Reviews (2,009)

KathyG · 18 February 2015 · Chapter 120: Farewells

Well, as of today, this story is finished; all that remains now is for Fiondil's beta-readers to post Elf Academy 4. It's sad to realize that once that story is posted, there will be no more stories from Fiondil. We have all enjoyed this one, and I predict that we will all enjoy Elf Academy 4, too.

FV_Whisper · 18 February 2015 · Chapter 120: Farewells

And at last, we come to the end. Farewell is a very appropriate tittle, in many ways. It feels so definitive now, even though I know there's still EA4 coming up. And it's wierd thinking then Fiondil verse really will come to an end. Ellie, Alassiel and Shemyaza, I want to thank you for your efforts on trying to carry on with EA4. I would have loved to tell Fiondil how my guesses Gwyn and Gareth had something to do with the Knight Templars (and I'd like to think by their responses, more than they are going on about now) were right. The days before leaving went rather rushed, with many things being wrapped up between the Elves and Mortals, but the day of leaving was breathtaking. Trust Fiondil to use the Feast of the Ascension to make the Elves depart again. Helyanwë leaving was quite a surprise, but a lot of things happened between her and Glorfindel and perhaps too much happened. I don't think she would be completely comfortable around him even after years, how much he really loved her. It might be heartbreaking for Glorfindel, but I think for Helyanwë, going back was a wise decision. Glorfindel retaking his oath to Turgon was one of the most beautiful things and a solution for both of the problems the two of them have been facing. Both gave grown a lot emotionally since they're met up with each other again, and in a good way. Turgon will feel a lot better now. And he took indeed a skateboard with him lol! On the length of stories, chapter wise, EA3 comes in 4th, but I took out my files I used for making my e-readers versions of the stories, and here's by word count: Elf Interrupted 2- 150 chapters - 542.620 words Elf Academy 3 - 120 chapters - 503.324 words In Darkness Bound - 130 chapters - 467.874 words Elf Interrupted - 142 chapters - 422.561
 words Yes, I like to keep track of things like that lol. Sunny, thanks of always for sharing those links. Some nice link from me as well: http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMVgxMjAw/z/jawAAOSwbqpTxzEd/$_1.JPG A car license plate I came across this one and thought it would be perfect for the Twins to use. Or Elrond, if he ever want to get his driving license. As well as this beautiful painting from Glorfindel meeting Elrond for the first time: https://goldseven.wordpress.com/2015/02/14/glorfindels-return-to-rivendell/ The artist is selling prints of it and one of them is on it's way to me! Thanks to all the other reviewers for sharing you thoughts about this story, the things you cared about, and your grief. I hope to see you again with EA4. Until then, I wish you all a very fond farewell. Corine

Lindelea · 18 February 2015 · Chapter 120: Farewells

Ah. I missed the "complete" notice when I clicked on the story to read the latest addition. I had no idea the story was so close to its finale. That makes "Farewells" an even more apt, and even more poignant, chapter title. Farewell, Fiondil. You done good. I thank those who are working to bring EA4 to fruition. Blessings to all who knew and loved Fiondil.

Lindelea · 18 February 2015 · Chapter 119: Summit Meeting

I almost missed this chapter! Thus the reviews, out of order. Alex and Derek were there as a matter of course. This had all the timing of a punch line, after the long list of "representings". Having read my share of apocalyptic science fiction in my day, I can easily imagine why the Valar are interested in training people living on the outskirts, with "primitive" weapons, rather than concentrating their efforts in population centers, with weapons that might be dependent upon electronics (which can be knocked out by EMP, a side effect of nuclear detonations, for one thing), or dependent on a supply of ammunition that can run out and might not be so easily replaced or re-used. Warlords, indeed. I can only imagine the gridlock that would proceed from involving the actual warlords in our society in discussions. Turf battles and empires, to start. Sounds like mortals are ably represented in this meeting. The translation of the "get well" card is much appreciated -- as my guess was way off... I thought it was an apology of sorts. And the grammatical error was a charming touch.

Sweetpea Deepdelver · 18 February 2015 · Chapter 120: Farewells

What? NO! *sniff, sniff* I will miss this story so much....thank you for giving it to me, Finodil and everyone else who has worked on it. Thank you all.

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 18 February 2015 · Chapter 120: Farewells

Atya, "Farewells". That's a portentous chapter title if there ever was any. I find myself wondering, as you penned it, whether you had some inkling...but no. I won't go there. *shudders* Ai Valar, Atto, I just wish somehow I had been able to come to you before the end. I...I can't believe this is really the end. I mean, I know there's EA 4 yet to be finished, but who knows when that will begin to go up. Well, Ellie and Alassiel know, I guess. I'm glad Turgon and Glorfindel renewed the oath and affirmed their love for each other. I'm not glad that Helyanwe decided to pack herself back off to Valinor and leave our Glorfi bereft, though. Maybe it was the right decision for her, but what about Glorfindel? So many things to look forward to, so many questions to be answered yet... I'm both anticipating and dreading EA 4. Anticipating, because I can't wait to see how you answered these questions (or how you planned to), and dreading because once it's over...it will be over. I don't know if I can handle that idea of such a very final parting. Love from your yelde, Kaylee

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 18 February 2015 · Chapter 119: Summit Meeting

Atya, I'm so glad that Daeron is on the mend, and the sign for him was adorable. I recognized that the Sindarin was slightly off, but hey, they tried :) I'm also glad that not *all* the Mortals hate them. I'm also glad that the Amaneldi and Ingwe in particular are getting the bigger picture in meeting with the Mortal leaders, who may not be the "warlords" they expected, but are full worthy of their respect. Getting the titles correct on the newscast was a stroke of genius. :) It's so hard to write this knowing you can't answer me back. But I'm glad all of us who were and are your loyal readers can come together here for discussion still. With love, Kaylee

Lindelea · 18 February 2015 · Chapter 118: Breakfast at the Encampment

"Just rude enough." Hmmm. How does one gauge that? Is there such a thing as a rudometer? Anyone, please? What does Eruhíni mean? I suspect from context it means those created by Eru, or children of Eru perhaps, but I always loved to read the footnotes in the chapters to find out how well my guessing had gone.

Lindelea · 18 February 2015 · Chapter 120: Farewells

Ah, how I miss Fiondil's delight in answering reviews! I can so clearly "hear" him, as I came to know his author's voice in his stories, as I read this chapter. “And that is all very interesting, but rather beside the point,” Glorfindel insisted. I was thinking it all very interesting, actually. Kudos to Alex for being sharp in bringing the point home. (And that's enough punning for one morning. I'm grumpy because my morning coffee is not to my taste this morning. Still, I will drink it and be thankful for the caffeine.) The "ganging up" on Glorfindel reminds me very much of a scene in the original Star Trek where Spock and Sarek are discussing Amanda, in front of her face, in rather a clinical, detached manner. Very funny there, too. Re: Gareth and Nell. I forget if it was mentioned elsewhere. How long until a possible wedding date? Alas, poor Loren. But at least he has Turgon's blessing. The "looking forward to the future" scene just plain sparkles. Thank you, Metta, for the footnote.

Sunny · 18 February 2015 · Chapter 120: Farewells

It's finished already? *wipes away a tear* Hm. Already, I say, but at 120 chapters there are only three of Fiondil's fics that are longer (I go by chapter count here, since I guess it's as good a measure as any.) So Helyanwë decided to return to Valinor? I must say I'm Glorfindel, here he has been exploring the beginnings of love, and suddenly his love interest just throws him over without warning and hightails it for home. On the other hand, I'm not sure she would have been good for him. She certainly has been the cause of a fair amount of pain for Glorfindel and the other Elves in Wiseman, and the way she behaved was IMO an indication that she was somewhat lacking in intestinal fortitude. It makes me wonder what Fiondil would have done in EA4 - he didn't like to write Romance, and may have felt that he was well rid of Helyanwë for that reason, but OTOH I, at least, feel that Glorfy deserved a sweetheart of his own. (But a gutsier one than Helyanwë, who was pretty and sweet, and that was it.) Who knows? Perhaps Fiondil would have brought her back after she had done some growing up? Or perhaps he had someone better waiting in the wings, as it were? Turgon's little talk with Glorfindel was excellent. I think they both got closure from that, and I bet Eönwë loved writing down that oath in his book. Heh. I see Turgon got his skateboard! Clearly he is planning to make the plazas and streets of Tirion unsafe - and I bet every Reborn in the city is going to want to emulate him! I am deeply grateful to the site moderators for continuing to make the story available to us. I am also grateful to Fiondil's betas, Ellie and Alassiel, and to Shemyaza, for their willingness to finish Fiondil's last story. I have certainly felt Fiondil's influence in several of Ellie's stories, and a similar humor in her writing. I also very much liked Shemyaza's _A Singular Honor_ and _Dark Power Arising_ on FFNet. I wish them the very best fortune in that work. To finish,here are some links to some lovely music vids. I had sent them to Fiondil, and he really enjoyed them, and I hope the rest of you will too. And if they also should spark a bit of inspirations to those who have determined to take up the burden of finishing EA4, that would be all to the good. ;-) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ3NZMb34_I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJz8b95Rw8o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNgU3ojwlCM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SIZ8FR3-0k

Dreamflower · 18 February 2015 · Chapter 120: Farewells

Oh, oh dear. I knew the end was close, but not so close as this. I already miss its creator, but I'm going to miss the story, too. I know there are those who have worked hard to bring us the rest of this story, Alassiel and Ellie and Nilmandra. I want to thank you so much for doing this! It is truly appreciated; I know that you are also working hard to bring us the rest of the story. i thank you for that as well. I like to think that Fiondil can know how much we have loved this story and the little community of readers that was built around this story. I will miss that as well. I will also miss the stories we will never have. He created such a rich world a such vivid characters that most of us wanted more of it. So, I suppose this is a farewell until those who are working on it can bring us the next part. I wish I could offer more help than just encouragement, but know that you have that.

UTfrog · 18 February 2015 · Chapter 120: Farewells

Fiondil, I believe that you know how much we all appreciate your wonderful work. You even left us staunch friends willing to continue your efforts. These are wonderful stories. Thank you so much

Aranadhel · 18 February 2015 · Chapter 120: Farewells

Excellent chapter this was! Oh I guessed correctly regarding how the elves are going to communicate between the two dimensions! *g* Is this the finale of EA3? Big big hugs to the 3 of you for continuing to show us the stories! A very big thank you from Malaysia! :)

Sarah · 18 February 2015 · Chapter 120: Farewells

Was not expecting Helena to ah....jump ship...as it were. Poor Loren. I do hold out hope that she may change her mind and join up with th folks who come to Nells wedding.

Sarah · 17 February 2015 · Chapter 119: Summit Meeting

Glad to see everyone's on the mend :-) I too am getting the feeling that certain story threads are being drawn to a close. I think perhaps an EA re-read marathon is in order once this is finished. To those of you continuing this work I say take all the time you need. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that folks were even considering attempting to finish out EA4, or even that this story was going to continue to be updated. All of your efforts in this are so much appreciated and so unexpected. I have no doubt that you will all prove equal to the task. Hoping everyone is well (and if you live in my little corner of the world, staying warm!). Until next time, lovelies!

Soledad · 17 February 2015 · Chapter 119: Summit Meeting

I really feel sorry for the female Wiseman Elves. It seems it's always just the males who get to hold the meetings and make the decisions. One would think that after the first dozen millennia or so the ellyn wold have absorbed a little bit of the idea of equality. And no, Galadriel doesn't count. Firstly, she's not a Wiseman Elf and secondly, I'm quite certain that she was born female by accident. *g*

Dreamflower · 17 February 2015 · Chapter 119: Summit Meeting

What a wonderful chapter! I really love the residents with their show of support. The flowers and trinkets and get well cards (I especially love the one made by the children). The truth is, that those gestures of good will from solid and decent people is probably a greater weapon than any would be provided by "warlords". Yes, there will a need for brave fighters who will have to be trained to use weapons old and new. But that won't mean much without the staunch courage of ordinary folks. Loved the TV newscast. I wonder who did the research at the station to make sure all the titles were correct? The Valinoreans were also made to understand that things are relatively simpler in Wiseman as compared to other places in the world. Imagine if they were trying to get a foothold in China or Iran! Or in the west, someplace like New York City or Los Angeles. In it's relative isolation Wiseman is ideal. But it's isolation is not total, and the real world will impinge from time to time. I always admired Fiondil's skill at conveying important information and reminders in a natural and unforced way. His info-dumps never felt like info-dumps. In this chapter, we meet some key players in Wiseman, some for the first time, others who haven't been around in a while, yet the introductions seem right in place, because the Valinoreans are meeting them for the first. Also, Fiondil slipped in clever reminders of the story's timeframe by the mention of Mother's Day and soccer games remind us that it's now late spring in Wiseman. There is still so much to learn from him.

rikki · 17 February 2015 · Chapter 119: Summit Meeting

Loved seeing that Daeron is beginning to get better and at least is not in healing sleep all the time. Even with rapid elven healing, it is still going to take a while before he is back entirely. I bet he loved the cards and messages left by the mortals wishing him well. Those done by the children were particularly cute. The rest of this chapter is getting down to brass tacks as one could say about planning for the Dagor Dagorath. There was a nice break in humor written here between Alex and Turgon. And the digs at Glorfindel show that he was not immune from creating trouble. Fiondil does not come out and directly say it but this is the most important meeting because this is where Ingwe has to get on board 110% for the union of the elves in Valinor and the combination of elves and mortals in Middle Earth to work. He is the one who will have to go back and convince the elves in Valinor that they want to plan for the Dagor Dagorath and that they have to overcome their ennui and become active in life again, having and raising children and making changes to support the coming battle. Glorfindel is right, they do not know if there are other elves around preparing for the future, one can hope, but they have to consider that they are the front line and act accordingly. This is where I really miss getting insight to Fiondil's thoughts as he wrote this chapter. Sunny, obsidianj, Kaylee Arafinwiel and others, what do you think about where Fiondil was going with this? Was he developing the next phase where the elves at the Elf Academy begin to move beyond the original purpose of the school and start to actively seek other elves in the world and somehow figure out a way to communicate with others in Valinor?

Eruherdiriel · 17 February 2015 · Chapter 119: Summit Meeting

Yes, Glorfindel can be reckoned on enlivening any boring meeting. If he could bottle that, he'd make a fortune. ~Eruherdiriel

Aranadhel · 17 February 2015 · Chapter 119: Summit Meeting

Trying my best to picture the 3 kings along with Turgon in plainclothes. Lol... whatever next? will they be bringing back handphones and ask the Valar to set up a network to contact Earth? hahahaha!

Sunny · 17 February 2015 · Chapter 119: Summit Meeting

Hehe, so Glorfindel's task on Turgon's privy council was to liven things up and so keep his councillors on their toes, and Turgon himself now does this for Arafinwë? I guess he had a couple of very good tutors in mischief, since I sort of had the impression that Turgon used to be a rather staid sort of fellow. It seems the troops of warrior Maiar have had a very chilling effect on the wannabe terrorists and lynch mobs in Wiseman. Sort of like Adult Wednesday Addams here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVO3sNcJ7A8

Larner · 16 February 2015 · Chapter 119: Summit Meeting

At last they get to the meat of the meeting, and Ingwe has again been patiently corrected in his assumptions. May they all rejoice to know cooperation. Love the Judge's evaluation of the situation, by the way. They'll all get through it, though--I have confidence in them all.

Larner · 16 February 2015 · Chapter 118: Breakfast at the Encampment

Well, I'm glad that Olorin still smokes pipeweed. Love that! And Ingwe getting his comeuppance from Alex was truly priceless! They are all getting a better sense of proportion, it would seem.

UTfrog · 16 February 2015 · Chapter 119: Summit Meeting

Excellent chapter. Loved the children making a sign for Dareon.

Shemyaza · 16 February 2015 · Chapter 118: Breakfast at the Encampment

For those asking about Fiondil's sequel, the fourth in the series Elf Academy, the betas Ellie and Alassiel, and myself are currently going over the chapters that Fioneil wrote. Carrying on a story for a much loved writer now deceased is not easy and Fiondil's boots are so big I doubt whether all three of us would be able to fill them! EA4 may be a little delayed while we get the gist of where Fiondil was going with the last story, but as soon as we are able there will be new episodes of the new story posted as soon as we can.