Reviews (941)

Aiwen · 20 September 2010 · Chapter 6: The Handing Over of Authority

I'm finding the point of view of the Vanyar leading up to the Darkening to be utterly fascinating. Thank you. Ingoldo and Tinwetariel look like trouble. Major trouble.

Sunny · 20 September 2010 · Chapter 6: The Handing Over of Authority

Heh. What Ingoldo means, Intarion, with his remark about "standing up for your own rights" really means "I want you to stop supporting Ingwë and instead start helping me acquire all the power I can get, up to and including plotting to get the High Kingship for myself." Now, we have not seen much of Intarion yet, but I have gotten a very good impression of him so far. And it is good to see that he has a spine as well. (He must have it, since he became a loremaster against his father's wishes, and probably also against his conniving.) I really liked the twins' oaths to each other, that they would support each other as regents, and if they were unable to agree about some decision, that they would consult their councillors if they were unable to agree between themselves. It would be rather appropriate, and also in keeping with other things you have written, Fiondil, if upholding that oath would cause some nasty plot to fail. :-) *glances at Ingoldo and Tinwetariel*

6336 · 20 September 2010 · Chapter 6: The Handing Over of Authority

Looks like Melkor found fertile ground with Ingoldo, the Valar had their reasons for picking Ingwe and not him, his jealousy must have already been showing even when the were still in Ennorath, before the Great Migration. I like Intarion, a pity he has who he has for parents, Oh well, you can't pick your relatives but you can pick your friends. Very unwise of Ingoldo and Tinwateriel not to go to the hand over ceremony, it makes them appear to not support the installation of the Twins as co-regents, which they don't, but still unwise. Good to see they are keeping Eonwe busy hope they stay with their pact, I can see Ingoldo trying to come between them, Ingwion will ignor him but Ingalure will, maybe not act as fast as he should, having second thoughts when he shouldn't. Huggs, Lynda

Erulisse (one L) · 20 September 2010 · Chapter 6: The Handing Over of Authority

Well, although things are moving slowly, the pace is picking up. And here is Tinweterial raising her prejudiced head again, and Ingoldo. I am enjoying watching this tale unfold with your usual careful and calculated pacing. - Erulisse (one L)

Larner · 18 September 2010 · Chapter 1: Seeds of Darkness Sown

Alas for the realization that Melkor has lied and is again sowing evil in the world.

Aiwen · 17 September 2010 · Chapter 5: Unrest Revealed

Interesting to see how disturbed the Vanyar are. Which reminds me, why did it take so long for any of the Vanyar to be released from Mandos? Or perhaps this story will explain that later. I'm very much looking forward to seeing where you take this.

Sunny · 17 September 2010 · Chapter 5: Unrest Revealed

I wonder what Ingoldo is planning? Those comments of his certainly seem to be furthering Melkor's plans in that they encourage distrust and separation between the clans - Noldor and Vanyar specificially. And it wouldn't surprise me if these "some people" are well represented among those who were sent to Formenos in EI1. I am definitely certain he is having his eye on the power structure among the VanyarWe know from EI that he has a hankering for power, so I won't be surprised to see him making moves in that direction. You could say that the surprise will lie in finding out just _how_ big a backstabbing b*st*rd he is. And since I expect he knows his brother well enough to anticipate Ingwë going to Tirion to support Nolofinwë, he may already have made his opening moves in that particular chess game. Ingwë leaving his sons as regents would no doubt be a blow to him. And I noticed that Ingoldo was not mentioned as being part of their support structure. I don't doubt he is very much a part of the political structure, though. Hopefully Ingwë will be able to give Nolofinwë the support he needs. Well, the support he really _needs_ is that of his father, which isn't forthcoming, but I hope Ingwë will be good enough.

6336 · 17 September 2010 · Chapter 5: Unrest Revealed

Hm, so Ingoldo is starting to show his true colours, he is a nasty piece of work and his wife is not much better if I remember from E.I.I. I think I kind of like Ingalure, though he may suffer a little from 'spare syndrom' i.e Heir and a spare, in thinking of himself in that way, he does seem a little unsure of himself and Ingoldo's comments have him worried enough to go and tell the one person who will know how to find the truth of the matter, I remember Veandur(sp) from E.I.I. I.D.B. is starting to pick up speed and rythem, keep posting, I am still reading.:<) Huggs, Lynda

Larner · 16 September 2010 · Chapter 1: Seeds of Darkness Sown

Finally able to get some reading done. So, this is mostly from Ingwion's POV?

rick · 14 September 2010 · Chapter 4: The March of the Exiles

An excellent start to what looks to be a good story! This is for all 4 chapters to date, by the way. I enjoyed the reactions of the other kings to Finwe's decision - will Olwe ever show Earwen's letter to his wife? Are you going to have any other interactions amongst the cousins? You've had Finrod & Maedhros, but nothing between Ingwe's sons or Olwe's with either Feanor's sons or those of his brother. Although, since it is early yet, I suppose you may be getting a round tuit. I also found "that you know of" in regards to extra functions of the Maiar in chapter 2 very intriguing... Keep going - this is good!

Tari · 14 September 2010 · Chapter 2: A Discussion Among the Valar

Poor Eönwë. The need for his silence put him in an uncomfortable position. As always, Eru is in charge and all must follow his dictates just as Eönwë did. It had to rankle the Valar, especially Manwe, that a lesser being was in Eru's confidence on something and they were not. That's just the way it goes.

Sunny · 13 September 2010 · Chapter 4: The March of the Exiles

Heh. The only person happy with Fëanor's antics seems to be Fëanor himself. Though Melkor probably would be, if he but knew about it. And Nerdanel didn't kick his ass, but instead slapped him. I hope she hit him hard! *cheers Nerdanel on* So Ingwë got to have some words with Finwë. They were certainly necessary, and to the point, but considering the situation, I think Ingwë should have been even more firm. Especially considering Finwë's only answer to the criticism was, "My son needs me." As if Fëanor were still a baby, and were an only child! *growls at Finwë*

ninqwestilmen · 13 September 2010 · Chapter 4: The March of the Exiles

Hi, Ingwe siding with his sister is obviously expected, but I think he was a little quick to condemn Finwe of caring for Feanor more than his other sons. I believe that it was expected and understood from the time that Indis willfully married a single father. Ingwe too did not react in the best way to this exile, but it was a trying time for all. In my mind, Finwe is a much stronger character than he seems here. While his love for Feanor cannot be doubted, and probably did influence his decision to join the exile, I do not think that it was the only factor, I think Finwe had some very rational reasons to guide his actions. However, different interpretations of the situation is what the story is about, and it brings forward the idea that Finwe considered a council instead of a regent. Thats a very interesting idea, may I ask if it's your own thought or its mentioned somewhere in the works. I do agree with the interpretation that the pride and jealousy ran both ways between the brothers, Fingolfin probably did wish sometimes that he could be the Noldoran's heir. But I completely agree that the way that he became the regent was extremely upsetting for him. Whether he coveted his older brother's place or not, he certainly did not want it to happen like that. Also, I liked the farewell of Maedhros and Fingon. I always liked that while each stood steadfast beside their father, each found a way to maintain their deep friendship, even rebelling against their fathers in their own way when needed. I know you said that the story would focus more on the doings of the Vanyar, I am glad to see that their friendship warranted a place in your tale.

6336 · 13 September 2010 · Chapter 4: The March of the Exiles

I can understand Feanaro wanting to take his sons and their servants with him, (Were any of Feanaro's sons married by the way?) but I think Finwe should have put his foot down about other families joining him if it meant spliting them up. I don't think Nelyo wanted to go to Formanos but duty called and like a good little Ellon he answered, I think he would have liked to stay home with Amme and look after her. I wonder just what Feanaro's older sons thought of the matter, the younger ones will just follow their brothers example. I like the idea of the Valar having Maia in the march to help control and encourage the elflings. Pity they could not have had a few following Melkor around to help repair the damage he caused with his lies! It all comes back to Melkor, dosen't it, if he had not been so envious of his brother Valar none of this would have happened and we would not have all the wonderful stories that have been written! Huggs, Lynda

6336 · 12 September 2010 · Chapter 3: Reactions Among the Eldar

Rereading this with Sitara's comments in mind and I am of the opinion that the Valar were the only ones able to judge Feanaro with impartiality. None of the other Kings are, in my mind, due to how closely related they all are. I am still with Indis, even a simple "Son, sre you O.K.?" from Finwe would have gone a long way to soothing her ire. Finwe's thought to establish a council to rule in his absense, even with Nolofinwe as part of it, rather inplies that he does not trust his son to do a good job. I can slao understand Ingwe's concern over the unrest of the Noldor, before Melkor they were content to live in Aman with no thought of questing further than the heights of the Pelori or south to Avathar(?), now they sre tempted with the thought of other lands to explore and other ways to live. Though I know this comes a bit later. Melkor has planted that seed of doubt and it is growing like a weed. Huggs, Lynda

Sitara · 12 September 2010 · Chapter 3: Reactions Among the Eldar

Frankly, I think we give Finwë too little credit in respect to his abilities as Noldorán. He had already summoned his councillors to debate the matter of the Noldor’s unrest, which had as primary cause the words that Fëanáro was openly and publicly speaking. Their council was interrupted, first by Nolofinwë and then by Fëanáro. I suspect it had been never resumed, otherwise we might have seen Fëanáro called to answer for his words before his king and his advisers. A very significant detail, there were neither Fëanáro nor Nolofinwë and I suspect they weren’t even to attend this meeting, although Fëanáro was his heir. But to quote directly from the Silmarillion, the Valar were „angered and dismayed” or , in other words, from the look of it, they panicked and hastened to judge and sentence Fëanáro without giving Finwë and his councillors enough time to attend the matter. I don’t think that Finwë, who called a council meeting over the words spoken by Fëanáro on the streets of Tirion, would have simply let to slide the matter of the same Fëanáro threatening someone at swordpoint. And we might have seen a fairer trial in this case, you know. „grin” As for who was to rule in Tirion…I don’t think that appointing a council of regents (with Nolofinwë as a member) would have meant taking away Nolofinwë’s rights at the Noldorin kingship. He was not formally appointed as heir to the throne and by the time he would have been, I personally don’t see any inconvenient in having more than a person charged with ruling. Moreover, a king has the right to decide who or what is more fitting to rule in his place when he’s away for a (very little) time and in my opinion, he’d be well within his rights to appoint other persons to supervise the son who’ll act as king in his place. Yes, I know the quote regarding Finwë from the Silmarillion, Fiondil, but I cannot agree with its interpretation. The first part, as I think, is about how Finwë felt after Miriel died and prior his meeting with Indis. So, at that time, Fëanáro was his only child and his only remaining family and it’s only natural to give his son all his love. About the chief share of Finwë’s thoughts….every time I read this, I think about the story of the prodigal son, because, in my understanding, a son who is away claims much more from his father’s thoughts than the one who’s staying home. But it doesn’t mean less love for the son who’s always with the father, in my opinion. Fëanáro was much more, I think, for his father than merely a son and that’s where Finwë erred. He couldn’t bring himself to act like a father towards Fëanáro, for many reasons, and this was their downfall. You know, I’m the first to admit that Fëanáro was sorely in need of a sound trashing and Finwë seems to be the only one to whom he’d have actually listened. Only that Finwë never made a move in that direction…. I really like Nolofinwë but I remember a quote from the Silmarillion:”High princes were Fëanor and Fingolfin, the elder sons of Finwë, honoured by all in Aman; but now they grew proud and jealous each of his rights and his possessions.” Frankly, for me this is the crux of several matters. It goes both ways! Not only Fëanáro was proud and jealous, not only Fëanáro was touched by Morgoth’s darkness. Jealous of his rights and possessions….for me is kind of clear that Nolofinwë was jealous of his half-brother’s rights, namely the rights as heir of the High King of the Noldor. And as for the words he said just before the Darkening, I’m sorry, HoME1 makes me to seriously doubt them. And what lingered in the published Silmarillion, his taken name, Fingolfin, moreso. „grin” If he didn’t really want the regency, he should heve refused it and a council of regents would have ruled in Finwë’s place. Who knows, they might have done a better job altogether and we might have seen the dawn of democracy in Aman. „lol” Don’t mind me, I’m mad. All in all, Finwë did probably the wrong thing, I admit. But the fact that no one stops to consider what his reasons might have been is in my opinion utterly unfair. Everyone rushed to condemn and execute him without further thinking. He deserves at least a chance, in my opinion.

Sitara · 11 September 2010 · Chapter 3: Reactions Among the Eldar

It’s not like I would have expected any impartiality from either Ingwë or Olwë, as they both have obvious reasons to be on the side of Indis and her children, but a trace of uncertainty because of the way the Valar handled this should have done nicely. They were both kings and as such they ought have asked themselves what if tomorrow the Valar should do to them what they did to Finwë. The Valar all but dethroned Finwë, for I don’t think he would have left Fëanáro’s fate in their hands, as he knew all too well what was his son thinking about them, but they are so certain about Finwë’s foolishness and the justice of the Valar….Is this any way to treat your friend, to not give him the benefit of a doubt?! I can’t wait to see them too manipulated around by the Valar, perhaps that would teach them to not judge too hastily, as they do know. They will be put in Finwë’s shoes and they won’t like it one bit. “grin” Changing the topic….Fiondil, when has Indis the Fair become Indis the Hag, I wonder?? “rolling on the ground with laughter” Frankly, that woman’s mouth is a menace for Aman and certainly for Finwë’s ears. “lol” No wonder the poor man preferred to stay dead for an eternity rather to return to that…emotional female. Now, seriously speaking, I’m firmly convinced that the interpretation according to which Finwë loved his eldest far more than the rest of his children is fanon not canon. Giving his eldest the chief share of his thoughts doesn’t necessarily mean that he loved him best. Let’s remember that his son was everything he was left from a wife forever departed and said son didn’t even live with him anymore. Indis and her children had always their husband and father with them. Fëanáro didn’t. And complaining about how Finwë deserted his people and his family…what was there to desert any longer when the Valar practically took the kingship off his hands and his second wife decided who was to rule in his place? About family….let’s not forget that Nolofinwë and Arafinwë had a mother who always stood by them. Fëanáro hadn’t. So, a parent each. Was this such an unfair division? So, even if Finwë’s decision to go with his eldest might have been wrong, for other reasons, to remain with Indis and their children, would have meant to allow them both their mother and father and no one for Fëanáro. As for Indis….frankly, what had she expected when married Finwë? She weaved her own web for her tangle into and had sown with her hands the seeds of her own unhappiness. One last question, Fiondil. Why do you think Nolofinwë never wanted to rule? Is there something canon about this? Because, in my opinion, he was practically begging to have some place to rule. Not that there was anything wrong with that. He was extremely fit to rule, in my opinion, as Fëanáro wasn’t at all, and, unlike some of his golden-haired relatives, he was never hungry for power. “grin”

Sunny · 10 September 2010 · Chapter 3: Reactions Among the Eldar

So Finwë has to follow his poor, persecuted son into exile. Hellooo – you have more kids than Fëanor, you know! And there is Indis and the grandkids of your younger children. Don’t any of they rate a few crumbs of your attention, too? *looks around for a suitably sturdy clue-by-four* Now Ingwë might not have found it appropriate to have interfered in this matter AS KING. But could he not have (figuratively) taken off his crown and, ahem, pulled Finwë aside for a little heart-to-heart as a Finwë’s brother-in-law? Indis is his kinswoman, after all. But it was quite satisfying to see Indis, at least, kicking Finwë’s ass about leaving Tirion with Fëanor. He definitly deserved that! *cheers Indis on*

6336 · 10 September 2010 · Chapter 3: Reactions Among the Eldar

I'm with Indis, I think Finwe is running away. Feanaro is his last link to Miriel, as much as he loves Indis, she will always hold his heart. I don't think much of Finwe as a king if he can just up and leave on a whim like this. And now Nolofinwe is going to do just what his brother accused him of wanting to do, rule the Noldor! Waiting to see what Nerdenal(sp) has to say to Feanaro, that will be explosive to say the least. Ellyn, can't live with them, can't live without them! Huggs, Lynda

ninqwestilmen · 7 September 2010 · Chapter 2: A Discussion Among the Valar

Poor Manwe. The realization that all his hopes for reconciliation with his brother will never be must be terrible. And then with what happened now and what is to follow, the elder king certainly has a trying time ahead of him. Knowing that one different decision on his part may have spared so mush grief is a devastating burden to bear.

Fantasia · 7 September 2010 · Chapter 2: A Discussion Among the Valar

I always though that the Valars were a little naive with regard to Melkor. Never understood why they trusted him again...It is good to forgive and all that, but there are certain individuals that are beyond "Rework", to call it with a Manufacturing term....I think too that they were to comfortable in their world that they missed all the unrest within the Elves, they might be immortals, but they were not perfect, and sometimes, I can see why they believed that Valinor was a golden cage. Thank Fiondil for posting again, know that I'm reading even if I'm slow reviewer. As usual, a grest story.

Tari · 7 September 2010 · Chapter 0: Lehta Mandostello

So Melkor thinks Manwë is naive and does not see thru Melkor's ruse. He is so full of himself that he actually thinks he can fool the others. Big mistake. Of course his arrogance knows so bounds which we all know will ultimately end in his doom.

Erulisse (one L) · 6 September 2010 · Chapter 2: A Discussion Among the Valar

Poor Eonwe. As keeper of the records of oaths, I imagine that his job has been very thankless at times. But he seems to be able to stand up under the wilting gaze and unspoken accusations of Manwe. And Manwe - again it is demonstrated how he fails to act boldly and in a timely fashion, thus causing more harm in the end. I am fully aware of his position and station, but my basic respect for him fell when he was taken in by Melkor's lies the last time. And this time his belief and trust in his brother will ricochet, decimating the Eldar in the near future. If I was the Allfather, I might feel quite tempted to turn him over my knee and give him a spanking. Since there is time, distance, and position between them, I suspect a tongue lashing about trust may have to suffice. Those who are in power cannot be overtrustful. - Erulisse (one L)

6336 · 6 September 2010 · Chapter 2: A Discussion Among the Valar

Well, that's one decsion Manwe is already regreting. What a mess and it's going to get a whole lot worse brfore it gets any better. Poor Eonwe, knowing and not being able to do anything. I am wondering about Eru's conspicus absense in all this, surely Manewe would have asked him his thoughts on the matter? I can't see him deliberately allowing Melkor to run loose like that, with all that is to flow from that decsion. My self I would have stuck a couple of Namo's 'humorless' Maia on him, 24-6! Huggs, Lynda

Sitara · 6 September 2010 · Chapter 2: A Discussion Among the Valar

Well, that’s certainly interesting. Finally Eonwë’s got to spill the soup but a little late and, in my opinion, he did make his Master to look a bit like a fool before the other Valar so Varda’s and her husband’s displeasure are understandable. On the other hand, Námo was right this time in telling Manwë that he did the only thing that could have been possibly done. This time. “grin” I’ve liked also Ulmo’s justification, though I cannot say the same thing about Námo, though, who kept himself utterly silent, while Ulmo voiced his doubts. Tulkas…well, Tolkien’s story of Melkor escaping the Valarin riders sent to pursue him is certainly …..embarrasing for the Valar, to say it mildly. So, I won’t rub it in their faces, as much I’d like to do so. “smile” But, speaking about the Valar, in lieu of concerning themselves with whatever Melkor filled the Eldar’s head, they should have asked themselves what they had been doing while Melkor was so succesfully busing himself?! Why none of the Eldar trusted them enough as to come to them and ask:”Look what Melkor said to us. Is this true?” Or they thought Melkor was imparting his wisdom only to Fëanáro and the rest of the Elves knew nothing, either about Men or about forging weapons?! As for Námo and a certain dock….”laugh” oh, but he will be called to said dock, Fiondil, and Fëanáro could and would do it. My only problem about this would concern Námo’s answer to the charges brought against him because I’ve raked my brains and come up with nothing satisfactory. Námo is as guilty as they come. In my opinion, at least. “lol” Yes, your explanation about inheritance does make sense and I thank you for providing it to me. As for Nolofinwë..it remains to be seen, although the words he spoke to his father seconds before his half-brother barged in sound to my ears kind of provocative, especially that part concerning his two sons who will hold steadfast on their father’s choice to live in Aman. I could translate this with “Look at me and my brother, we’re going to honor your choice while your favorite son has no respect for you and everything you’ve ever toiled for. We’re good, he’s bad!” Or something along the lines. “grin”