Reviews (392)

Christine Fulcher · 26 October 2020 · Chapter 44: Epilogue: The Road Once More

whole story very readable, with enough suspense to keep me turning the pages, and I was rooting for Valandur and Findis. Would like to read more about them. Very interesting to read author's take on the different customs, lifestyles and attitudes of the different clans. Also enjoyed reading about the interactions of the Valar and the Maiar with the elves. If Valinor had become boring by the time of Elf Academy, it certainly wasn't yet boring when Valandur was still young.

MikoNoNyte · 23 June 2014 · Chapter 44: Epilogue: The Road Once More

This piece was touching in oh so many ways! First off, Valandur! Okay, NOW I see what you mean about him being as old as everyone else. And it's the same "Spy Master" who was in the Elf Redux pieces. Gotcha! I like him. He's like "regular folks": hard working, not born or living with a silver spoon in his mouth, just a plain, ordinary "joe". It says wonderful things about him as a person that he had the strength to go through all that with the Great Journey, then working and aiming at a goal, finally achieving it and not get his head up his back-side. The different factions, the Kings using him, the instant hate of Feanor really wrung the sadness outta me. Poor Val doing his level best and it just doesn't seem, to him or anyone else, to be enough. Yet the Valar have faith in him, especially Manwe, and that speaks volumes. I admit to biting my nails during the kangaroo court; that there is injustice in the world is a given, but when kings foment the injustice out of jealousy!?!?! I cannot help but think, in this case, that death was probably a good thing for Finwe. Maybe he learned some life-lessons in death since he obviously didn't learn them while life. And before I forget, I really enjoyed the look at the different villages and farms. We don't often think about such things unless we live on a farm, how the elves would have lived and worked in such places. And the language shift! At first I thought, 'why are they speaking such antiquated 'english' but then you mentioned the Quenya language shift and my brain caught up with you. *laughs* So often I see people commenting on forums about how certain books are so difficult to understand because they are "in Old English". What they really mean is that they are too lazy to bother to learn the older word forms, while the language is more than likely Middle English not Anglo-Saxon. *laughs again*. I think the best part, for me, one that did not cause me to fear for this guy's elvish life, was the speech at the Academy. His opening remarks had me laughing out loud and I think his means of getting their sleepy attention was awesome and certainly eye-opening for those academics who perhaps thought that the "country bumpkins" are as 'ignorant' as they sound, when in fact they are not. Well played! One other thought: the minstrels! How little we think today about what they did, but as a once avid Ren-Faire and Highland Games attendee I can tell you, they make or break a society or at least village life. LOL Once upon a time I played a small lap harp and my favourite pieces were the old Robin Hood broadsides. I learned each and every one of them. So thinking that a minstrel could take the gauge of a society, or temper it's beliefs is no small leap. They also told some really funny stories back then. I've come to like your Valandur and will now have to rethink his actions in the Academy pieces (yes, finally getting to #2).

Clouded Leopard · 31 December 2013 · Chapter 14: Alqualondë

I enjoy reading your stories and find I like reading them more than once. The way you describe Aqualonde, the canals, the people of Olwe's city and how they handle emergencies and how they live is remarkable. Upon reading this chapter I noticed something in one of the paragraphs that I kept reading over and over again that struck me as odd. The section is of Lindarion and Falmaron taking Valandur on a tour of the city. Here is the excerpt of that particular section: "We are showing our friend the city," he explained to her even as Falmaron was helping Lindarion into the boat, then nimbly climbing in while the two guards joined them. Lindarion was the last in. Should not the section read, ...he explained to her even as Falmaron was helping Valandur into the boat, then nimbly climbing in while the two guards joined them. Lindarion was the last in. Falmaron was helping Valandur into the boat, not his brother. Sorry, I just kept seeing something off in that little sentence in the paragraph and it drove me nuts when I kept looking at it. I thought you should know. Cannot wait to see your next story coming up: Elf Acadamy 3. Thanks for all your stories. I keep reading them over and over again.

Arasinda · 17 December 2013 · Chapter 44: Epilogue: The Road Once More

Dear Fiondil, I too am sad that this adventure into Aman is ended. Your ability to keep to canon truly intrigues and pleases me with each story. Valandur and Findis do belong together, and for me, romance was a plenty. Thank you for the enjoyable characters and stories in Tolkien's world. Now, I'll have to wait like everyone else for Elf Academy 3, but I've reread them all already. They are lots of fun, and I love having a bit of Heaven on Earth. Sincerely, Arasinda

obsidianj · 13 December 2013 · Chapter 44: Epilogue: The Road Once More

What? This is it? I didn't know where the story would go from here, but I was a bit surprised to see it end. Although, it is a good point to end, since there are no pressing questions, I want answered at this point. Finwe's reaction was to be expected. Would have liked to have seen it, but maybe my imagination is even better. Now going back to re-read EA...

obsidianj · 11 December 2013 · Chapter 43: Many Meetings

Wow! That was a surprise. Valandur had an auspicious audience for his speech. Two kings and family and then the appearance of Findis and Aule and the rest of the Valar. I like it that Findis and Valandur are betrothed, but I don't think Finwe will like it. His resentment will be even bigger with the Valar forcing his hand. It will take a long time for him to accept Valandur (or maybe never...). I don't quite remember how the story goes on.

obsidianj · 11 December 2013 · Chapter 42: Convocation

I love Val's opening in his speech. That would wake up anyone who felt drowsy after listening to speeches where obviously a lot of people were bored ;-). Val obviously always had the support of his family, which I think was very important to get him where he is. Otherwise he might have given up. That fight between the sisters was something that had to happen. I think they were lucky that it was in Val's presence as a calming influence or it might have gotten out of hand.

galathil · 11 December 2013 · Chapter 44: Epilogue: The Road Once More

Hi Fiondil another wonderful story Completed.Hope we can go back and visit one day, to see how they are all doing. Any way Christmas is nearly upon us yet again. (now there is a scary thought)Hope you and your family and friends a wonderful Christmas.I can't wait for Elf Academy 3.It will be nice to catch up, with what everyone has being getting up to. LOL Galathil

GoldenRemembrance · 9 December 2013 · Chapter 44: Epilogue: The Road Once More

Do you think it would be any easier for Elrond to learn Valarin than for an Elf? Racial memory and all that makes me wonder.

bookworm · 8 December 2013 · Chapter 44: Epilogue: The Road Once More

D'aaaaawwwwww. I am, as always, sad that one tale is coming to an end (though it was a lovely ending) and highly anticipating the next! *goes to re-read EA2*

Sunny · 8 December 2013 · Chapter 44: Epilogue: The Road Once More

I loved your story, and I'm sad to see it end, despite the way you introduced the romance element and then just dropped it. (Yes, you did, Fiondil. See why I suspect Romance cooties?) It is clear that the splitting up of Amanian society is well on its way here, and it looks as it the roots of it lie with Fëanáro and his hatred of all things Vanyarin. And the Noldorin blindness to - and disdain for - all things not pertaining to their own tribe clearly extends to anything others might have accomplished, like Val's actually learning Valarin (or at least as much of the language as an Elda might be capable of learning) At least Val's career is blooming, and now he is going to be off to an entirely new adventure with Findis. ;-)

Laer · 7 December 2013 · Chapter 44: Epilogue: The Road Once More

I always hate to see your stories end, so yes I am a dweeb who goes back to re-read them. It's kind of like an addiction, without losing any teeth or body parts failing. You make me think, look into meanings, and well enjoy the ride. Can't wait until the next EA story. Now to reread them all ;)

Tari · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 44: Epilogue: The Road Once More

Yeah! While I really loved this story, I can't wait for Elf Academy to start again. Only two week to go. Merry Christmas.

Kevana · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 44: Epilogue: The Road Once More

I can't believe it's over! But it was a good ending point and nice to leave on a happy note. This story was a wonderful look not only at one of your fan-favorite OCs, but also a great back-filler to an otherwise wide-open time frame. The subtle interwoven bits of cultural differences were especially fascinating, as were the hints of development that we know led up to later tragic events. Well done! I cackled evilly at Finwë's reaction, awful as that is of me. I do wonder just what went down in that palace! And then he got Námo'd. Pretty hard too, by the sound of it. As unlikely as it might be, I really hope Findis and Finwë settled things between them before he died. Especially given what ends up happening to him in your story "Beyond the Galvorn Door." Going by that bit of Fiondil-'verse, Findis would be one of the very few to never see her dead family Reborn until the ending of the world. That would be a heavy thing to live with, if they parted poorly. But I'm sure Valandur would have been by her side through it all. On a lighter note – I love that Valandur ended up becoming an expert on the Valarin language, even if it's beyond the range of earthly tongues to actually speak, LOL. Especially since I think seeing Valandur acknowledged as an expert in any language would have put Fëanor in a temper. Schadenfreude much? *grin* I believe I will revisit "The Darkening" before moving on to the EA stories, just to be chronological about things! Bravo to you, Fiondil, and to your hard-working betas Alassiel and Ellie! Happy St. Nicholas' Day to you all, now everybody go have some chocolate. -Kevana

6336 · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 44: Epilogue: The Road Once More

That's it? Darn! Now I have no incentive to get up early on Mondays and Fridays for three whole weeks! Well that sort of crossed a few 'I's' and dotted a few 'T's' but we all want more! What did Findis wear, where are they going to live, how many children do they have added unto them, details man, details! I can well imagine that Finwe was more than a little irritated at the Valar's high handedness and it sounds typical Feanor that he should instruct the Noldorin Lambengilmor to ignore anything coming out of Vanyamar's Academy, if he didn't approve it, it ain't so! Still think Feanor could have used a few anger management classes! Enjoy your Christmas Vacation, Huggs, Lynda

Larner · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 44: Epilogue: The Road Once More

A wonderful future stands before them, and for the moment at least life is good. Ingoldo's treachery lies in the future, and at least the Trees still bloom for the moment. May the joy far outweigh the evil they will also be forced to endure.

Cairistiona · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 44: Epilogue: The Road Once More

Aww, I was a little surprised to see the epilogue already, but I do think you ended the tale just where it needed to. Going on in detail about those years of waiting would have been gilding the lily, I think. I'm not surprised the Finwe may have exploded in rage over the betrothal! I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall if Namo did have a "chat" with him. :) The ending, while happy, also holds some bitter alongside the sweet, knowing what's coming in the future. But for this moment, all is well. I enjoyed this story immensely!

Cairistiona · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 43: Many Meetings

Wow, that was an eventful chapter to say the least! Nothing like having TWO kings attend your first convocation lecture, and nothing like being invited to dine with royalty, reunite with your love, find yourself betrothed with all the Valar as witnesses... I don't know whether Val will sleep well tonight out of sheer exhaustion or be so wired that he won't sleep for a week! Now to see what Finwe thinks of all this. Eeep. I'm glad it's a snow day today so I can simply keep reading. :) (And thank you for the explanatory note at the end about the justification for the Valar's "meddling"... I did kind of raise an eyebrow when they showed up en masse to involve themselves in the affair of the heart, but what you said makes perfect sense. They're definitely feeling their way in these early days.)

Cairistiona · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 42: Convocation

Hee hee... this entire chapter left me smiling. I love Val's opening line of his lecture, and his wistful longing that the two twins' inevitable explosion wasn't happening in his office. But this line gave me the biggest chuckle: "...what she referred to as ‘mess’ and he preferred to think of as ‘resources immediately at hand’." I intend to shamelessly steal that line any time anyone questions the less-than-tidy state of my house! But aside from the smiles, I liked the deeper message woven throughout this chapter and really the entire story: that, given a chance, everyone can rise to the occasion and even surpass expectations. For whatever reason, that hit me harder in this chapter than any of the preceding ones, though it's been a theme throughout. Very good chapter!

Caitlinrennes · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 44: Epilogue: The Road Once More

Great story, certainly very different from your others! Trouble is, I waken up at 3am thinking of what ifs and what would happen if certain characters behaved/reacted in a slightly different way. Makes for a very restless but enjoyable nights sleep. Can't wait for EA3 after Christmas. A great excuse if one was needed to re-read Christmas at Edhellond. Have a happy and peaceful holiday, Fiondil, and to your beta-mums.

UTfrog · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 44: Epilogue: The Road Once More

I was looking forward to another 11 or so chapters with each detailing a year while they waited for the wedding. However, this is an excellent summary. It is so sad that Feanor caused much damage long before the tragic oath. You did a great job with this story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you. The news of EA3 is outstanding! I was already treating myself to rereading Christmas at Edhellond. I am in my favorite chapter where Fionwe, Father Charles, and Finrod talk in the church. That section continues to move me deeply. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas full of faith, love, and family.

bookworm · 5 December 2013 · Chapter 43: Many Meetings

DAWWWW. Ahem. I mean. I really like seeing Valandur & Findis at this early stage in their relationship (lol slap slap kiss much?), and YAY they're betrothed! The Valar are being rather high handed here, but I'm too happy that they're betrothed to care =p Also as you say, quite early days yet.

Larner · 3 December 2013 · Chapter 43: Many Meetings

I rejoice that the speech went so well, and appears to have reflected Valandur's innate wisdom. The betrothal sounds most interesting, with the Valar basically forcing Finwe's hand. He ain't gonna like it, I'm afraid!

6336 · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 43: Many Meetings

Well it would appear that Valandur's presentation went over well, it at least woke all the snoozers up! Hm, I wonder which of the Valier persuaded Manwe to act on Valandur and Findis' behalf. I do have some questions about the wisdom of it though, while I am sure that they would have ended up together, I think Manwe's action was a little precipitate and it might have been better if he had allowed Ingwe and Olwe to work on Finwe to persuade him to allow the marriage. It seems to me that Rumil is a lot more open minded than Feanor is with regard to language and it's evolvement, I am sure they had some lively discussions about it! You are right though, both the Valar and the Elves are still feeling their way with each other and even tucked safely away in Mandos, Melkors influence is still felt. Have a good week, Huggs, Lynda

Laer · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 43: Many Meetings

“Let us toast the happy couple,” I raise my can of diet mt dew to them :) 12 years is a long time for people who are in love, but I am glad that he is standing up to her "spoiled" actions. She needs the time to learn that life isn't always going to go her way, but when you have a bunch of Valar who help it go your way....siiiiggghhhhh. Ah well they know what they are doing ;) and hopefully Valandur and Findis see how blessed their union is for them to help it along.