Monalex
· 30 June 2013
· Chapter 60: After the Coronation
Hello!!! I'm re-reading this story and have one question. Why does Findarato refer to Feanaro as his cousin when He is his uncle??
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Sorry about that. It should be uncle and I've made the change. I think because earlier in the chapter I kept referring to Findaráto's cousins, the word just stuck. Thanks for pointing out the error. You're the first to do so. If you find any others of like nature, please let me know so I can make the appropriate correction. Thanks for reviewing.
Sitara
· 30 December 2011
· Chapter 73: Entulessë
Well, as I was thinking about giving the bodies of the dead Noldor back to their kin for a proper burial, my accusation against Olwë stands. It wasn’t like he had no other choice than to burn them. He deliberately chose to destroy them and this is a war crime. And, to be completely fair, the Teleri fought neither for their lives nor for their homes, as far as I recall.
But, as the Teleri’s attitude towards the Noldor as a whole could be understandable, even by likes of me, I cannot begin to comprehend Arafinwë’s. Did he really think that it was the case to pile more guilt upon the returning Noldor’ shoulders? He said that they all were guilty because they followed Fëanáro. How is that true since the most part of the Noldor were actually following Nolofinwë whom they had chosen as their leader? Furthermore, as the Valar themselves said that everyone was free to leave Aman at will, I would ask Arafinwë which was exactly the fault of the people who returned with him. Why, but following his logic, the Valar should have forfeited their name as Ainur because of their brother’s Melkor’s deeds.
And, because he was so eager to make reparations with the Teleri, I would ask him whether he thought to bring forth that long forgotten issue of the Teleri’s own debt to the Noldor for the help given when the Teleri arrived first in Valinor? As it seems, Olwë wasn’t as eager as he to pay his own debts. Was the Lindaran saying something about Finwë’s worth as Noldorán, if I’m not mistaken? As for Arafinwë and his cowardice issues….he’ll never know for sure what exactly was that prompted him to take the road back. But fear is not always a bad thing and that’s the nicest thing that I may ever say about Arafinwë.
Also, I must commend the Teleri for their speedily learning of the craftmanship of weapons. Pity that, according to their king, with such skills, they couldn’t build any more Swanships but, well, the Teleri have mastered instead another fine art.
Author's reply
You don't seem to allow for the fact that they're all a little insane at this point and no one is thinking straight, not Arafinwe, not Olwe, no one, so they are doing, saying and thinking things that they might not otherwise do, say or think. And obviously the Teleri continued building ships, otherwise, where did all the ships that they made available to ferry the Host of the West come from?
Thanks for commenting.
Sitara
· 28 December 2011
· Chapter 72: Salvaging Hope
Well, I did say that I wasn’t done with Olwë, especially when he keeps handing me weapons. Let’s find out how much would he like to see himself judged as he had judged Fëanáro, for sake of fairness.
Apparently, the Teleri knew all too well the meaning of the word “vengeance” when that Darkness they knew only from hearsay came to affect their lives and property. Furthermore, the “innocent” Teleri would have liked to exact revenge on people who had no part whatsoever in what happened at Alqualondë, only because they were born Noldor, as it seems. As for not wanting to have anything to do with the Noldor anymore, I recall that the same Noldor were more than handy when the Teleri first arrived in Valinor, even if Olwë didn’t seem to do it anymore. However, I would commend Olwë for not condoning his people’s intentions, although I would point out to him that actually it wasn’t the case to worry about the Teleri becoming Kinslayers like the Noldor; tehnically, they already were. They slew their kin as surely as the Noldor did, all of it for ships, and the worst part in my opinion is that they never acknowledged it as such. A real pity, for them.
As regards some of Olwë’s decisions….it seems that he decided to burn the bodies of the dead Noldor, as being only fitting for their crimes. From what I know and read so far, I gather that it wasn’t a practice of the Eldar to burn the bodies of their dead. Now I’ll ask him: did he order to be burned along with the rest also the body of Glorfindel’s mother? Did he ever think that he ordered to be defiled the bodies of people who were only caught in the crossfire? If Fëanáro was accused with good reason for what he did in the aftermath of Morgoth’s crime, then I bring the same accusation against Olwë!
To desecrate the bodies of slain enemies was ever condemned throughout the history, ranking even among the war crimes, and Olwë’s deed speaks volumes about his character, in my opinion. Even more than in Fëanáro’s case because Olwë was granted a thing that Fëanáro was never allowed to keep: hope. He knew that one day he’ll have his son and people back. His loss wasn't to last forever. Although, well, after an age of salvaging hope, as the Lindaran said, the Teleri were ready to let their Sindar kinsmen at Morgoth’s tender mercies only to ensure that no Noldo would ever again board one of their vessels. Truthfully, their "innocence" scares me more than any of Morgoth's evils.
Author's reply
Well, Sitara, it isn’t a crime to defend yourself or for a people to defend their homes. The greater crime against the aggressors would have been to let the bodies rot and be eaten by carrion. Olwe did as he needed. Even Feanor’s body was burned when he died. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Tari
· 15 December 2011
· Chapter 129: Epilogue: A New Age Begins
I can't believe it's over. I have so enjoyed reading this wonderful story. I hope the Valar have opened the door to another story. There is still much to tell. Your stories are awesome.
Author's reply
It is hard to believe that this story is over, isn't it, Tari. But all good (and bad) things come to an end eventually. I'm glad you enjoyed this tale and find my stories awesome. You are right that there is still much to tell about the Elves of Aman and we may visit them again someday soon. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's been very much appreciated.
Tari
· 13 December 2011
· Chapter 127: Return to Tirion
An exchange program is an excellent idea and will definitely help unite the clans.
Author's reply
And in "Elf, Interrupted" we see Glorfindel being a part of the exchange program. Thamks for reading and reviewing, Tari. It's much appreciated.
Larner
· 10 December 2011
· Chapter 130: Character List
Many will find this helpful.
Author's reply
I know I did. LOL!
Larner
· 10 December 2011
· Chapter 129: Epilogue: A New Age Begins
An excellent epilogue. And they look forward to the new age with curiosity and hope, and greater hard-won wisdom.
And love that they end by going out to watch the Sun rise again as only the Valar can!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked this epilogue, Larner, especially the Valar going out to see the Sun rise again. Thanks for taking the time to read and review this story. I greatly appreciate you doing so and enjoyed reading your comments very much.
Tari
· 9 December 2011
· Chapter 126: Moonrise
It looks like the moon illminated more than the sky. It's great to see the fea of the eleves brighten also.
Author's reply
After the equivalent of 114 solar years of darkness, the Moon is a welcome sight to many and I think more Elves than Ingwion found their hope being restored at the sight of it. Thanks for commenting, Tari. I appreciate it.
Tari
· 7 December 2011
· Chapter 125: Picking Up the Pieces
Could it be that Anar is making an appearance? That would be quite s shock after days upon days of darkness.
(I read every chapter of both your stories even though I might not have a comment. I love your writings.)
Author's reply
Not Anar yet, Tari. I'm glad you love my writings and that you are still reading my stories. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Finrodbrs
· 5 December 2011
· Chapter 92: Intarion and Lirulin in Tirion
Thanks to storiesofarda's homepage excerpts from Tolkien, I recently remembered something from the Silmarillion. I have to say, using Arafinwe's collar to make his crown is rather fitting, especially because at the end of the War of Wrath the opposite was done to Morgoth.
Author's reply
Hi Finrodbrs. And oddly enough, I'd forgotten that little detail about Morgoth (or maybe my subconscious was at work here) but I just felt it a fitting gesture on Arafinwë's part to have the collar turned into a crown, which could be seen as a different type of collar. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor
· 30 November 2011
· Chapter 129: Epilogue: A New Age Begins
Bless the Valar's hearts! They just can't leave things alone, can they?
And yet,k they really should have sent someone to at least 'watch over' the secondborn. We know things do not go well.
Such is life.
Bless you - this was an awesome story and well within the bounds of what I had hoped to see. The tale told so much that was left unsaid and in a quite plausible and exciting way.
Bless you!
Author's reply
No, the Valar have to have at least one finger in the pie, don't they? LOL!
And bless you for all your comments and kind words. I am glad you enjoyed the story in spite of its subject matter. And I'm glad you found the "filling in" parts plausible as well as exciting. That was certainly my goal when I started out writing this tale.
Agape4Gondor
· 30 November 2011
· Chapter 128: The Noldóran Restored
I had to immediately giggle. I ‘knew’ something was going on when Olorin counseled sticking to the schedule. (Can’t fool me!)
Besides that, I think it not a good thing to upset the cooks. One never upsets the cooks!
What I love about ‘your’ Maiar – they are so full of joy and service is so important to them. I reevaluate myself every time I read something like that part.
I loved the brief moment of comparison between kings. Nicely done.
And wasn’t Olwe wonderful. Having the approval of one’s father-by-law is surprisingly important.
The descriptions of the procession and ceremony were great. Easily ‘seen.’ Arafinwe’s speech was perfect. I’m glad to see hearts changed. They need to be in the time before them.
The scepter, the crowning, the announcing Intarion as their heir – all done well. Put a smile upon my face.
And then ----- the sun!
Valar Valuvar!
Author's reply
Hi Agape. It is always wise not to upset the cooks. LOL! I'm glad you liked the procession and ceremony and that they were easily "seen", as well as everything else about the chapter, especially the sun.Valar valuvar, indeed. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Tari
· 30 November 2011
· Chapter 123: The Trial Commences
"All there watched in horror as the heir to the High King’s throne struck the Lord of Mandos with his sword."
Oh dear, this does not look good for Ingwi. However, due to the circumstances I am hoping his punishment will not be severe.
Author's reply
No it doesn't look good at all, Tari. LOL! But I'm sure Námo will be lenient. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 28 November 2011
· Chapter 129: Epilogue: A New Age Begins
But...but, Atto...it's *over*?! *sobs* What will I do with my Mondays and Fridays *now*???
=( I guess it had to end *sometime*...but still...I'm going to miss this story. I loved it from start to finish, though some chapters were hard to take in.
I'm glad Arafinwe's crowned. It sounds like the Valar have plans for the Noldor who have gone away...I wonder if we'll ever find out more of their perspective on the Exiles? *nudges plotbunny toward Atto* *puppy eyes*
All in all, a wonderful story, and I wish there was more.
Tye-melin tenn' Ambar-metta, Atto,
Kaylee
Author's reply
Well, Kaylee, you knew it was coming to an end so I don't know why you're surprised. *grin* And since the Sun and Moon have risen, the people of Aman are no longer in darkness, so there's no need to continue beyond Arafinwe's coronation. And I'm afraid I have more than enough on my plate to deal with yet another plotbunny. Sorry about that. I'm afraid I'll have to send it back to you. *grin*
Anyway, there's Wedding to look forward to and hopefully a sequel to Elf Academy sometime after the New Year.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, yeldenya. I've appreciated your comments throughout. Tye-melin.
ninqwestilmen
· 28 November 2011
· Chapter 129: Epilogue: A New Age Begins
I go away for a week and the story is over!! :( Seeing the epilogue is probably the single time that I saw a new chapter of this story posted and wasn't thrilled. Well, I guess all good things must come to an end. Congratulations on finishing this, and also thank you for sharing your wonderful writing with us. I will always look forward to more.
Author's reply
Sorry about that, ninqwestilmen. *grin* I'm glad you enjoyed the story for beginning to end. Thanks for letting me know.
eldawisdom
· 27 November 2011
· Chapter 129: Epilogue: A New Age Begins
I haven't been posting reviews and I should have. This story has had me riveted to my computer every Monday and Friday for each new post. I can't believe it ended. You are an amazing writer. The details associated with your characters and their surroundings is most impressive. I have also been following "A Long Expected Wedding" but I started with "Elf Interrupted." Frankly, I have read everything you have written and I hope that you will continue writing more stories. This year has been very rough for me but your stories have taken me away on unbelievable journeys for which I am very grateful. Thank you for such wonderfulstories.
Author's reply
Hello eldamwisdom. I'm very glad you decided to post this review. Lots of readers don't bother posting a review until a story is done with so you're not alone in that. At any rate, thank you so much for letting me know how much you've enjoyed this story and my other stories. And don't worry, I plan to continue writing so long as the Muse is willing to feed me plotlines.
Sunny
· 26 November 2011
· Chapter 129: Epilogue: A New Age Begins
*sniffle* So now this story is over and done with. And a very good story it was, too! I have read (and paid for) stories and books of considerably worse quality than your writing, and the only "payment" I make is that I tell you (quite truthfully, too) how much I like what you have written. :-D (OK, sometimes I have other things to say. :-p ) Hopefully you are already hard at work on whatever you are going to post next? You said that was going to be a follow-up to _Elf Academy_. I expect that one too to be interesting, though that story is not one of my favorites among your fics.
You said once that you might do a story of Maglor and the Harthadrim, which is something I would really love to read! So what is the Muse's position on that project? I hope he won't be difficult about it... :-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I'm glad you enjoyed this tale and I appreciate you taking the time to leave me reviews. They are always welcome. The Maglor story is on the backburner along with a couple of others I would like to write and I am hoping to get to them next year. I can only handle one major story at a time and at the moment I'm working on the sequel to Elf Academy. Once that's done then I'll be looking at other stories to write and Maglor's story is definitely at the top of the list. So, don't despair. Eru willing, I will be able to write it in the very near future.
Thanks again for all your wonderful comments. Words alone cannot adequately express my gratitude.
Erulisse (one L)
· 26 November 2011
· Chapter 129: Epilogue: A New Age Begins
I am way behind on my reading of this (flooded under with work), but I will catch up as I can. I had to write and congratulate you on finishing another magnum opus, and another fabulous exploration into the early history of the Eldar and the Valar. I had been looking forward to IDB for a long time and you did not disappoint in any respect. I offer my apologies for not having been able to keep up with you this time, but assure you that it will not lie in my mental in-basket for long. Stay well, stay joyful, and have a good Holiday season.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. No problem. Review when you can. I'm glad my take on the Darkening and its aftermath did not disappoint you. I'm sure others have their own ideas of what may have taken place but this is the story that presented itself to me. I hope you have a good Holiday season as well. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. It's been much appreciated. And if you're wondering what's coming next, I am in the process of writing a sequel to "Elf Academy" that I hope to start posting shortly after the New Year, so you can occupy your time in re-reading the original story as a refresher. *grin*
Little Mouse
· 25 November 2011
· Chapter 129: Epilogue: A New Age Begins
Excellent job, Fiondil! I was not ready for this one to end. :) Do you have any new stories up your sleeve for us? I look forward to every update.
Author's reply
Thank you, Little Mouse. I'm glad you enjoyed this story. I am presently working on a sequel to "Elf Academy" though we won't see it posted until sometime in January. In the meantime, you still have "A Long-Expected Wedding" to look forward to every week for the next month or so. By the time we come to the end of that tale I'll be ready to post the "Elf Academy" sequel, so something to look forward to. *grin*
obsidianj
· 25 November 2011
· Chapter 129: Epilogue: A New Age Begins
And so it ends. I'm sorry to see this ending, but on the other hand it was a long and wild and very enjoyable ride. Well done.
So, the Valar don't want to interfere with the secondborn, but are already plotting who they will meet first. Isn't that also interfering? It's probably to a lesser degree...
Author's reply
And so it ends, indeed, obsidianj. Thank you for sticking with the story and letting my know how much you enjoyed it.
As for the Valar not interfering... well, not directly as they did with the Elves, but they are still the Guardians of Arda and so they have a vested interest in making sure things go in a certain direction. It is the fact that they did not "interfere" directly with the Secondborn that many of them were swayed by Morgoth's (and later Sauron's) lies that the Valar did not care for them at all and did not consider them worthy of notice. So the Valar were in a lose-lose situation with Mortals no matter which way they went.
At any rate, I appreciate you taking the time to read and review this story. Thank you very much.
Fantasia
· 25 November 2011
· Chapter 129: Epilogue: A New Age Begins
I have loved everything sentence, chapter of this story. I will miss it. What I am to read Monday's and Fridays now?
Thank you very much Fiondil. I really hope to see new stories from you soon, besides the long expecting wedding.
I love the reference to what is coming, and all the plans. And the Valars have learned the lessons, do not interfere in Atar's plans.
Author's reply
Thank you for reading and reviewing, Fantasia. I appreciate it very much and have enjoyed reading your comments.
I'm presently working on a sequel to "Elf Academy" so you might want to re-read that to remind yourself what happened before. I hope to be posting it after the New Year.
6336
· 25 November 2011
· Chapter 129: Epilogue: A New Age Begins
Well that wraps things up very neatly and gives us some insight into how the Valar think, now to inspire Turgon and company to hide in Gondolin and Finrod to find and excavate Nargothrond and find the Atani, for a start!
Now to load this on the e-reader and reread it.
What's next?
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Have fun re-reading the story. As for what's next: a sequel to Elf Academy, though we won't see it before the New Year, I'm afraid. Still, something to look forward to during the bleak winter months. *grin*
Thanks ever for reading, reviewing, and sending me oopsie alerts when necessary. Words cannot adequately express my appreciation for your friendship and support.
Laikwalâssê
· 25 November 2011
· Chapter 129: Epilogue: A New Age Begins
finished? Oh no, where will be my pillar each week?..*g*....
Thank you so much for this awesome story. It was, is and will ever be my favourite. Lai
Author's reply
All good (and bad) things come to an end, Lai. LOL! At least you have Wedding to look forward to and then by the time that is done I should be ready to start posting the sequel to Elf Academy, so you could always re-read that to remind yourself of what went on before.
Thanks for reading this tale and reviewing. I appreciate it more than words can say and I'm glad this is (for now) your favorite story.
obsidianj
· 24 November 2011
· Chapter 128: The Noldóran Restored
How fitting that the sun would rise during Arafinwe's coronation. I had an inkling when the Valar were so eager to speed them on the way to Tirion. They seemed to have an agenda on their own and the sun was still missing...
I wish I would have some Maia handy when I forgot something at home and are at work. They seem to love to play fetch.
Author's reply
I thought it was a fitting symbol myself, obsidianj, the sun rising at the time of Arafiwnë's coronation heralding a new age for them all.
I wouldn't mind a Maia or three to do for me either. They would certainly come in handy and make my life easier. LOL!
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 24 November 2011
· Chapter 127: Return to Tirion
Finally, they can look forward to the future. I like the idea of an exchange program. It is a wonder that the elves didn't even grow farther apart in all the yeni they live on Aman. But I guess there is not much change over the years.
Author's reply
Yes, they can, obsidianj. I'm glad you like the exchange program. I know that Tolkien stressed that change came more slowly in Aman than in Middle-earth so it makes sense that the Elves of Aman did not grow farther apart than they did. And of course, a thousand years from now a certain balrog-slayer will be a part of that exchange program that is instituted here. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.