Reviews (648)

Lizzy50 · 17 December 2023 · Chapter 43: Epilogue: Another Conversation Among the Valar

this is a wonderfully moving epic and I have enjoyed it immensely. It seemed so realistic that I lost a fair amount of sleep by staying up way too late reading because i couldn't put it down! I only wish we could see the reunion of Maglor with his mother and brothers. I have a soft spot for this family and absolutely love a redemption story. Thank you for writing - this is brilliant!

Red Squirrel · 5 October 2014 · Chapter 43: Epilogue: Another Conversation Among the Valar

This was AMAZING! Makalaurë is probably my favorite character and I think you really did him justice! Once I started I couldn't stop! By the end I felt as though I had taken that 500 year journey with him and watched as he grew and evolved from an exiled Noldor prince waiting for Death to take him to a loving husband and father returning home to the land of his birth, free from that terrible Oath. What more could I ask for? Thank you for sharing this wonderful story!

Eruherdiriel · 1 July 2014 · Chapter 43: Epilogue: Another Conversation Among the Valar

Great story. I was kinda wondering if Maglor was going to show up in the Elf Academy series. I guess not. I did recognize several names, though... ~Eruherdiriel

MikoNoNyte · 20 June 2014 · Chapter 43: Epilogue: Another Conversation Among the Valar

I have to admit up front, I never liked Feanor or his sons. I found Feanor just too self centered and self righteous for my taste and his sons as insane as he was. It made having any sort of positive feelings for Maglor and his kin difficult. Yet in spite of that, I always wondered at Maglor; he never truly seemed to "run with the pack" even though he went along with Maedhros's bad behaviour and supported him. He HAD to know it was wrong yet did it anyway. What's with that? LOL And of course, there's his whole "fate", being left "forever" to walk along the shores mad, in pain and desolate. Tolkien almost screamed for fanfiction with that! I have read a small handful of fic dealing with Maglor's fate, what he did, where he went, and while they were good for the most part they never had the courage to face the ultimate test: What happened to Maglor and where did he go? I like how you handled that. A little teasing at the beginning, then seeing what happened to some of those elves who remained before those chosen to "save Maglor" rose out of the lethargy. And that, Fiondil, that was another thing that caught me up with this almost immediately. The realization that those who remained were "fading"; the very concept of which has always bothered me, mostly as I do not have a precept that allows for the "superiority of Man" and his subsequent 'dominion': a very bad word by the way. I was really intrigued with the Harthadrim and while most of the 30 odd were faceless and nameless, there were thankfully a handful whom I really liked and applauded when they rose above the level mean of the rest of the group. Watching these intrepid elves deal with ice age conditions, and you did a very good job by-the-way in describing both those conditions and the lands so effected. Not quite on the scale as Jane Auel but a lot less tedious! I admit to frissons reading about the Great Cats; I assume like the ones in Elf Redux that they were possibly the smilodon (saber tooth) or the European Jaguar (neither of which are really European so go figure)? Either would be prime candidates however, for scaring the bejeebers outta me I tell ya! Maglor's finally coming to terms with his Oath and rectifying it was very, very moving. One of those tear-jerker moments that I find so rare. And to follow that up, 500 years later, with the crossing and coming to Valinor: very satisfying! I also like how you did not leave out the impressions of the other elves, especially the children. Like most of us, they found the whole life-changing trip too much to deal with. "I want to go home!" indeed! And doggone it! I had to look up a couple of words in your text. You've done it again, adding to my vocabulary! haha I think I need a bigger dictionary. All together a very good story and one I've put on my "re-read" list. Thank you Fiondil for such a "happy ending" for one who wandered lost and now is found. And just for you: http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-27907358 Real world Elfs.

Parmalokwen · 10 February 2014 · Chapter 43: Epilogue: Another Conversation Among the Valar

I really enjoyed this. I am a total sucker for "Maglor goes home" stories, even if my personal canon says that he took the "fast way West" after getting killed by the Númenorean tsunami. There were a lot of things that I liked about this story, but I think my favorite is the very nonurgent, Elven sense of time. To start planning a ship when the timbers are seedlings is such an Elvish thing to do.

Kitty · 30 December 2013 · Chapter 24: Settling In

I love how Elrond and Erestor helped Glóredhel in their own quiet, unobtrusive way to do what she enjoyed as much as they could. Sneaky. *grin* Galadriel must have driven her parents, and particularly her mother, to distraction. Never saw her as someone who was easily led by others, she was way too headstrong for that. Celeborn certainly took on a challenge when he married her, but he did just fine. They did a fine job with that aqueduct; it will be an immense help for them all year round, and most of all during the winter, when they can't leave the towers for days to go up and get water directly from the spring. With the limited means they had, that was an amazing feat. Maglor is right. Having to wait until they can build a ship is going to be hard, but then they can be proud of themselves for achieving their goal all on their own.

Kitty · 30 December 2013 · Chapter 23: A Brother’s Farewell

I'm with Maglor here, I find it strange that no one thought to take any of Gil-Galad's personal belongings with them. Sure, they couldn't take everything and had their own stuff, but they doubtless departed from Mithlond and didn't have to transport anything far, and he would surely appreciate having some mementos from his first life? Sadly now everything was destroyed by the ice. Somehow it doesn't make much sense to lock everything away and leave it behind to be lost forever. The end of the chapter was rather touching. Arthalion certainly needed it, and I am sure his brother has forgiven him.

Kitty · 30 December 2013 · Chapter 22: Return to Mithlond

Not sure what use all these jewels have, besides buying a ship somewhere far away if they were so inclined. At least not while they are still there; in Valinor, the jewels might give them the means to start anew, to not have to come as beggars. So it's a bit strange that Arthad felt it so important to collect them. Hm, Arthalion probably needs that chance to tell his brother everything; it might help him to get to grips with what happened since the Harthadrim discovered him, even if he doesn't know it yet.

Kitty · 30 December 2013 · Chapter 21: Opening Old Wounds

*sigh* What Maglor and his brothers did because of these stupid stones and the Oath was horrible, but I feel sorry for him nonetheless. He has paid a heavy price for it, much more than any of his brothers who all had the easy way out by dying. And now that thing comes back to haunt him again. It's not going to be easy for him. Arthalion has made a big step in his development back to what he once was. Seems the discovery about Arthad was the push he needed. His explanation about Arthads last words leaves me wondering; did he have some foresight or what?

Kitty · 30 December 2013 · Chapter 20: Hunkering Down

At least the two parties who were abroad are back safe and sound. Though their news weren't that great. It's clear that Thurin killed his brother to spare him a prolonged, painful death, but it's horrible to imagine how guilty he must have felt afterwards. No wonder he went insane, indeed. Even more so as no one was there to tell him he's not a bad guy because of it, as Maglor and the others are now doing. The poor guy must have suffered so many years after this :( In any case, I am glad the others reacted as they did. Even if circumstances had been a bit different, the way Arthalion has suffered would be enough punishment. And as things are, it was way too much already. It would have broken the poor guy if he had to go now. The chapter certainly ended with a bang *groans* Though I know already why you did it, it seemed so cruel to Maglor. Sure, it's his way to redemption and all, but still ... Why could they not leave that damn thing where it was? He won't have any peace of mind now.

Kitty · 30 December 2013 · Chapter 19: Approaching Storm

Burning the carcasses was for the best, and not only because they stink that much. Somehow I wonder if even wearing anything made from these skins would make them sick, seeing what they caused to Thurins brother. Still remember how upset I was when I did read it while you still posted the story. Speaking of Thurin, that was certainly a bit of a setback, but Neldorion is right about it telling them more about why he is so bad off and how to help him. Wise guy. And he even got Thurin to talk about the whole thing a bit. Good. Thurin certainly notices more than one would think at first sight, like the weather pattern, but then, if he didn't learn that sort of thing, I can't imagine how he could have survived that long on his own. That Denethor trusted him to go and call the others was another step for Thurin, no doubt. Feeling useful and accepted will go a long way to help him.

Kitty · 24 December 2013 · Chapter 18: Insights

They're on a good way with Thurin, I think. It's going to take time, that's only too true, but he's getting there. The bit with the stones was rather touching, how he was giving away his 'pwetties' to the others. I have to admit, at first I was hoping that there would be some way for them to reach Valinor without having to wait and build a ship, like Vingilot, but I guess that would be too easy. But if they actually have to wait until they can buy a ship, they really need some projects to keep them busy, in that Maglor is right. Just sitting around doing nothing would send them back to the lethargy from before their journey north. Uh oh. Thurin must have had some very bad experiences with these beasts, that much is pretty clear. I notice that his agitation even got him to talk relatively much and clear – more than we have seen before.

Kitty · 24 December 2013 · Chapter 17: Taming

Thurin is really dependant on Maglor right now, but it seems he's beginning to warm up to Glóredhel as well. And that first attempt at teaching him went rather well, despite his initial aggressive reaction. At least he stopped when they called, which I think is a good sign.

Kitty · 24 December 2013 · Chapter 16: Discussions

Being surrounded by so many people may be a bit intimidating for Thurin, but I suspect he's going to like it when he gets feed regularly, and with warm food no less. Nice way to not only give Maglor some help, but at the same time make sure that Glóredhel does feel more useful. It sounds as if she needs a task for herself, too. The end was rather touching. The singing apparently brought memories to the fore that got Thurin to try and speak again. It's the first step to regain what he lost, I guess. And it's good that he trusts Maglor enough to let himself be comforted by him, I think he needs that after centuries, if not millennia being alone.

Kitty · 23 December 2013 · Chapter 15: A New Companion

It's really sad to imagine what Thurin must have endured to behave more like a wild animal – for that it how it sounds in parts. One has to wonder how long he was left to himself, for I agree it had to be quite a while when he even forgets how to talk and everything. Poor guy. I am very glad they found him. And I completely agree with Maglor, it was no coincidence. The Harthadrim were meant to not only save Maglor himself, but Thurin as well. It's good that Thurin seems to trust Maglor already, that will make things easier, even if Maglor will have to play babysitter for a while. If he'd still shy away from them as he did at first, it would make things much more problematic. And it appears as if it gives Maglor a task he looks forward to and that will help him in a way, too.

Kitty · 23 December 2013 · Chapter 14: What They Found

Mithlond would certainly give the Elves some room for exploring in more detail over the winter, but it's true that the food supply is better at the White Towers. It has to be a bit creepy to explore these ruins when there's not only that eerie silence, but the feeling of being watched. So they finally caught the silent watcher. Poor Elf. It's hard to imagine that he didn't even make any clothes for himself – to go naked in that climate is unimaginable to me.

Kitty · 23 December 2013 · Chapter 13: Mithlond

There's not much use in knowing how far the sea has receded right now, no. It's not as if they are going to build a ship over the winter, after all. So I think they need to concentrate on more important things. I was really glad that Celepharn didn't laugh about Maglor's forgiveness ritual, but was understanding and even thought he should do the same. My impression is that it helped Maglor to talk about it. Just the idea of walking through that water makes me shudder. It has to be pretty icy. While seeing Mithlond would be interesting, I could do without that part of the adventure ;)

Kitty · 23 December 2013 · Chapter 12: The White Towers

Ok, after another interruption (had to re-read all 125 chapters of EA for obvious reasons ;)), let me continue here. The difference between the towers is a bit strange, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Valar had a hand in it. The same goes for the goats. Well, it sounds as if they could use them, and particularly the western tower, for some shelter over the winter, and they will need it. Even with that state of disrepair, the towers are going to be better than being outside with no real shelter. Elves may not suffer from the cold as much as we do, but I can't imagine them surviving outside in these conditions.

Kitty · 23 December 2013 · Chapter 11: Race to the Emyn Beraid

Hi! Yep, I'm still alive and starting on another attempt to catch up with the reviewing, after only reading all of it when it was posted. Let's see how far I get this time. These animals remind me of sabre-toothed tigers, from the description. Or maybe some sort of mutation of them, as they sound a bit too intelligent to be just that sort of animal. Maglor may insist on Denethor being the leader, but he certainly takes over when he thinks it necessary, does he? In any case, his tactics worked rather well. I am glad the Elves got away unscathed; it didn't look too good in the beginning.

AW123 · 23 November 2013 · Chapter 43: Epilogue: Another Conversation Among the Valar

A lovely story filled with just the right amount of everything, I think you did a wonderful job!

Imhiriel · 13 July 2013 · Chapter 43: Epilogue: Another Conversation Among the Valar

I liked the discussion about the remaing Elves, and the thought that not all who refuse to heed the call may do so out of stubborness, but because Eru has other plans for them. And a beautiful final line. Thanks, Fiondil!

Imhiriel · 13 July 2013 · Chapter 41: The Halls of Oromë

I think by this point Estel is just venting because once started, he doesn't quite know how to stop. He first assumed that attitude as a shield against all the strange things he's seen so far in Valinor, and he is afraid to "drop it". But I'm glad Maglor firmly showed him he is crossing a line - I was getting annoyed with him. That reminds me: your story about Námo getting his own son also named Estel, is that part of this continuity? I ask not only because of the name, but also because from that story one could get the impression that the only sons of Fëanor making it out of the Halls of Mandos would be the twins, and here you mentioned Maedhros also living in Valinor (which I was glad of, because I have a soft spot for him, too). “And so, what you are really saying is that these poor children take one look at my clothes and fall into despair at my lack of fashion sense.” “Exactly,” Aulë replied, smiling down at Maglor and giving him another wink. Oh, ho, I don't think so! I think if this is true, Námo's spouse "The Weaver" should take it upon herself and give the Elves a lesson on good fashion sense. Do they really think Námo would wear anything which doesn't pass Vairë's muster ;-)? Well, although I do agree that his usual black is a bit... hm, monochrome, erm, montone... That was a fantastic and very thoughtful and thought-provoking explanation for why the Oath is so much worse than the Kinslayings. Indeed, only if you are damaged or dead inside yourself, if you have killed your own conscience, will you even be able to contemplate, much less commit, other sins and crimes. Námo has a vertibable gallows humour! He made me snicker, even as I shook my head in dismay at his bluntness. The thought about letting Maglor just commit suicide and end his odyssey had certainly crossed my mind, as well. But it's certainly better this way, and Maglor will have the satisfaction of knowing he didn't give up in truth, even as he thought he did through the long years of his wanderings. I really like Varda's short cameo. In your stories, she often comes across as rather cool and stern (and sometimes even a little as a shrew), but here you show her softer side.

Imhiriel · 13 July 2013 · Chapter 37: Arrival

Totally not the reception I was expecting, and I enjoyed the twist immensely. Very low-key and without any of the "high profile" characters I was sure wondering would be there. Loved the slightly absurd tone of the confrontation between the Teleri and Maglor and his companions. Here I was, fully expecting them to be all accusatory and aggressive, and for Maglor to throw himself at their mercy - and I bet they expected this, too - but no, they all confused themselves by adhering to the up-front questions and answers and literal meanings. And Olwë and Maglor's exchange was priceless!

Imhiriel · 13 July 2013 · Chapter 36: The Journey Continues

Ah, it seems I was wrong after all about my guess as to an early Sailing. I think it's a good idea, though, that you made a jump in time to the actual date of departure. Also wanted to say I really like the tentative, tender courtship between Maglor and Glóredhel you briefly touch on. I'm so glad Maglor finally finds himself in a community and a family he feels he completely belongs to and belongs to him. It's a pity there are two, not three ships Sailing, because I would have had the perfect names for them: Santa Maria, Nina and Pinta *sticks tongue out*. I wonder if Maglor doesn't underestimate the reception they are going to get. Your other stories show that Maglor's thoughts about how the Amaneldi reacted to those of Beleriand was true enough at first, but throughout EI and other stories you showed how they slowly learned otherwise. Not to mention the influence people like Glorfindel, Finrod, Sador, Arafinwë and other would have been exerting in all the uncountend yéni since. Those modes of tuning the harp you've mentioned several times, are the names canonical? If not, you have chosen very apt names. Lovely, poingnant description of the transfer from the Bent World to the Straight Path. It's always been of my most favourite concepts by Tolkien, and you did it justice. Typo-alert: especially once they had eliminated the cat-creatures that had threaten them - "threatened"

Imhiriel · 13 July 2013 · Chapter 34: Renouncing the Oath

Just: BEAUTIFUL! *tears rolling down my face* And I absolutely added Lyana's comments about what the Valar were doing at that moment to my personal headcanon.