Larner · 20 March 2010 · Chapter 13: Instruments of Love
Ah--how I appreciate the devious nature of the Valar here! Heh!
Author's reply
I'm glad you do, Larner. Thanks for letting me know.
Tales from Vairë's Loom by Fiondil
Reviews (446)
Sunny · 18 March 2010 · Chapter 14: The Exilic Noldo’s Guide to Coping with Post-Helcaraxë Stress Syndrome (or PHSS)
Sounds as if Lynda read this before having her morning dose of caffeine! ;-)
Author's reply
You may be right, Sunny, but I would be the last one to accuse her of that. And I don't think Glorfindel is *that* perky. Even I wouldn't be able to stand him if he were. *grin*
ellie · 18 March 2010 · Chapter 14: The Exilic Noldo’s Guide to Coping with Post-Helcaraxë Stress Syndrome (or PHSS)
Ahhh I remember well the conversation that started this. The story is still a delight to read and Glorfy is right there with his advice. I wonder what other elfy self-help books are waiting to be written out there. There's a plot bunny for you: explore the different neurosis of elves and Dr Glorfindel can come to the rescue!
Author's reply
Yes, and thank you for that. You were definitely Glorfindel to my Ecthelion that day, weren't you? *LOL* Anyway, I'm not sure if I even want to explore the idea of elven neuroses. That's way too scary for me. *grin* Thanks again for the plot bunny for this one, Ellie, and thanks for all your help. Words cannot adequately express my gratitude, but they're the best I can do.
6336 · 17 March 2010 · Chapter 14: The Exilic Noldo’s Guide to Coping with Post-Helcaraxë Stress Syndrome (or PHSS)
Well Glorfindel is being a little ray of sunshine this morning, isn't he! He is right though, you have to look on the bright side of things or they will wear you down. Huggs, Lynda (p.s. I hate perky people, even Glorfindel!)
Author's reply
I guess he is a little ray of sunshine at that, Lynda. *LOL* Glad you liked the story even if you can't stand perky people. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Sunny · 17 March 2010 · Chapter 14: The Exilic Noldo’s Guide to Coping with Post-Helcaraxë Stress Syndrome (or PHSS)
Oh, my, yes! I want winter to end, too! The snow _has_ started to melt, but there is rather a lot of it lying around. But roads that are not completely covered with snow is at least a beginning. :-)
Author's reply
Glad you liked this, Sunny. Thanks. The snow is all gone here, but that means nothing. We could easily have more between now and mid-April. I've even known it to snow on Mother's Day! We're not out of the woods yet. Think Spring!
6336 · 5 March 2010 · Chapter 11: Beyond the Galvorn Door
Just reread this and have just realised how terrible mercy is. To know that Casselcarin is gone forever, really Lost, with no memory at all of who he was even to his name. It is bitter-sweet, bitter for the loss of an identity and sweet for the hope in that loss. Sorry, getting a little profound here, a long, rather anxious day, a cousin by marriage went in for laprascopic surgery and ended up having to have regular surgery when they discovered too much scar tissue from previous surgeries. What was supposed to be an overnight stay looks like being a two to three day stay. We will know more tomorrow. Lynda
Author's reply
A terrible mercy. Yes. Mercy can indeed be both terrible and terrifying, which is why most people opt out of it. They are more willing to endure justice and punishment, mostly because we've been trained for it since childhood but also because, unlike justice, which is often deserved, mercy is not and that's something we are unable to accept when it is offered. I hope your cousin recovers quickly. Thanks for your comments. They are much appreciated.
Sitara · 21 February 2010 · Chapter 12: Daughter of Fate
AU, indeed. Forgive me, please, for adding also extreme OCCness, because personally I wasn't able to recognize any of the canonical characters, except maybe for Glorfindel. I only wish to say one thing about the final conversation between Maglor and Maedhros, before they went to kill the guards assigned by the Maiar and to steal the remaining Silmarils. "..how shall our voices reach to Iluvatar beyond the Circles of the World? Who shall release us?" In my opinion, Maedhros' s question is the most painful thing I've ever come across in Tolkien's world. And it has yet to be answered. As far as I can tell, no one has managed to find an answer, either Russa or the Valar. As for Russa as a character...well, certainly she's no Antigone, is she?
Author's reply
Well, I don't expect everyone to like all my stories and this was more of an exercise in 'What if?' than anything that might be considered 'canon' on my part. So even the canon characters are not necessarily 'canon' in how they act and react. As for Maedhros' question.... I suspect no one has managed to find an answer because they don't have one, not even the Valar, who do not know everything anyway whatever anyone thinks. And I never cared for Antigone myself. *grin*
Tari · 19 February 2010 · Chapter 13: Instruments of Love
As soon as I saw that no use for the instruments could be found, I knew what was behind them. Sometimes the Valar are as bad as little children. I could use one or two myself. "grins" What a delightful entry to Vaire's Loom this is.
Author's reply
Ah ha! So you figured it out before Elros and Emeldir did. *grin* I'm glad you found this a delight story, Tari. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
ellie · 14 February 2010 · Chapter 13: Instruments of Love
forgot to say Happy Valentine's Day and thanks for the treat you wrote for your readers!
Author's reply
Happy Valentine's Day to you as well and you are most welcome. It was my pleasure.
ellie · 14 February 2010 · Chapter 13: Instruments of Love
Very cute! I liked the confusion over what the items were and what they actually did. I bet Aule had a blast making them. It was amusing watching the two enjoy their evenings together with the books. I do wonder what kind of convoluted gift Manwe will give to the newlyweds?
Author's reply
Hi, ellie. I'm sure Aulë had more fun than any Valar has the right to have coming up with those instruments. *grin* As for Manwë's gift... I have no clue, but I'm sure Varda had a few ideas of her own in that regard. *LOL* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
Parmalokwen · 13 February 2010 · Chapter 13: Instruments of Love
Theory 1: Eonwë, you moron, you threw out the instruction manual! Theory 2: The instruction manual fell out and got mixed in with the books. Theory 3: Eonwë handed Elros a box of otherwise useless junk with intent to induce a collision with an unsuspecting adaneth. Confirmed. Ahahahahaha! What an elaborate matchmaking scheme. This is the sort of Valarin meddling that I like! Happy Valentine's Day, Fiondil.
Author's reply
Obviously theory 3 is the winner. *LOL* A very elaborate matchmaking scheme but just the sort of thing the Valar like to do: achieving their goals through indirect means. I'm glad you like this kind of Valarin meddling. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it. And Happy Valentine's Day to you too, Parmalokwen.
6336 · 13 February 2010 · Chapter 13: Instruments of Love
I see Eru is drawing straight with crooked lines again! I think Manwe had too much fun with this, so did Aule! Poor Eonwe is the last to know, again! Happy Valentines day! Lynda
Author's reply
Happy Valentine's Day, Lynda! Yes, this is an instance of Eru drawing straight with crooked lines and I think you're right that Manwë and Aulë had too much fun with this. Eönwë, of course, was just the messenger and probably didn't know at first what it was all about until after he'd given Elros the instruments.
Kaylee · 13 February 2010 · Chapter 13: Instruments of Love
Atar Fiondil! *hugs* Happy Valentine's Day! It's still the 13th here for me, but this was a very lovely story. I recognized Emeldir from "Tenn'Ambar-Metta" as soon as she was mentioned and immediately squealed excitedly...it's a good thing I'm alone in the house today! Ha! Devious Valar and Eonwe...now, do you know yet if Eonwe is espoused? Inquiring minds want to know! Tye-melin! Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi, Kaylee. I'm glad you found this a lovely story. Thanks for letting me know. As for Eönwë... I haven't a clue. That's one secret he doesn't share with me, yet. *grin* Happy Valentine's Day to you as well.
Sunny · 13 February 2010 · Chapter 13: Instruments of Love
Heh. There are more kinds of "building" than mere piling stones upon one another. ;-) But if certain of those devices might be found to have another function, well even the Valar might subscribe to the old adage of "Waste not, want not". The use of such things as micrometers or spirit levels might not be obvious to someone from a society with a medieval level of technology. And something like a slide rule (stone age tech today) might well be considered magical!
Author's reply
That's true, Sunny, and the kind of building that Elros needed to deal with was the building of his dynasty. As for the instruements themselves, who knows what they truly were, but I'm sure the enterprising Númenóreans found some use for them. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
Tari · 5 February 2010 · Chapter 12: Daughter of Fate
This is definitely a feminine twist to Tolkien's tales, but one I thouroughly love. I think of Russa as being a shield maiden of sorts. When she left home, she had no idea what would happen. Finding Glorfinel lead her down a difficult and dark path, but left her a much stronger being; one the Valar admired. Dark though it may have been, it was also filled with a great love and a new familly. Well done.
Author's reply
Thanks, Tari. I am glad you enjoyed this tale. It was difficult to write on several levels, not the least being trying to imagine how things might have gone had one of Feanor's sons was a daughter. Meeting Glorfindel was the pivotal moment for them both and because of it everything changed.
SurgicalSteel · 21 January 2010 · Chapter 12: Daughter of Fate
You've really used satire quite well here - that was the funniest Mary Sue parody I've seen in a long time!
Author's reply
Really? Considering that I've never actually read a Mary Sue (just heard about them), that's a pretty neat trick on my part, isn't it? *LOL* Actually, this story was not written as a parody of anything (certainly not intentionally). It was really an exercise in 'what if?' What if Fëanor had a daughter? How would she impact the history of Middle-earth based on the choices she made or did not make against the background of her family and the surrounding historical situation? But I am glad you enjoyed this story, however you wish to interpret it. Thanks for reviewing and letting me know. I appreciate it.
Sunny · 21 January 2010 · Chapter 12: Daughter of Fate
I forgot to mention that I rather enjoyed Russa drooling over Glorfindel ;-) And BTW, you _do_ write romance - as in "fantastic stories about the marvelous adventures of a chivalrous, heroic knight errant, often of super-human ability, who often goes on a quest." And Glorfindel can certainly be described as a super-humanly heroic warrior. I am just fine today - those stomach viruses hit you like a bolt from the blue but fortunately don't last long
Author's reply
Yes, that's correct, I do write romances in the medieval sense of the word. Glad you're feeling better.
Rhyselle · 20 January 2010 · Chapter 12: Daughter of Fate
Oh, this was a delicious tale, and a wonderful AU! I really enjoyed the whole thing although there are certain scenes that I like best, particularly her confrontation with Maedhros and Maglor where she was the catalyst of Maglor's renunciation of the Oath. I'm now imagining their arrival in Aman, and Nerdanel's reunion with her daughter and son, and introduction to her grandchildren. :) Well done!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked this tale, Rhyselle. Thanks for letting me know. I much appreciate it.
Radbooks · 20 January 2010 · Chapter 12: Daughter of Fate
Oh, that was a very nice AU! I like seeing Glorfindel married and having children... he seems like he'd be a good husband and father! :) But poor Russa to be treated by her father and brothers like that... typical males. *grin* I like that she was able to stay away from the others and then finally set them all free of those oaths or curse or whatever. Nicely done!
Author's reply
Hi, Radbooks. I'm glad you liked this. Thanks for letting me know. It was fun giving Glorfindel a wife and kiddies. *grin* I think he would have made a great 'Ada', too. *grin*
Larner · 20 January 2010 · Chapter 12: Daughter of Fate
At least this time the name "Fated" worked to the good for all! Perfect!
Author's reply
Yes, indeed, Larner. I'm glad you liked this. Thanks for letting me know.
Sunny · 20 January 2010 · Chapter 12: Daughter of Fate
Hmmm... "The Fated" as a name with a positive meaning. I wonder how Russa would have impacted Glorfindel's subsequent life - specificially if he would have gone back to Middle-Earth in this AU It makes sense that a female would be smarter than the males - and _not_ swear That Oath! ;-) I definitely needed something to cheer me up today - I spent the day in bed with stomach flu. :-( Not fun!
Author's reply
Hi, Sunny. Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. I hope you get better soon. Glad that this little tale cheered you up somewhat. Not sure how Russa would impact Glorfindel's subsequent life. Perhaps in the universe, someone else went to Middle-earth or Glorfindel took his entire family with him. *grin*
6336 · 20 January 2010 · Chapter 12: Daughter of Fate
Aw, this was good, I didn't know you wrote romances! You romantic devil you! I think Nardanel would have liked a daughter, after all those ellyn it would be nice to have an ellith to dress up in pretty clothes, though with all those ellyn around she probably spent most of her time in leggings and tunics! The confrontation between Russa and her brothers was compelling, I have allways thought that if Maglor were given a chance he would renounce the Oath and return to Aman. Hope that Russa and Glorfindels reunion is all that they wish for. Lynda
Author's reply
Well, I'm something of a romantic at heart.*grin* And I don't write romances, though sometimes romance enters into a story (not necessarily the same thing). I am glad you found the confrontation between Russa and her brothers compelling. That part was hard to write on many levels and I wasn't sure I had gotten it 'right'. Thanks for reviewing, Lynda. I really appreciate it.
ellie · 20 January 2010 · Chapter 12: Daughter of Fate
That was great! I loved it that Glorfy helped her and then married her and had little Glorflings! I'm proud of her for standing up to her remaining brothers and changing Maglor. It is good to see a positive ending for Maglor, I think he deserves it. He's also the only son of Feanor that I actually like. Glorfy would have been poud of her indeed, but how would he have gone on to return to Middle-earth and leave her behind - or did she go with him. I seriously doubt she would have allowed him to leave her behind in Aman. The second son's name also suggets that he went back to M-E with his dad, too. Very cool. Bravo! Well done!
Author's reply
Hi, Ellie. I'm glad you liked this one. I don't know how this 'timeline' would affect Glorfindel's going to Middle-earth. This is an alternate universe sort of story so things in the actual timeline would not necessarily apply, but perhaps the entire family or certainly Russa went with him in this universe. I would like to think so.
Edlyn · 21 November 2009 · Chapter 11: Beyond the Galvorn Door
Meldonya, this is absolutely wonderful.
Author's reply
Thanks, Edlyn. I am so glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
6336 · 8 November 2009 · Chapter 5: Eönwë Among the Edain
Just reread this and a thought occured, who records Eonwe's oaths? He can't record his own surely? Lynda
Author's reply
I think that's Eru's job, or maybe even Namo's since he was in on it from the beginning (See "Wars of the Valar").