6336
· 11 February 2011
· Chapter 47: The Feast of Thanksgiving Commences
Oh, there is nothing worse than giving a party and nobody shows up. Poor Namo, I know just how he feels. I was so happy to see that Findarato had the grace and compassion to see his delemma and act on it!
Just what did Findarato do when presented, I know Ingwion had a screaming fit, I hope Findarato did not embarras his parents and do the same?
It was nice to see Glorfindel and the other Ellyn of our aquantance before they took off for Endore.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, you really have to feel sorry for poor Námo. He's one of the good guys but no one believes him. Re-read chapter 25 of this story to find out what Findaráto did at his presentation. And I thought it would be fun for the readers to get a glimpse of Glorfindel and some others in their innocence before the Darkening changed them.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Sunny
· 11 February 2011
· Chapter 47: The Feast of Thanksgiving Commences
What _did_ Findaráto do at his presentation?? There must be a story here! ;-)
How nice of Findaráto to get some of the others to join him at the dread Lord of the Dead for the partying. But in a millennium or two I think Námo's place will be _the_ most popular place to be - certainly so for the Reborn and their families. And how nice to get the first glimpse of the one who will be the other half of the Dynamic Duo that will be the bane of Namo's - and his maiar's - existence (for a while, at least)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, Findaráto is very good at persuasion, isn't he? And I thought it would be fun to give people a glimpse of some of our favorite characters from 'Elf, Interrupted' before they left Aman (and returned), unaware that their lives will become tightly interwoven with one another in the future, unaware that some would become intimately acquainted with the dread Lord of Mandos and would even consider him a friend. There's a bit of irony in this, don't you think? *grin*
As for Findaráto's presentation... you will find the answer to that in chapter 25 of this story towards the end of the chapter after Findaráto's interview with Aulë.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Lady Edlyn
· 11 February 2011
· Chapter 47: The Feast of Thanksgiving Commences
Eru bless Findaráto! What a kind and generous thing he did by returning to Lord Námo and Lady Vairë's for the feast. I loved Ingwion and Ingalaurë's comments about why they were there. I actually laughed out loud after reading them. I also snickered at the references to Ingwion and Findaráto's presentations as the descriptions of them still linger in my memory from your other writings.
I can't help but sympathize with Námo's situation of being distanced from the Eldar due to his job. I feel that even though he's had all these millenia (googlennia?) to find himself in his place according to Eru's design, there is still a part of him who feels insecure and needs confirmation of his worth. However, this need may be why he is so very good at what he does, especially in his role of the Consoler. He's been there and understands the kinds ofhurts that get inflicted on one's fëa.
I know that the physical manifestation of Darkness is coming all too soon, and the psychological and spiritual Darkness has been insidiously creeping into Eldamar and it's people over the past years, but this chapter (despite the political comments regarding Finwë and Fëanáro early on) was so Light, it filled my heart with joy. Thank you, meldonya!
May Thy Path Be Blessed,
Edlyn
Author's reply
Yes, Findaráro is very generous and compassionate, Edlyn, which is why he's one of my favorite Elves. We can see here the king he will someday become who gives up a crown for the sake of an oath to a Mortal.
Námo has always been my favorite of the Valar and I enjoy writing him in all his facets. He's the most interesting of them all as far as I'm concerned because he wears several different hats and, as you say, he's been there, done that and so can more relate to what the fëar that come before him suffered.
I'm glad this chapter filled your heart with joy, Edlyn, in spite of the Darkeness that we know is coming even if they do not. That was my intent. These people do not know just how short a time they have before disaster strikes. I don't think even Námo knows or if he does he's not telling anyone and is probably the greatest poker player of all time. *LOL*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it. And may thy path be blessed as well.
Lady Edlyn
· 10 February 2011
· Chapter 46: Melkor in Avathar
Meldonya, Finally I've been able to take a break from my math studies and get caught up on this phenomenally brilliant story. I'll go back later on and review each chapter but the culmination of those youve posted so far have me feeling emotionally exhausted. I am particularly worried for Ingalaurë and Ingwion (but that may be due to the fact I, too, am a twin).
Like others have said, I really like the connection to yuor Wars of the Valar by having Ungoliantë be the current form of Acairis. It's incedibly appropriate and makes her--well, not sympathetic exactly--but something more than a Halloween horror.
And Melkor... it seems fitting that he loses his ability to effortlessly change his state just as he puts his foulest plan into action.
Bravissimo!
Please be well and stay warm and safe. You are in my thoiughts and prayers.
Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi Edlyn! I'm so glad you've been reading and enjoying this tale. I look forward to reading more detailed reviews of individual chapters as you get to them. I wanted to give Ungolantë more depth than just your random villain, and I always knew, even as I was writing Wars of the Valar that Acairis would become Ungolantë. It just seemed like a logical thing and it allowed me to bring in the "Acairis-character" at times, so the reader could see just how far she's fallen.
And Tolkien specifically states that it was at this very moment in confronting Ungolantë that he lost his ability to change his state forever, so it's not something I made up for the sake of the story. *grin*
Anyway, I appreciate you taking the time to leave this review. Stay warm and safe and well too.
Tari
· 10 February 2011
· Chapter 45: Invitations and Reactions
Giving thanks to Eru is something the Elves should do everyday, not just once a year. Their thanks and praise is long overdue.
Author's reply
And we're talking a Valian year which is almost 10 solar years, so it's been quite a while since their last Feast of Thanksgiving, Tari. Definitely long overdue. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it.
Aiwen
· 7 February 2011
· Chapter 46: Melkor in Avathar
So Acairis is Ungoliant? That's a believable fall, actually. Interesting tie to The Wars of the Valar.
Author's reply
Hi Aiwen. Well, in my universe she is. *grin* I know many readers of "Wars of the Valar" wondered at Acairis' fate and I thought it appropriate that a former Maia in the service of Vairë would want to weave her own webs and obviously becoming Ungoliantë seemed a logical step. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 7 February 2011
· Chapter 46: Melkor in Avathar
I'm with Sunny on this one, someone needs to do something nice for Eonwe, he is going to be very,very busy sometime soon. Good job he is a Maia and will not get writers cramp!
Are you sure that there is not some little elfling out there who is taking oath to one of his friends to be the bestest warrior ever?
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
I'm sure Atar is looking after Eönwë and directing him towards some 'fun' oaths, especially among unsuspecting elflings. *grin*
Fantasia
· 7 February 2011
· Chapter 46: Melkor in Avathar
Acairis, she survived after all. She was so close to repent, well maybe not, but she regreted her coise a little bit.
So, it has started.
Author's reply
Yes, she did, Fantasia, and unfortunately she had fallen too far to reject what she had become and so she is trapped. And yes, it has started. The Darkening itself is only a few chapters away.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
Tari
· 7 February 2011
· Chapter 43: Seeds of Betrayal
I knew Ingoldo would cause trouble. Ingil should listen to Valandur, not his uncle, but will he? Things don't look good in that respect.
Author's reply
You're right that Ingil should have listened to Valandur rather than Ingoldo, Tari, but unfortunately his own insecurities do not allow him to accept Valandur's words. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 7 February 2011
· Chapter 46: Melkor in Avathar
My reviews have been sorely lacking, Atto...I'm sorry :( I have read every chapter, and loved it very much...they've made me shiver, scream, and laugh by turns, hopefully in all the right places. *grin*
And here we see Melkor. And...ha, I was right, I was right! Ungoliant is Acairis, I thought so, I knew it!
Wonderfully woven (pun intended :P) and well crafted: my favorite line of Melkor's may surprise you though, lol...
Well, not a speaking line, but it's a thought of his (although what he said just before it was so very Melkor-ish)
"And then he spat at the waters, though he knew it was a foolish, indeed vain, gesture on his part. The Sea did not care and pretty much ignored him and he so hated being ignored."
...Of course the Sea would not care. Though I've not any doubt that Ulmo, Osse and Uinen will care very much, LOL!
Can't wait to see what happens next, and again, very sorry for the lack of reviews.
Tye-melin, tenn'Ambar-metta, Atto indonyo,
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. That's okay. I'm just happy to see you are able to review every now and then. I'm glad you've been enjoying this story so far. I appreciate you telling me. And that quote is one of my favorite's too. Melkor is just being spiteful at this point and he knows how futile his spite really is and that just makes him angrier.
And don't worry. Review when and as you can. I always look forward to your reactions to the story.
Tye-melin yando tenn' Ambar-metta.
6336
· 7 February 2011
· Chapter 46: Melkor in Avathar
Very nicely woven into your story.
Are you sure you or your Muse aren't part spider?
So that's who Ungoliante was before, Tolkien's version of a Black Widow!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Thanks, I'm glad you liked how I've woven "Wars of the Valar" into this story, if only slightly. It made writing Ungoliantë far more interesting than it would have been otherwise.
Sunny
· 7 February 2011
· Chapter 46: Melkor in Avathar
So we see Acairis again. I had sort of wondered if she had taken a swan-dive into one of Varda's black holes, since she seemed to be so fascinated by them. But evidently not - she has turned herself into a Maiarin version of one instead!
And Eönwë must be rather depressed these days, since I think he is kept rather busy writing in the one of his books that he hates.
And soon the book for the Children will be seeing a lot of use... :-(
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, Acairis is back and with a vengeance. *evil grin* I thought it would be fun to bring her in and tie this story to "Wars of the Valar", if only slightly.
I'm sure Eönwë is handling his job well enough. At least, I've not heard him complain... much. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I much appreciate it.
Sitara
· 6 February 2011
· Chapter 45: Invitations and Reactions
I recognize from HoME some of the words Eönwë employed to tell Fëanáro about the Elder King's command. I believe that Manwë genuinely meant them and therefore I'll spare him my rather justified wrath. "grin" However I shall not pity the Valar until they take their own responsibility for what happened them and cease to place the blame on everyone's head but theirs.
If only Fëanáro had refused to come (as...impolitely as he could, by my leave "lol") , maybe the things would have went differently. In my opinion, he had every right to do it. "grin" Ñolofinwë doesn't seem to happy about this either. But, what's to say, we're already used to the Valar and their less than perfect ways. "shrug" At this point, I'd be really surprised to see them actually making a good decision. It's like they are left to their own devices, having no higher authority to consider...
As for the Silmarils...would the Valar truly want to see them, I wonder? Somehow I think that the Silmarils are more a problem for them than for Fëanáro. "evil grin"
Author's reply
I believe in the Silmarillion it says that the Valar were hoping Fëanor would come with the Silmarils or at least with one of them. Knowing that, I think Fëanor refused to bring them out of spite, at least that's how I interpret it. Others may have different but no less valid viewpoints about the entire situation.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Sitara.
Tari
· 4 February 2011
· Chapter 42: Of Births and Betrothals
Ingoldo left in charge is not a good thing. There is a lot of mischief he could get into in one week. It is good that Ingil stayed behind to keep an on eye him, but I fear for the elleth. Who knows what his uncle could do to him. Giving Ingoldo a second chance was not a good idea.
So,Findatro finally got engaged. Good for him.
Author's reply
I think you meant 'ellon', Tari, rather than 'elleth'. *grin* At any rate we will see how Ingil and Ingoldo get along or don't and what happens. In many ways, Ingwë is a bit naive, but at this point in time, they all are to one extent or another, for they have been living in paradise and no nothing of evil, but that will change soon enough.
And yes, Findaráto finally got engaged, though it won't do him much good as we well know.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Fantasia
· 4 February 2011
· Chapter 45: Invitations and Reactions
Finwe, Finwe, your pride will be your downfall. What a terrible experience for Feanor's sons, to see their grandfather and King die.
Probably it is wrong, but I always liked Feanor and his sons, more than the other Noldors, well, I liked too Fingolin, Fingon and Gil-galad (f I wrote wrong the names, sorry, I can't remember them) They were so brave, pity that they were so wrong in their ways to achieve their goal, with better teaching, they could have been the Best of the elves.
Well, I'm all anticipation.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Yes, it will be a terrible experience for them, but that's what happened, as much as we would wish otherwise.
There's nothing wrong with liking Fëanor and his sons (or at least some of them). Fëanor did have good qualities and he did many good things for the people of Eldamar before the end, but he allowed pride and arrogance to get in the way and we all know that pride is the first and worse sin from which all others flow. Fëanor never trusted Melkor or listened to his counsel, yet he allowed Melkor's whisperings to rule him and lead him astray
Anyway, I'm glad you are enjoying this story and are looking forward to more. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
6336
· 4 February 2011
· Chapter 45: Invitations and Reactions
Well, you can bring a horse to water, but you can't make him drink! In this case I think stubborn Ass is more like it!
The Valar have the right idea, but are going about it the wrong way, if people don't want to be reconciled they won't be. Finwe and Feanaro are still too angry to accept this chance.
What is it with Artanis and white?
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. The Valar's hearts are in the right place, but you're right that they're going about it the wrong way. You really have to pity them, trying to make things work and seeing everything fall apart around them. They must have felt like utter failures when the Trees died and the Noldor rebelled.
Anyway, as for Artanis and white, I'm afraid that's a little inside joke with myself. In one of his letters, Tolkien specifically states that he modeled Galadriel on the Virgin Mary and Mary's color is blue, not white. *shrugs*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny
· 4 February 2011
· Chapter 45: Invitations and Reactions
The clock is ticking...
Fëanáro sitting alone in his room petting one of his Silmarils certainly shows where _his_ priorities lie! :-(
(Okay, I can be a bit like that when it comes to stuff for my hair, though I don't obsess quite that badly)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, the clock is ticking and we are only a few chapters away from the Big Event. *evil grin*
Fëanáro is not only obsessed but possessed by the Silmarils and therein lies the problem.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I much appreciate it.
Tari
· 2 February 2011
· Chapter 41: Amilessi
It is good that Ingil is wary of Ingoldo. He should always be on alert where that one is concerned.
This is a fascinating chapter. I,too, wonder why Lord Nano called Ingil by his mother name. The gift of prophecy is not freely given. I hope this is not a bad sign for the twins.
Author's reply
I'm glad you found this a fascinating chapter, Tari. Thanks for letting me know. The gift of prophecy is not free given, as you say, and it is often a two-edge sword. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
bladwedd
· 1 February 2011
· Chapter 44: Further Discussions Among the Valar
Manwe:
"I command to you, Feanaro. You must be healed and reconciled."
Manwe is a fool or a criminal.
Author's reply
Whatever.
Erulisse (one L)
· 31 January 2011
· Chapter 44: Further Discussions Among the Valar
And so darkness is approaching "In Darkness Bound" and events are being initiated that will lead to the greatest changes in the lives of the Elves living in Valinor and Arda Marred that may every have happened.
Reading through something like this is the equivalent of my five-year-old self screaming at the screen "Don't take the apple" to Snow White when she was offered the poison apple by her Evil Stepmother. I keep wanting to tell Feanaro to either not attend, or to take everyone in his family along with him. Yet I know that will not happen, and that darkness will indeed fall in this celebratory event. I feel like Namo - knowing what will happen, but unable to halt events that are already set into motion....
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. Yes, I imagine many readers are screaming the equivalent of "Don't go up into the attic alone, you fool!" *LOL* And that's pretty much how Námo must feel at times. Unfortunately, we know how things progress -- or do we? -- because once the Noldor leave Aman the story shifts again to those left behind and what befalls them and Tolkien remains silent on that front, which is a good thing for us as it gives us plenty of scope for our imaginations. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Sitara
· 31 January 2011
· Chapter 44: Further Discussions Among the Valar
In all earnestness, every time I see the Valar holding council in such a dignified manner, I feel the overwhelming urge to bash their heads together. (well, twice for Námo, to be frank) Honestly! These Valar aren't fit to run a grocery store, for pity's sake, let alone the entire Arda! What kind of ruler fails to catch the enemy from under his very nose, twice for that matter, only to let him roam afterwards his territory without a care in the world, not alone of course, but accompanied by a wee little spider?! What kind of ruler doesn't even think about finding out what was that Melkor wanted from Fëanáro when visited him at Formenos?! Why would have Melkor risked his freedom and possibly his life only to visit someone who loathed him? Had they cared to find out about Melkor's goal, they might have been able to avoid the upcoming tragedy. They could have guarded the Trees at least as they never cared much about Formenos and its inhabitants. I'm simply astonished to see such stupidity from the ones appointed by Eru to rule Arda. Any human leader would have been long sacked for displaying such sheer incompetence, in my opinion.
At least they don't seem to be ill-intended here, as they weren't in HoME 1 either but that's hardly enough. All that I know now for sure is that a horror story is about to start unfolding itself and for this the Valar would look everywhere for a place to lay the blame except in their own direction! Melkor is the culprit, as well as Fëanáro, the Noldor for being rebellious and corrupted by Melkor, anyone else except for themselves!
Sorry for ranting again but these Valar (as well as Tolkien's) are some very frustrating beings. Well...I guess we'll have to wait and see whether your Valar would be as obnoxious as Tolkien's in HoME 1.
P.S. And what in the world has poor Finwë ever done to you? "grin"
Author's reply
Actually, Sitara, you may well be correct in your estimation of the Valar but if they had done everything you say they should have done, I don't think there would have been much of a story for Tolkien to write or for us to argue over. *grin* Which just goes to show that even the Valar are not infallible and in some respects are downright complacent and that smug complancy on their part is part of the problem. In a later chapter I will address this or rather Atar will. *grin*
Anyway, I rarely use HOME 1 as a source. It was written when Tolkien was a young man and the writing and the concepts are rather immature. Luckily for us, his vision of Arda and its history deepened and matured and that's a good thing for us, isn't it? *grin*
As for Finwë, I don't have anything against the ellon personally. You need to separate what I think about him from what various characters think. I do believe he abrogated his duty to his people in joining his son in exile and thereby made a bad situation worse, but I think many people think the same so I'm not alone in my beliefs.
Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing.
Aiwen
· 31 January 2011
· Chapter 44: Further Discussions Among the Valar
So, the Darkening is getting a lot closer now! And there are rifts opening among the eldar everywhere - with the exception of the Teleri. Is this because Melkor mostly ignored them, or are they having problems that haven't been covered in this story?
Author's reply
That's true, Aiwen. We are only a few chapters away from that defining event. The Teleri haven't been as affected as the other clans because Olwë refused Melkor admittance into his realm, but that will not prevent tragedy to strike among them. Their isolationist policy will not protect them as we well know. Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatl appreciate it.
Fantasia
· 31 January 2011
· Chapter 44: Further Discussions Among the Valar
I wanted to shout them not to hold the Festival. it is great to know something that the Valars don't, well, except Namo, but he is not sure. What worry me is that Ingwion will be in Tirion when the Noldors decide to part. I don't know if he will see kingslaying. We know that he survives, but what a terrible experience for him to see it.
I went back to read GI II, because I was under the impression that Ingil died in the kingslaying not in the War, but you told me in the review ( I do remember that Alassiel's father died in the War)I haven't finding the scene yet. I do remember that Ingwion was still traumatized by the event, and if the nightmares are an indication, it seems that there is more than war casualty in here.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. It is frustrating, isn't it, knowing what is to come and not being able to do anything about it. Now you know how Námo feels sometimes. *grin*. In "Elf, Interrupted" we never learn for whom Ingwion mourns until the very end and we never really know how Ingalaurë died. That will be revealed in this story. Neither Ingwion nor Ingalaurë go to the War of Wrath, at least in my version of events. Intarion, their cousin, goes instead and he dies there to be re-embodied at the same time as Ingalaurë. How these events play out will be revealed eventually.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate you taking the time to do both.
6336
· 31 January 2011
· Chapter 44: Further Discussions Among the Valar
I have my doubts about the feast being of any help, there are too many problems to be solved by a gathering of the clans as it were, I have a very nasty feeling that tempers will flair and things will get much worse!
At least the Valar are aware of Ingalure's dreams and nightmares, it is a pity that Irmo is so scrupulous in guarding the dreams of the Elder, but, perhaps Oloremmarie will be able to pick up a few hints of what is really troubling him.
So the coil is starting to tighten even more, poor Elves, poor Valar, poor Arda.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Of course, we know that the feast is interrupted and everything goes south and any hope for peace and reconciliation goes out the window. We are really only a few chapters away from the Darkening itself and the coil is tightening more and more. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
bladwedd
· 31 January 2011
· Chapter 44: Further Discussions Among the Valar
“It seems that no matter what Ñolofinwë does, he is unable to appease all parties,” Oromë said with a frown. “He is in an untenable position.”
“It does not help that Finwë sided with Morcocáno and rescinded Ñolofinwë’s judgment,” Námo responded. “The fact that we confirmed the judgment apparently did not impress the Noldóran.”
“It was rather amusing to see the expression on Morcocáno’s face when he tried to leave the valley believing that Finwë’s ruling absolved him,” Tulkas said with a booming laugh."
Nolofinwe was King in the Tirion. Finwe was unkinged. Very, very good.*grin*
Author's reply
Just so you know, Bladwedd, this chapter was written last spring, so your recent reviews about Finwë and Ñolofinwë were not a deciding factor for how this chapter was written or the conversation the Valar have concerning them. But I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing.