Reviews (446)

Eärillë · 2 August 2009 · Chapter 1: Starting from Scratch

Wow! It was kind of a prologue to the Wars of the Valar! I was - and still am - very glad that you thought of picking this scene up for the prompt. I love it, as I do the Wars of the Valar. The two fit each other very well (althogh I noticed that here the Valar and Maiar used a more archaic form of conversation rather than the modern one in the other story). Seeing how the Ainur firstly reacted to the wastelands was quite amusing to me. They were endearing in a way. :) Compared to what they became in Elf, Interrupted, they were so innocent here and in the Wars of the Valar - understandably so. I couldn't hold back a grin when Irmo pointed out that the universe and its contents had only been a vision and thus had to be realised. It was apt for him to point out so. Two thumbs up for you for paying attention to such a small detail. And thank you very much also for this piece. *grin* You have made my day! - Rey

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 28 July 2009 · Chapter 4: A Slight Miscalculation

A slight miscalculation, Glorfi? *snicker* No, a slight miscalculation is when my adar didn't decide whether we were going to England or not for several months, finally decided we were, and pulled it all together at the last minute. (We're leaving on August 1st, by the way.) Glorfi, Glorfi Glorfi...when are you going to learn common sense? Poor silly ellon...but we all love you anyway. :) I know I do! Well done Atar Fiondil! Tye-melin! Kaylee

Larner · 23 July 2009 · Chapter 4: A Slight Miscalculation

Ah, dear--yes, indeed a miscalculation! And he deserved it!

6336 · 20 July 2009 · Chapter 4: A Slight Miscalculation

Glorfi, Glorfi, Glorfi, shakes head, are you ever going to grow up? Kidnap Idril?! You have to be out of your tiny mind! Ecthelion was right to stay out of it. You got just what you deserved, including the knee and the tray, I am glad somebody taught Idril to defend herself, even with out a sword she is unbeatable! I think if I had been Turgon I would have had Glorfindel cleaning armour and scrubbing floors or making big rocks into little rocks! Keeping his mind on things other than the next prank! You don't say how old Glorfindel was when he left Aman, I am wondering if losing his perants the way he did forced him to grow up too quickly and thia is a consequence of it, crossing the ice and all that came with it can't have helped either! More please, Lynda

njomo · 20 July 2009 · Chapter 4: A Slight Miscalculation

Hi Fiondil, I'm with Aiwen--severe lack of common sense! I find this aspect of Glorfindel hard to get in sync with--but that probably says more about me than anything else. I'm just not that much of a "pranksy" sort of person... I was thinking that the end result (Glorfindel teaching Idril swordfighting) seems like a more plausible reason for the prank in the first place (especially if he had let her in on it from the beginning) than Glorfindel's stated reason for the prank--an elleth might say that's just like an ellon...but yeah, that's the lack of common sense coming into play-imo. I was also trying to put into perspective (since first finding out about this prank in EI-2) the fact that Turgon needed a prison in Gondolin--Glorfindel notwithstanding--but was reassured when Ecthelion described Glorfindel's "cell" as a storeroom. That made me feel better. And I get the feeling that Glorfindel unwittingly helped Idril and Turgon turn the tables on himself *lol* noting Turgon's "wicked grin" and Idril's smug expression.... Hmmm, it's all starting to make some sense to me. After all, what's an elf to do, stuck behind the Ecoriath for all those long years?! Thanks Fiondil! Joanne

Aiwen · 20 July 2009 · Chapter 4: A Slight Miscalculation

I think Glorfindel officially wins the "lack of common sense" award for that one.

Midnight Promise · 20 July 2009 · Chapter 4: A Slight Miscalculation

*falls over laughing!* Oh, man. . .I love Idril ....:) I am glad to finally read the tale, with all the previous hints from your other stories. ;) Also, you factored Estel into it so it was a double bonus. *grins*

Ellie · 20 July 2009 · Chapter 4: A Slight Miscalculation

a "slight miscalculation" indeed! That was too funny! and Poor Glorfy! Does that phrase appears in reviews of your stories mroe than any other phrase? "Poor Glorfy". *snerk* It's delightful the way Glorfy has this vast history that his comrades in Middle-eaerth do not fully know about or appreciate. There is a lot of depth to Glorfy. I'm glad that Ecthelion is such a good friend to him to visit him in prision and then conspire with him on future mischief. The loss of Ecthelion must cut very deeply. Will you ever write their reunion? Oh, I also like the way Glorfy planned for a furture Mrs. Glorfy when building his house in Gondolin even though it never came to pass. Hope you get you internet woes under control soon!

Thalanee · 20 July 2009 · Chapter 4: A Slight Miscalculation

I was sitting on hot coals the whole week waiting for the new chapters... why do I read works in progress knowing that I have little patience when it comes to such things? ;-) That was one of the funniest stories I´ve ever read! I nearly fell of my chair laughing- and I´m getting funny looks from the people sitting beside me *grin* Odd tastes in entertainment indeed. I wonder how he came up with that madcap scheme? makes one wonder what else he did (in both lives and in Mandos: I bet he pranked the poor Lord of Mandos more than once (would Vaire´s plan count?)) It would be quite boring for us should Glorfindel ever learn, but even so I had to laugh: he has been in his cell for what- a week?- and already plans his next strike! I hope your Muse will provide you with more stories like that! Greetings, Thalanee

Sunny · 20 July 2009 · Chapter 4: A Slight Miscalculation

*sniggers* Idril certainly won’t need much schooling in _tactics_, she is a natural! First, distract the enemy, and _then_ hit him where it will do the most good – and anything can be used as a weapon in a pinch. And Idril got what she wanted, too. Good for her! :-D

Kitty · 1 July 2009 · Chapter 3: Morituri

Legolas Greenleaf? That name threw me for a moment, until I remembered that there was another one with that name back there in the First Age. Eärendil was a brave little lad, and I was somehow glad Glorfindel could smile about him. Maybe that gave him some good memories to hold against all that death and destruction. But of course, now I want a reunion between these two in Valinor more than ever ;) As sad as it was to see Haldir die, it was a great tie-in to EI. I was really glad Glorfindel kept Gwilwileth from jumping after him. As for Glorfindel himself ... famous last words, eh? Somehow fitting for him to use his favourite curse in that situation. It was admirable how he kept calm and just did what had to be done, knowing he would very probably die in the process. This story was a nice look at the Fall of Gondolin from Glorfindel’s POV, giving the reader an idea of how he tried to deal with the situation and the losses he had just suffered.

rick · 1 July 2009 · Chapter 3: Morituri

Nothing like an Oh, sh%t moment! After all, what else can you say, when the world is falling apart around you? I can see the Tales are as good as the Tapestry, yippee! Too bad real life has to interfere with the important stuff - keep writing!

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 30 June 2009 · Chapter 3: Morituri

Hi Atar Fiondil! Sorry about taking so long to review! I thought I had but I hadn't! Silly me...Anyway I loved it, it gave me shivers and chills in all the right places and then Glorfi's last words had me nearly falling out of my chair. How typical! *wry grin* Only Glorfindel. I wonder what Ecthelion's last words were? By the way, what's "Amon Gwareth"? I know "Amon" means mountain or hill, but "Gwareth" I don't know...actually...*goes to Encyclopedia of Arda quickly* 'Hill of Defence'. Hmm. It also says 'Hill of Watch' but I would think that'd be Amon Tirith, or something. What do you think? Poor Glorfi...but at least we know now he lives again and his death was not in vain, for he defended Turgon's family well. *huggles Glorfi* But I agree with whoever it was that said his naneth didn't attend to his language enough as an elfling. *grin* He's Glorfi, what do you expect? Tye-melin Atar indonyo! Kaylee

Natalie · 30 June 2009 · Chapter 3: Morituri

A wonderful piece. (Well, no wonder. I tend to like catastrophic stories). I love the title. It tells so much and yet so little about the story, and seems to be screaming to the potential reader: "Read me, now!" Well, I found myself unable to disobey this command. Tell me, how do you do this? Your descriptions are short but so complete and they create a perfect picture in my mind... I guess that's what we call talent :) You do not write much about the emotions of the characters, but somehow you don't need to. It's astounding how you manage to show them all beautfully through a short dialogue or just a few words about someone's reaction. Great. I love it, I do. I found the ending of the storyl most appealing. The mixture of calm heroism and humor is simply awesome. Natalie PS. And I now know how to call people I don't like. *rubs hands with a wicked smile on her face* Pui-en-orch, hah! They won't understand and I'll surely enjoy the satisfaction of calling them so. *Morgoth laughter*

Thalanee · 30 June 2009 · Chapter 3: Morituri

P.S.: I love the way your different stories interconnect! More please!

Thalanee · 30 June 2009 · Chapter 3: Morituri

A sad ending... but since we know what happened to our Balrog slayer it isn´t that sad. Nicely written as always *grin* To answer your question from your answer to my last review: At the beginning (meaning the first four semesters) I´m studying four different branches: classical archaeology (ancient greeks and romans), Pre- and Early History (the BC- millenia in Europe), Near eastern Archaeology (Mesopotamia) and Biblical Archaeology (Archaeology of the Levante meaning Israel, Syria, etc.) There´s also Christian Archaeology and Byzantine Art, but I may only pick four branches. So my timetable during that time was full (really full). Now that I´m Fifth Semester I´m specializing in Near Eastern Archaeology until I write my Master thesis after tenth semester. I´m actually interested in all branches of archaeology: Archaeology of Asia and the Americas, and so on. That´s why I´m collecting all archaeology books I can lay my hands on. Even if I can´t study them in university, I´ll study them at home! ;-) That´s a cumbersome way to talk... Greetings, Thalanee

njomo · 29 June 2009 · Chapter 3: Morituri

Hi Fiondil, Oh my, what a job you did intertwining details of your own story with that of Tolkien's. And thank you from the bottom of my heart for not over-embellishing Tolkien's work. I always thought the simplicity of his narrative made the impact of the story that much more terrible, and I feel the same about your story. By this I mean that you did not add a lot of emotional content that detracts from the main story, and what you did add is, I think, entirely appropriate. I did enjoy the glimpse of Tuor and Idril, and Glorfindel's interaction with them. And we may laugh about Glorfindel's last words, but I liken them to the equivalent of certain four letter words one might hear today in similar "no win" situations. I found it interesting when reading this through the first time that you describe Glorfindel as "an island of calm..." But the last two sentences say it all, especially when, as you put it, he spoke that epitath "half in disgust and half in resignation." Glorfindel knew and accepted the probable outcome, and you did an excellent job of capturing the moment. I can think of few more beautiful things to see than the rising of Ithil, and the contrast of that beauty with the scene Glorfindel sees at that moment is chilling indeed. Most well done! Thanks Fiondil. Joanne

ellie · 29 June 2009 · Chapter 3: Morituri

I read this for ALEC without knowing you wrote it (hooray for anonymous contests!), yet my mind registered the events of the story somewhere as relating to Elf Interrupted. Later when I read ELF Interrupted last week and saw reference to the events of this story, I then sat there trying to remember where in Elf Interrupted this incident with Haldir's death took place. Then I discovered that you had written this short story. I hate when my subconscious mind is smarter than my conscious one. It confuses me. But, considering the conditions under which I regularly read, it is a wonder I remember anything that I read at all! Chalk one up to the subconscious mind! Glorfy is very compassionate and almost fatherly in this in his regard for Haldir. I felt very sorry for Haldir's wife and her widowhood so soon after marrying. All of your stories are good and a pleasure ot read.

Larner · 29 June 2009 · Chapter 3: Morituri

This fits in well with Glorfindel's Quest, of course, and it's--well, not "nice" but perhaps fitting--to see how it was that Haldir fell and so was lost to his wife. And trust Glorfindel to use that epithet as he leaps upon the Balrog!

6336 · 29 June 2009 · Chapter 3: Morituri

I should have known, with Glorfindel around, what else!? Obviously his Naneth did not use enough soap when she washed his mouth out! Nice tie in with Haldir and Gwilwileth by the way. More please, Lynda

Sunny · 29 June 2009 · Chapter 3: Morituri

”Pui-en-orch”? _”Pui-en-orch”_?? *blinks at author* _That_ was Glorfindel’s last words?? How ... prosaic. On the other hand – if he had struck a dramatic pose and then started orating, I am sure that balrog would have decimated the refugees and warriors, and then gone on to flatten Glorfindel – who would have been too busy orating and posing to take the balrog with him. And I am sure the bards rendered his last words into someting more heroic anyway. *shakes head in amusement* *Pui-en-orch*

Midnight Promise · 29 June 2009 · Chapter 3: Morituri

You know, I really need to stop cruising the internet at 2:40 in the morning . . . Reading this post has now made me more awake then ever. Curse you and your spiffy writing. *grins* This, personally, was one of my favorites to read. I got to see some of my favorite characters, especially those mentioned in your other stories and got a interesting view of the ending of Gondolin. Haha! The way you end it with Glorfindel was awesome! It was so. . .Glorfindel. :03 I know I probably should be sad about him later dying but the way he went out was a clincher. Ah, the *other* Legolas Greenleaf. . .Will he ever, perchance, meet our Mirkwood Legolas in Valinor? Just trying to help the muse is all. . .^_^ I was in truth, hoping for more Ecthelion but I will take what I can get. :) Awesome job, as always I enjoyed any writing but this one made it into my top faves'. :0)

Parmalokwen · 29 June 2009 · Chapter 2: Waiting for Elwë

Given what happened to elves who wandered away from Cuiviénen, I can well believe that Elwë's disappearance must have terrified his family and friends. The Noldor who returned to Beleriand must have been quite surprised to see that he was not only alive, but prospering.

Kitty · 22 June 2009 · Chapter 2: Waiting for Elwë

That was a bit sad, seeing Ingwë’s and Finwë’s joy and excitement at the news, and how they looked forward to see Elwë again, and knowing the disappointment they will have to face. And the reunion they are hoping for will not happen any time soon, either ... *sigh* Anyway, I have to agree with your AN. It seems unlikely that the Elves already in Aman didn’t try to meet with the newly arrived ones on Tol Eressëa for so long. If they were complete strangers, then maybe – but they *knew* them, had to expect Elwë and his siblings among them, so why should they act so disinterested?

Sitara · 20 June 2009 · Chapter 2: Waiting for Elwë

You know, I've always supported Manwe's decision to bring the Quendi to live with them and I'll always believe that the Elves were meant to live in Valinor, for a quite simple reason: Men are not creatures capable to share their vital space (to name it so, albeit with my English.."shakes head") with another race, more gifted and intelligent than their own, at least not until the Remaking. But now I'm beginning to think that it wasn't the right moment for the Elves to be brought in Aman yet. As far as I know, one of HoME's books states somewhere that Eru chastises Manwe for bringing the Elves to Valinor. I completely disagree with Ingwe's decision to leave Tirion and dwell on Taniquetil, because, unless he was called High King of the Elves only in the official papers, he had also some responsibilities towards other Elves than the Vanyar! But Ingwe decided to move "at Manwe's feet" and in canon, the Vanyar have all but fallen off the map. Hmm..how should it be named Ingwe's performance, I wonder? Also, I strongly disagree as well with Elwe's motivation to leave his people. I'll refrain from harsher statements for now, and I would say only that Elwe did keep something in his heart after his first visit in Aman, along with Finwe and Ingwe. Love for the Light of the Two Trees and as much as Melian's eyes were reflecting this Light, apparently wasn't enough. At this point, I understand him and his later actions. My respect for Ulmo grows as I'm learning more and more things from HoME. I'm glad your stories are acknowledging him such as he deserves. As for reunion of Finwe, Elwe and Ingwe...one would say that's going to happen only at the End and with reason enough. But...as for myself, I wouldn't wager all my money on this. Why not? Well, trust Miriel to change her mind...again. "doubling over in hysterics".