Reviews (2,009)

Ora · 21 November 2014 · Chapter 94: Family Ties

Whew ! That was a lot of information to take in. I was really surprised whe Finrod made his joke, especially as it is one we tell in the playground. I though it was just us teens who told those. And then I learned that it was Oromë the instigator of Finrod's. Great chapter, Ora

Dreamflower · 21 November 2014 · Chapter 94: Family Ties

Well, we begin to see the big picture. I like Tristan and Iseult so far. I can see that Namo's visit was necessary for them to begin the process of breaking down walls they have spent millennia building up. I look forward to seeing their arrival at Edhellond. Poor Gwyn! As an oldest myself, I can SO identify with catching the blame for the misdeeds of ny younger siblings! Fun chapter! I look forward to Monday!

rikki · 21 November 2014 · Chapter 94: Family Ties

That was a great chapter. So many things about Iseult and Tristan have come to light and only the surface has been scratched. I'm sure that they are reacting to just having their entire world set on it's ear, Tristan alone is going to have to incorporate the existence of the Valar into his scientific logical world. I wonder if he will put it on the level of quarks? I would love to see Glorfindel's bonifides that Lord Nano brought. The illumination sounds very lovely, much like the medieval depictions done by the monks. It would make an impressive framed document. It definitely did it's job in this case. As apparently Tristan and Iseult have never met any Elves that we normally think as famous, I wonder what they will think when they meet the elves in Wiseman. I do hope that Iseult apologizes to Gwyn. Though he is the elder brother, he cannot always be there to take care of his younger brother. But I believe that this is how Iseult has justified having her sons travel on their own in the world. If Gwyn is protecting Gareth, then all will be well. I wonder when or if Gwyn will tell his parents about his courtship. That could be something to be discussed in Wiseman. Oh my, there a lot of shocks and revelations coming up I think.

ellie · 21 November 2014 · Chapter 94: Family Ties

You should have posted this at Thanksgiving in honor of awkward family gatherings. LOL I hope the parents will share some history with their sons. There has been a hole in that family's history for too long.

UTfrog · 21 November 2014 · Chapter 94: Family Ties

You certainly know how to pack information into a single chapter. If this was a textbook, I would have most of it highlighted. It will take more than one pleasure read to absorb all you said. I so love your Lord Namo. He was just perfect. Glorfindel will have quite a wall hanging, too. Good luck to this family as they try to heal and get to know each other in a different way. Fantastic work. Thanks.

Celeth · 21 November 2014 · Chapter 94: Family Ties

Daeron was right, that was an emotionally charged scene. And I pity poor Tristan and Iseult. Learning that your son is almost married to a complete stranger, right after meeting the Lord of Mandos in person...I wouldn't even know how to react. By the way, said Lord of Mandos was rather naughty in his parting shot. But at least it gave Gareth an opening to make his announcement. I would have preferred to do it some other way myself, but seeing the way Iseult treats her children, this might have been the best way after all. The Valar must be in a really good mood, having Lord Namo come over to vouch for the three famous ellyn, and then even going so far as to issue Glorfindel's letter of introduction (by the way, what a lucky, lucky Elf: I have never heard of someone being given one by Lord Manwe. I'd have it enlarged and posted like a billboard on my front yard hahaha). Or else they think that convincing Tristan and Iseult to join the army of light is really important. Then again, it reminds me of the Parable of the lost Sheep, when the Good Shepherd left the ninety-nine who were safe in the fold, to go and look for the one who was lost. Each of us is important to Eru, and He will do what is necessary to reach out and bring us back to the fold. Hope to get to know more about the ap Hywels. And please tell Lord Namo that I want to be his friend. I really like his sense of humor. Happy weekend.

Tira · 20 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

Yes. Just...yes. I loved it. Short and sweet, but...hilarious. Especially Tristen fainting at Námo's feet. Looking forward to tomorrow's chapter!

Kitty · 18 November 2014 · Chapter 92: Countdown to a Wedding

Having their own car would be a necessity for these who move out of Edhellond, but otherwise, some sort of car-sharing would make more sense, yes. I doubt they would need 40 cars at the same time, after all. The corporation idea might be a way to go about it, but I don't know enough about it, and even less so under US laws. Depending on how big the neighbouring empty lot is, maybe they could consider a second house, so Edhellond isn't so crowded, particularly in case more Elves come from Valinor? Who knows when they need a blood donor or something like that, so finding a way to type their blood is a good idea. At least if they can do it safely, without risk of exposure. As for genetic research, the Elves never had the same need for it as we do. Not when so many are around who even remember Cuiviénen. Some months ago, I've been reading a book about paleogenetics, it's an interesting topic, that is for sure, and it's amazing what you can find out that way. Looks like the brothers need reinforcements before facing their parents and telling them certain facts, lol. At least then we don't have to wait until the actual wedding to meet Tristan and Iseult, which only can be a good thing, as I am rather curious by now.

Kitty · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 91: Finrod Behind the Wheel

Driving lessons ... Vorondur is right, if there's a source for Elves to get grey hairs, then that would most definitely do the trick. Hm, they have a point about using horses due to fuel problems. Even without a war, oil is not an unlimited source, after all, and the prices will go up and up. And who knows what really comes afterwards. Had to look up Yakuts - thanks for the link! Never heard of that breed myself, but liked them at first sight. They remind me quite a bit of my beloved Iceland horses. These might be an option, too, they may not be as arctic-proof (for lack of a better word), but come close. I know ours were fine with at least -20 degrees Celsius, even had their afternoon nap outside in the snow at -15. Some years ago we had for a short time -25, and even that wasn't a problem. Give them a shelter that protects them from wind, rain and too much snow and a paddock and they will do fine. So they may be an alternative. I know for a fact that there is an Iceland Horse Association in Alaska, with one of the centers in Fairbanks, and a number of breeders all over the US and Canada, so they might be easier to get than Yakuts. Of course, for riding, they are a bit small for Elves. The weight shouldn't be a problem, but the long legs of the riders could get in the way. But the Yakuts aren't any taller, and I don't know any big horses that are native to such cold climate. In the worst case, the Elves can walk with their feet on both sides of the horses, that keeps the feet warm ;) For pulling a sledge, they could use reindeers as well, I think, that part is already established since EA1. Or dogs. Glorfindel is right, few heed the speed limits. Near my place there's a road where 50 km/h are allowed, but I gave up keeping to that pretty soon, as I was the only one, and even the police was always too fast. Now that was a memorable first try that reminds me again why here, driving school is the only allowed method to get a driver's license and why their cars have a second set of pedals. Seems somehow safer - and better for the nerves of the teacher :D Oh, that reminds me of the time when my cousin had gotten his first car with automatic shift. I happened to be with them when my uncle got to test the car - he never had driven an automatic before. So, it went rather well - until we reached a junction outside of town where we had to turn left. Uncle, used to the other type, of course took off some speed and then reached for the shift to get the car into a lower gear - and put it into P. Needless to say, the car came to a very abrupt stop from 50 km/h to zero, and my aunt threw quite a fit *snicker* Finrod asked what I was always thinking - what if four cars from four directions reach the junction all at the same time? There's just no rule for that. Though it happens rather seldom, luckily. The end left me laughing loud. Nice joke with the hares :D

Larner · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

Ah, dear--I would believe; Lord, let Thou help me in my misbelief! I can see it now! And having recently read about Einstein and his views on cosmology, this chapter and Tris's responses hit delightfully close to home. Love it. And trust Namo to drop in on Atto's directive. Heh!

SashaHoneypalm · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

*sigh* If I had any ability to write fanfic, I think I would. As it is, I can only try to give ideas to more talented people.

SashaHoneypalm · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

@someone- it's hard to reply to somebody named "someone" without sounding like I have no idea who I'm talking to ;). Anyway, that sounds like a great idea for a short story- Feanor is reembodied, hears what mortals have been up to with physics lately, gets his hands on a particle accelerator. (Presumably nobody gets much sleep.)(The Quanta Silmarillion?) *slips a carrot into the Vaire's Loom plot bunny hutch*

Eruherdiriel · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

Oh Dear. Poor Tristan. Namo seems to have a fondness for the overly-dramatic. Well, all the Valar do, actually. Still no backstory. Kinda disappointed about that. I was super excited to read that when the email showed up in my inbox. ~Eruherdiriel

Kevana · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

I knew I was going to love Tristan from the very first description of him. And I was not wrong! He knew Albert and Max, I would pick his brain with a fine-toothed comb. Now if there could just be an Elf who knew Tesla and his rumored giant death beam... What a pair, they seem so mismatched, I would love to know how they met. Iseult is a trip. She seems like the kind of person who goes around adopting and "rehabilitating" people who are not up to snuff, in her opinion. *grin* I can just imagine what it would be like to have her unleashed on Wiseman. Or rather, what it's going to be like when Gareth and Nell get married and she comes in for the wedding, heh! I wonder why she was nervous though, lots of nerves going around and nobody talking about why. Very curious. Science joke t-shirts are the best t-shirts, except for video game shirts, or at least it's a close tie. You know, their doubt is understandable, but more than that it makes me wonder if they have had reason to doubt such things before. Maybe they had given up hope of meeting any other Elves and now are having a hard time coming to grips with it, especially given who these Elves are claiming to be. *pffft* Sometimes I suspect Námo keeps an ear out for openings like that just for the chance to pop in and say hello. They did say Eru but I suppose Death Himself have to do as Atar is all out of burning bushes at the moment. (I kid, I kid. XD ) There are some mysteries here surrounding this little family, I am curious about why Tristan has hazel eyes, I didn't know that was rare in Elves. I learn something new every time I read one of your stories. Lots of warm thoughts for the cold and stormy week ahead! -Kevana

Kevana · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 92: Countdown to a Wedding

When you start talking about building a car park, you know the crowding is getting bad, and they are only going to get more crowded when the next group comes in from Valinor. Maybe they can build on to Edhellond, but the idea of a farm would be good too. Edhellond Inc.! If they are getting politically and educationally active, no reason they can't get more active in business too. The idea of those blood samples in the wrong hands is scary...I am surprised they even had to go through with that, as they certainly can't get any diseases, but then again I guess they are trying to do it by the book and there's no real harm in it either as long as Kyle is careful. Love the discussion about blood typing, they can't be too terribly dissimilar from Mortals or the two could never have interbred and had fertile offspring, but when you get into all the antibodies and such it can get really complicated. They wouldn't even have to be all that different, just a few small differences can pose problems from what I understand. I don't think the Elves would have to look into their genetics to know their relations, technically speaking they could reasonably expect to trace their ancestors back to the first Elves and actually go visit them! How wild is that? Or at least, they could visit them after any dead family members get released from Mandos that is, LOL. Glorfindel never misses a chance to poke fun at Finrod's early "glory days" as a Reborn. It's so cute to see them playing with each other again! I have seen some fugly bridesmaid dresses in my time but thankfully have not actually been tempted to set any of them on fire. Hmm, the brothers are nervous, that's odd..but maybe not, considering the news they have to break? Bookstore Boy! I think that one's going to stick, hehe. I spotted a typo - Glorfindel's name in the fourth paragraph from the end. I feel like I've spotted a rare bird in the wild, you and your betas are so good at catching things.

FV_Whisper · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 91: Finrod Behind the Wheel

Oh, and I forgot the horses were mentioned here. It's nice seeing the Elves considering them. The Yakut seems to be a good breed to look into, for they are the breed most adjusted to cold temperatures I can think of. I agree with Sunny on Icelandics and Norwegian Northlands as breeds to look into too. The advantage I would give them over the Yakut is that they somewhat higher and more bred for riding. And for Icelandic horses it's considered acceptabele for a large male to ride on them. I think there are farms who breed them in the US as well, although it would be a good guess they will be more rare and pricy.

FV_Whisper · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 91: Finrod Behind the Wheel

Why would I not have been suprised if Námo had half of his Maiar standing on watch Chances of something happening that would have made BOTH of them, AT THE SAME TIME, end up in his Halls again would be just too high to take any risks with. Getting his license was quite the experience for Finrod and the later chapter shows he did learn quite a thing from it. Linda's is a good name for a clothing shop, I know one myself called Linda's Look (although I would nevr buy anything there lol) I loved the grey hares joke (and hey, they actually sell plush bunnies over Easter at Wiseman, I like that town. I love buying plush bunnies over that period, but sadly, fior the last years, there have been little to no bunnies at sight is shops here) And the breeding like rabbits comment is hilarious! No wonder it took Ron some time to calm down.

Kitty · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 90: The Auction

I feel actually better about the youngsters knowing that their friends will look out for them. They may not take their protection too seriously at the moment, but that may change, and in any case, it's the intent that counts. Have to agree with Dave here; they need to find the one who ordered the attack. I wonder if he has anything to do with the attack on Edhellond now, too? In any case, they need to find them before the Elves do. Elven justice isn't exactly what the laws would suggest, after all. Nice trick to get the store, from using Sanderson over Glorfindel naming the sum in the bank to the way they handled the auction. Sounds like our good Jacob did have some rather underhanded and illegal plans and got foiled, giving Glorfindel some more bragging rights in the process. Oh well, he'll probably now have to be careful after his scheme was outed so publicly, and the Elves got what they wanted, so all is good.

Kitty · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 89: Afterwards

Hm ... as much as I would like to blame Peterson for the attack, I find it hard to think he would go that far. Though his opinions are certainly backing people like that up, it seems a bit too violent and obvious. I mean, a politician who wants to be elected associated with terrorism? That might in the end actually damage his campaign, no matter if he was behind it or not. Poor reading desk. It did nothing to deserve being used as a target for Legolas demonstrating his skills with bow and knife. Though I guess he should get a permit, seeing that he's now a policeman. There's probably a limit to what Dave can allow him, and he already is skipping the police academy. Added security sounds like a good idea after what happened now. While I wish they'd not have the need, better safe than sorry. All in all, the news on the TV were rather tame, and certainly did sow some doubts about Peterson. His manager may deny it, but something is often enough sticking anyway. Do I need to mention that I don't like the end of the chapter with the unfriendly eyes?

FV_Whisper · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 90: The Auction

It's so great seeing the youngster getting so much support from their friends at college. Surely, their friends are very well on their way to seeing the Elves as their palls and equals, now the Elves could take on the attitude a little more, but they have come a long way from their first encounter with mortals already. Good to see there's some progress on Glorfindel's mugging, and it's clear it's doing more to him than expected. Legolas is uniform must be quite a sight. I think we all would not mind having a police officer in the neighborhood like that lol Ah, the Valar just keep requiting people don't they? All those capable people who get into trouble one way or another and end up in the middle of nowhere a.k.a. Wiseman, Alaska. It's good Glorfindel gave the police his warning, so they'll have an extra motivation to keep these guys locked up. Our current justice system may work for our society, but in truth it's too soft for the nature of the Elves, although they abide by it. And Glorfindel revealed in wrath isn't a thing one would want. I'm pretty sure Dave had another of those 'what have I gotten into?" moments again. He must have been having a lot of those lately I loved the description of the auction and Jacob is a scumbag for setting this up and I hope someone with the right authority overheard the conversation and is going to prosecute him for fraud anyway. What the Elves and Sandman did however, was sneaky, but completely within the law (and not even an unheard practice at auctions, reselling it to another interested bidder who missed out, most of the time at a higher price). But at least Erestor and Linda have their store now and I'm pretty sure if Erestor could have kept Imladris running once, he should do fine with a store as well.

rikki · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

The ap Hywels are in town! They are quite a couple, love Tristen's sense of humor with the t-shirt. I had to laugh at Glorfindel's observation that if Iseult wasn't an elf she would be Jewish. It is sorta sad in a way that the couple has managed to hide and integrate themselves into mortal society so deep that they speak Welsh to their children when they are in the car, though Tristen speaks Sindarin to Glorfindel in the home. I see you mentioned that they were born in the 4th Age, which would explain a lot, though I am wondering if their family was originally from East Lorien after the Ring War. That might help Garath a lot if he is engaged with Galandriel's and Lord Celeborn's daughter. Otherwise, if they are from Mirkwood, it might create trouble if they thought like Thranduil. It would also depend if they were born and raised in an Elven community or the groups of Elves had gotten so small that they only knew the Elves in their group. I hope you go into their history a little more. In any case, they certainly got a shock when Lord Namo showed up. Apparently they do believe in the Valar. Loved your description of Namo's clothing and why he wore the jewels he did. Really looking forward to Friday now to see what Namo has to say and what Tristen's and Iseult's reactions are going to be.

FV_Whisper · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

Things have been busy here lately. so I see if i can do a little reviewing marathon this evening lol I have to say this chapter gave me many good laughs. Finally we get to see the ap Hywel parents and the Valinor Elves get to see an airport for the first time. Iseult and Tristan are quite something and I can just picture them as bickering like a married couple for half of the time lol They really are quite each others opposite in appearance and I think we really need to get to know them better before we can have a good opinion about them. Right now, they're rather being defensive and on the guard. I had to laugh at the mass comment. Tristan commenting on the Elves mortal names is quite a thing, for someone who's own children don't know their parents Elven names. "Iseult was so busy complaining about everything under the sun, I doubt she noticed she was in Alaska,” *grin* Tristan does have a point about why he is a geek. I know from my own experience how bad it is to be miserable pretending to be someone else so you just don't fall out of the line and I'm happy those high school days are over for me and how I can just be happily sitting in my room surrounded by the interests that really make up my life. If someone now wants to comment on my LOTR collection, we have something to talk about and if not, I don't care either. Iseult and Tristan are too weary of the Wiseman Elves and though this would be understandable at first, they are making a bigger case of it then could be needed. If they take on an attitude like this more often, I can understand the Gareth being nervous for telling about his wedding plans. And thinking of that, I really wonder now how Iseult and Galadriel will react on each other for that matter... It's interesting seeing Glorfindel's whole story is not know to the parents. They and their parents/grandparents seemed to have been isolated from Elvenkind for a much longer time, which might explain their alternated history as well. Tristant's comment was just an invitation for the powers to show up on lol My bets were either for Eonwe, Manwe or Námo... Of course it had to be the later one...and Námo being Námo, he decided to show up in full glory for this one. I suppose they deserved that! I guess we'll be having some more fun with the ap Hywels for a while!

Lady Edlyn · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

"You rang?" I almost slid out of my chair onto the floor laughing at this. I suppose that the image of Namo dressed in Lurch's shabby butler's uniform that popped in to my head means that the cold/flu meds are actually working. I'm home from work ill and almost forgot that you had posted a new installment of the story this morning. As always, I'm enjoying the story immensely and am looking forward to Friday's episode. Eru bless, meldonya! Edlyn

Kitty · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 88: Besieged

Peterson left me rolling my eyes. If not going to church is equal to being in league with Satan, then most people I know are satanists. But for fanatics like that it doesn't count how much good you do, only how much lip service you pay to their god. I really hate people like that. Elladan's right, that reminds me too much of Nazi Germany. It's so sad that this mindset can't be destroyed and every generation brings new such fools out. Ugh, that's disgusting, attacking the youngsters! I really hope they can put a stop to that soon. At least their friends showed that they cared about them. Didn't know that faeries are supposed to be allergic to iron, but that they strew the nails all over the gate had me face-palming about that amount of idiocy. Regardless of old superstitions, it is so unrealistic to use that to keep them inside that I can only wonder how on earth they think that would work. Yay for the three Ministers and their peaceful, but powerful way to support the Elves! It's good to know that there are so many who are friendly to the Elves. Interesting theory that the Star of David might be a last memory of Eärendil, even if they don't know it any more. Argh, explosives? Military grade ones? Now that's way beyond the pale and more than they can afford. That has nothing to do with a election campaign any more, that's terrorism, plain and simple. Thank god the twins know what that is and prevented the attack! But I wonder if the protesters even knew that they themselves might be in danger? Sure, they didn't allow anyone in or out, but they were rather close to the planned explosion, after all. *snicker* Oh, I can imagine how Legolas got the trees to take care of the two runaways. They won't get near any wood again any time soon, even if they don't end up in jail!

Kitty · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 87: A Meeting in the Woods

Good to see Legolas joking with his new colleagues and finding his lesson interesting. *snicker* At least they aren't all tongue-tied around the Valar. I love that little bit of banter. Though it is sad how Finrod feels about his life in Valinor. He did so much to help all these people, and while it is not as adventurous as what Glorfindel and the others had, it is even more important. And it sounds as if he now realises – or at least sees more clearly – how stagnant Valinor is and that this isn't good for them. But already to say that he won't return is a bit surprising; he left so many friends and family behind, after all. *shakes head* Why do I begin to wonder if half the reason why so many Elves want to be Rangers is that they thought they know everything already and can show off to the clueless Mortals or even boss them around? They still have a lot to learn. Now I wonder why the Valar actually came by only to say nothing about their problem. Glorfindel is probably right that Finrod's attitude made them change their mind, but of course, I am curious.