Reviews (348)

rick · 27 August 2009 · Chapter 13: Glorfindel

Hi, Fiondil, This was an interesting chapter. I enjoyed it very much. That said, one of the interesting things about your stories set in Aman is how consistently the senior Lorienildi are a bunch of snots. Of course, I have met doctors like that, but they were usually balanced by the ones who were actually concerned with patient care. Is this a ploy on Irmo's part to provide incentive to the Reborn to leave as quickly as possible? It does add interest to the story, which I am sure is at least part of your motivation (trying to mind-read, here, be kind ), and I notice that each snot is snotty in a different way. I wouldn't want to be treated for anything by any of them, though!

6336 · 26 August 2009 · Chapter 13: Glorfindel

It has always seemed a little strange that none of the Lorinildi (hope I got that right) have learned Sindarin! I understand the reasoning behind only speaking Quenya, it has to be frustrating for those Re-born who do not know any though. I realise that they do start to learn it later, after all, as you say in one of your review answers, what's 100 years to an Elf! Still seems a bit wierd! I hope Finrod finds his memories of Glorfindel comforting. As for the history teacher, what you don't know you can't teach, wouldn't hurt her to do a little research, also a little sensitivity training would not come amiss either! Lynda

Agape4Gondor · 25 August 2009 · Chapter 13: Glorfindel

I find it difficult to read of the 'disrespect' for the reborn... very difficult. Great chapter though!

Larner · 25 August 2009 · Chapter 13: Glorfindel

The master here needs to learn a good deal of compassion and empathy. And I love how they deal with the memories!

Aiwen · 25 August 2009 · Chapter 13: Glorfindel

I hope I didn't offend you with my last review. I have a tendency to poke at stories I like, and occasionally I poke too hard. I like this story very much - if I didn't, I wouldn't be reviewing it. Sorry if I offended you.

Parmalokwen · 25 August 2009 · Chapter 13: Glorfindel

I don't understand how the Valar could not find a single person in all of Valinor more interested in history and teaching and less interested in the honor of serving the Valar. I am sure that Calamírë doesn't know much at all about what happened in Beleriand between the Great Journey and the War of Wrath, and she isn't interested in finding out, either. She's not a very good historian, IMO-- she's just someone with a good memory. Nor does she have any respect for her students-- she does not seem to care that she insulted her entire class when she called Sindarin "that barbarous tongue." It seems to be a fairly common problem among the Lóriennildi.

Tari · 25 August 2009 · Chapter 13: Glorfindel

I found the second paragraph to be most interesting. Don’t we wonder sometimes what happens when we leave this earth? Do we remember what happened in our previous life or is it completely removed from our memory? Happy memories can be healing ones. A little mischief never hurt anyone as long as it wasn’t harmful, at least where Elves are concerned.

Sunny · 25 August 2009 · Chapter 13: Glorfindel

Finrod would certainly have had lots of stories the trouble he and Glorfindel got into in Mandos ;-)

njomo · 22 August 2009 · Chapter 12: Basket Weaving and Other Princely Pursuits

Hi Fiondil, Those must have been terrible words to hear: "Your home no longer exists." In light of having learned that knowledge, and for all the trauma of the episode with Eärnur, Finrod does give his basketweaving reasonable attention. Having woven baskets myself, I really enjoyed your description of Finrod's trials and errors while making his first baskets. I still have my first, and while it is woven tightly enough to be useful (I reworked it a few times as I recall) it is definitely not quite the shape I intended. I think these lessons in craft provide not only the opportunity to learn a new skill and work on motor skills and dexterity. They also present an opportunity to deal with diversity and failure. Anyway, I'm sure that Estë will be suitably grateful for Finrod's gift. And I note that Finrod talks about the "joy of learning a new skill" and that is progress indeed after his initial reactions to his required lessons. Now, what new adventures will befall Finrod and Eärnur? Thanks Fiondil! Joanne

Kitty · 19 August 2009 · Chapter 12: Basket Weaving and Other Princely Pursuits

Our dear Finrod isn't too fond of classes, eh? At least not of any that don't involve playing with swords ;) Well, it was not nice of Finrod to attack Eärnur, but somehow understandable; it was not very wise of Eärnur to imply that Finrod belongs to the kinslayers. And to know that it will still take about 100 years before that issue of the relationship between the different Elven tribes is adressed is somewhat disturbing to me as a mere mortal, for whom that is a very long time. Felt really sorry for Finrod when he said he wanted to go home, knowing that it is impossible. And I know that he is not too sure about his welcome through his family, which probably doesn't help, either. The bit about giving one of his baskets as a gift to Estë was touching, and I think, encouraging for Finrod.

Kitty · 19 August 2009 · Chapter 11: On Trust and Innocence

Well, as I keep having difficulties to remember the Quenya names of most members of the House of Finwë, I can symphatise with Eärnur *grin* While it may be true that Finrod's explanations have taken some of Eärnur's innocence away, I think it was inevitable and had to happen sooner or later. Most of the Elves of Aman might have been able to ignore everything in Beleriand, but the Loriennildi who have to deal with Reborn and Returnees can't stay away from this topic. Interesting bit about Aulë. This Vala has been betrayed one time too many, I guess. As more than one of his Maiar followed Morgoth, he's probably taken the rebellion of the Noldor particularly bad. I think I'm going to agree with the Reborn about painting class. I'd rather muck out stables than that *grin* Not as noble, but more fun. And I can understand that the Reborn dislike the way they are ordered around. They have to remember enough of their former lifes to be irritated by being treated in that way.

Sitara · 19 August 2009 · Chapter 12: Basket Weaving and Other Princely Pursuits

Well, it looks like Earnur has the same problem as I do, although for different reasons. “grin” We are in need of a definition of that particular term. Preferably before starting to reason it out for ourselves. I mean, nobody would like to get the wrong sow by the ear, now would they? “grinning widely” My particular issues notwithstanding, I can understand Finrod’s feelings. He cannot find his place in this world and it seems he has no great wish to do so. He didn’t left Aman only to feel the taste of power, one might consider. Middle-earth was his home and Men and Dwarves were his friends. And yes, to have to weave baskets and make horseshoes wouls have driven me crazy as well so no offence should be taken. Poor Earnur . By the time Ingil arrived to the place of the “battle”, it looks like Finrod had managed to bloody his nose. Huh…at least, from now on, Finrod cannot say any longer that he never spilled the blood of the Teleri. “roaring with laughter” Okay, that was a joke. Lótessë seems to be very nice and I’d like to meet her again in the future. Irmo, on the other hand…No “guilt by association”, then? I’ll keep that in mind for a future conversation.

bookworm · 19 August 2009 · Chapter 12: Basket Weaving and Other Princely Pursuits

AW Finrod why so cute? *resists urge to cuddle the dangerous Elf-prince*

Sunny · 18 August 2009 · Chapter 12: Basket Weaving and Other Princely Pursuits

No wonder Finrod went ballistic when Eärnur accused him of being a Kinslayer. Hopefully they will be able to patch up their friendship – and perhaps when they are ready to “celebrate” the healing of their friendship, they will do that by getting into trouble together? (I hope Irmo, Estë and the Maiar are watching out, in that case...) ;-) It seems that when Finrod is getting some decent result in his new craft, he decides that the craft isn’t such an awful occupation after all. I can certainly sympathize. It is _fun_ making things when you watch whatever you are making taking form between your hands, and it gets to be what you wanted it to be. Do you think your muse would want to make a story or a scene in a story when Finrod makes a basket for someone in his family? I don’t suppose his family even knew about his basketweaving skills until the scene in EI1, but now that they know, I suppose they might want him to make something for them.

Larner · 18 August 2009 · Chapter 12: Basket Weaving and Other Princely Pursuits

It was an impolitic thing to say, after all. Poor Finrod! I understand his desire to go home--I've felt that way as well, even though the place I think of as "home" is no more as I remember it and the family scattered and half gone. But accomplishment does bring its satisfactions--and lessons.

Agape4Gondor · 17 August 2009 · Chapter 12: Basket Weaving and Other Princely Pursuits

Wow - as always, things are never peaceful when Finrod is about.... bless him. What on earth would life be like if there was not passion. Bless you for sharing him with us.

Aiwen · 17 August 2009 · Chapter 12: Basket Weaving and Other Princely Pursuits

Finrod has done quite a bit of growing up in this chapter, explosions notwithstanding. It is nice to see it. Your Reborn are so unstable they are really rather dangerous.

Midnight Promise · 17 August 2009 · Chapter 12: Basket Weaving and Other Princely Pursuits

Ouch, Finda should knows how to punch even after being recently reborn. And bravo to Eärnur for not retaliating! :) Hmm, you know, in a way, Finrod is a kinslayer, his reasons (to protect, etc.) may have been different, but when you get down to it. . . Also (just throwing this out there) if Humans and Elves are Children of Eru, no matter how different they are, wouldn't that be considered kinslaying as well, in a way? Food for thought. . .:D Nice job, a good way to end a school day. . .gah. :)

Tari · 17 August 2009 · Chapter 12: Basket Weaving and Other Princely Pursuits

We all need a hobby of some sort to help us relax. Finrod never learned that until now, but it's something I'm sure he'll never forget. In fact, I think all the Elves should have a hobby. Can't you just picture a group of warriors sitting around tables, weaving baskets? LOL

6336 · 17 August 2009 · Chapter 12: Basket Weaving and Other Princely Pursuits

Yep. I think I would be a little upset if someone had called me a kinslayer. I am glad that he and Earnur were able to work out their differances, Finderato dosn't realise just how much he needs Earnur. I hope Este was pleased with her basket. Lynda

Thalanee · 15 August 2009 · Chapter 11: On Trust and Innocence

Finrod and Earnur have given each other much food for thought (even if Finrod doesn´t seem to lie it... Irmo is right, no one can stay innocent forever) Aule´s reaction after the Rebellion is easily comprehensible even if it is a bit extreme: what about those of the Noldor who had no part in the Rebellion whatsoever? Finrod seemed to have somewhat enjoyed working at the forge (if my memory serves right), so why is he so reluctant now to continue working there? Is he afraid to meet Aule? Sneaky Earnur! Let´s see how that first lesson goes ;) It was good to read the funny part of this chapter after having a cry at `Tenn`Ambar-Metta´ Greetings, Thalanee

Sunny · 14 August 2009 · Chapter 11: On Trust and Innocence

Hmmm. I suspect that if there had been a choice in Beleriand of leaving out one’s underwear while getting dressed, and leaving out the sharp-and-pointy things, most warriors would _rather_ leave out the underwear. ;-) But this is Aman, and in Aman, swords, knives and similar items are not such an essential part of one’s wardrobe. It is nice to see Finrod and Eärnur getting along. Now, to seal their friendship, they really need to get into some sort of trouble together... ;-)

Agape4Gondor · 13 August 2009 · Chapter 11: On Trust and Innocence

Lovely. Needless to say, my heart was caught by Finrod stating Earnur was his only friend... I think he might very well be surprised that a few Valar could be so listed.... As for basket weaving - oh my goodness................. I truly pity his instructress! (I had hoped it was something to do with swords - perhaps in the future)

njomo · 12 August 2009 · Chapter 11: On Trust and Innocence

Hi Fiondil, Well, from one who has actually made baskets, I consider the task a noble art as well as a craft. That's one of the things I loved about learning basket weaving. It has history, practicality, and art all one! And I was privileged to have been taught by those who pushed the craft to into art. Just look at the shape of a cat's head basket...but I digress! But yes, good work for the brain as well as the hands. Finrod is giving Eärnur quite an education about life in Beleriand and those who lived there. That should hold him in good stead when interacting with the reborn, as Irmo states, in spite of any other effects Finrod's words might have had. Without understanding some of the "dark" aspects of the experience of those who went to Beleriand, Eärnur wouldn't be as effective in his work. And a most interesting conversation with Irmo. I wonder at Finrod's seeming dislike of working at the forge with Aulë. Past history, or? It's funny, and maybe I'm the only one with this experience. I avidly read each chapter as you post it and many times I think--well, that's interesting but.... And then I reread the chapter a few times and discover--oh my--there's quite a lot packed in there. I think that says more about me than you! So I just have to go think about Finrod and Aulë some more. As always, thanks very much for ths chapter. I'll be interested to see how Finrod manages with the basketweaving, and at the forge with Aulë. Joanne

Aiwen · 12 August 2009 · Chapter 11: On Trust and Innocence

Very fun.