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In Darkness Bound by Fiondil	941 Review(s)
Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 115 on 7/8/2013
I could say something reasonable and pertinent about the excellent writing in this chapter, particularly the first half, vividly portraying grief in its many facettes. Vacillating between absolute numbness and incomprehension, and sudden hyperaware flashes where everything grinds itself all the more into the soul. Where the famous "stages of grief" seem to crash on one all at once, all jumbled together. Or I could just say, I'm having a bit of trouble writing this review, because my sight is blurry. It was this: "I c-c-can’t feel him," that did it for me. Author Reply: I wanted so much for Ingil to live; it was very hard to write these last few chapters, especially this one. I think you did rather well in expressing your feelings about this. Thanks for taking the time to do so. I appreciate it very much.

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 103 on 7/8/2013
The scenes among the Valar in this chapter may be my favourite scenes of the story overall so far. I like the sense of community and purpose.The way you combine the mythological and the astronomical about re: Sun and Moon in a way that it makes sense. And including that lovely - and educational - quotation in the author's notes. I liked the tender scene between brother and sister; it's good to know the Consoler can also help "She who weeps". I was also intrigued by this: "You are one of our greatest strategists, Námo," Oromë said before Manwë could reply. "You could teach him what he needs to know to be a good leader and commander." A role we have Námo seldom seen take on, and perhaps at first sight incongruous. And yet, his foresight gives him insight and oversight (pun intended) over the bigger picture. And how interesting that so early on there was already a discussion about Ingwion as Námo's apprentice. Two things I wanted to add from remarks in the comments: 1) If I recall correctly, Tolkien modelled the "gender" of Sun and Moon from German custom; here, it's indeed "die Sonne & der Mond". 2) I nearly threw my Laptop on the floor when I burst out laughing at the image of Námo having a hairdresser! I can just see him, all prim and proper, flitting about the Lord of Mandos with his scissors, round and round, cutting one hair at a time one millimetre at a time, all the while going "hmmm, hmmm, hmmmmmmm...", and "tsk, tsk, tsk...", with his head held to the side in an earnestly assessing and disapproving manner at what atrocities Námo has managed to do this time to "his" oeuvre. Author Reply: Hi Imhiriel. I think a lot of readers enjoyed this chapter. I like blending the mythical and scientific aspects of creation together, trying to see how I can adapt Tolkien's cosmology and make it fit today's cosmology. I think I've succeeded for the most part. If you want to know why Námo is considered one of the Valar's greatest strategists you have to read my "Wars of the Valar" to find out. And of course, Námo is merely showing brotherly concern for his sister here. Thanks for your comments. I very much apprecaite them. And loved your image of Námo's hairdresser. grin

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 102 on 7/8/2013
What an interesting, poignant, haunting twist to have the Teleri be the ones to start the actual kinslaying! It adds a whole other layer to that whole tragic mess. I wonder if that will change the attitude the Teleri will have towards the Noldor. I'm afraid not too much - nobody wants to be reminded of their own fault when it's easier to bear grievances against others. But I suspect at least Olwë will use that fact to keep a lide on too extreme reactions, e.g. by Ainairos and others of a like mindset, smart politician as the king has shown himself so far. But still, I'm with Olwë. It's the Noldor's own fault for attacking the havens and wanting to steal the ships - people have a right to defend themselves and their property, and if the aggressor and thief gets hurt, well, he put himself at risk by impinging on another person's rights unlawfully. And I also think he is right that the Valar owe him... hm, something... Before, the Valar immediately acted when the Peace was breached, when Fëanáro "merely" threatened his brother, when no actual harm bar a fright had been done. And while I do see their wisdom in what they tell the Elves here about the need to stand on their own feet, why do they decide to change their politics in the face of wholesale slaughter? As I said before, a forewarning would only have been fair for the Elves to adjust to the new circumstances, particularly the Teleri who had only sparse news of what went on beyond the Pélori. I like how you have structured these last several chapters. They go quite a bit back in time to catch the several key players up to the present, and by framing it as a narrative by the Valar to Arafinwë, you give it a nice coherency. Author Reply: The idea of the Teleri starting the kinslaying is not a twist, but an actuality. Tolkien clearly states in the Silmarillion that the Teleri "threw the first punch" so to speak. Many people automatically assume it was the Noldor, so I decided it was time to set the record straight. grin And the Valar do owe him, but what deal they make between themselves I have never learned. Maybe someday... And your point is well taken. Unfortunately, the Valar, like all created beings, are flawed, imperfect and the screw up just like the rest of us. They were so stung by Fëanáro that they went in the opposite direction. It probably took them a while to find a balance between non-interference and meddling, though I don't think they've ever gotten the hang of it. grin I decided that having Manwë tell Arafinwë what had been going on was the best way to bring all the threads together. I'm glad you liked the way I did it. Thanks for leaving a comment. I very much apprciate it.

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 95 on 7/7/2013
I admit it: Almáriel impressed me here, and I cheered when she spoke as the first, and revealed how shrewd she was. I may yet forgive her her excessive mother-henning ;-)... And good for Ingalaurë, too. In fact, I loved the whole council scene, and how quickly Ingoldo was reduced to slinking away with his metaphorical tail between his legs. Although I suppose that might have been a front, and he quickly rallies again, nonetheless, a victory for justice was struck. And at the least, his full perfidy is laid open, and nobody believes his lies and insinuations, which I had feared might have been more successful. I would have liked to learn more about what was going through his head when he decided to personally beat his nephew blue and black. His lack of any reaction - hesitation; realisation that he was actually doing bodily harm against a fellow elf and moreover against his own nephew, that he had dared step over that line; even any show of satisfaction - would have been somehow more understandable as his cold, unfeeling, calculated action. It frightened me. I wonder just how he came to amass so much power that he was able to convince so many of the guards to go over to him. You mentioned that there are some who he is blackmailing, but even then he has to have the manpower - or at least the appearance of manpower - to be able to convince them of the validity of his threats. Seems the rot is (almost?) as deep in Vanyarin society as in Noldorin. It's just that the latter go out and spread it, whereas the former contain it among themselves. Perhaps reflective of the typical temperament of their respective people. Author Reply: I told you Almáriel would redeeem herself. grin And I think Ingoldo has been working behind the scenes for a very long time, amassing the power that he has, waiting for his chance. I don't think he's really all that sane myself, but that's just my opinion. Anyway, thanks for reviewing, Imhiriel. I appreciate it very much.

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 91 on 7/7/2013
Aaaand I've once more forgotten to add something in my review blushes, but I have a question: Tiutalion expressly stated that the book he gave Arafinwë was for him alone, and no one would know what was in it unless he chose to share it. And yet, several Valar quite unabashedly took it without him knowing, much less consenting, and read what was written there, several times. And as someone who had to censor her own diary as a teenager because her mother kept reading it and complaining how I wrote about my parents - that seriously upset and disconcerted me. Do you have an explanation for the Valars' actions? Author Reply: I think if Arafinwë had been acting rationally at this point, they wouldn't have bothered, but his actions necessitated they find out why he was so hysterical when they attempted to move the book out of his hand just long enough to get him into the stretcher. And of course, there's nothign in the journal excapt for some notes and recipes. There's nothing of a personal nature, which is what puzzles th Valar. The closest thing to a personal entry is the smudged page where the only legible phrase is "Help me, please". I have a feeling that the Valar knew that there was nothing of a personal nature in the journal and could not understand Arafinwë's reactions. Hence, they took a peek. Maybe not the best explanation, but the only one I can come up with to justify their actions. Hope it helps.

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 91 on 7/7/2013
What a satisfying end of the chapter and this episode in the overall story! And now I hope Arafinwë can take on a more active role in helping his own folk in picking up the pieces, and helping the rightful rulers of the Vanyar out of the mess Ingoldo made of things. I always squirm uncomfortably while reading those scenes of "thralldom" in your work, everything rebelling in me against witnessing those acts and expectations of willing subservience. But they always make me think, and weigh my opinions, and ponder, and be more aware of my own spiritual and philosophical stances. And while I still may not agree with everything presented here, I think it help me grow as a person, even as a middle-aged adult. And I sincerely thank you for that, Fiondil! Author Reply: Hi Imhiriel, I'm glad you found this chapter satisfying. We'll see how Arafinwë takes his lessons to heart as the rest of this story progresses. And I'm glad you find my stories thought-provoking. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 83 on 7/7/2013
Oooh. A very powerful chapter! And much of what I was feeling and thinking has already been mentioned in other reviews. I must say, I'm so glad I know from your other works how the Valar operate and their way of showing the true meaning of serving/thralldom, otherwise I think this chapter would have been nigh unbearable. As it is, it's still shudder-inducing, but I can appreciate the subtleties and true meanings of their doings, and can see beyond poor Arafinwë's schocked and biased experience. And that he is not truly being treated as a dog, collar, leash and all. Yes, as you say it's a kind of twisted arrogance to demand so vehemently on taking on so much guilt, both warranted and not, and practically force the Valar to damn well damn him as he insists. Still: poor Arafinwë. I'm with Shemyaza: it would perhaps have not been a bad idea to deal with Fëanáro in a similar way to show him what that word "thrall" really means he keeps bandying about so ligthtly. Although - it still wouldn't be as bad as what a thrall would be of truly evil masters as he imagines the Valar to be. Harsh lessons, but Arafinwë will not only learn humility, but also shown by Manwë's example how to be a true king and leader. And I was surprised as well that this way where his nickname came from, although in hindsight the clues were there. Author Reply: Unfortunately, the Valar hadn't thought of treating Fëanáro as he deserved and so we have the results of their failure to deal with him effectively. This is a very powerful chapter and it was not an easy one to write, nor were any of the subsequent ones dealing with Arafinwë's "thralldom". Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 79 on 7/7/2013
Wow. The Valar certainly chose a fine moment to do a complete u-turn in how they deal with the Elves! Prior to this, it was always, "we don't interfere, unless the Peace of Valinor is breached. Or unless we are actively asked for help." Now, both have happended and suddenly crickets. Or, not merely crickets, but rather a brutal dismissal of their most loyal subjects. "Wayward elf", indeed. I suppose in principle I understand their PoV, and they are right that with all that is happening, they have other concerns. But at least a little forewarning might have been nice. "Sorry, elves, from now on you're on your own. So plan accordingly." Might have saved time and the trip up the mountain, and given them time to think about other plans. Now they've run against a wall and have to start from a completely new game board. I see from your responses that the next chapter will present the Valar's PoV. I'm curious how that will change how I see it, because at the moment, I'm rather fuming at them ;-). And I worry about Ingwion. That's the second or third time that he had to scream to let out his emotions, and I feel the cracks are starting to show. Author Reply: Hi Imhiriel. It does seem rather harsh the way the Valar are treating Ingwion, but it's really for his own good. He's too used to having them solve all his problems for him and it's time he and the other Elves grew up a bit, take responsibility for their own destinies. Still, Ingwion is near the breaking point, which is why Olórin has been set to watch over him. thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 71 on 7/7/2013
I forgot to add one thing (and sorry for swamping your in-box!): I teared up when you wrote that Námo wept all the while he uttered his doom. I do hope his wife and the other Valar can console him. He will need all the emotional strength he can get in the next days with his halls filling with the victims of the Kinslaying. Author Reply: I have no doubt that his wife and the other Valar did as much as they could to console him and provide him with emotional support as he deals with those who have died (and will die). Thanks for commenting on this. I'm glad you recognized the emotional pain Námo had to be going through. I think of all the Valar, he is the most sensitive and caring in spite of his "official face". I never could get my head around Tolkien's description of him as a cold, unfeeling so-and-so. I decided that had to be the Noldor's perception of him based on their own guilt feelings and not the reality.

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 71 on 7/7/2013
And lo! Behold, this is the SILM chapter when Arafinwë became of all the Elves my most beloved! (I'm infected by the grandiose language, as you see ;-), but it's true, with only a couple of others to equal him in my esteem) He is the furthest from being a coward as you can get. To 1) recognise, 2) acknowledge and 3) seek to redress the error of his ways he shows what true bravey and wisdom is. Knowing full well what will await him: a shattered, pitiful remnant of his own people, the kinslaying with his personal ties to the Teleri, the estrangement of the Vanyar, and whatever he imagines he might expect from the Valar. I truly hopes he comes to learn that his was a most brave, honourable and heroic decision! Everytime I see Námo's speech, a shiver courses through me. I always have to read it a few times slowly and really let it sink in and let it reverberate before I continue on. I loved the small detail that he was so unmoving that the wind didn't even stir his clothes. I appreciated Eru's discussion with Manwë at the end as it puts into the record one of my perennial gripes against the Valar and their disposition of the Elves and their Stewardship of places in Arda other than Aman. I didn't know this was even part of canon, and I'm glad to hear it. Author Reply: Arafinwë is the true hero here, though he does not see it, and the rest of this story, or a large part of it, centers on that belief and how he deals with it (or not) and the consequences of it for him and others. Námo's speech is chilling and I tried to make it as dramatic as possible, more so than the rather dry telling of it in the Silmarillion. And I have wanted to bring in Eru's discussion with Manwë for a long time and was glad to find the perfect story for it. This is a pivotal scene, I think, showing that a). the Valar are not perfect and b). Eru is still in charge. Thanks for reviewing, Imhiriel. It's greatly appreciated.

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