Reviews (941)

6336 · 18 April 2011 · Chapter 66: Plots and Counterplots

Oh, how the madness is spreading! Almariel has a lot to answer for, silly elleth. Intarion is an ellon of action I see, I hope his plan works and Amarie has a chance to get to Tirion, not that it will do much good though. This is facisnating reading, knowing how the story will end but enjoying your interpretation of the facts anyway! More please, Huggs, Lynda

Ellynn · 15 April 2011 · Chapter 65: Ingwë Alone

Oh, I just can't wait for Monday! *impatient*

Fantasia · 15 April 2011 · Chapter 65: Ingwë Alone

My, the lack of light is getting everybody crazy in Valinor! I was expecting many things, but no this. What I cannot understand, is how Ingoldo was free and back to the Royal Famiy in EI. This was a complete surprise, Fiondil, update soon, please!

Sunny · 15 April 2011 · Chapter 65: Ingwë Alone

Seems everybody wants to take a quick foray into the story and beat Ingoldo to a pulp. It is tempting - but it wouldn't do to be a copycat - I'll rather carefully put up my hair, slide in as many items of hair weaponry that my locks can hod, and then go hunting. (I have a great fondness for hairsticks that are shaped as weapons, and I have a number of very nice ones!) :-D

Tari · 15 April 2011 · Chapter 59: Finwë in Mandos

The reuniting of Finwë and Miriel was very touching. What will happen when they are reimboded at the end should be interesting, especially with Indis involved. It's best that he doesn't know what his son and grandson's are up to.

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 15 April 2011 · Chapter 65: Ingwë Alone

Oh, Atar Fiondil! :( I've been reading all along of course, just a lot of the time I don't have time to write a proper review. I'm sorry I haven't been reviewing, but rest assured I haven't missed a chapter and I love this story (and, when it's finished, I am going to find time to read through it again and review every chapter LOL, you know me) So, Ingwe's been captured, has he? Sneaky Ingoldo...add me to the list of those who want to be written in to beat Ingoldo to a pulp. *Grin* A member of Arafinwe's household, let's say, because you know I love him best (and Finda, and Galadriel, obviously, though she's still Artanis as yet) Heck, just let *Artanis* have a crack at Ingoldo for me, would you? Young or not, she wouldn't stand for this ill-treatment of her beloved great-uncle, who is both Ingaran and Vanyaran. (And could you clarify something for me, please? Is he High King of all the Elves in *Arda*, or just *Aman*? Of course, he's got no way to communicate with, say, the Silvan or the Nandorin folk, but if he did, would they have to recognise his sovereignty (is that a word)? Waiting for Monday eagerly! Tye-melin, Atto indonyo, Kaylee

Sunny · 15 April 2011 · Chapter 65: Ingwë Alone

So now Ingoldo has committed himself. I suppose he will more or less be able to wiggle out of the charges against him, or at least finagle a verdict of "not proven", since we see him at court in Elf Interrupted. His carreer change there was long overdue. At least I think that from now on, Ingwë and those closest to him are not likely to ever quite trust Ingoldo again.

6336 · 15 April 2011 · Chapter 65: Ingwë Alone

Can you add me in right after Angwen, please? Thankyou, Lynda (Yes, I know, take a number!)

6336 · 15 April 2011 · Chapter 65: Ingwë Alone

Oops! I did not see this coming, Poor Ingwe, what a thing to happen, you should have asked for that escort! Ingoldo is an opurtunistic son of a gun isn't he, Ingwe has played right into his hands? I don't think Ingwe has realised just how much Ingoldo wants to be King. I also think Ingoldo will find that taking over will not be as easy as he thinks, Elindis is more than a match for him, smart elleth that she is! I have a feeling that this is when Ingalure's Mother Name comes into affect, don't underestimate that ellon, for all his insecurities, he is loyal to his King and Atar. The train is picking up speed! Huggs, Lynda

Angwen · 15 April 2011 · Chapter 65: Ingwë Alone

Could you please write me in so I can beat the ever-loving hell out of Ingoldo? Seriously! ^_^

Erulisse · 12 April 2011 · Chapter 64: Preparations Advancing

I can't help but wonder how dramatically the history of both Aman and Middle Earth would have been altered had Finderato agreed to stay behind and take the throne. Arafinwe may not have turned back. There would certainly have been no ring of Barahir, therefore no Luthien and Beren, or at least certainly not within the same story parameters and likely without the same success. It totally boggles the mind how one small decision can start this total domino effect with ripples going 1000's of years away. - Erulisse (one L)

Shemyaza · 12 April 2011 · Chapter 64: Preparations Advancing

It does seem to me that Findarato's family underestimated him. I get the impression that they viewed him as the lovable family buffoon, certainly not one to girt himself with a sword and plunge into territory unknown. Sometimes it's the people you think you know well that surprise you. I also wonder how much of Finda's decision comes from the realisation that everyone else seems to have lost their minds and he feels that he should be there to be the voice of reason. What a shame nobody told him that reason had left the building! Believe it or not, the thing that you have managed to convey so well and with so few words is Earwen's sorrow and fear. She behaves so regally in a situation that has gone beyond madness and yet you manage to convey her emotions so brilliantly. It will be interesting to see her reaction when Arafinwe turns back and turns up on the doorstep. She must have felt betrayed by his actions and even more betrayed by her children's actions, especiallly Artanis. I imagine that poor Earwen would have wanted a far different relationship with her daughter. Ah yes, families making decisions for the absent member. There's a bit of that going on in my family at the moment. That's the trouble with everyone else thinking that they know better than anyone else. My sister and I have described ourselves as a group of individuals masquerading as a family and I think that this is a more than accurate description of the Finwians. Finwe's brood definitely put the 'd' in dysfunctional! And in the background, the darkness about to fall even harder on poor beleaguered Valinor and the Valar are damned if they do and damned if they don't. I'm sure that they would have loved to raise their hands and stop everyone dead in their tracks but they know that taking such an action will only confirm what Feanor and now many others think. Their hands are tied and the die is cast. All they can do is try to pick up the pieces...a bit like the average parents to be honest. Your kids get to a stage where they must make their own, often spectacular, mistakes and all you can do is wait and pick up the pieces when it all falls apart. I suppose one could apportion blame to the Valar for the decision over allowing Miriel to make the choice of departing her life and Finwe to remarry, but who knows what Eru was thinking at the time and what did he see in those actions that would shape matters for the rest of time. I actually feel sorry for them. I feel sorry for Earwen and I feel sorry for Ingwe. I do feel sorry for Olwe in a way, but I think that the Teleri isolationist policies are about to come and bite them in the ass. Not that they deserve bloodshed, but I do think that Olwe and his family and court, not to mention the Teleri people, are totally out of touch with matters elsewhere. Perhaps if they had involved themselves more Olwe would not have been so certain that Feanor wouldn't resort to bloodshed. Oh what a tanbled web we weave,,,

Sunny · 11 April 2011 · Chapter 64: Preparations Advancing

Well, things are definitely going to hell in a handcart. :-p I wonder what they were thinking - or if they were thinking at all - when they decided, in his absence, just to make it perfect, that Findaráto should stay in Tirion and rule those Noldor who remained there, while practically all the rest of the family would leave. And I don't think any sweet words of reason would have worked at all - Finfaráto does after all have a couple of appointments in Beleriand. And where sweet words of reason are concerned - Nolofinwë really bungled that.

Larner · 11 April 2011 · Chapter 64: Preparations Advancing

So this is how Nolofinwe became one of those who left. I rejoice that at the last moment Arafinwe changed his mind, at least. I can appreciate Ingwion's fear and confusion and anger, though, particularly at Finderato's apparently sudden change in attitude.

Larner · 11 April 2011 · Chapter 63: Audience With Olwë

At least Olwe is somewhat warned, although who in the whole of Aman could truly foresee what will happen--beyond perhaps Namo....

6336 · 11 April 2011 · Chapter 64: Preparations Advancing

And so begins Ingwion's descent into despair. I could see Finderato doing that, he is a very responsible ellon, but if all the family is going, why should he stay behind? Interesting that Earwen decided to stay, I wonder whose idea that was, hers or Arafinwe's? Ingwe is right, he needs to tell the Valar what is happening, in his own words, even if they know exactly what is happening in more detail than he does. The train is picking up speed and heading for derailment. Huggs, Lynda

Sitara · 11 April 2011 · Chapter 63: Audience With Olwë

Such…squeamishness, Olwë. From my point of view, there was only one thing truly vile about that oath and it was solely between Fëanáro and Eru Ilúvatar. No one else was concerned, including the Valar, which may lead to some interesting conclusions, given their subsequent behavior. “grin” We’ll see about that. As for the rest…nothing too unusual and certainly nothing that wouldn’t be done later by other people, I reckon. “grin” Frankly, the Teleri and Olwë’s behavior seems to me typical for people living in their little world, not knowing and not wanting to know anything about the outside world. As long as they didn’t lose anything (the Teleri grounds weren’t exactly bathed in the Light of the Trees and no Teler was killed), they couldn’t care less about other’s people pain or desire for vengeance. That’s no naivety neither innocence, at least for Olwë, who lived in Middle-earth for a good part of his life. He ought to know what death is (I don’t believe their journey to Aman was a holiday either), what means to be hunted and to lose your dear ones to a fate worse than death. I wonder, no Teler knew what means to desire revenge against the one who took your loved ones and twisted them into Orcs? “shaking head” No innocence is where the Teleri are concerned, in my opinion, but the worst case of self-centeredness, for it can be only too easy disguised as innocence. And I won’t even start now a discussion about what will happen when the Teleri’s own work of the heart would be robbed. Then we can see exactly how much innocence is hiding within the Teleri’s hearts. In all earnestness, Fëanáro’s Oath doesn’t scare me as much as the Teleri’s attitude. Darkness revealed is nowhere near as scary as hidden Darkness, in my opinion. Anyway, I cannot say I was disappointed by your portrayal of Olwë. “grin” This is Olwë “these-are-to-us-as-are-the-gems-of-the-Noldor” Lindaran.

Sitara · 11 April 2011 · Chapter 62: Mission to Alqualondë

So Fëanáro had the audacity to accuse the noble Ingaran of ….making free use of the Noldor in order to settle some business of his own. Such an outrageous and totally groundless accusation. “bursting into laughter”. But I have to praise both Ingwion and Ingwë’s acting skills. Most impressive, indeed, Ingoldo himself would have been proud of their little scheme. But, well, anything for the greater good, I suppose. “grin” Manveru and Erunáro in full battle regalia, swords at the ready and hauberks gleaming, an impressive sight. Why, but Melkor himself would have run for his life had he been unfortunate enough to come across them in his little trek about Aman and Ungoliant would have tripped on her eight legs in her hurry to save her hide. I’m sorry but this is really all that came into my mind when I saw them. They are part of the Valar’s failure as much as any other Ainu is. They come now to guard Ingwë against…no idea really against whom and what would they protect him but no long ago they let Melkor to frolic about Aman, from Ezellohar to Formenos, giant spider in tow, without as much as a pat on the shoulder. As a result, Finwë died and nothing would ever be the same. Even now, the Valar don’t seem to get it, at least this is what I think. It was , well, refreshing to see the royal’s family behavior “eyes glinting”. As it was to see that Findaráto ‘s foremost concern is and will always be the well-being of his friends. Very interesting, indeed. Nice trip they had on their way to inspect the royal granaries “grin”, of which I noticed two things. First, Tol Erresëa and second, the kindness of the Teleri sailors. Had Melkor tried to corrupt them, the poor fool might have found himself like the one trying to sell figs in Damascus. “grin

Larner · 11 April 2011 · Chapter 62: Mission to Alqualondë

She would take him back to that cave again, would she? She obviously has it in mind to torture him a bit! Poor Arafinwe! At least they found the path, and it didn't take them all that long. Hope they get some game on the way back.

Larner · 11 April 2011 · Chapter 61: Preparations for Departure

I find Nolofinwe is confusing me, for I know that Arafinwe, after his change of heart, became the Noldoran. The whole enterprise is, of course, a frigging mess, and Feanor is not doing anyone any favors. His attitude is very childish and self-centered in so many ways. I grieve for what he is doing to his people.

Sitara · 9 April 2011 · Chapter 61: Preparations for Departure

Hmm…I have several issues as regards this chapter. And with Tolkien as well, for it seems he’d already written the story by the time he thought to give it a chronology. If I’m to assume that the Noldor took several months maybe even years to get themselves ready, then a lot of events as they were related in canon would not make any sense. Starting with the Valar’s behavior, of course. “grin” It would be interesting to see your take on these events, although I still believe the Noldor left in no more than three days, each of them grabbing as luggage whatever was handy at the time. Fëanáro appears to play here his part as Noldorán. Interesting. I for one never allowed him such courtesy, as I always thought he stormed out of Tirion without a backward glance and certainly no thought for the ones left behind. “wide grin” But since you have him acting as King, I’ve to say he’s not half-bad at it. He had no real desire to help the ones who had chosen to remain or to leave them part of the treasury? Does it matter? He does what he must, not what he’d feel like doing and this is the mark of a true king, in my opinion. Furthermore, he gives to the Noldor here the first real choice of their life: they can come and bring their families along, but they have to know that they and no one else will be responsible for themselves. No deceit, no promises. From this moment on, every Noldo who decided to accompany him is responsible for his own decisions. The most honest speech I’ve ever heard from a ruler, at least in Tolkien’s world. “grin” But I didn’t understand what was with the regency thing since Fëanáro had no thought of ever returning to Aman? For it wasn’t merely a quest for vengeance (for other people, that’s it “grin”) but an exodus for building a new life in another place. And I still think the Noldor left Aman just as the Hebrews marched out of Egypt, only without their leaven. “grin” Now about not so pleasing surprises….. So, to Arafinwë, seeking vengeance for a parent’s death would be …a whim? “raising eyebrows” Very revealing, from my point of view. “grin” But Ingwë is bound to hold the limelight once again. So, he will dig his fingers into the messy pie called Alqualondë? Even better. “grin” And, if I’ve got it right, he sent his son and subject to Olwë, a vassal king, and give him an account of the recent events or at least Ingwë’s version of said events. But it wasn’t all they did. Ingwë and Ingwion roped Findaráto, a subject of the Noldorán, whom he ‘d given his allegiance, face-making notwithstanding, into this. And said Noldorán wasn’t supposed to find out about this trip, which wasn't quite in his behalf. How would the Ingaran call this, I wonder? And how would he like to see the same kind of behavior displayed in his own court?

Shemyaza · 8 April 2011 · Chapter 63: Audience With Olwë

I think that Olwe's insistence on talking to Nolofinwe as well will be a rather fateful move, Feanor may well have not factored the ships of the Teleri as a serious means of crossing the sea to Endore although I'm sure it was considered. If Nolofinwe tells his half brother what has transpired by Findarato and Ingwion visitng Olwe, it's more than likely it would be like a red rag to a bull for Feanor. Even if he hadn't considered the ships as a primary way of moving his people, he certainly will after that...in fact it will be his next immediate target. Feanor is unbalanced enough to think that his oratorial abilities will move Olwe. I believe that he has reached the point where he feels he can move mountains with self righteous rage and revenge and I imagine that he wouldn't believe for one moment that Olwe would deny him. On his side, Olwe wouldn't for one minute even consider that Feanor will take the ships by force. Elves do not do that to each other, in his view anyway. Of course we all know that the situation is not as simple as that and Feanor has gone way beyond the generally accepted Elven way. Nice touch though introducing Olwen in that chapter.

6336 · 8 April 2011 · Chapter 63: Audience With Olwë

Ah, young love, or the beginnings of it, alas it will be many centuries before it comes to fruition! Ingwion and Finderato had better do a little hunting as well as dirtying up or people will be really suspicious of their 'hunting trip'! Well now we know Olwe's thoughts on the matter, a pity he did not plan on doing more than denying Feanaro the ships, he and Ingwe are still very naive. I found it interesting that Olwe wanted Finderato to only talk to his uncle Nolofinwe and his father and not Feanaro, while he acknowledges that Feanaro in Noldoran he does not acknowledge his rule over the Noldor, seeing Nolofinwe in that position. Interesting chapter. Huggs, Lynda

Sunny · 8 April 2011 · Chapter 63: Audience With Olwë

Yes, Olwë, Fëanáro is quite insane, and when you refuse him your ships, he is only going to get worse. And then he will introduce the concept of "murder" and "killing" to the Elves. I wonder if Nolofinwë is going to spill the beans about where Findaráto and Ingwion really were? Findaráto and Ingwion may do as Olwë requests and only tell him, but Nolofinwë did not want to be regent and gave up the regency happily, so it would not surprise me if he tells is brother about Olwë's opinions, since as far as he is concerned, Fëanáro is the King of the Noldor. If he does, it is only going to stoke the fires of Fëanáro's madness, and possibly even make him _plan_ for stealing the Teleri's ship, and later the abandonment of those who don't follow him and his sons.

Erulisse (one L) · 8 April 2011 · Chapter 63: Audience With Olwë

"I have this feeling that Tirion is going to be an unhealthy place for any who are not Noldor." That is a sad but probably very accurate statement of the political climate of Tirion at this time. The fact that tempers and ideologies are getting heated enough to cause actually danger to those who are not of a specific group - the People have come a long way from the original 144 along the lakeside at Cuivienen, and not necessarily in a good direction. The unity that existed is becomming fractured and factions are arising. It is frightening, and it will become horrific. - Erulisse (one L)