Reviews (1,565)

Tari · 29 June 2010 · Chapter 134: A Trial Is Convened

If the Vala find out what they have planned? It seems they have forgotten about the Maia. Of course the Vala know what is about to transpire. How they were able to maintain a calm composure is beyond me. But, as we see, the humor of the situation got the best of them and in the end laughter over came them.

ellie · 28 June 2010 · Chapter 135: The Valar on Trial

Interesting case brought against the Valar. That took guts to do, that's for sure! The evidence is fascinating and tholugh it prove that the Valar do try to intercede or influence behavior, what do the elves think they will do if the Valar are found guilty? The Tol Eresseans have got to admire the Amanians for their bravery.

ninqwestilmen · 28 June 2010 · Chapter 135: The Valar on Trial

Manwe is certainly enjoying himself through this, although the elves are not likely to enjoy the joke as much as he. Is it necessary for him to tick them off as much as he can before he explains himself? Well, I am wondering if Finrod and Manwe are playing a well rehearsed drama. Cant wait till Friday when more will be revealed :D

Hel · 28 June 2010 · Chapter 135: The Valar on Trial

I wonder how the Valar will talk themselves out of this and if they give the elves some real answers. This stuff about Glorfindel and Falmaron need to meet now or never sounds a bit overly dramatic. If Olwe and his family wanted to find Falmaron they would have found him. And I wonder why Glorfindel still cannot see Tancol. Maybe the Valar have overdone it by manipulating his mind.

eiluj · 28 June 2010 · Chapter 135: The Valar on Trial

"Manwë ... sighed slightly, setting off a light breeze that ruffled everyone’s hair" -- *snicker* I may not review often anymore, but I do always read and enjoy.

6336 · 28 June 2010 · Chapter 135: The Valar on Trial

Arrgh!!! The Cliffie King Strikes again!!! Waiting on the edge of my seat with baited breath for friday, I will be very interested in the answers Manwe gives. Frustrated Huggs, Lynda

Edlyn · 28 June 2010 · Chapter 135: The Valar on Trial

Whew! Now I'm on even more tenterhooks! I had shivers when Manwe said, "which is why I am standing here, allowing myself, who am vice-gerent to Eru Ilúvatar over all of Arda and the Elder King above all other kings, to be put on trial." He really loves all the Children, doesn't he? Because he could as easily have told the Elves to essentially sit down, shut up, and listen to him, rather than allow the trial to go forward. Thinking about it, if the Valar (and by extension Eru) want to inform all the elves of Aman and Tol Eressëa of something important to all of them (like the opening of the southern lands, for example) getting them together at a council is a good way to do it. But opening the southern lands is something that's not going to happen for some time so there's got to be another reason for all these elves to be in this place right now. Glorfindel is really walking a fine line, isn't he?. Talk about manipulation... he's certainly learned to make use of the "I'm just recently released Reborn" to get away with things, at least when he isn't emotionally overset. His doubts that he will ever see Tancol made me think about the fact that, though they are essentially angelic (or archangelic, if you will), the Valar are not infallible. While we assume that when in Middle Earth Glorfindel could see Eärendil's star like everyone else, the words Tolkien says about Glorfindel and his conversations with Aragorn and the Hobbits never touch on the subject. So it could be possible that the block ended up causing permanant damage, essentially 'blinding' Glorfinel permanaently. "I prefer the title ‘Captain’," I can just hear the tone of Falamon's voice in that line. His suspiciousness about the "inspiration" to map the islands is reasonable but things are going to be a real mess if the elves start second guessing every idea they get because they think they are being manipulated. So yes, the trial is a good idea, if only to clear the air and reassure the elves that they still have free will. Hmmmm. Now I'm really wondering what's going on about the need for Eärendil and Elwing to be there. When I read the chapter where they were summoned I didn't really think twice about Elwing going along because the two are sort of a combination package inside my head, if you will. And like Eärendil said, traveling by way of Vingilot was an elegant solution to the need for speed. It could just be that the elves of Aewellond need to be represented at the Council, if not in regards to Tol Eressëa, then to whatever other matter the 'real' Valar-driven purpose of the meeting is. Or could it be that perhaps the Valar are going to tell them something about the fate of Eärendil's parents? (I know, that's a real long-shot, but one can hope, right?) I just wanted to give Vondo a hug. I still haven't been able to figure out the reason for him being Reborn when he was. I felt that much upset was going to come of it but couldn't figure out the why of it. I'm glad that he could give his testimony from his seat by his family and Laurendil. It's so easy to try to see the hand of the Valar in everything that's happening (maybe Glorfindel's paranoia about being manipulated has rubbed off on me) but while it turned out to be a good thing for Vorondil's recovery that he was found by his uncle, obviously they didn't influence the attack on our favorite almost-elfling. The description of his testimony added a bit of lightness to the chapter which I enjoyed. Ingwe's "My lord, may I respectfully remind you that you are the accused and your comments are in contempt of this court," statement was wonderful. I can just see his expression. Yes, if thisis going to be a serious trial, the accused needs to keep his commentary to himself. So now the really fun part of the trial begins. I'm sure there will be plenty of surprises. This was very well-written and read very smoothly. As I said before meldonya, your art improves with every new chapter. Eru bless! Edlyn

Larner · 28 June 2010 · Chapter 135: The Valar on Trial

Aha! A well laid out charge! Now, to hear the explanations!

Hel · 27 June 2010 · Chapter 134: A Trial Is Convened

Looks like the Valar were waiting for this accusation. But how Finrod and Glorfindel came to think they could keep something like this secret from the Valar I don´t know. Those two more than anybody else should know, that there is always the possibility of invisible Maia being around. The reaction of the elves to the laughing of the Valar at the accusation will be interesting. And I guess some of the elves of Tol Eressea will think the Valar are making fun of them. If this goes wrong the Council will end without a solution and the distrust some elves have against the Valar will become even deeper. And I sincerely hope the Valar miscalculated Selmacas reaction to Vondo. The thought that they took the risk of someone becoming severely hurt of even killed during Vondo´s trip to the council is disturbing. But it´s good that Selmacas is sincere in his regret. I wonder if someone took the time to explain to Selmacas and his wife why they couldn´t visit their daughter. I´m eagerly waiting for the next chapters and the reaction of the elves.

Serinde · 27 June 2010 · Chapter 134: A Trial Is Convened

It seems that Manwë won a bet and I would guess that Námo too. Poor schocked elves.

Aiwen · 26 June 2010 · Chapter 134: A Trial Is Convened

Given that there always seem to be invisible maiar in the vicinity of Finrod and Glorfindel, I don't quite understand how they would expect to surprise the valar. I am very interested to see what the next chapter brings.

Hildigrim · 26 June 2010 · Chapter 134: A Trial Is Convened

Well, the theological waters are getting pretty dangerous here, absent an AU tag, and I am going to decline to wade in. On a narrower, craft-related point: I was not sure to whom Sador was speaking after Eärwen's wise remark: "Yet, I cannot believe they actually intended for Selmacas to attack that poor ellon," Eärwen said. "That smacks of cruelty and indifference and I have never known the Valar to be either." "You think they wanted Selmacas to attack Vondo, or at least hoped he would?" Sador asked, his expression one of shock. "But why? Why subject an innocent Reborn to such trauma? Why would the Valar deliberately goad Selmacas into attacking Vondo? I saw Selmacas’ face as he was taken away. He was terrified and rightly so." As written, it appears Sador might be ignoring the Queen and speaking to someone else -- which would be unwise. If he were speaking to her, he would be suggesting she didn't mean what she just said -- which would be "unwiser". The "yet" and the second sentence made me read Eärwen's remark as estopping the proposition Sador advances in his response. Best wishes . . . .

Mîdhaer · 25 June 2010 · Chapter 134: A Trial Is Convened

Did Finrod seriously think the Valar didn't know what he was planning!? Something tells me Manwe was well aware of what Finrod was planning. I'm surprised Glorfindel hasn't accused them of manipulation. I am assuming he was just waiting for a good opportunity. I think that the elves should move the Council elsewhere, so the Valar can't be quite as manipulative. I am also waiting to see the elves' reaction to Manwe laughing at them. I have no doubt they will not be happy. It would be quite interesting to see how Glorfi and Finrod will react, and what Manwe will do next. I'm hoping the Valar weren't hoping the elves would accuse them of manipulation. If so, I don't think anyone less then Eru could prevent a second rebellion.

Parmalokwen · 25 June 2010 · Chapter 134: A Trial Is Convened

Hm. Seems I've been gone a long time. Lots of catching up to do. Composite review of the past, um, 40 chapters: It's good to see Glorfindel grow up, even though it's a pity to split him from his friends, even temporarily. They're so much fun together. Leaving for Middle-earth will be a real wrench, however exciting the challenge. It's a bit silly of Varda to get upset about dirty floors when she left all that space dust floating around between the stars! Marthchall's attack was a result of Valarin nudging? Well, that explains why there's been so little talk about repercussions. His will was interfered with. Mánatamir gets the Maiarin Best Actor Award for his impersonation of an elf. I knew there was something off about his showing up in the story, but he managed the elf act so well that I was actually watching Cundu for signs of Huan-like sentient behavior. (Speaking of Huan, have you ever considered bringing him back? The idea of Huan as a ginormous Reborn puppy wreaking havoc in Lorien fills me with glee.) Gurthalion's Demons was a really intense chapter. Poor Vorondil! And poor Gurthalion! Good for him for killing his memory-orc. I do not expect this to be his last battle with it, but having killed it once with Finrod's help hopefully it will be easier to do so again. And poor Finrod-- I do not envy him the headache! I like Vondo. Seeing him and his family together is fun. And nice solution to the name problem-- "Vorondil-the-elder" and "Vorondil-the-younger" is so cumbersome. Twelve years sounds like such a dreadfully long engagement. It was a neat trick when Amarie's mother was pushing them before they were ready, but now it must be just frustrating. Could they elope once the council business is done and then have the formal celebration on schedule? That's what my aunt and uncle did. They had a six month engagement but got impatient, so they went to Las Vegas and partied with the family later. I've heard a lot of wedding stories lately. I got married was a month ago. Morcocáno! Hasn't he disgraced himself enough already? It's a good thing Nelluin is there for damage control. Sador and Alassiel, sitting in a tree! K-I-S-S-I- oh, fine. They're very cute together. Really. Finrod's not the only one unhappy about Vorondil's legal status. I am, and have always been, utterly creeped out by it. I always understood slavery to be something the Dark Side characters/peoples did in canon-- Morgoth, Sauron, the Easterlings, the Corsairs, and Númenor AFTER it went bad. So to see it happening in Valinor is rather disturbing. I realize that Vorondil was twisted up in a very bad way and Finrod is doing quite a good job of straightening him out, but why did the Valar have to put their relationship in terms of master and thrall? Putting Vorondil in a position where half the continent (including Irmo's maiar) considers it their right to treat him like dirt was never conducive to his correction, especially given that it was his mother's hatred of him that twisted him in the first place. The decision has all the feel of a decision made in a fit of temper after Finrod denied them the opportunity to get rid of the obnoxious little snot (which he was, then). They can't mistreat Finrod because they need him for various things, but Vorondil's fair game. The little S-O-B's not supposed to exist, after all. (My apologies to female dogs everywhere. They generally manage not to make their pups crazy.) That Finrod had to defend Vorondil against Irmo's Maiar only supports my impression of the Valar's attitude, and it becomes that much harder to believe that the Valar are being honest when they defend Vorondil. There's also the matter of precedent-setting-- this event justified what Ingwë did to Glorfindel, which I also consider problematic. Manwë stuck between Galadhwen and Morcocáno? Hah! I liked his and Námo's reactions. And I think Námo's right-- the Valar neglected the situation on Tol Eressëa for far too long, and I for one don't buy their excuses. They would have risked nothing to deliver a stern "thou shalt not be a bully or an opressor over thy neighbors" three hundred years ago. If that didn't work they would at least be able to say they tried. Instead they did nothing, and a lot of people have suffered for it. Several people were almost murdered. I'm not surprised the Nandor aren't interested in having a king--they were quite content to be autonomous in Ossiriand. Galadhwen's self-nomination: Completely unsurprising. Marthchall: Interesting. I fully expected the people of Angobel to speak like the Nandor, not because they were necessarily successful self-rulers in Beleriand (their experiences wandering post-escape probably varied a lot) but because they were betrayed by their own kings, who cast them out when they were most in need, out of paranoia. Morcocáno: Complete shocker. At last we know what he's good for! I’d wondered. I'm glad to see he isn't a complete moron. While Falmaron's forgiving attitude is admirable, the circularity of his logic is somewhat alarming. He would never have needed to recover from a loss of innocence if he had not been attacked in the first place. There's an additional problem with choosing a temporary Cano until the other kings start showing up, : The conflict of who to choose is going to happen all over again once that happens. The Sindar won't be interested in following Fingolfin or Fingon, the Noldor won't want to follow Thingol and they won't even know who Denethor is, Orodreth has a deficiency of confidence and would be even less happy than Finrod, and nobody except his own most loyal followers will be willing to support that notorious isolationist Turgon. Gil-galad, Oropher, and Amdir-Malgalad-Whoever aren't even dead yet. The Sons of Fëanor, of course, are not even worth considering. If Finrod won't do it, I would vote no king at all, ever. Round Arda: YES. A thousand times yes. All roads are bent, and always were. My husband and I reached this conclusion after examining the descriptions of Númenor--one would not need to stand on top of a tall tower or climb the mast of a tall ship to see Valinor if Arda were ever flat. I love scientific examinations of canon. Such fun. It IS about time the elves confronted the Valar on their manipulative behavior! The Valar have a lot to answer for at this point, and that includes things beyond the events of the Council. Mistreatment of Vorondil, neglect of the Tol Eressëa situation for the past three centuries, manipulation of Glorfindel and Finrod for pretty much their entire second lifetimes so far, and multiple counts of mismanagement of the Reborn... The Valar have said repeatedly that the Children are an endless source of amusement to them. I think that's exactly the problem. They love the Children, and think they're lots of fun to watch and play with, but it really, truly looks like they don't respect them. Case in point: Laughing at legitimate complaints. Repeatedly. "You're so cute when you're angry" is NOT a statement of respect. In fact, it's one of the most disrespectful phrases I know. I’m looking forward to seeing how Finrod responds to Manwë’s continued failure to take him seriously, and how Manwë justifies his misbehavior. Are the Valar trying to incite a Second Rebellion of the Noldor And Everyone Else With Them?

Sunny · 25 June 2010 · Chapter 134: A Trial Is Convened

In this trial, Selmacas comes across as a fairly decent sort, one whose reason for attacking Vondo was more or less a sudden and temporary state of insanity. Yet I do wonder about him still – and his wife, too, for that matter. Calalindalë can hardly have developed her rabid hate against the Reborn in a vacuum, and even if her parents may not have encouraged it, it doesn’t seem that they have done anything to prevent that warping of her personality either. And his remark of "Better than he deserves” when he obviously still was angry, yet no longer in the grip of insane fury, is not exactly something to instil confidence. It makes me wonder if Arafinwë’s leniency is going to enable Selmacas to measure out just enough rope to hang himself... Manwë’s reaction must have shocked every single Elf in the room (except probably Ingwion). I am sure the betting has been going on fast and furious among the Valar and Maiar about the Elves’ reactions. And I am also sure that every Maia who is not on duty is hanging around invisibly just to watch the fun. Which must make for crowded conditions... ;-)

Edlyn · 25 June 2010 · Chapter 134: A Trial Is Convened

Errrrr, make that CAN make Glorfindel behave. Silly typo-itis!

Edlyn · 25 June 2010 · Chapter 134: A Trial Is Convened

Well, I was not expecting THAT! A very interesting chapter. Have the Valar been doing all this manipulating hoping that one of hte "pieces" would have enough and demand an accounting? Hmmm, I wonder if the real goal of all this manipulation is to force all the elves to "grow-up" and be adults rather than the children the Valar so often refer to them as. I think that if the elves can get themselves sorted out and think of themselves as Elves, rather than as Noldor, Teleri/Lindari, Nandor, Vanyar, etc. it would be a big step in the right direction but is risking the alienation of the Elves in an attempt to get them to join together in distrust and anger at the Valar, really all that good an idea? I want badly to see how this plays out but I can't help but shudder at the sheer amount of manipulation that has been going on. Of course, I can't believe that it was done with anything other than benign intent, but even so what is the point? Glorfindel and Falmaron both are irritated at being manipulated, Vondo reacts exceptionally badly to Laurendil's actions and attitude, even more so than is expecetd of a Reborn, Laurendil being uncharacteristically blind to his patient's emotional situation, etc., etc., etc! This is all so heavy-handed and really quite unlike the Valar's usual way of "inspiring" people. So I'm dying to know WHY they are acting so out of character. The frustration that the elves who are being pushed and shoved around like pieces on a game board are feeling is like lit tinder ready to set off a powderkeg and the Valar are lucky that it hasn't yet blown up in their faces. I know that eventually, someone will be appointed as Cáno to Tol Eressëa and Glorfindel will eventually go back to Middle Earth, but at this point I think it will take Eru Himself speaking to everyone personally to sort things out. Honestly, I was expecting Him to Speak and say: "Don't make me come down there"! That aside, I've been meaning to tell you that I love the way that Glorfindel is responding to Eärendil. It looks like he's unconsciously transferred his allegiance from Turgon to Turgon's Heir. I doubt that he realizes what he's doing but I like it that there's at least one non-Vala who can't get him to settle down and behave. Thanks for the wonderful storytelling. As always, I am waiting with baited breath for hte next part of the tale. Edlyn

ninqwestilmen · 25 June 2010 · Chapter 134: A Trial Is Convened

"And whose decision is that?" he asked. Finrod’s own expression did not change as he turned to his atar. "Mine..." I don't get why Arafinwe puts up with that sort of insolence from Finrod. True, Finrod was probably correct in urging a trial in the presence of the full council, but he could have asked rather than overstepping his authority, I'm sure they would have agreed. And I am very happy to see a remorseful and humbled Selmacas. I hope that the parole sentencing is not to bad. Selmacas, while not wholly innocent, has been through a lot too and some tempered benevolence will do him loads of good. A snickering Manwe is not going to go down with elves who are already feeling like pawns on a board - I'm seeing a Glorfindel meltdown in the near future ;)

6336 · 25 June 2010 · Chapter 134: A Trial Is Convened

Well, that gets Salmacas, Vondo and Calalindale out of the way and taken care of. It also explains in part why Salmacas attacked Vondo, frustration can be a very compelling reason for violance. Finrod and the Kings were a little naive to think that the Valar did not know what they were about to do. If they don't have unclad Maia on each of the delegates I would be very surprised, a mouse couldn' twitch a whisker in Formanos whith out them knowing it! Waiting wil all patience till Monday, Huggs, Lynda

Larner · 25 June 2010 · Chapter 134: A Trial Is Convened

And even now they are being manipulated! Heh! Love the Valar!

Kitty · 25 June 2010 · Chapter 134: A Trial Is Convened

Well, it's certainly suspicious that the Maiar were ordered to let Vondo run. Thought that slightly odd, too. While they hopefully didn't mean for him to get so injured, it seems they wanted him to get to the Council. I think the elves are right, it's about time to address that permanent meddling and manipulating. Glorfindel will surely agree, I guess ;) Oh, it's fun to imagine the faces of the delegates when told what the Amanians were planning. To put the Valar on trial, more or less, is slightly mind-boggling. But on the other hand, the way Finrod acted back in Lórien about the behaviour of the Lóriennildi shows he's not afraid to take even the Valar to task, if necessary. The trial for Selmacas went quite well for him; he certainly got off quite easily, considering what he did, but he seems to be really sorry for his actions. Let's hope he's a bit better behaved in the future. Hm, the end was a bit unexpected. Seems the Valar were waiting when the Elves would finally catch up on, not only Glorfindel ... Errr ... could we please pretend now is already Monday? I'm dying to know how that's going to continue! P.S. "But what about us?" Sorondur asked Er ... let me guess: Sorondil and Veryandur this time? ;) (Yeah, I know, I'm a terrible nitpicker!)

Kitty · 23 June 2010 · Chapter 133: An Evening’s Discussion

A library without books? *is upset* Ingwë is certainly old enough to know better! What are people supposed to do without one? For my last 8-day-holiday I needed 5 books, after all. (Can you tell I'm a librarian? ;)) Hm, hadn't thought of it that way before; Glorfindel could be right about telling Vondo while the emotional impact isn't as bad as it could be. Good to know Eärendil doesn't have to steer Vingilot every night now; it could become quite boring, if not a downright bother, over times. He needs a break now and then, after all. *sighs and shakes head* Now Glorfindel is overreacting badly. Seems his humour is on holiday right now. Do you think it would help to send his Maiar swordbrothers over for a bit of training? I think he needs to vent some of his frustration about the whole 'bait' thing, and Eönwe, Manveru and Erunaro might be just what he needs. (And to be honest, I'd like to see some reactions from the others of him fighting on *that* level with the Maiar) Why do I get the feeling Ingwion thinks the same as me about the rule on Tol Eressëa? The way he's reacting here ... hm. Can still rather see him at that job than Eärendil.

Kitty · 23 June 2010 · Chapter 132: A Peaceful Interlude

Oh, that was cute, all the elflings curled up to Vondo! They are really sweeties. Hm, I think Finrod and Glorfindel are right, it might have taken a bit longer, but Vondo would have run away eventually. He's a Reborn and has a tradition to uphold, after all ;) And need I to mention that I look forward to the grief he might give them together with his co-conspirators, as Aldundil so nicely put it? *grin* Vondo is coming very close to the reason behind the attack, isn't he? They will not be able to evade that topic for long. This time they managed to distract him with Sindarin, but that will not work every time. Somehow I don't look forward to that revelation ...

Kitty · 23 June 2010 · Chapter 131: Lord Eärendil Weighs In

Oh well, they should be glad that Vingilot arrived. It may have disrupted the schedule, but at least they now have something better to talk about than Selmacas ... Ah, about time Ingwë took charge and shut them up. They behave more like in kindergarten than age-old beings in an important meeting ;) Really, I don't know if to be amused or annoyed about Glorfindel. While it was interesting to watch how much control Eärendil has over him, I can understand his anger. The Valar are manipulating him *again* without his knowledge, and I am getting the feeling they may regret it one day. Why can't they just talk to him what they want of him beforehand? He'd do it gladly and willingly, but no, they have to do it in secret, making him feeling used and betrayed, and they should know by now that he doesn't take that too well. Anyway, Eärendil's input was interesting, and he's probably right: A leader from outside of Tol Eress%euml;a may be more impartial than others, as he has not his own interests there to uphold (or should not have). Though he needs to be familiar with the situation, problems and people to be a wise Cano, and he needs the personality and power to back up his decisions. Hm, I'm still thinking about Ingwion ... as long as Finrod is refusing the job, I can't think of anyone better suited - at least not one we know already, and I doubt you will now pull a new leader out of your hat.

Tari · 22 June 2010 · Chapter 133: An Evening’s Discussion

I had always assumed the five elflings were too old to be in a nursery; especially after all they have been thru. Guess I was wrong. Things seem to be progressing (dare I say nicely), in spite of a little burp here and there. It will be interesting to see who finally ends up in “charge”. I love the name “Laughing Valar”. It would be a wonderful name for a pub.