Midnight Promise
· 7 June 2018
· Chapter 108: Wedding Day
I've read this story many times, and now it's always with a sense of sadness, since he's passed.
But - why not offer something still? :)
I always loved the interplay between the characters! It's always interesting and a joy to read this.
I really wonder, though, if Fiondil ever was planning to set any of the elves up with human partners, since he devoted quite a bit of chapter(s) to the elves sneering down that idea. Imagine Eru putting the "whammy" on one of the elves and a human? XD Especially Loren, because that kid can be punk about that type of stuff but also seems the most open. Or even Dan, with his ancestry and closeness with mortals in general.
I really do wonder how those in Valinor will prepare for the end battle, in dealing with their lack of hope, or fun. ;) And I wish Fiondil confronted the character of Ecthelion. It would have been fantastic to see him come on the next Fed-Ex shipment of elves and be reunited with Loren. I don't think they had a chance to reconnect before Loren left on his mission, right? (I feel like there's something Fiondil wrote that confirmed that, which definitely was a bit sad for these two friends.)
Thank you to the wonderful ladies who are continuing this series. I hope all is well with you both and that life is being kind to you.
Esteldë Tincalima
· 13 March 2016
· Chapter 120: Farewells
I've just finished all three books of Elf Academy, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what an incredible impact Fiondil made on the Tolkien fandom, and also what an amazing legacy he has left behind. These stories that he has written are comparable to none, and will forever remain dear to me. I wish I could have spoken directly to you, Fiondil, but know this: I bow to your incredible devotion to the world of Arda. There are a few people that I aspire to emulate in this world, but you rank among them. Rest in peace, Fiondil. Valar valuvar.
Esteldë
DODO
· 8 December 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
The first Christmas approaches since Fiondil went off to finally meet his favorite Vala (whatever form or name he/she/it currently prefers). Since "all times are soon" for the Valar, they are probably still chatting.
I just finished re-reading "Christmas at Edhellond" (I love the series) and started to wonder about the brave souls, who tackled the task to finish Elf academy 4". May be there is a Christmas surprise? One can only hope!
Happy holidays everyone,
DODO
Panzer 71
· 24 August 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
My heart sank tonight from learning of Fiondil's passing. Two stories he wrote ,The Wars of the Valar and In Darkness Bound actually helped me see The Silmarillion in ways I myself could not have imagined. Thank you Fiondil. I believe you Tolkien would be satisfied that he said more will be written by " other hands".
I have not been to SoA since Christmas 2014. Watching the final Hobbit movie on HBO tonight prompted me to visit. Fiondil was the first author I checked to see what was new. My heart felt condolences to his friends here at Stories of Arda . I believe he was loved by many. May his stories carry his love of Middle Earth to many new fans. I used to get frustrated waiting for new chapters to stories I now love and will re-read the same as I do with the Silmarillion. I would give anything to be waiting for the next installment of his stories but non will come. Rest in peace Fiondil,you will be missed.
Tari
· 11 March 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
I can't believe this is the end. I feel like I've been left hanging. Will there be another sequel? I really miss your postings and don't know what to read next.
Direwolfy
· 10 March 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
Oh.
Being notoriously bad with cliffhangers, I convinced myself to stay away for long enough that I could read the rest of the story in one go. So I have spent last couple of days catching up in blissful oblivion, while mentally composing a nice long review on every tiny detail that caught my fancy. There was a lot I wanted to say, but staring at the screen now, I can't seem to remember a single word. How can a virtual space suddenly feel so cold and empty?
Fiondil, I was only a reader and reviewer here for a short time and nowhere near as diligent one as you deserved. All I knew of you was an internet nickname, yet I felt I understood you by your writings, by the intelligence and humour that shone through your words, by the love and compassion you had even for the most miserable of your characters.
I couldn't bring myself to mention it at the time, but your stories and kind responses supported me through a very rough patch last year. When I think of you, I think of a cliff-house flooded in sunlight, of the Valar playing hide-and-seek between the stars and I feel better already. I can only regret that I didn't say any of those things sooner.
Namárië, hir Fiondil. May you find happiness on the other side.
KathyG
· 6 March 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
Fiondil would very much appreciate your review, GaiaCaecilia, if he were here to read it. Unfortunately, with the exception of "Elf Academy 4"--which we all hope is finished!--there will be no more additions to Fiondil's "fan-verse." He died last month, before he had a chance to finish posting the story. His beta-readers have since finished posting it for him, and they're going to post his "Elf Academy 4" when it's ready.
Here's his online obituary: http://www.cremationservicesofcny.com/obits/obituary.php?id=528149.
GaiaCaecilia
· 6 March 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
Hi
I absolutely love you're stories, they're fantastically well written and I love the level of research and knowledge behind them (I particularly enjoy the language bits - I'm not good at languages but I do love studying them). Granted, there have been several heart stopping moments in them as well, and I think it's a testament to the quality of the writing that I often am practically biting my knuckles in anticipation of what is going to happen next and similar reactions as I read (though the scene with the maia with popcorn and lemonade had me nearly with tears of laughter streaming down my face and I'm going to torture a number of my friend with that crack about the trilingual, bilingual etc.).
I was also particularly interesting to read the bits about the SCA - I'm part of a British re-enactment group that is obsessively authentic (regia anglorum) and until I read this all I had heard of them was, to put it delicately, disparaging. I do remember some of them laughing when someone found out they recommend reading our authenticity regs for people who want to do our time period. I don't think some of the group understood why they'd bother considering the title 'creative anachronism'. It's nice to see a rather more positive and frankly informative showing for the SCA. It, to be honest, doesn't sound all that different from my lot bar the fact we stick to a rather narrower time period with less of the fantasy element, which is easier in a place with an original castle within easy travelling distance. I suppose I could say history is a lot closer for us, though goodness knows our groups do have their own fantasies - being from the only ethnically Norman group in a primarily Saxon organisation shows that.
Anyway I shall stop rambling now, suffice to say I very much enjoy your stories and look forward to any additions to this 'fanverse' for a lack of a better description.
GaiaCaecilia
Crystalline Entity
· 27 February 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
Very sad to see the news. I've been a fan of Fiondil's stories for a while now - this one didn't end how I expected, but it was still great.
Like a previous reviewer, I'd never really thought much of the Valar (apart from "isolated angelic beings") until I read Fiondil's writing.
I think my biggest regret is that I never reviewed anything whilst he was with us to read it. Lesson learned, I hope.
MikoNoNyte
· 25 February 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
Having finally caught up, I am of two minds here.
The story, while not satisfying because there is so much yet not covered - a story for another time - it is also final in that the Valinoreans have sailed away. (Sorry, could not resist the pun) The initial confusion over alleged meetings (which seemed rather confusing at first) followed by a more directed conversation carried the story to its ending. I do wonder what plans Brother Fiondil had for this in EA4!
The finale with Helyanwë did not surprise me; it did sadden though as she *could* have done so much better than she did, especially after being offered so many chances. I suppose not everyone was as willing initially and perhaps the Strangeness of Middle-earth was too much for her. Pity. It leaves Glorfindel out in the cold yet again and while this might not be a bad thing in his mind, the romantic in me disagrees! :)
To Alassiel and Ellie I want to say a heart warming THANK YOU for all your previous hard work for our beloved Fiondil and a Blessed Be for all that you continue to do for his readers, Tolkien fandom in general and in his memory especially. I'm going to miss reading these and yes, Fiondil has a permanent file on my Kindle.
As to you, Brother Fiondil, (and you could have been as you were only 2 years younger) Sail well, and mayhap we'll meet on the other side.
KathyG
· 24 February 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
I have a question for Fiondil's betas: did he have a chance to finish writing Elf Academy 4 before he died? Or did his death cut the writing of that story short? If it was finished, have you betas been able to get copies of the entire story? I hope it can be posted in its entirety, if it was completed.
galathil
· 22 February 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
Do they have to go back, can't the elves stay please! Hi Fiondil I enjoyed the chapter very much. Still a bit confused on some points but that's ok. So is this the end of the story, or just the chapter. (Told you I was confused) Hope all of you in the US are staying warm. Until next time. LOL Galathil
Eruherdiriel
· 21 February 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
Fun chapter. I enjoyed the glimpse at strategic planning.
I must say, I didn't think that Glorfindel was in any sort of relationship with Helena. I felt the mention of it and reactions to it were rather abrupt. When was that discussed?
~Eruherdiriel
ReaderKit
· 21 February 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
The second tactical meeting seemed to go well. I can sympathize with Dave, if I met someone who lived through so much of history I would want to ask them lots of questions too. ;) I still don't see how training with swords and bows against guns and nukes will be sufficient, despite all the reassurances we have been given, but I and all the rest of the Mortals will take it on faith.
I like that you threw Elrond's quote in their, it is so fitting and truly makes this seem a continuation of all that has occurred before.
So the gwedyr are splitting up for the summer. Hopefully they will be brothers legally soon in the future! Alex as the SCA ambassador makes a lot of sense.
=) Everyone ganging up on Loren, so much love!
Not surprised that Helyanwe chose to go back, she has always seemed unhappy. I am sad for Glorfindel though, because he thought it could work out. Still, I am glad that she made the best decision for herself.
The oath renewal was beautiful, and what a way to ease the last of the tension between the two.
Air Vingilot. *snort* And the list of everything they were looking forward to. Leave it to Finrod to break the moment. :)
Thank you so so much to all who have continued this story, it is a gift to the rest of us. Especially considering that you are planning to bring us EA4 as well, I am sure you are more than up for the task. Much love to you all!
ReaderKit
· 21 February 2015
· Chapter 119: Summit Meeting
Hooray for all the Mortals showing support! That is such a heart-warming picture, and I am sure helped appease lingering resentments among the Eldar. Funny though about Finrod worried about losing his job. Someone was probably snickering in the background. And yay for the ellith, who don't show up nearly enough - "of course we're going to feed these people, why would we do otherwise?"
The newscast was definitely interesting. I'm glad they are not-so-subtly showing their support, and more-so-subtly smacking people in the face with 'yes, these are lords and royalty, why did you forget that?'
It is good to hear Daeron is healing well, and that he got to hear how important he is to keeping everyone around them sane.
I kind of expected the council would have a rough start, Ingwe is still putting his foot in his mouth but luckily the other Elves are there to smooth things over. Oh, Alex. You never change, do you?
ReaderKit
· 21 February 2015
· Chapter 118: Breakfast at the Encampment
Hmm, so any one Maiar would be enough to handle threats and the whole army was just a show of force. I am certainly relieved, so are the Elves I imagine. (I noticed Alex did not ask about that - maybe we Mortals are just used to getting along without divine intervention?) Yes, 'Oliver' certainly had reason to be smug.
Hehe, Alex just shows up, eats their food, casually breaks down Ingwe's arguments and beliefs, and then leaves. Typical. I liked him turning the tables on the Eldar, his imaginary disdain was funny. I wonder how much his pointing out Eldar death versus Mortal death was a shock for them. But poor Finrod, many of his arguments brought back unpleasant memories.
I was pleasantly surprised that Alex explicitly said "we are all important to the One," because I think before his experiences here his view would have been that God didn't care about him, and it's nice to see how much has changed. Also when he left, it was heart-warming to see the Elves love him for being exactly who he is, similarities to Glorfindel or not.
Excellent chapter, thanks!
obsidianj
· 21 February 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
Alas, this is the end of EA3. I will miss the story. But now I can download it to my Kindle and read it again.
What a fitting chapter of Farewells this was. I loved the ganging up on Glorfindel part, but was a bit dismayed at Helyanwe for deciding to go back to Valinor. Although, now that I think about it, she didn't seem mature enough to me to hold her own against Glorfindel. I think he needs someone stronger. Helyanwe never really adjusted to life in Wiseman. I think she was woefully unprepared and, as she admitted, only went because her family wanted her to go. She got lucky that she got the chance to go back.
Thanks to the people who made it possible to read the whole story and I hope we can at least read of what was finished of the next installment.
obsidianj
· 21 February 2015
· Chapter 119: Summit Meeting
Good to know that Daeron is on the mend. I loved the sign made by the kids.
That TV newscast was interesting. Having the correct titles and names announced publicly on TV seems to me like the time to stay hidden is over. They always had the Elf Academy website where for everyone who can read it there was the message for elves to come to Wiseman. But it seems that message was too hidden. So far the maia were always there to make sure any mentioning of elves on TV didn't go beyond Wiseman. This feels different. This feels like a deliberate call for all to come.
Ingwe still has to learn about modern humans. I like it that he doesn't adjust immediately. Whether he likes it or not, but Ingwe is also a victim of the slow stagnant pace in Valinor. At least he didn't leave in a huff. He is willing to deal with the odd(at least for him) assortment of humans that is presented to him. Fiondil always said that he would show us Aman in the next installment of this series. I hope we get to see some of what Ingwe and the others do to shake things up in Aman. I'm also curious to see how they will communicate. Will Earendil set up some kind of Postal system between the 2 worlds?
Celeth
· 20 February 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
I am so sorry, Glorfindel, that your heartbreak is almost a relief on my part (does that make me bad?) But for me, no woman, Elf or mortal, will ever be good enough for you. And certainly not someone like Helyanwe. Oh, I have nothing against her personally, but the way she sees Glorfindel, and the things she said to him (just before he went and got drunk and was mugged and almost died)...its not that easy to forget.
Its nice that EA 3 ends on a very positive note: all those things to look forward to...and that also means there are still so many things to look forward to in EA 4. I do not begrudge him his rest, but how I wish Fiondil were still here for all those things, and so many other stories we were looking forward to.
Thank you to those people who are working to make it possible for me, and others like me, to read the stories he left behind. I am soooo looking forward to EA 4!!!
Kevana
· 19 February 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
Bravo, Fiondil. And farewell.
Soledad
· 19 February 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
It is hard to imagine that the story is over. It was such a fixture in our lives - and there's still so many questions open. I really hope that the excellent people who're trying to put together the next part will succeed. It would be a shame if any of this saga got lost. Even if it is unfinished.
As for he actual chapter: as sorry as I feel for Glorfindel, I think it's for the best. It would never work out. Not only is Helyanwe a fairly shallow little thing, too much has happened between them. I don't doubt that Glorfi forgave her; but sometimes that's not enough. Good to see that Daeron and Melyanna are on the right path, though.
bookworm
· 19 February 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
I wasn't going to review. It's not the same without Fiondil on the other side, as grateful as I am to those he left to finish the story. But I can't let it close without a farewell. It hurts a lot to know that we will never see more of the wonderful expansion of the Professor's world, but it is a good hurt, because it was a beautiful thing, while it lasted. Thank you, Fiondil, for this wonderful journey. Thank you to his family for taking us through to the end. Maybe when I see you in heaven, there'll be more of the tale to tell.
Larner
· 18 February 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
A fitting ending to this installment, and I rejoice we could read it all. I grieve for Glorfindel, but do not believe that things would have gone well had she stayed at this time. Although, who knows? Perhaps a guest come for the next wedding will prove to be the one for him!
Laet
· 18 February 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
Really sad to see this end, but I do hope that you continue to publish his next story. I know it is not finished, but I hate to see any of his stories not see the light of day.
rikki
· 18 February 2015
· Chapter 120: Farewells
@Sunny, I love the things you find on YouTube. Do you search by author or subject?
@FV_Whisper, that picture of Glorfindel meeting Elrond is fantastic! Some of my favorite elves and such detail to the picture. And the license! I was sitting there trying to come up with what a real license would look like, perhaps RIVNDEL?
I am also sad that this part of the tale is over though it is appropriate in that there is an end and new beginnings coming up. There are a lot of things to happen in Elf Academy 4 that Fiondil hinted about in his reviews. I appreciate all that the betas are trying to do for his readers to see this story. Though we will never see the ending I plan on going back and reading all the previous stories in a marathon and enjoy the story as it appears.
I was angry at Helena for leaving like she did. When was she going to tell Glorfindel that she was leaving? When she got on the ship? Even if their relationship was never going to develop beyond friendship, as a friend and even the fact that Glorfindel is one of the leaders in Edhollond she should have taken time to let him know. Just telling Galandriel and Melly is not enough. Maybe Helena just assumed that Glorfindel would pick up the subtle hints she was probably dropping, but one should never take that assumption with something so important. I am also sad because Glorfindel was exploring a new relationship that he has never had before and it would have been nice to have someone there to listen and ease the stress after a hard day. But maybe Fiondil planned on Glorfindel finding someone else later on or Glorfindel will be so involved in planning for the Dagor Dagorath that he doesn't have time for anyone.
It was a good ending for Turgon and Glorfindel. Although they will be in different dimensions, it is nice to know that Turgon still depends on Glorfindel to carry on with protecting all that is dear to him.
Finally I loved Alex and his asking pointed questions about the history of the Templars. Not to pry into someone's life, though I will admit that I am curious also, but because he is right, betrayal can come up unexpectedly. Alex and Derek will be very useful in the future development of the security that is going to be needed in this planning.
To all the readers and reviewers here, I have enjoyed greatly reading your ideas and impressions of Fiondil's writing. Sometimes your questions would bring about some interesting hints from the author. As Fiondil always wrote, _Thanks for leaving a review, it is much appreciated._
Namatase mellon.