Nieriel Raina
· 2 March 2008
· Chapter 5: STING: Blades of Destiny
LOL! A delightful ficlet, Fiondil! So nice to see Turgon written by you. And Glorfindel actually in Gondolin! I'd love to see more of these characters in their home environment but don't want you to pull yourself away from writing EI 2 either. *grin*
Loved it!
NiRi
Author's reply
Well, maybe someday I'll have to write about Turgon and Glorfindel in Gondolin, but not today. I've got too many bunnies cluttering up the place as it is. LOL! I'm glad you enjoyed this, NiRi. Thanks for letting me know.
Radbooks
· 2 March 2008
· Chapter 5: STING: Blades of Destiny
Oh, very nice ficlet! Glorfindel with Sting is a fun idea and it must have shocked him to see it so many years later. Well, perhaps not shocked him since he'd had the dream, but it must have given him pause knowing that the perian who found it would save many. It would definitely give him hope for the success of the quest! :)
Author's reply
I thought it would be fun to give Sting some real history beyond what we know from "The Hobbit" and who better to have been its first owner but Glorfindel? *grin* I'm sure it was a surprise (albeit a pleasant one) to see his old dagger again after so many millennia, but I'm sure he was quite glad to see it, knowing that this was indeed that perian he had seen in his dreams.
ellie
· 2 March 2008
· Chapter 5: STING: Blades of Destiny
excellent! what a delightful story! loved that last line especially.
Author's reply
Thanks, Ellie. I'm glad you liked this, especially the last line. *grin*
SurgicalSteel
· 2 March 2008
· Chapter 5: STING: Blades of Destiny
Oh, I like the notion that Orcrist once belonged to Tuor! And the end - 'what's a perian' - that's priceless!
Of course, now I want to see Glorfindel's reaction to that dagger in Bilbo's hands.
Author's reply
You and I imaqine everyone else. LOL I'm glad you enjoyed this, SS. I thought the ending was pretty funny myself, considering that in the First Age there weren't any periain. One has to wonder what Glorfindel's thoughts were the first time he actually set eyes on a Hobbit. *grin* Thanks for reviewing.
Kitty
· 2 March 2008
· Chapter 5: STING: Blades of Destiny
Nice idea to explore how these particular weapons were made. And Idril loves bright pointy things? *lol*
And you gave Sting to Glorfindel! How fitting! But of course, now I want him to see this blade again so many, many years later in Imladris, when Bilbo brought it with him and later gave it to Frodo! I am sure Frodo would be interested (though maybe only *after* the Quest) in knowing Glorfindel dreamt about this one even before the Fall of Gondolin.
Author's reply
As I was writing the story I did try to imagine Glorfindel's reaction when he happened to see that blade in Bilbo's hands (or Frodo's) and realize for whom the dagger was meant about which he had dreamt more than 6400 years earlier. Perhaps I might just write such a fic if the mood (and the muse) strikes. Thanks for reviewing.
Kitty
· 2 March 2008
· Chapter 4: GOLD AND MITHRIL: Cloths of Heaven
It's good that Celeborn is there at this time. I think he made it easier for Galadriel to accept this. Even if she didn't want to return just now, it still has to sting that she isn't allowed to, while so many others are.
Author's reply
Which is probably why Eru made it possible for them to meet and fall in love, knowing this particular Daughter of His would need someone like Celeborn to help her through this time.
Nieriel Raina
· 1 March 2008
· Chapter 4: GOLD AND MITHRIL: Cloths of Heaven
Excellent sequel to The Herald's Summons. I love a well written intimate scene between this powerful couple and you just nailed it! So far I have avoided writing these two (and plan to keep it that way!) but I do enjoy reading about them. I've seen little about them during this time frame, and I think you handled it perfectly. The part that I just adored is Celeborn's Sindarness shines through as he takes his beloved INTO A TREE! *happy grin* where they talk and .. ahem. IN THE TREE. *giggles* I love it. I also marveled at the fact Celeborn knows he will one day lose his beloved back over the Sea. How sad. I'm glad they had many long ages together first and the time they are separated before he sails isnt' so terribly long. I think you just totally got Celeborn right on in this tale. *applause*
Of course, I also marveled at Galadriel and seeing her this young. She's still so prideful and yet, there is an element of vulnerability too. Probably why Celeborn loves her so much. Stubborn, defiant, yet vulnerable woman! What a pair.
Love the ending. Great ficlet!
NiRi
Author's reply
I don't think fandom gives Celeborn his due. I've only written him once before as a minor character in my tale Elladan and Elrohir's Not So Excellent Adventure but I tried to portray him as not the wimpy hubby to Galadriel that others seem to write, but as a prince in his own right who walked beneath the stars in the woods of Neldorath and Region with the Maia Queen Melian and her beloved Elu Thingol. He must have learned quite a bit from them both. And I don't think Galadriel is the type of woman who would marry anyone but her equal in power and will. I'm glad you think I got Celeborn right. He's not an easy character to write about. He's much deeper than most people are willing to give him credit for.
BTW, was this romantic enough for you? *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment when I know you are unwell. I hope you get better real soon.
Nieriel Raina
· 1 March 2008
· Chapter 3: GOBLINS: The Herald's Summons
Ah'm behind...Ah'm thik, ya know.
*winsome smile* I adore Eonwë. I really do... MARRIED?? Is he?? But...but... *sobs* I can't have Namo or Tulkas and now you make me wonder if my favorite Maia is wed??? GAH! I don't even want to contemplate it. Nope!
I really loved this one, especially Eonwë setting Celeborn up with his oath! LOL! I was waiting for the book to come out! *snickers*
I really enjoyed seeing your portrayal of Galadriel in this at this time of her life. And I found Celeborn very appealing. So few write him. I think you should write a Celeborn/Galadriel romance. *wicked smirk*
Another winning fic! Keep them coming!
NiRi
Author's reply
Well, I don't know if Eönwë is married or not. I think the Maia was just intimating it to point out that Arafinwë's assumption that he isn't married is based on no facts; Arafinwë simply assumes the Maia is not espoused because as far as he knows he's never met Mrs. Eönwë *grin*. I think I wanted to hint at the fact that though they share the same continent, the Eldar are not necessarily aware of the internal social structure of the Valar and Maiar, and frankly, why should they be?
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed this. I had fun with Eónwë here. It's the first time I've written him where he's the main character. I hope I can write more fics with him in the future.
Tigger
· 28 February 2008
· Chapter 4: GOLD AND MITHRIL: Cloths of Heaven
This is turning into a wonderful series Flondil. What an interesting little peek into Galadriel and Celeborn's relationship. While being...intimate in a tree is so fitting for a Sindar elf, I'd think you'd need to be careful not to fall out of the tree. ;o)
BTW...You aren't the only author here at SoA to use that particular poem from Yeats. SurgicalSteel has used it in her The King's Surgeon too. It really is such a lovely piece of poetry.
I really enjoyed this. Looking forward to the next installment. :o)
Author's reply
Thanks, Tigger. I'm glad you are enjoying these tales.
Well, I doubt if the tree would let them fall out whatever they were up to. *snicker* The poor tree would never hear the end of it from the other trees. LOL
I'm aware of SurgicalSteel having used the poem in her wonderful tale. It's really too lovely not to use it in one's one stories.
ellie
· 28 February 2008
· Chapter 4: GOLD AND MITHRIL: Cloths of Heaven
beautiful. very insightful into the dreams and wished of Galadriel. Celeborn is wonderful in this.
Author's reply
Thanks, Ellie, I'm glad you enjoyed this. I haven't written much with either Galadriel or Celeborn as the main characters, though perhaps someday I will. I find their relationship fascinating and I think Celeborn is not given his due amongst most writers.
Larner
· 28 February 2008
· Chapter 4: GOLD AND MITHRIL: Cloths of Heaven
Yeats had some very intense imagery, I find. Lovely.
Author's reply
This has always been one of my favorite poems. I'm glad you like this. Thank you.
Larner
· 25 February 2008
· Chapter 3: GOBLINS: The Herald's Summons
There WAS need for her here, and in the end I don't think she minded all that much. And she did find her peace of heart.
Author's reply
I'm sure the Valar were aware that Galadriel was not ready to return to the West and knew that she was needed in Middle-earth even if they didn't know for sure why. And in the end, she did come home, and that's all that matters.
Rhyselle
· 24 February 2008
· Chapter 3: GOBLINS: The Herald's Summons
Excellent story. I admit though, that it makes me wonder, how much of Eonwe's busy-ness during the War of Wrath was from being the Commander in Chief of the side of the Light and the administrative woes that go along with it, or from his recording all of those oaths that were uttered by all those warriors as the years of the war passed before Morgoth was finally defeated and returned to Aman in chains? *grin*
Seriously, though, I think I love Arafinwe best in this. His innate goodness came through, and I loved how he was concerned about whether or not he was a Kinslayer because he had killed one of the Edain.
An excellent addition to your collection of tales of the Valar, Maiar, Eldar and Edain.
Author's reply
One really must wonder just what Eönwë's duties were during that time. I hope he got some help from Fionwë in handling the overflow. *grin*
Unlike the elves of Beleriand, none of the Amandeldi had ever seen a Mortal and so there must have been some ambivalent feelings about killing them, knowing that they were also Eruhíni. Arafinwë's doubts I'm sure were echoed by many other warriors. Hopefully their Beleriandic oounterparts put them straight on that score.
I'm glad you enjoyed this tale. Thanks for reviewing.
SurgicalSteel
· 24 February 2008
· Chapter 3: GOBLINS: The Herald's Summons
*nods* Of course Galadriel wouldn't have been allowed to return - she's not ready to admit that she might have been wrong leaving Valinor and to seek forgiveness. And it makes perfect sense to me that the first time Finarfin actually kills anyone it'd be a shock. Nicely done!
Author's reply
Thanks, SS. This was a rather unusual fic for me to write, but it was nice to have Ëönwë in the spotlight, along with Arafinwë. I'm sure Galadriel wasn't the only Noldo to refuse the call to return West, at least immediately, thinking that the Valar's forgiveness might not be sincere or they themselves were not ready to seek forgiveness.
artistic sprite
· 24 February 2008
· Chapter 3: GOBLINS: The Herald's Summons
I guess I'll have to be careful on what I swore from now on with 'someone' listening 'up' there."bashful grin"!
Author's reply
It's always wise, since you never do know who may be listening... and recording. *grin*
Kitty
· 24 February 2008
· Chapter 3: GOBLINS: The Herald's Summons
In the question of Quenya or Sindarin, I’ve to admit I’m with Eönwë here. Still have to remind me that Arafinwë is Finarfin and not another elf, because I’m so used to Finarfin ... (though I understand, of course, that they’d not use the Sindarin names in Aman, save for certain stubborn ellyn like Glorfindel).
Anyway, I feel so sorry for Arafinwë. To fear he has committed Kinslaying, and barely comforted about that, to learn that his daughter will not be permitted to return ... poor guy :-(
Just realised that Easter is near and that means that EI 2 is about to start soon. Only a few weeks more at the most :-)
Author's reply
What's funny is that when people say 'Finarfin' I go, "Who?" LOL Certainly, Arafinwë never Sindarized his name for himself, that was done by the Noldor in Middle-earth, so I doubt he would even recognize it as his and he would always think of his children by their Quenya names.
While Arafinwë's barely been comforted by Eönwë about the war att least he has the comfort of knowing that, barring her death, his daughter will be allowed to return home eventually; she's not been banished forever.
And yes, Easter is almost upon us and the continuing saga of Glorfindel in Aman will commence. *grin*
shirebound
· 23 February 2008
· Chapter 1: SONG: Name That Tune
Oh my, the Song of Awakening! What a rare and precious thing for anyone to hear. And the very idea of Gandalf singing is just delightful. As is...
"However, you are correct about one thing."
"What’s that?" Pippin asked, looking up in curiosity.
Legolas’ grin became absolutely wicked as he glanced up at Aragorn. "You are a grouch in the mornings."
*grins*
Author's reply
Thanks Shirebound. I'm glad you enjoyed this. I thought Gandalf letting Olórin peek out just for a bit to sing this particular song would be fun. *grin* And I think Legolas isn't as stuffy an Elf as everyone thinks he is.
lol, this is a very nice short background story to how the inn 'Laughing Vala' got named. :-)
Author's reply
This little ficlet came to me pretty much full-blown. I guess Tulkas wanted everyone to know how the inn got its name. *grin*
Elena Tiriel
· 22 February 2008
· Chapter 2: LAUGH: iLálala Vala
You know, I wrote a drabble recently (not posted yet) about the Valar discussing a request -- it's for my drabble series about Elladan and Elrohir, but there will be some background intrigue in the Blessed Realm to entice them into sailing (though the Valar will refuse to participate...). ;-)
Anyway, I hadn't really thought before about how the Valar sounded, but much to my surprise, in my drabble they tease each other! (Who knew?)
Anyway, I just realized that your story Elf, Interrupted might be an unconscious influence... thank you for the inspiration!
- Barbara
Author's reply
Ah... someone else who's been inspired by Elf, Interrupted! *grin* I look forward to reading your drabble when it's posted.
Elena Tiriel
· 22 February 2008
· Chapter 2: LAUGH: iLálala Vala
Oh, this is great, Fiondil! Your Valar and a sprinkling of Maiar seem to have such wicked senses of humor! LOLOL!
Well done!
- Barbara
I was amused and touched about Carnifindo’s hope that at least one of the Valar would visit his inn and his intent to name the inn after this one. That’s so sweet! I am glad the two Maiar overheard it. And as these two were Manveru and Erunaro, the outcome was only to be expected – they’d have too much fun with this to keep their mouths shut.
Of course, the Valar couldn’t let this occasion go, either. At first I had feared they’s show up all together and give poor Carnifindo a heart attack (if elves can get one), but them drawing straws was even better. And knowing Tulkas, I have an idea how the inn finally got his name.
Oh, and Vánadur was the one who took Beleg in, wasn’t he? Nice to get to meet him.
Thanks, that was truly fun! I am glad you decided to share these little ficlets with us!
Author's reply
Yes, Manveru and Erunáro just can't pass up a chance for a jest and this one was too good and even the Valar found it too funny to ignore. Vánadur is indeed the one who took in Beleg and now you also know the name of the innkeeper who entertained not only Glorfindel and company but the Noldóran himself. I'm glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for letting me know.
Kitty
· 22 February 2008
· Chapter 1: SONG: Name That Tune
Lovely ficlet! Poor Pippin’s talking too fast without thinking, obviously, but I am sure he lightened the mood with that. Grouch in the morning, indeed! And his reason for it *grin*
Gandalf singing this particular song must have been quite an experience; I’d suspect no mortal ever heard that before. The way he changed during singing was interesting!
Author's reply
Pippin is the typical tweenager: his mouth runs faster than his brain, but I'm sure they were all amused by him, even Aragorn and Legolas. And no mortal had ever heard that song before, at least, not sung by a Maia. I'm sure Glorfindel might have sung it a time or two for little Estel, but it wouldn't have been the same thing as hearing it from the lips of a Maia and so for a brief moment Olórin peeped out from behind his wizardly disguise.
GAH! Oh I've wondered SO long how this inn got it's name and LMAO! Now I know! I can so see this, since I just ADORE your portrayal of Tulkas and his laughing. *snickers* He doesn't always come across as the brightest Vala, but I LOVE his attitude! He reminds me of a mountain man, always cheerful and finding the humor in all of life!
Great to see Vánadur too! This is the guy Beleg stayed with, right? The carpenter? And *snorts* The Princess Bride??? LOL! I like the Laughing Vala MUCH better!
"What would you've named this place if Lord Námo had been the one to stop by
first? `Mandos' Antechamber'?"
ROTFLMAO!!!!! FABULOUS ficlet!
NiRi
Author's reply
Well, I'm sure a lot of my readers wondered how the inn got its name. *grin* And yes, Vánadur is indeed the elf with whom Beleg stayed. I think much of Tulkas' "dumb but loveable Vala" is an act to keep the Children off-balanced, but he is fun to write. I picked "Princess Bride" as the alternative name for the inn mainly because I happened to be listening to music from that movie on RadioRivendell (thanks, btw, for telling me about it; I listen to it everyday now), but also I needed a name that I could easily translate into Quenya and in this case I knew both words without having to look them up. *grin*
Hee! It's just as much fun to read now as when you sent me that first draft! Of course, now I'm getting fun mental images of Tulkas seated on one of those benches, leaning his elbow on the table and quaffing a pint tankard of ale!
I think that it is easy, even when reading your Valar-verse, to forget that the Valar actually live in Aman, and as they love the Eruhini so, of course they'll be interacting with them at least some of the time on a relatively informal basis... and Tulkas is most definitely the most informal of the Powers!
Author's reply
I have a mental image of each of the Valar stopping in for a pint afterward Tulkas first goes and Námo looking at Carnifindo and saying "Mandos' Antechamber, hmm?" LOL Glad you enjoyed this even the second time around, Rhyselle. Thanks for reviewing.