Reviews (941)

Sunny · 18 February 2011 · Chapter 49: iMaptalë Cálëo

Melkor's petty spitefulness - stopping by the Mahanaxar just so that he coud spit on Manwë's throne - seems very much in character! At one point in this chapter i whas somewhat confused: when Findaráto says to Elenwë, “Elenwë, ... I will find her. Where is Turco?” Turco definitely sounds like it would be a pet name for _Turcafinwë_, though I suppose it could be used for Turucáno too. Or did you just slip up here? A tunnel? So that is how the Noldor at Formenos are getting around the Valars' restrictions! Finwë's experience as leader of the Noldor during the march, and before, is clearly useful to him here. Get the vulnerable ones out of the way and protected when something seems wrong or danger threatens. But he is setting himself up as bait, and seems unaware of how his death may (will) affect his eldest son. But offering himself as bait should allow Melkor a sufficiant amount of "fun" by ensuring that only the readily available people will get killed, and not everybody else - like all those elflings. :-O

Fantasia · 18 February 2011 · Chapter 49: iMaptalë Cálëo

It is happening, finally Melkor has made his move and all the Valars were caught unaware. I said it before, but what a traumatic experience for Feanor's son and people to see the Darkness first hand. I can see why they took the Oath right away and leave Valinor, when people are grieving and wrathful, they are not very rational. I guess that they didn't trust too much in the Valar to keep them safe and for revenge. I always remember a quote from the Iliad, something like: when the Gods want to ruin a man, the blind him with ire. I'm confused; it is always day in Valinor at that time? They never see the starts?

6336 · 18 February 2011 · Chapter 49: iMaptalë Cálëo

Very nicely done, I liked the little interlude with Itralde and Finderato. Finwe really is a selfish S.O.B.(With apologies to Atar!) he sends his love to his children and his last thoughts are for Miriel, what about Indis!? Now the 'fun' starts. Waiting patiently for Monday! Huggs, Lynda

ninqwestilmen · 18 February 2011 · Chapter 49: iMaptalë Cálëo

What a profound sense of dreadful anticipation you paint here... the loss and the confusion and the fear... wonderfully portrayed indeed. And I am so glad to see Finwe in this chapter, I have been waiting to see his nobility and bravery come through. And selflessness I might add, his facing of Melkor in such bleak circumstances underlines his worthiness for the fierce loyalty that he inspired in his children. And to think of Miriel at such a time, that thought touched me to the core... The Valar must be completely in turmoil, to think that the lamps were destroyed on a day of festival when they were unaware, and again history repeats itself... they must feel as such failures at the moment, and when they learn that an elf was murdered in Aman... A wonderful chapter Fiondil, I've been waiting for this one all week long and it exceeded my expectations.

Sitara · 16 February 2011 · Chapter 48: The Last Days of Light

So, we got to see Idril al grown-up along with her husband and son. Ugh. For some reason, Idril Celebrindal has always rubbed me the wrong way and for another reason, whenever I read about Tuor , the next thing popping in my twisted little mind is Ar-Pharazon’s name. Totally weird. “grin” Personally, I wouldn’t blame Námo or any other Vala for not knowing what to make of this particular vision. It was practically impossible to squeeze out some useful things of it, in my opinion. His next “vision”, however, never leaves me without feeling the urge to strangle him with my bare hands. Regarding Fëanáro and Nolofinwë’s moment…I have no reason to doubt Fëanáro’s intentions but I have several reasons to doubt Nolofinwë’s , reasons already discussed on this board, quotes and all. I have to give Manwë several points for trying but the issue of the Silmarils will always spoil everything, even if he cannot even begin to fathom how this particular issue would take him on the same path as it did to Melkor. Admittedly, for entirely another kind of reasons and not really giving into the urge to seize them by force, but still, in my opinion, the Silmarils have always been the Valar’s greatest grudge not against Fëanáro, but against Eru Iluvatar Himself.

Sunny · 15 February 2011 · Chapter 48: The Last Days of Light

Ihad to grin when I read Fantasia's review, and her comment on "the langest twelve weeks in history". I got to thinking about Findaráto and Amarië's announcement of their wedding in EI, and their statement of "twelve years from now would be most appropriate". :-D

6336 · 15 February 2011 · Chapter 48: The Last Days of Light

The situation with Feanaro and Nolofinwe makes me think of a similar situation in a terribly elitist prep school where the teachers have no idea just what is going on and the studants run the place! To be honest the Valar are still very young themselves in many ways, a bit like maiden aunts who have the great neices and nephews over and expect them to play nicely and cannot understand why they can't. Huggs and belated Valentines Day greetings, Lynda

Fantasia · 14 February 2011 · Chapter 48: The Last Days of Light

“Half-brother in blood, full brother in heart will I be. Thou shalt lead and I will follow. Let no new grief divide us.” Fëanáro stared intently at his half-brother for a moment before nodding. “I hear thee,” he said. “So be it.” --- The best example of bad timing. “Yes, in twelve weeks,” ---The longer twelve weeks in History After this, I hope that the Valars get a special training like "the importance of interpreate visions on time" What is the point to have foresight if you don't use it! I was almost shouting to them when Nessa comented that how a mortal was alloed to Valinor. I mean, what an important vision, the first sight of a Mortal man and married to an elleth! Did not ring a bell to those Valars? They are going to have such a waking call! Love this story so much, Fiondil

Tari · 14 February 2011 · Chapter 47: The Feast of Thanksgiving Commences

Bless Findaráto for his compassion to Lord Namo. I'm sure it will not go unrewarded. In addition, the rest are learning to overcome their fear of the Vala.

Larner · 14 February 2011 · Chapter 48: The Last Days of Light

You have to admit that Melkor's timing couldn't have been better for his own purposes if he'd tried! Alas, that this should be the moment of darkening!

Mysterious Jedi · 14 February 2011 · Chapter 48: The Last Days of Light

Dramatic ending. I feel bad for the characters, and I am interested to see everyone's reactions.

Ellynn · 14 February 2011 · Chapter 48: The Last Days of Light

For the last three or four chapters, I have the strong need to shout a loud warning to the Valar, to the Elves, to everyone - Watch out, Melkor is coming! It grieves me that the evil forces are so strong, and it grieves me even more when I remember what will follow. Thanks for another great chapter!

Sunny · 14 February 2011 · Chapter 48: The Last Days of Light

Evidently being presented to the Valar is ... overly exiting ... for children. Ingwion became hysterical, and I guess Ingalaure did too? And Findaráto refused to let go of the pendant he got to play with. And Turucáno is described as a "holy terror". Itarilde's lack of a tantrum is actually worthy of comment, it seems - and that good behavior is a result of Turucáno _bribing_ her! Makes me wonder what antics Artanis made when she was presented... ;-) Feanáro obviously felt forced into the reconciliation with Nolofinwë. I think he really resented this whole situation. And then Melkor and Ungoliant struck.

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 14 February 2011 · Chapter 48: The Last Days of Light

*exhales* So it's finally happened (and posted on Valentine's Day, too, of all days, lol...what a contrast!) It's both good, and not so good, to see Feanaro and Nolofinwe reconcile this way...although, I suppose, it's been foreseen that the Exile of the Noldor had to happen, here's where Nolofinwe became fated to join it, I think. Nolofinwe, and his children with him, (and his nephews and niece, for that matter) must go. I found the Valar's reactions to Namo's vision about Itarilde interesting. They didn't consider that the Firstborn might leave, rather than Mortals coming to Aman? Well, they'll soon see how the pieces are going to move. (Considering that reminds me of Atar in one of your Tapestries, my favorite, "Power: Divine Restraint" as he's explaining why he won't stop Melkor. Melkor is moving to bring out His Design after all; without the Noldor's departure, there would be no Earendil. No Elrond. No Arwen. And we know what Arwen meant to Aragorn and the future of Men...for that matter there would have been no Elros and no Numenor, either. Doom it may bring, but in the end, Hope will be born of such doom. It is that hope which kept me smiling to myself as I finished the chapter. I can't wait until Friday! Happy Valentine's Day to you, Atto. May it be blessed and may you spend the day with someone, anyone, you love. I'd give you chocolate if I could, but instead I'm giving you this review. *giggles* (My amme gave me chocolate, but made me promise not to eat any this morning. It'll last a few hours, I guess :D) Tye-melin tenn'Ambar-metta, Kaylee

6336 · 14 February 2011 · Chapter 48: The Last Days of Light

Well, we knew it was coming. Nothing wrong with rewarding good behavior. Huggs, Lynda

Arwen75 · 14 February 2011 · Chapter 48: The Last Days of Light

Lovely chapter and Namo's vision has given the Valar something to think about. Glad Feanoro & Nolfinwe are at least semi reconciled. Now I have to wait - know what has just happened but I want to see how you treat it in your story. Also enjoying the connections with Elf Interrupted etc and seeing where some of the things in there have come from.

Larner · 14 February 2011 · Chapter 47: The Feast of Thanksgiving Commences

Aha! Caught up again! Interesting to see these two brothers-in-spirit together, first enjoying the hospitality of Namo and Vaire. I find myself wondering just how much Namo already knows of their fates.

6336 · 13 February 2011 · Chapter 47: The Feast of Thanksgiving Commences

Ah, thankyou! Looks like Feanor is not the only Noldo to like 'Shinies'! Huggs, Lynda

Larner · 13 February 2011 · Chapter 46: Melkor in Avathar

Trust Melkor to utter promises he never intends to honor, and to underestimate his opponents. And that he would be angry at the Sea for ignoring him is so true to his nature. Egotists can't stand being ignored, can they?

Larner · 13 February 2011 · Chapter 45: Invitations and Reactions

Alas that the Valar have not found their errant brother, as we know from this side that he will take advantage of this festival to wreak his worst damage there in Aman. It's nice to see many of the Eldar opening themselves to hope once more, but at the same it's sad, as WE know what's coming. And our beloved Finderato is indeed very wise.

Larner · 12 February 2011 · Chapter 44: Further Discussions Among the Valar

A sad thing that Feanor must be commanded. The plans are good; but Melkor has seen his seeds of discord well tended.

Sitara · 12 February 2011 · Chapter 47: The Feast of Thanksgiving Commences

I almost felt sorry for Námo here. But, as I'm sure he knows, he cannot have all. He's the Doomsman of Arda and regardless of who made him such and at whom behest he speaks one's Doom, he's the one who'll be always viewed by Elves and Men alike as a sort of a Grim Reaper, scythe and all. As for Indis...you know, I have a neutral view towards the canon Indis, but this one...I find her positively despicable. And a hypocrite to boot, on top of that. All I would like to say in respect to this is no matter how fine people would hers and Finwë's offspring prove themselves to be (debatable, in my opinion) and how nice would Arda shine because of their glorious deeds, what had she, Finwë and Miriel done was wrong. And nothing would make it right, ever. In my view, the greatest minds could never call a wrong as it were right, nor could easily accept a compromise and its consequences. This is how I explain Fëanáro's behavior towards his stepmother and half-brothers. They are no Mortals. The bond of matrimony should have been indestructible for the Firstborn and I'd acknowledge Finwë and Miriel's parting as what it was: a paradigm shift. In my opinion, at least. "grin" Well, I suppose by now Melkor and his friend would be well on their way to the Trees. After all, it wasn't the first time when Melkor caught the Valar unawares and destroyed their source of Light. Some people never learn....

Sitara · 12 February 2011 · Chapter 46: Melkor in Avathar

What a gloomy picture you paint in this chapter, Fiondil! So this is how Acairis ended up. As Melkor himself would, soon. That's a really sad thing. Two beings, beautiful beyond any imagination to end up like this...Moreover, as far as I can tell, there is no hope of redemtion for either of them in canon. I truly hope to be wrong on this, but.... "Elder Fool", indeed! Unfortunately, Melkor is right this time, as unpleasant it's for me to admit. I usually prefer to take out my anger on Námo. "grin" Not that it was really an idyllic place, even without Melkor and his machinations, but to see them about to wreak havoc on such beautiful lands, it's unsettling, to the least. And...maybe, just maybe, I'm allowing myself to think that regardless of the Valar's stupidities (which were many), perhaps it would have been worth to put up with all in order for Melkor and Ungoliant to be thwarted from achieving their goal: the destruction of Valinor. Which they did accomplish, in my opinion. And, what is with Ungoliant and her hunger for gems, I wonder? Her daughter wasn't quite so picky, as far as I remember...

Erulisse (one L) · 12 February 2011 · Chapter 47: The Feast of Thanksgiving Commences

My dear Fiondil - It's like watching a train wreck in slow motion. We are two days away from Darkness, two days away from changes that will radically change and reshape Arda, and here we have the populace feasting, singing and dancing. It's rather like the musicians on the Titanic as the ship went down. I love Finderato's compassion. His perception, which held firm for him throughout his life, is strong here, and his sense of the "proper" and "appropriate" action comes through in shining colors. Your portrayals of Lord Namo are always loving, and once again he comes through as a caring and compassionate Vala. To reconcile that love with the Doomsman that he will be portraying in just a few days is sorrowful. I read this yesterday, and would have commented then. But I really loved this chapter, and I wanted to give myself an excuse to read it again. So I decided to hold off on my review until today just to have the opportunity to once again read it. And I loved it as much the 2nd and 3rd times that I read it, as the 1st. - Erulisse (one L) (Who is busy reading through EI 1 again, for the upteenth time. Like good wine, it just is better every time.)

Fantasia · 11 February 2011 · Chapter 47: The Feast of Thanksgiving Commences

What a beautiful chapter! Good for Finrod, he almost made me cry for his compassion towards Namo. Thank to you I really like Namo. I feel so sorry for Namo, that he has to proclaim the Doom to the Noldors that are leaving, I'm sure that it broke his heart. Also, to those leaving, seeing some one that was their friend and Lord rejecting them must have been so hard. What a mess. I remember in GI1 you wrote about that, from Glorfindel POV. I wonder how the dinamic in Finwe’s house with the stepmother was. Feanor was the only elf that I'm aware to be in that situation, should had been so strange, probably no one knew how to handle that. I had a stepmother, a real evil stepmother, believe me. Luckily for me, I didn't have to live with her, but it was not a pleasant experience. I'm prejudiced against stepmothers, no offense intended to all the wonderful ones out there, but when I read Indis comments about Feanor and sons, I didn't like her. AS I said before, I’m all anticipation