Stories of Arda - Lord of the Rings Fan-Fiction Archive


	About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

In Darkness Bound by Fiondil	6 Review(s)
Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 10/6/2010
Nice to see Olorin amidst the guardians who marched with the host. Finwe does not count the cost of his favoritism. Author Reply: Glad you like Olórin here, Larner. I think we see a bit of "Gandalf" in his personality peeping through. grin Finwë has a lot of issues with Fëanáro being at the top of the list though he would be the last to admit it. And therein lies the root of the problem and what follows from it.

Tari	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/21/2010
This is one of the most tragic episodes in the history of the Elves. It’s so sad that some of them still believe Melkor’s lies. The Maia will prove to be a real blessing to the elflings who have no idea what is wrong, much less why they have to leave the only home they know. Author Reply: It is indeed, Tari, and it is a pity that so many believed Melkor's lies. I'm sure the Maiar enjoyed their time among the elflings in spite of their grousing about having to be incarnate as Elves. grin Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.

rick	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/14/2010
An excellent start to what looks to be a good story! This is for all 4 chapters to date, by the way. I enjoyed the reactions of the other kings to Finwe's decision - will Olwe ever show Earwen's letter to his wife? Are you going to have any other interactions amongst the cousins? You've had Finrod & Maedhros, but nothing between Ingwe's sons or Olwe's with either Feanor's sons or those of his brother. Although, since it is early yet, I suppose you may be getting a round tuit. I also found "that you know of" in regards to extra functions of the Maiar in chapter 2 very intriguing... Keep going - this is good! Author Reply: Hi Rick. I'm glad you like how this story is progressing. As you say, it's early yet in the story and what interactions betewen various characters and groups of characters remains to be seen. And I'm glad you found the "that you know of" scene intriguing. That was my intent. grin Thanks for the encouragement and for taking the time to read and reivew. I always appreciate it, especially having another guy's reaction to my stories.

Sunny	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/13/2010
Heh. The only person happy with Fëanor's antics seems to be Fëanor himself. Though Melkor probably would be, if he but knew about it. And Nerdanel didn't kick his ass, but instead slapped him. I hope she hit him hard! cheers Nerdanel on So Ingwë got to have some words with Finwë. They were certainly necessary, and to the point, but considering the situation, I think Ingwë should have been even more firm. Especially considering Finwë's only answer to the criticism was, "My son needs me." As if Fëanor were still a baby, and were an only child! growls at Finwë Author Reply: It's hard, I think, for Ingwë, being both High King and brother-in-law. Where do you draw the line? He did what he felt he needed to do, namely, tell Finwë what he thought of the whole affair, but knew that to act as High King in this situation would have proven disasterous for all of them. Don't forget, in their minds, they believe the exile will end in 12 (Valian) years. They all believe that at the end of it things will return to status quo. Of course, we know better, but they do not and so they act according to their perceived knowledge of how things will turn out. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Sunny. I appreciate it very much.

ninqwestilmen	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/13/2010
Hi, Ingwe siding with his sister is obviously expected, but I think he was a little quick to condemn Finwe of caring for Feanor more than his other sons. I believe that it was expected and understood from the time that Indis willfully married a single father. Ingwe too did not react in the best way to this exile, but it was a trying time for all. In my mind, Finwe is a much stronger character than he seems here. While his love for Feanor cannot be doubted, and probably did influence his decision to join the exile, I do not think that it was the only factor, I think Finwe had some very rational reasons to guide his actions. However, different interpretations of the situation is what the story is about, and it brings forward the idea that Finwe considered a council instead of a regent. Thats a very interesting idea, may I ask if it's your own thought or its mentioned somewhere in the works. I do agree with the interpretation that the pride and jealousy ran both ways between the brothers, Fingolfin probably did wish sometimes that he could be the Noldoran's heir. But I completely agree that the way that he became the regent was extremely upsetting for him. Whether he coveted his older brother's place or not, he certainly did not want it to happen like that. Also, I liked the farewell of Maedhros and Fingon. I always liked that while each stood steadfast beside their father, each found a way to maintain their deep friendship, even rebelling against their fathers in their own way when needed. I know you said that the story would focus more on the doings of the Vanyar, I am glad to see that their friendship warranted a place in your tale. Author Reply: Hi ninqwestilmen. It is a very trying and emotional time for them all and I don't think any of them are showing their best sides here, not even Ingwë. And Finwë is a strong character. He would have to be to stand up to Melkor as he did. His idea of creating a council is purely from my imagination. And no doubt Ñolofinwë is ambitious and perhaps jealous of Fëanáro, but you are correct that the manner in which he becomes regent upsets him. This is not how he thought it would go. I purposely put the Maedhros and Fingon scene in as my personal protest against all the Maedhros/Fingon slash stories that have absolutely no basis in canon. All such stories are based on a misreading of a single sentence in the Silmarillion and so in this scene I wanted to show that as cousins they can love one another just as if they were brothers and it would be 'agape', which is 'true' or sacrificial love without the physical attraction inherent 'eros'. Anyway, I'm glad you like that scene. It's both funny and poignant, especially when we know how it will all end. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.

6336	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/13/2010
I can understand Feanaro wanting to take his sons and their servants with him, (Were any of Feanaro's sons married by the way?) but I think Finwe should have put his foot down about other families joining him if it meant spliting them up. I don't think Nelyo wanted to go to Formanos but duty called and like a good little Ellon he answered, I think he would have liked to stay home with Amme and look after her. I wonder just what Feanaro's older sons thought of the matter, the younger ones will just follow their brothers example. I like the idea of the Valar having Maia in the march to help control and encourage the elflings. Pity they could not have had a few following Melkor around to help repair the damage he caused with his lies! It all comes back to Melkor, dosen't it, if he had not been so envious of his brother Valar none of this would have happened and we would not have all the wonderful stories that have been written! Huggs, Lynda Author Reply: Hi Lynda. We know that Curufin at least was married because Celebrimbor was his son. As for any of the others, Tolkien is silent. I think Nelyo might have had some ambivalent feelings about the whole thing, and perhaps Maglor, too. I'm afraid they don't enter into the story all that much. I think the Maiar are there as much for crowd control as for the elflings' sake. And yes, it does all come back to Melkor, and yes, if things had gone otherwise we wouldn't have any of the wonderful stories that have been written, and as a writer, I am eternally grateful to the &%$ for giving me such good copy. LOL Thanks for reading and reviewing, Lynda. I greatly appreciate it.

Return to Chapter List