Fiondil's Tapestry by Fiondil
6336 · 9 January 2009 · Chapter 46: DREAMS: Dréam ne dréose
Ah, yet another of your beautiful gap fillers. Life changing situations, such as a marriage, would make anyone nervous, I am glad he good friends to support him. More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Thanks, Lynda. I'm glad you enjoyed this one.
Kitty · 2 January 2009 · Chapter 45: RUMOUR: Whispers of War
"Lord Oromë only said that he must needs return to... Amanaphe... Amanaphel... Aman!" Ingwë finally got out with some exasperation. Finwë and Elwë grinned. "The language of these Powers is rather difficult to get one’s tongue around, is it not?" Finwë said. "I think ‘Aman’ sounds much nicer." *snicker* Glad I am not the only one to have difficulties remembering that terrible word. Finwë is *so* right - Aman is much nicer and can be used without breaking off my tongue! So now we know where the new name came from ;) The way the Mayar are acting gives the phrase 'as if by ghost hand' a whole new meaning, doesn't it? I can imagine the faces of these rescued by invisible hands *grin* The elflings talking about 'bright ones' were very close to the truth, in fact. But I am very glad they make sure no one of the Elves is hurt. This ficlet fits very well in with 'Wars'.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Many words in Quenya, especially proper names and place names, are adapted and adopted from Valarin, including Aman. In fact, according to Tolkien, shortly after the discovery of the Firstborn, the Valar and Maiar abandoned Valarin altogether and adopted Quenya as their language of use even when not communicating with Elves but only between themselves. The Máyar, of course, are unknown to the Children at this time. Their existence won't be realized until after the three ambassadors have been to Aman and seen them for themselves, so of course the elflings talking about 'bright ones' would confuse their parents at this juncture. It was just serendipity that this ficlet, which was written first, and the latest chapter of 'Wars' happened to coincide in terms of when they were scheduled to be posted. It wasn't until after I'd written chapter 51 and then was looking at the calendar to see in which week certain stories and chapters would be up for posting that I saw that these two would be posted together. I suspect Someone else had a hand in arranging this because it certainly wasn't me. *grin* Thanks for you review. I appreciate it.
Independence1776 · 1 January 2009 · Chapter 45: RUMOUR: Whispers of War
So this is part of the reason why there is no returning to Cuiviénen. "'Lord Oromë only said that he must needs return to... Amanaphe... Amanaphel... Aman!' Ingwë finally got out with some exasperation." *snickers* I do feel sorry for them, not having all the words they need. (As a writer, that thought is anathema to me.) The three future kings sound so young, but there's flashes of what they will be. "Protecting these precious Children is of greater importance than joining our fellows in one more war against the Fallen One and his minions." Both are important, and I'm hard-pressed to say which is moreso. "And far to the north the sky was lit as with mighty fires; and the war against Melkor raged on." Wonderful conclusion and the imagery is perfect. So the singular of Quendi is Quendë? I was wondering about that, as I need it for a fic. On a related note, is the singular of Avari Avar? *smiles* When I started reading your stories, I never thought that I'd be learning so many linguistic tidbits and I'm quite enjoying doing so. Wonderful companion story to Wars! ~ Indy
Author's reply
Hi, Indy. Yes, the future kings sound young because they are. They aren't more than 335 years old as we would measure such things. By the time we meet them in "Elf, Interrupted", five hundred or so years into the second age, they are 5405 years old. At the end of the third age they are 11,867 years old. The singular of _Avari_ is indeed _Avar_. I'm glad you like the imagery at the end. I don't specify here just how long the war has been raging or how much longer it will go on. This scene could have taken place early in the conflict or later. Keeping the timeframe uncertain I think lends it a certain timelessness as experienced by those who are immortal. To make it more interesting, this story was written before chapter 51 of "Wars" was and it was seredipity that the two pieces would end up being posted in the same week. I couldn't have planned it better it I'd tried. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Sitara · 1 January 2009 · Chapter 45: RUMOUR: Whispers of War
Hi and Happy New Year! (hopefully another productive year as in regard to your writing) Another beautiful drabble for your collection. Very moving the Powers concern for the safety of the Children. The One's concern, love and desire for his children to be spared by Morgoth's evil, expressed by the Maiar's words, is the most beautiful thing ever. If only His wish had been fufilled..."deep sigh" Very powerful images depicting the dynamic of earth and sea, as the scene of Ingwe's rescue.The servants of the Valar are recognizing the importance of their mission and they understand that protecting the Firstborn are as meaningful as being part of the fighting army. And..isn't he the High King of all the elves after all? So, Finwe and Elwe kneeling before him would have been so unacceptable?
Author's reply
Hi Sitara and Happy New Year to you as well. I'm glad you found this a moving piece. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it. Finwë wasn't exactly High King just yet, so I think he would have been a little disturbed having his two closes friends act differently towards him than they had when he hadn't done anything to warrant them kneeling before him. *grin*
ellie · 1 January 2009 · Chapter 45: RUMOUR: Whispers of War
WOW! I like the unseen hands saving the children, like guardian angels. I pity the Maia who never regained her full strength. What must have happened to her before! I always enjoy reading your tales of the powers interacting with the Children.
Author's reply
Thank Ellie. I'm glad you enjoyed this. The story of the Maia mentioned here is found in full in "Wars of the Valar". She's the one who tried to take the energy bolt meant for Námo when her own energy levels were already dangerously low because Námo had borrowed some of her energy.
6336 · 1 January 2009 · Chapter 45: RUMOUR: Whispers of War
They also serve who stand and wait, or in this case keep Quendi out of harms way! More please, Happy New Year, Lynda
Author's reply
That's very true and of course we know from "Wars" that they either volunteered or won by lot the privilege of guarding the Children. Happy New Year to you as well. Thanks for your review.
Antane · 1 January 2009 · Chapter 44: WINTER TRADITIONS: First Solstice
An interesting view of the darkening of the days and traditions begun and names given. A frightening time to live with changes but also a wonderful time. Happy New Year! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thanks Antane. I appreciate you taking the time to read and letting me know you enjoyed tihs story. I enjoyed thinking about how traditions might have gotten their start once the elves had to deal with a sun and seasons and all. With all the changes in the world going on it was indeed both a frightening and wonderful time in which to live. Happy New Year to you and God bless.
Larner · 28 December 2008 · Chapter 44: WINTER TRADITIONS: First Solstice
Ah--how very wonderful! Thank you!
Author's reply
You're welcome.
Ellie · 25 December 2008 · Chapter 44: WINTER TRADITIONS: First Solstice
Beautiful! I love the way you switched back and forth showing how each arrived at names for the seasons and ideas and made new customs/traditions for celebrating. I also really like the way you have the elves confounded by the shortening of the days. Brilliant piece of work! Bravo!
Author's reply
Thanks, Ellie. I thought that the first time there were actually seasons as we know them would prove confusing to the elves and this is what came of it. I'm glad you enjoyed this story so much. Thanks for letting me know.
Independence1776 · 25 December 2008 · Chapter 44: WINTER TRADITIONS: First Solstice
This is a wonderful story! I never really thought about how the Elves would react to the changing seasons. "It is always well to keep estel in one’s heart when the darkness comes." Exactly. "'I never thought I would be giving these Children a lesson in elementary astronomy,' she said out loud." *laughs* No, I don't think any of the Valar (except for Námo) expected that. Love the fact that Elu threw his first snowball at his wife! "'Nothing is the same as before,' Elindis said softly, sorrow dripping from every word and Ingwion embraced her, his own grief nearly overwhelming him." For we cannot forget why the sun and moon had to be created in the first place. "We’ll forget about the ball for now and just sit beside the fire and watch the snow fall." I can picture the two of them doing this. "Elu mouthed the strange words to himself, sighing in frustration at the tongue-twisting language of the Powers." Tongue-twisting it is, just on the samples you've given us in Wars. A royal decree about the names of the seasons?! Well, given the trouble Fëanor caused, it's necessary. "The younger elf shrugged. 'I have no idea, Uncle, nor do I care.'" Just one more thing for Elu to wonder about. "Turgon gave his daughter a gentle smile and a kiss on the top of her head. 'If that is what you wish, sell nîn. We will make it our little tradition. Every year we will come out and spend the longest night under the stars, just the two of us.'" Wonderful tradition. And I actually did the same thing last night- went out and watched the stars for a while. The Ainur's ceremony, for some reason, seems to be the most meaningful. But then, I like simplicity. Merry Christmas and Ilúvatar bless! ~ Indy
Author's reply
Hi Indy. I'm glad to see you found lots of things in this fic that you enjoyed or made you think. I thought the Ainur's ceremony to be the most moving and poignant myself and a great contrast with the brighter, more colorful ceremonies of the elves. To them, the change of season hold no terror or concern and so they would not bother with that so much and I figured this more private ceremony of thanksgiving, different from the feast of thanksgiving shared with the elves, would have more meaning for the Valar and Maiar. Merry Christmas to you as well and Ilúvatar bless!
Sunny · 25 December 2008 · Chapter 40: SUNRISE: Arin Etarácië
Ahhhh… Christmas Day! I have luxuriated in the opportunity to be slightly unsociable, for once. (December being an _insane_ month for me, and the Big Day here in Norway being Christmas _eve_.) So I have revisited a few favorite fics today. And one I revisited is this one. Which features Fingon. Not as the main character, but he is certainly _there_. And not shown as he usually is in fanfic. Fortunately. What _is_ it about Fingon, that he seems to _attract_ slash writers, anyway? For some reason, I have found only _one_ fic with Fingon as an important character (and there he actually is the main character!) that is _not_ slash fiction. That one is _To Save the Whole_ by French Pony, here on Stories of Arda. I would have thought, with so little information on him in _the Silmarillion_, and that little basically hinting that his epessë was “The Valiant”, would just _attract_ writers telling of his various deeds of derring-do. Instead … the other. *deep sigh* Do you think that if you send a few hints to your Muse (or send along this hint from me), that he might reward you with an inspiration or three about Fingon? He is surely a most neglected character. Oh, and his father is, too. Methinks there is rather a dearth of fanfic stories of him, too!!
Author's reply
Most of the slash fics concerning Fingon are based on one sentence in the Silmarillion: 'Long before, in the bliss of Valinor, before Melkor was unchained, or lies came between them, Fingon had been in close friendship with Maedhros; and though he knew not yet that Maedhros had not forgotten him at the burning of the ships, the thought of their ancient friendship stung his heart'. [Silmarillion, Chapter 13, "Of the Return of the Noldor"]. What the slash writers fail to remember is: 1) Fingon and Maedhros are first cousins (okay, half-first cousins, but really!) and 2) 'friendship' means 'friendship' and nothing more. The slash writers (99% of whom are heterosexual women, married with children) apparently have this psychological need to corrupt platonic male friendship into something prurient, as if to say that no male is capable of having a deep abiding friendship with another male that is not sexually based. That, in my opinion as a male, demeans men and reduces them to nothing more than sex objects on the part of these female writers. They can excuse themselves any way they wish as to why they write such stories, but in the end it comes down to this: they have no real respect for men (Elves or Mortals) and will not grant them the same right of forming friendships between them that have nothing to do with sex that they give to their own gender. At any rate, you will see Fingon and his father and other members of the family in my Darkening story, which I have begun writing, though they will not be the main characters of the story. Perhaps, if the Muse is so inclined, I will find other stories that feature Fingon and Fingolfin more exclusively. They are rather neglected characters and deserve better treatment than what has been dealt them to date.
Kitty · 25 December 2008 · Chapter 44: WINTER TRADITIONS: First Solstice
We're so used to the change of seasons that I never thought about how that had to be for the first men (or in the case of Middle-earth, elves). You're right, it had to be confusing and frightening. Nice to watch how the elves in Endorë and Aman both had the same idea - to celebrate on the longest night of the year the return of the light, bringing joy, colour and light into their hearts, and then to give the seasons names based on Valarin. I see it didn't take the elves long to realise what snow is useful for *grin* Great image of this august company having a snowball fight! The bit with Turgon, Idril and Glorfindel was lovely, too.
Author's reply
Thanks, Kitty. I'm glad you enjoyed this story.
Kitty · 25 December 2008 · Chapter 43: REBUKE: Animadversions
Hm, Legolas feels unnerved by Glorfindel? Oh well, if he'd seen him during the first years after his rebirth, he would probably not be so in awe of him *grin* But it's a sign how much Glorfindel has matured since where we're in EI just now. Elves and Dwarves simply do not get along. *raises brow* Oh Legolas, if you only knew you will be the one to disprove that thoroughly in only a few months time! Loved the story Glorfindel told; that is a nice sequel to the other story where Glamdring and Sting were made. Such a pity Glorfindel never used that knife in Gondolin! Bilbo would have been so pleased to know that he fought with the same blade as the legendary Lord Glorfindel of Gondolin! Or at least to know it was Glorfindel's in the first place, as he obviously doesn't even know that. Legolas should look deeper than the surface only, that is true, but it is easy to underestimate the Hobbits if one doesn't know them well, I think. You know, a follow-up on this after the Quest in Minas Tirith would be interesting - how Legolas' opinion about the Hobbits and Dwarves, or at least Gimli, has changed.
Author's reply
Ah... another plotbunny! *lol* Perhaps such a sequel to this story would be appropriate. We'll have to see what the Muse says. I'm glad you enjoyed this one, Kitty. Thanks for letting me know.
6336 · 25 December 2008 · Chapter 44: WINTER TRADITIONS: First Solstice
I needed this, the Orclings have landed,(my 3 1/2 year old grandaughters)and all is chaos, the cats have headed for the high country and I am hiding in the den reading this! Oh, well, Christmas only happens once a year, thank Eru! I liked the way you described how a tradition was established in both realms, Aman and Endore and both celebrated in similar fashion, light, song and dance to drive away the dark! May I wish you a joyous and blessed Yule, Lynda
Author's reply
Thanks, Lynda. I'm glad this little tale offered you a bit of calm amidst the chaos of Orclings descending. *grin* May you have a joyous and blessed Yule as well.
PeppyPower · 25 December 2008 · Chapter 44: WINTER TRADITIONS: First Solstice
My dear, dear Fiondil. That was a task, at least what I'd call a task: write about the first Winter Solstice in Arda. And it turned out to be a very touching tale, with an icing made of divine and delightful humor. Very original and most entertaining. Yavanna, in this case, came up with my fav quote: "Some of the Elves are complaining that we cannot keep even these great lights in the sky properly." THAT was a first *grins*. Anyway, a perfect tale for a winter evening. And do you know what? It is very strange commenting on a story when the author is in the next room.
Author's reply
Thanks, PeppyPower. I had a lot of fun writing this and I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm sure Yavanna was pretty peeved at the grousing of the elves about her *new* inventions. *grin* And do you know what? It is very strange commenting on a story when the author is in the next room. No less strange than to be replying to said reviewer. *grin*
Kaylee · 25 December 2008 · Chapter 44: WINTER TRADITIONS: First Solstice
A beautiful solstice tale for our Christmas gift, meldonya! Merry Christmas to you, as well. *huggles* I loved the way each group of elves, and the Valar of course, greeted the new solstice (the elves with uncertainty, the Valar with familiarity) and the new traditions that have begun. ~Kaylee!
Author's reply
Thanks, Kaylee. I'm happy to know you enjoyed this story. I thought it would be interesting to explore how the elves (both in Aman and in Beleriand) and the Valar greeted this first winter solstice and seeing the beginnings of traditions that are alluded to, not only in the Silmarillion but also in my fic "Elf, Interrupted".
Sunny · 25 December 2008 · Chapter 44: WINTER TRADITIONS: First Solstice
Lovely little story of the first winter solstice in Arda! I must say that it certainly didn't take the people of Doriath long to figure out what snow is for! ;-) Hope your Christmas continues to be merry and also hope for a happy and creative new year for you!
Author's reply
Thanks, Sunny. I'm glad you enjoyed this. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you as well.
Naine · 25 December 2008 · Chapter 44: WINTER TRADITIONS: First Solstice
Thank you for the Xmass present
Author's reply
You're welcome.
Kaylee · 24 December 2008 · Chapter 43: REBUKE: Animadversions
Such a wonderful little tale, meldonya! Loved the story within the story, and I knew all the Sindarin without looking. *grin* "Animadversion", hmm? *adds to vocabulary list* This is a wonderful sequel to Blades of Destiny, meldonya. :) A very mature and grown-up Glorfy here. *grins* Finrod would be appalled. *snicker* (Just kidding at that last part, though who knows, maybe he would be.) Hope you have a very Merry Christmas! ~Kaylee! *writing this review at five a.m. on Christmas Eve*
Author's reply
Thanks, Kaylee. I'm glad you enjoyed it. And you even remember "Blades of Destiny"! Good for you! And I think Finrod would be pleased to see this more mature Glorfindel. Of course, by the time he leaves for Middle-earth he should be more mature. I doubt the Valar would let him go if he were still acting the elfling. *grin* Merry Christmas to you, as well. *writing this reply at 5:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve*
Radbooks · 23 December 2008 · Chapter 43: REBUKE: Animadversions
Very, very nice. I like this mature Glorfindel very much... he has some very good wisdom to pass on. Evidently those years in Aman have not been wasted! :)
Author's reply
Apparently not! *grin* Glad you liked this one Radbooks. Thanks for letting me know.
Independence1776 · 23 December 2008 · Chapter 43: REBUKE: Animadversions
I love the frame story style of this fic. It works very well, unlike others I've read. "He loved and respected Glorfindel, both as a friend and a mentor, but sometimes this particular Elf unnerved him in ways that not even Lord Elrond could." Well, Elrond has never been to Valinor. That alone... Though if I somehow met either one, I'm not sure who'd I'd be more intimidated by. "Elves and Dwarves simply do not get along." Famous last words, Legolas. Famous last words. "What, by all that’s holy, are you playing at Mithrandir, bringing a Perian on this little jaunt of yours?" *laughs* This line, for some reason, just strikes me as humorous. Probably the mild swear, given exactly who he's talking to. So Glorfindel had Sting made. Nice little expanded connection between Ages. "That’s all right. Sometimes I still have my doubts as well." Sometimes, I think *everyone* doubted Mithrandir at one point or another. "Remember, Thranduilion, in the end, whether we are Elves or Men, Dwarves or Halflings, we are ultimately Eru’s Children and beloved by the Belain. Never forget that." Wonderful sentence. I understood all the Sindarin! (Even though it pretty much exhausted my knowledge.) Wonderful story! ~ Indy
Author's reply
Hi Indy! If you read my Tapestry fic, "STING: Blades of Destiny", you will see the story of how Sting came to be. I'm happy that you understood all the Sindarin. That's a step in the rigth direction. *grin* I think if I were ever to meet either Elf-lord I would just be intimidated, period. *lol* I'm glad you enjoyed this story (and the story in the story). Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Rick · 23 December 2008 · Chapter 43: REBUKE: Animadversions
Another dandy! I really liked this one; especially the interaction between Legolas & Glorfindel (of course, I like practically anything about Glorfindel that's reasonably book-based). You'll be hearing from me again.
Author's reply
Thanks, Rick. I'm glad you enjoyed this tale.
Larner · 23 December 2008 · Chapter 43: REBUKE: Animadversions
Yes, another encounter between Glorfindel and Legolas. And Legolas has a good deal to learn of his companions and himself. Excellent advice and memories.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I'm glad you enjoyed this story.
6336 · 23 December 2008 · Chapter 43: REBUKE: Animadversions
Good advice for our young prince, look below the surface to what lies beneath, not everybody is how they appear, even dwarves! I am not surprised Glorfindel did not recognise Sting, how it got from his home in Gondolin to a Trolls Hole only Atar knows! More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Well, it had been so long ago and literally in another life, I'm not surprised he didn't recognize Sting immediately either. And how it got from Gondolin to a Troll's hole, indeed, only Atar knows.
Calenlass Greenleaf · 23 December 2008 · Chapter 43: REBUKE: Animadversions
Ah...so Sting's origins have been revealed. :) This was certainly a unique way of putting it. Legolas-and-Glorfindel fic are far and few, and I always love your take on these two. ~Cal
Author's reply
Sting's origins were described in an earlier Tapestry fic, "STING: Blades of Destiny". I'm glad you love my take on these two Elves and I agree there are too few fics with these two together.