Reviews (390)

Eruherdiriel · 12 July 2014 · Chapter 32: In Which It Rains and Our Tale Comes to an End

Of course. It's impossible for Finrod to have anything go simply. It would break a law of the universe. Wonderful story. I like the china solution especially. ~Eruherdiriel

Imhiriel · 11 July 2013 · Chapter 32: In Which It Rains and Our Tale Comes to an End

I'm sorry to see the story end on such a melancholy note. Poor Glorfindel! Apart, from that, I had so much fun, and for the last several chapters, as one catastrophe after the other happened, I kept changing between helplessly laughing or groaning in commiseration and disbelief that yet another disaster had befallen the happy couple. In fact, this: Arafinwë shrugged. "Oh, I don’t know. A blizzard, maybe." He cast them a wry look and they all laughed, but the laughter died when an ominous rumble filled the air. just made me want to shake Arafinwë and shout, "Noooo, don't say it! Now see what you did! You jinxed it!" But the main point of the exercise and all the chaos and commotion is achieved: Finrod and Amarië are (finally!!!) married *throws rice and rose petals*!

Imhiriel · 10 July 2013 · Chapter 22: In Which We Return to Tirion and Finrod Dresses Up

OMG! Those wedding clothes! And the hat! And the feather! *tries to scrub brain* It reminds me of one of the more outrageous Tolien illustrators, most notoriously Rowena Morrill. Have you seen her picture of Lúthien dancing, or of Aragorn's coronation?! I just forced myself to go hunting for them because I couldn't remember the artist's name, and it was only "fun" in a masochistic and "car wreck" way. *scrubs harder* Poor Eärwen. She already had so much stress in the wedding planning and kept many thing she wanted to entrust to nobody else. And then even when she does delegate, she can't rely on her staff. Although I do wonder why she wasn't involved more in the planning for the clothes, particularly as apparently many things are colour-coordinated to match. And to boot, her son and his friends keep throwing wrenches in her works (I almost wrote "wenches" :-)), and now the Valar get into the game, too. I don't imagine it will be a very pleasant first few days among the living for the newly Reborn. And I suspect the political ramifications (apart from the personal) for Arafinwë will have him reeling, as well. Not a peaceful time, for any of them. Glorfindel's descprition at the start of the story was all too apt. However will you manage to resolve all those crises so the "best of times" part of it will also be fulfilled?

Imhiriel · 10 July 2013 · Chapter 18: In Which the Wedding China is Unveiled and Many are Distraught

It was no great surprise that the china turned out to be ugly. But I would never have guessed that it would provoke such a reaction - poor ellyn! Oddly enough, in Germany we would know exactly what to do with the china, appropriate for the occasion. There is something called "Polterabend" (poltern: to crash about, make a racket; Abend: evening), commonly translated as eve-of-wedding party. It usually takes place in front of the bride's or her family's house. Friends, family and neighbours come, each bearing china, crockery, tiles and similar breakable things (but not glass or mirrors, because that would mean bad luck) and crash the things with as much racket and noise and clutter and mess as possible on the ground. Then bride and bridegroom have to sweep up the mess, and afterwards a "normal" party starts. Of course, normally you would use old or broken or leftover china and shards - but maybe the Elves just don't mention that detail to Almáriel...?

Imhiriel · 10 July 2013 · Chapter 17: In Which Finrod Makes a Confession and Seating Arrangements are Discussed

Oh, good, I'm relieved the boys told Ëaren about the Valar early enough so she could incorportat that into her planning. I really liked her in this chapter, her and the discussion with the four ellyn. The wedding is slowly shaping up to be more to Finrod's liking and, equally important, to become a general celebration for all, showcasing the rich diversity of the many diffent cultures sharing a home in Aman. Only thing left to hope is that the weather will play along. And I snigger at yet another example of the intransigence of linguists. I wonder if Tolkien poked some fun at himself and his colleagues when he wrote some of those examples in canon.

Imhiriel · 10 July 2013 · Chapter 13: In Which the Reborn are Bored and a Tavern Gets Trashed

Oh my goodness! I thought the rumours would limit themselves to the "usual" more or less mix of humorous, ignorant, fanciful or mean-spirited. But that rumour went far beyond mean-spirited! Not only is it shocking for the kind of a bit prim society of your stories, but also shows a remarkable sign of contempt of cultures from Beleriand, as if they were wild barbarians. And isn't it ironic, that in "In Darkness Bound", the Noldor left in Aman felt guilt and shame in comparison to the other clans, but here they feel they can lord it over the ones from Beleriand or the Returnees and Reborns. Weeeell, if the Maiar don't heal Intarion because of evidence, they shouldn't have done it for the other ellon either, so he will be able to tell his side of the story with the same kind of evidence. Fresh as I come from "In Darkness Bound", the contrast between Intarin and Ingalaurë then and now is very interesting to observe. This is the first time, actually that I recall you giving us such a direct example of just how a Reborn's character and maturity are affected by their stay in Mandos. Even for Glorfindel and Finrod, you mostly merely had other people remarking on the differences, or showing through flashbacks; but here you have both "stages" directly side by side for comparison.

Imhiriel · 10 July 2013 · Chapter 12: In Which Rumors Abound and Ingwion Gives Music Lessons

"Atto won’t let me be a warrior. He says one in the family is enough." I do hope Ingwë didn't really mean that - Ingalaurë deserves to be recognised as a warrior, just like the others. "These rumors happen to be true." This sentence struck me as funny, because the meaning is so ambiguous, isn't it? Normally, it would mean that the thing the rumour is about is true, but here it means that the rumour itself is a thing of fact. And I had to laugh when it it turned out that the plotting of the gang was unnecessary because reality was taking care of it and was even worse. "A little more courtesy, at the very least," Ingwion said mildly Zing! What is it with people and basic courtesy? Honestly! Nice reminder of the Vanyarin proficiency with the fine arts. Is it odd that I dearly want the piece Ingwion played to be played at the wedding, too? Considering I can't actually hear it, and there is not much detail about it in the scene, I nevertheless somehow have an impression of a lovely tune in my mind.

Imhiriel · 10 July 2013 · Chapter 10: In Which a Menu is Discussed and Glorfindel Goes Fishing

I bet Ulmo had a lot of fun flinging the fishes out of the fountain! I was giggling as you were describing how more and more fishes just kept flying onto the market *g*. At that last fish - what a great final act! Oh, I wish I had a good kitchen - and that I actually could cook well - because those recipes sound fantastic.

Imhiriel · 9 July 2013 · Chapter 5: In Which Finrod Visits the Royal Kitchens and an Epic Battle Ensues

Judging from the other reviews, I'm in the minority in that I didn't find the food fight especially funny. Oh, yes, the beginning, and the potato peels, and the skillet, and the battle cries. But I really don't like all that food getting spoiled, and all the hard work of everyone in the kitchen disrupted or even destroyed. And the danger of seriously hurting someone became increasingly more likely - you have blunt and sharp instruments aplenty, open fires, and plenty of possibilities to run into or stumble over. To a certain degree, I'm on the side of the cook. I think he deserves to have his work seen as a creative endeavour, and should enjoy a certain degree of creative freedom. And his answer that Amarië doesn't have to eat partridge if she doesn't want to seems reasonable to me; I don't doubt there will be enough alternatives for her to choose. But where he completely loses my sympathy is in his snide and rude tone towards them. They merely requested information, and imparted it to him, and were completely polite towards him. They deserve the same in return, even if he rejects their suggestions. I'm really curious about what Arafinwë is going to do next! And I wonder if the cook will avenge himself on the ellyn by salting their soup and burning (or not burning, as the case may be) their food for the next several weeks...

Imhiriel · 9 July 2013 · Chapter 3: In Which a Conspiracy is Formed and Plans are Laid

I wonder if the Valar formally RSVP so Ëarwen knows to include them in the preparations, or if they are going to show up to everyone's suprise and the Elves have to scramble to get them seats at the table and plates and cutlery. "I was only about fifteen, I think, when the Trees died," Vondo said. "I barely remember them." I think that can't be. Having just read "In Darkness Bound", it's still fresh in my mind. So I distinctly remember the family who fostered the elleth Arafinwë brought back from the march, and you wrote in an author's note that the little boy would grow up to become Vondo's father; so long before the latter would even be born, the Trees were already long dead. I wonder who the person is who witnessed the conspirators from the shadows. At first, I thought it might be a Maiar, amused at the elves' antics, but on further thought, I got a more sinister impression...

Imhiriel · 9 July 2013 · Chapter 1: In Which Glorfindel Reminisces and Our Tale Begins

Hi, here I am again, right on to your next story... I'm I can read it when it is already completed, because this way, I could get my first laugh while looking over the table with the chapter titles. Which only got louder as I read the first line. Now I will have the whole mammoth of an opening line from "Tale of Two Cities" buzzing around in my head for who knows how long, and it's your fault ;-)! I like that you give the story a frame work, nestling it into the tale of another wedding, and Glorfindel as a witness to both.

6336 · 20 May 2013 · Chapter 19: In Which the Bride Disappears and the Groom Departs

Rereading bits and pieces of your stories, going back to the bits I like and I got to wondering why the Elves did not use carrier pigeons for urgent messages? Huggs, Lynda

ekaterin · 2 June 2012 · Chapter 20: In Which Finrod Comes to Lórien and Receives an Early Wedding Gift

I'm enjoying this story so much. Thank you for writing it.

Agape4Gondor · 23 January 2012 · Chapter 32: In Which It Rains and Our Tale Comes to an End

Well, you are a nasty, wicked, cruel person, Fiondil. I realize now the twisted mind you have. Don't deny it. It is clearly evident. You expect us to go back and reread everything.... now that we come to the end (yeah sure) of all things. I'm looking at the index of your epics and thinking: The Wars of the Valar In Darkness Bound The Findarato Diaries Elf Interrupted: Book One Elf Interrupted: Book Two A Long Expected Wedding It is because my memory is not as good as an Elf's. I must go back and discovery answers to my questions, find what I have lost, indulge in pure Elf joy. Darn you, Fiondil! If you hadn't written each of these with such flair and such fun and such angst, I'd be fine. I'd just say: Agape, leave it. It doesn't matter. But no! I must go back. Darn you, Fiondil!

Tari · 16 January 2012 · Chapter 32: In Which It Rains and Our Tale Comes to an End

Is this the final chapeter, as I fear it is? I looked forward to reading each chapter, enjoying the child like behavior of some of the elves. Whether they would admit it or not, they did need the help of the Valar on occassion, Now, off to Elf Academy. I'll try to finish before you post the next half.

galathil · 14 January 2012 · Chapter 32: In Which It Rains and Our Tale Comes to an End

I have throughly enjoyed this story.Why should the wedding be left unscathed,after all nothing else has.Glad to see that the Valar finaly made it.I think that Ulmo is going to have more than a few words,with Osse when he catches up with him. Don't envy Osse at all. As for the "wedding china" couldn't think for a better use for it than target pratice.Can't wait for your next story Galathil.

Sunny · 13 January 2012 · Chapter 32: In Which It Rains and Our Tale Comes to an End

So now this story, too, is at an end. *sniffles* Considering all that have happened around the wedding, I think Finrod and Amárie were lucky to actually get married at all. And I think that I now know what Amanian elves at least will do when they want to discuss Murphy. They will simply make a reference to this wedding. *snicker* So Ossë stepped into the part of the traditional uninvited fairy at a fairy-tale Christening - except, of course, that this was a wedding. And at least the "only" delivered an epically bad storm, not a traditional fairy-tale curse. Though I can certainly understand just why Amárie and Finrod thought they were cursed - but hopefully they got served at least several yéni's worth of bad luck over these last few weeks, so their marriage will hopefully be smooth sailing from now on. Anairë's respons to the little digression about hers and Nolofinwë's wedding was perfect - she is off to a very good start with her reborn husband and son! (And Nolofinwë was very cute here - but don't tell him!) ;-) I am not surpriesd at all about the use they made of the wedding china. Just the thing to do with it! I am sorry I did not review earlier - but I have been moving, and I also had a bout of migraine from Angband - I have not had time or energy before.

UT frog · 12 January 2012 · Chapter 32: In Which It Rains and Our Tale Comes to an End

Loved the whole story. While I am excited to know a new story is coming, I am sorry this one is complete. Thanks for all your hard work.

bookworm · 12 January 2012 · Chapter 32: In Which It Rains and Our Tale Comes to an End

For their sakes, I hope that Finrod & Amarie had a peaceful honeymoon after all that XD Also I suspect Osse will have to be verrrrrry careful about showing up anywhere near either of them for a while. *hugs for Glorfindel* Sounds like someone is homesick eh? I suppose Gandalf will be carrying lots of letters back!

Soledad · 11 January 2012 · Chapter 32: In Which It Rains and Our Tale Comes to an End

They should have invited Osse. *nodnod* He might be "just" a Maia, but one with great powers and a foul temper. Perhaps then he'd have turned the storm away. Loved the anecdotes of Nolofinwe's wedding. *g* But other than that, it was a rather depressing ending. Poor bridal couple, after all that they had gone through, the wedding *was* ruined, even if the Valar did some redressing at the end. And since they are Elves, this is the only wedding they will ever have. :( Will we ever learn why Beleg gave his friends reason to worry? He seems to be recovered if he could massacre the Wedding China of Hell so thoroughly.

Calenlassiel · 11 January 2012 · Chapter 32: In Which It Rains and Our Tale Comes to an End

Oh, my.... I love the unexpected twist and turns in your story plots. This story sort of reminds me of "Upstairs,Downstairs" ... The best parts sometimes happen in the kitchen or the broom closet... LOL... Hugs Calenlassiel

Fantasia · 11 January 2012 · Chapter 32: In Which It Rains and Our Tale Comes to an End

Beautiful tale, but it broke my heart at the end. Poor Glorfindel, torn between two worlds. He miss Finrod and the rest, but he loves Elrond's sons enough to stay with them, even if his oath does not go that far, I don't believe that he has to stay for them, I'm right? Thank you Fiondil, waiting for the next one....

6336 · 11 January 2012 · Chapter 32: In Which It Rains and Our Tale Comes to an End

Well, I'm not sure if that ended with a bang or a whimper or both! Trust Osse to spoil everything, I hope he enjoyed his time with Namo! Should have eloped Finrod, should have eloped,it would have saved an endless lot of fuss and bother, but I doubt if Almariel would have been speaking to you for at least a couple of Yen, which, come to think of it would not have been so bad! Way to go Castimar, looks like he does wear the pants in that family, probably just prefers to lat Almariel run things for him so he can concentrate on his own interests. What's up with Glorfindel, is he having mood swings again, not that I blame him, this must have reminded him of his oaths both to Errendil and to Elrond and to himself and of how much longer it will be before he can go back to Aman and his 'family'. Good one Fiondil, this is definately going on the e-reader! Waiting for E.A.ll Huggs, Lynda

Erulisse (one L) · 11 January 2012 · Chapter 32: In Which It Rains and Our Tale Comes to an End

And so it comes to an end, and despite the joy in reliving the experience and sharing it with friends, Glorfindel is left empty and aching, missing those he left behind as he straddles two worlds. I fear from the time he stepped onto Middle Earth for the second time, he will forever be twisted in two different directions, even when he returns to the West in many years yet to come. It was a joy to read, I look forward to Elf Academy's continuation, and as always, I thank you. - Erulisse (one L)

eliza61 · 11 January 2012 · Chapter 32: In Which It Rains and Our Tale Comes to an End

Well done Mellon Nin, Well Done!! Please give Glorfi and huge hug for me as thanks for the story and a bit of support. Some times even remembering happy occassions can be hard. Now, tell finrod and Amarie, that we also thought we were cursed when Hurricane Hugo ripped through our home in SC. We were told rain on your wedding day meant that you would weather any storm, We will be celebrating 24 years since that Hurricane. LOL Lastly, glad to see the Valar are just as prone to mischief as anyone else. Eliza