasons for not reaching Peace in Aman . First of them, the fact that the Lord of Mandos had foretold that bringing the Elves in Aman would be the doom of them and thusly all was doomed before starting. Personally, I’m not so sure about this and I won’t use it to say that achieving Peace in Aman was an impossible endeavour. The second, has to do with Melkor. Regardless of Námo’s prophecy and Melkor’s deeds, in my opinion, there had been actions of both the Valar and Eldar that made the Sérë Valaron more an ideal than a reality. For instance, it’s told in HoME (again, don’t ask me where) that when the Valar agreed to release Melkor, the Eldar sent a delegation asking them to not set him free, only to be turned down. A very plausible scenario, even if the published Silmarillion says nothing about this. A grievous mistake, not that Melkor was released, but that the Valar forgot how their brother had fashioned his first Orcs. That may have been forgiven eventually, but never forgotten. What should have been thinking the Elves whose spouse, son or brother had been abducted and twisted into Orcs? As for not trusting the Peace…I’d like to know who really did it then, as for the sake of argument, I’ll speak only about the Noldor. Who among the Noldor had chosen to trust the Valar and their Peace? The ones who were directly counseled by a Vala and stayed for his/her sake and some who had to choose between a tattered Peace and a Doom of the North. And I have a real hard time to believe that Fëanáro, who hadn’t managed to convince them to use his manner of speaking, which happened to be the proper one, by the way, convinced them in a little more than blink of an eye to leave their homes for a wild-goose chase. Now, honestly…”grin”

Sitara · 22 December 2009 · Chapter 89: Table Talk

I’ve to admit that you’re right, to a certain degree, that’s it. “grin”. I ought to give Galadhwen the benefit of a doubt, at least for now. However, during the meal, as in her “conversations” with Finrod, Olwë or Meril, she ever gave me the impression of acting upon her feelings, not her brain. She shouldn’t have let herself so easily cornered by either Finrod or Meril, if she indeed had solid arguments to back up her contempt. I’d really want to see an opponent able to give a run for their money to the Kings of Aman. Well, I’ll wait a little longer and I’ll give Galadhwen time to retreat and regroup before issuing further comments. “lol” Concerning the Serë Valaron…I certainly can understand and accept the fact that Peace was something acquired by the Valar while they still dwellt within the Timeless Halls. Or rather, they were gifted with this Peace. However, in my opinion, one thing is to have such Peace within yourself and something entirely different would be to actually “expand” it as to encompass other beings , along with their habitat and lifestyle. As you’ve said, the Peace of the Valar simply exists within their being, agreed. But this Peace did not exist in Valinor by its own accord and the Valar were required to act in order to install it. And, quite frankly, their actions, even without the defection from their own ranks, have been …less than inspired, to say so, at least sometimes. Thusly, in my opinion, the truth is that after Years of the Trees of building the bliss of Aman, Fëanáro had far too little Peace to disturb and, by the time of the Noldor’s flight, there was none left. I mean, what kind of Peace could remain when the trust had vanished?

Aiwen · 21 December 2009 · Chapter 89: Table Talk

I like your use of Meril, from the lost tales. I also like the character as you have invented her. A very interesting lady.

Sitara · 21 December 2009 · Chapter 89: Table Talk

Now, where are your manners, little one? Should be this a proper way to speak to a lady, Finrod Felagund? And your manners notwithstanding, where are your diplomatic skills, O King of Nargothrond? Have you been displaying the same skills when you had a kingdom to rule, I wonder? "grin" Frankly, if Galadhwen turns out to be another version of Morcocáno, I'll have one big disappointment. As in his case, it seems that it's all about a personal matter. I wouldn't want to see this. In my opinion, there are real problems that should approached in a more detached manner. I wouldn't want to see either Galadhwen or anyone else opposing Finrod and others because of personal grudges. Not being able to stand against Finrod and answer him back as she should have done makes me think that she had no rational arguments for her cause, only old grudges to vent out. As for peace....I was never particularly fond of the concept of Sérë Valaron. I guess I cannot view it as being different from that dratted Pax Romana thing. True enough, the Sérë Valaron has been never forcefully imposed on the Elves, as Pax Romana was, but it seems to me equally artificial. However, a healing of a heart is always worth to be seen and, as I'm a complete sucker for the way you write such moments, I daresay that I would enjoy the moment of Galadhwen's "breakdown" more than I'd have thought to do.

Kitty · 21 December 2009 · Chapter 89: Table Talk

Absolutely like the idea of Morwen making Finrod's wedding garments! With 12 years to do it, she should be able to create something that puts every seamstress in Valinor to shame :D And it will give certain people something to think about, after the way they looked down their noses on the tunic she gave Finrod in Lórien. Good that Amarië and Alassiel accept Gwilwileth so willingly; would be another hint for Pelendur, if he weren't already on the way to reconcilation. When these people from the city think they can impress the Amanian kings with jewelry and overdressing in general, they can think again. While the kings might appreciate a nice outfit, they will *not* judge someone by it. But that has probably still to sink in. Overdressed peacocks with pretensions of grandeur, indeed! *grin* Finrod's response to Galadhwen was maybe not the wisest course of action, but admittedly I was howling with laughter about the whole exchange between these two and Glorfindel. At work, no less - luckily I was alone in the office! Finrod's 'apology' was hilarious as well. All in all that was a mixed outcome. Galadhwen will be difficult, but we already knew that. Some of the others, like Borhael, seem to be more sensible; I only wish they had stayed, instead of letting Galadhwen ruin the evening. I am really curious how that whole visit to Kortirion will turn out.