Reviews (446)

Midnight Promise · 8 November 2009 · Chapter 11: Beyond the Galvorn Door

Hello! I realized I haven't been reviewing everything that I have read, sorry! Quick note to say I have enjoyed them all! :) Namo has a kid. . .? o-o;; This will be. . .interesting. And named Estel too? Lol, aw, Aragorn will be dismayed! ;) Woot! Mention of Maglor and his story! Yay! He gets some of his brothers back! :) Still can't wait to read his story! :( Poor guys. I hope they all get reconnected again to their lives. . .to a point anyway. All that is left now is for the breaking of the world. . .wow that sounds scary. o-o Hope life has been amazing! MP

Sitara · 4 November 2009 · Chapter 11: Beyond the Galvorn Door

Well, speaking about a complete change, I’ve had in mind certain things, which I’m not sure I’ve understood, let alone being able to explain. “lol” I certainly didn’t want to say they would have new personalities, at least not literally, but, in some cases, it could be about a epiphany of some sort, including the intellectual level. Something like that. It looks like this morning my brains are even more jumbled than usual. “lol” I’ve spoken about Námo’s failures only because (at least in my mind) his inability to convince those Elves to accept judgment has everything to do with said “failures”. On top of that, the last glimpse of the Valar those Elves had in their life has been, coincidentally or not, the Lord of Mandos promising them “little pity” once they had passed through his door. In my opinion, their perception regarding the Valar and especially Námo it matters a great deal when it comes about accepting or not judgment. They are asked after all to put their…life ‘lol’ (or whatever they have been left with, once stripped of their flesh) in the hands of the Valar. At any rate, I don’t intended to make it the point of my review. There would be time for that later, I reckon. “lol” What I’ve found so wonderful in your story (wonderful enough to soothe the pang in my chest after reading the first part of the story) are two images: the image of both Eru and Námo holding Cassalcarin so lovingly and caringly and the image of Námo raising him as his own child. Whatever I may think the Valar did or did not, I will always aim for a full reconciliation, for an image like this and, during this process, I think all the things and doubts must be brought on the surface and adressed accordingly. Again, thank you for a masterpiece. Sitara P.S. I don't think I've managed to say all I wanted to say...but anyway, I cannot miss this. Quenya sounds so wonderfully melodious...more like a Romanic language

Sitara · 2 November 2009 · Chapter 11: Beyond the Galvorn Door

You can imagine how I flinched when I saw the words “the last Age of Arda” and “the Halls of Mandos” , Fiondil. Anyway, after the first reading, I found myself not knowing whether starting to cry or to flame. Not you, of course, and neither your story. The Lord of Mandos, however, is a different story altogether. “attempting to grin devilishly and failing miserably” I hope I won’t butcher completely your vision and understanding of the matter, but it seems to me that you took what is described as happening with the Elven fëar inside the Halls of Mandos to a new level. Meaning, it’s not (only) about ‘healing’ any longer, respectively instructing, correcting or strengthening a fëa, but about a complete ‘change of soul’. Not changed people, but new people altogether. If this is the case, then I believe that these Elves, the ones without hope, would be getting the best part of the deal. “grin” Extremely impressive the depiction of Cassalcarin’s rebirth. Almost like an exorcism, if I’m permitted to speak this way. You know, while reading the sentence “Eru would have his due and it would be nothing short of his very Self”, I forgot myself for a moment and I thought that I’m again deep immersed into Lewis’s writings. This is the highest praise I personally can bring to a writer. Mercy instead of Forgiveness….In another universe, the most fitting word would have been Grace. Only after being lost, you can be truly found. No word could encompass so much beauty. Unfortunately (or not), I’m not capable to end it here, as no doubt you can guess. What I’m going to say next sounds incredibly audacious, even for my own ears. But such deed is necessary. *…. the failure was never on your part.* Actually, it was. Regardless of how annoying I must sound and speaking without passions and prejudices, some serious accusations can be brought against Námo (and the rest of the Valar). To ellaborate a bit and using the one case I’ve thoroughly analysed, Námo’s actions have drastically impinged upon his foremost prerogative , namely the right to judge. Other charges, regarding hope this time, are even more serious, in my opinion. Through their actions, in some cases, the Valar have provided the opportunity to be viewed as nothing more than Morgoth’s kin and the quest for jewels and new lands to become also a personal vendetta, directed against them as much as it was against Morgoth. The relationship between Námo and the Elves entrapped in that Hall is a two-edged knife, in my opinion. I’ll stop here for two reasons. One, there is a Vala that I really wish to spare and any accusation I’ll bring would be directed firstly at him. And two…the image of Námo playing happily with his children, when said children are the likes of Eol, of Celegorm or of Maeglin, has struck the words in the back of my throat. “smile” One last thing. I swear, absolutely the last. “lol” Umm…I should warn Námo about a bit of …miscalculation in his bookeeping. “lol” “They can never leave Mandos until Arda is Remade.” Not quite. “cough” And, if I may suggest, Námo should already start looking for a conqueror of fate. Because, Arda still fully Marred, a Man who should be beyond the circles of this world , and an Elf, whose likeness should have never appeared again within Arda, shall step forth, at Eru’s Will. One will kill Morgoth, the other shall destroy Morgoth’s legacy. “smiling like sun” Only after, all the Elves would awake and all their dead would arise. Sorry for rambling 'that' much but after all, I did warn you, Fiondil, that this one would be memorable. At last, in length. “lol”

Larner · 30 October 2009 · Chapter 11: Beyond the Galvorn Door

How wonderful that one of these lost ones is restored, ready to be raised properly, to learn how to live in righteousness and joy, and with such parents! Lovely theme for both Halloween and All Saints!

njomo · 30 October 2009 · Chapter 11: Beyond the Galvorn Door

Bravo! This story works so well on many different levels. I admit I approached it with trepidation. Not because of the rating at the beginning of the story, but because...well, I thought, vampires in Tolkien's world? Oh no! But trusting you as I do, I read on and was not disappointed. What impressed me the most was the explanation you gave for Cassa's behavior. I was wondering how you would explain vampirism in the context of what we know about Ennorath. I couldn't see...just couldn't see a Dracula type figure, in spite of Morgoth. And so you passed that test with flying colors! And then, near the end, I wasn't sure at all what was really happening to Cassa, though I should not have doubted that Eru would not fulfill his promise to Namo without compassion toward both he and Cassa. To know that one so ravaged by what he had done could find relief, new life, and love...and loving parents...well, what more perfect ending could one want? And Eru, well, was just Eru, knowing the deep felt desires and fears of Námo and seeking to fulfill and assuage. Námo may have his hands full in time, but I'll bet he enjoys every minute! Thanks Fiondil! Joanne

Tari · 30 October 2009 · Chapter 11: Beyond the Galvorn Door

Wow! That was really good. Redemption is there for anyone who repents his sins. All we have to do is ask for it. Namo's a father? You've got to love it. Teeeeheeeheee.

6336 · 30 October 2009 · Chapter 11: Beyond the Galvorn Door

Oh that was sweet! Best read with a lap full of cat though! So Namo has a child at last, Eru really does draw straight with crooked lines dosen't He?! Lynda

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 30 October 2009 · Chapter 11: Beyond the Galvorn Door

*shivers* Oh, Atar Fiondil, how wonderful! Rhyselle and I have been occasionally working on a story where a little Elven child, neglected by her parents, was adopted by Namo and Vaire, so that's what the end of this reminded me of in a way...but it's even more powerful. The thought of what Cassa was before this...that he had lost all hope...And now he is forgiven and *truly* Reborn, awash in Mercy and Eru's Love...*reverent shiver* The beginning of the story made me ache for Namo, feeling so bereft with nothing to do, and the middle gave me chills and shivers...Finwe, Feanoro, Nelyafinwe, Morifinwe, Curufinwe (junior), and Turcafinwe all locked in this place, alone...I'm glad that Canafinwe, Pityafinwe and Telyafinwe escaped it! I, too, wonder if Rhyselle's Bregos would also be here. Beautiful story, Atar Fiondil, I loved it! A good tale to read just before Halloween, since ALl Hallow's Eve is, after all, tomorrow. (And tomorrow I'm having a blood test done in the morning. Ick.) By the way, yes, I did well on my tests. I have a 95 percent overall grade in my class for Module A and got 100 percent on my vocabulary final. 86 percent on the lecture final because it's harder to retain all the information she talks about. I can't write it all down. Perhaps I should borrow Eonwe? He remembers everything. We're in Module B now so we'll be learning CPR this month, which ought to be good. Tye-melin, Atar Indonyo! *hugs Atar Fiondil* Happy Halloween early! P.S. *shares Squishy with you* (He is a cloth stuffed 'jack-o-lantern' and he is called Squishy because he is, well, squishy.) *also gives you a bag of our mixed fun size candy bars*

Rhyselle · 30 October 2009 · Chapter 11: Beyond the Galvorn Door

*cries* Oh, Fiondil, this was simply exquisite. Namo wondering what he would be doing from now on; the empty halls; his grief for those who had lost hope.... And then Cassalcarin... what a horrible thing to have become--but I can see how the hideousness of the first kinslaying could have triggered his change. I love the description of Mercy overwhelming him like a green wave. And, yes, I agree that Mercy IS more terrifying than Forgiveness. The mere thought of being the recipient of that much Love from Eru is just utterly awesome. *shivers in awe* And Eru's solution for Namo's silent sense of purposelessness was just wonderful. A new life for a fea who had seemed doomed to never know life again, within the bounds set for those who had done Unforgivable things... Estel might not be able to be Reborn to a physical life outside of Mandos, but he shouldn't feel terribly constrained... the halls are described as endless after all. :) And Namo and Vaire would have the power to adjust them to the needs of a growing child. :) "Wait until he becomes an adolescent" LOL! Well, Eru has certainly had a lot of experience at shepherding souls through that, hasn't He? :) I still think that I'm not doing this story justice in this review. It's very original and addresses something I certainly have not had the courage to touch upon in my own writing yet. (Although I'm wondering now if Bregos from my latest ficlet might be one of those in that Hall... or if the fact that the first murder he committed was done as an act of mercy to spare his beloved wife the horrible fate of becoming an orc might have mitigated his fate.) This was a wonderful contribution to the tapestry emerging on Vaire's Loom. Well done!

Ellie · 30 October 2009 · Chapter 11: Beyond the Galvorn Door

That was exquisitely beautiful. Full of terror and Mercy and Love though not redemption - unless it was the redemption of the one who existed before the kinslaying. I think this is one of the coolest stories you have written. Such power and emotion and understanding are present here and yet so much sorrow and grief. Stand up and take a bow. Our collective hats are off to you. wow

njomo · 18 September 2009 · Chapter 10: Sun-in-Eclipse

Hi Fiondil, I enjoyed the interplay between Námo and Manwë..Sunspots? Solar flares? That had me laughing. And Manwë's reply later on regarding Melian, “I doubt she will begin teaching them celestial mechanics.” Finrod shows his wisdom and his ability to lead when he replies as he does to Melian even though he new what she was trying to do. Most enjoyable, as it always is when you write about the Valar. Thanks Fiondil. Joanne

Sitara · 17 September 2009 · Chapter 10: Sun-in-Eclipse

Although these days I'd rather eat a whole lemon without sugar than to say something even remotely nice about the Valar, I've to admit I liked this one. "scowling fiercely" I also remember a conversation between Finrod and Námo, place in EI: Book One, if I'm not mistaken, the subject being ultimately the Vala's gift of foresight and its...uh, volatility. “When we first created our thrones that are the Máhanaxar, something compelled me to carve on the back of my throne this image. It was something I had seen before in another part of Eä long before Arda was ever brought into existence.” What would be the meaning of this, I wonder? Is he trying to say that the same events had occurred somewhere else? In my opinion, in the end Melian proved herself to be only a disappointment. She had the chance to do so much and ended up doing so little...More fuel for my anti-Valarin attitude, I suppose.

Larner · 15 September 2009 · Chapter 10: Sun-in-Eclipse

A fascinating look at how the legends of Tilion and Arien grew! Heh! And we know how even in historical times such events have been taken as signs and omens.

Tari · 14 September 2009 · Chapter 10: Sun-in-Eclipse

What a neat way to explain a solar eclipse. The Elves don't realize how lucky they are to be able to observe it without damaging their eyes. I'd be willing to bet there will some some who still panic.

6336 · 14 September 2009 · Chapter 10: Sun-in-Eclipse

Ah yes, how do you explain celestiel mecahnics to somebody who thinks the sun and moon are Mair guided lamps? As Finrod said 'Works for me!' Liked Manwe's explanation. Lynda

Sunny · 14 September 2009 · Chapter 10: Sun-in-Eclipse

Nice story. But what I really _loved_ about it, was Finrod's comment!!!

Thalanee · 14 September 2009 · Chapter 10: Sun-in-Eclipse

Sorry that I didn´t review for so long, but the dig I´m on is claiming more of my time than I anticipated. I really enjoyed this story, especially Namo´s quip about what he would have answered had one of the Elves asked him about the meaning of his emblem. But what made me nearly fall of my chair laughing was Melian´s explanation of what was happening *sniggers* I nearly tied my tongue trying to pronounce the Valarin word for eclipse (though I did manage... after half a dozen tries... and speaking slowly) this is one hell of a difficult language Already looking forward to more :) Greetings, Thalanee

harrowcat · 14 September 2009 · Chapter 10: Sun-in-Eclipse

he shrugged. “Works for me.” Me too! I enjoyed this a lot.

njomo · 6 September 2009 · Chapter 9: To Stand Fast Against the Night

Hi Fiondil, I'm not as familiar with this period of the history of Middle-earth as I am with other ages in Tolkien's writings. I could never quite get interested in the Akallabeth to any depth, but this story helps bring alive the dry bones of history, so to speak. I like especially the conversation between Gimilkhâd and Inziladûn about the elves and Nimloth, and when I read this line "“Rubbish,” Gimilkhâd retorted, though his tone was tinged with doubt. “It’s just a tree.” it sent shivers down my back. And I wanted to tell him to pay attention to the doubt he evidently feels despite his words. Thanks for opening up a bit of "history" for me that seemed rather dull before! Joanne

Tari · 2 September 2009 · Chapter 9: To Stand Fast Against the Night

This is worthy of a much longer tale. I love it. The Elves should be welcomed back and Elvish spoken once again. They never should have been banished in the first place.

Larner · 1 September 2009 · Chapter 9: To Stand Fast Against the Night

They do not realize, then, that he is the Wise Fool, and had they followed his advice perhaps the land would not have fallen not all that many years after his death. Rather sad, I fear.

6336 · 31 August 2009 · Chapter 9: To Stand Fast Against the Night

Too little, too late I fear. He did try though! Helps to understand, a little of his brothers actions later. Lynda

njomo · 29 August 2009 · Chapter 8: Mavoinë

Hi Fiondil, You did a good job of delineating the growing rift between the Elves and the Númenóreans in this story. It is interesting to see your vision of how this might have played out in personal relationships. Thanks Fiondil. Joanne

Hildigrim · 26 August 2009 · Chapter 8: Mavoinë

I recently posted my sole (much more modest) story offering to this site. The underlying theme of it was almost a direct rebuttal to the thought trend in which your troubled Isildil was caught. In another genre, it is interesting to me to see mainstream "space opera" routinely invoke a variety of forms of "prolong" -- i.e., life extending technologies -- without having the benefit of the many perspectives on mortality and immortality present in the Tolkien legendarium. As usual, your writing was a pleasure to read.

Tari · 26 August 2009 · Chapter 8: Mavoinë

It's always sad to see someone wasting his life longing for something that can never be.