Reviews (941)

AzureSkye · 20 June 2011 · Chapter 84: Pityahuan

I've decided the only good thing about getting up this morning was reading this. Its a very interesting chapter, and one that's hard to wrap my head about for some reason. It surprised me to see Namo taking such a role with Arafinwe, is that because he has the most experience with this sort of thing, or is it because he's too much fun to leave out of the story? :) I do have a question on your use of thralldom, is it a common practice in your version of eldarin society, or is it mainly used for punishment? If so, where did the practice start? Arafinwe's protection of Glorfindel in EI is making more sense now...did you already know that this is what happened, or is this a later idea? Rereading this review, its just a bunch of questions....But it was a lovely chapter, and I'm waiting with impatience for friday...'cause Arafinwe's going to rebel sometime. After all, he burns Nienna's cottage down. LOL.

Serindë · 20 June 2011 · Chapter 83: Judgment

You have managed to write one of your very powerful, poignant chapters with emotionally highly charged atmosphere, which did make me shudder. I am not able to decide if I love it or hate it. Probably because I do both. So we now know where "Pityahuan" comes from. I must confess, I am not surprised, I expected something like that. Do not ask me why. Maybe because I have read a historical novel, its heroin throws tantrum and her husband decides that he does not care about things being thrown at him, so he forces her as punishment eat on the floor sitting among dogs. And the Velar use the nickname generally as a mild rebuke - behave yourself... or alternatively they use it with a very indulgent smile, a kind of smile you give your purring cat. And there is the Arafinwes fear of loosing respect of his son and Finrod is prohibited to ask his father where the nickname comes from. So I always presumed that Arafinwe gets a fit during his apprenticeship and his punished is to play a part of a pet dog for the Valars amusement. Humiliating? Yes. But, nothing really nasty or cruel. "Come here, sit down. Good doggy." "Pityahuan, would you like me to give you a morsel of chicken breast? It is very tasty." I imagined a bunch of the loving Valar enjoying themselves and competing among themselves in finding new ways how to spoil their „pet“. But I did not expected that he ends in the fix the first day he arrives at Valmar and that "sitting at the Manwë's feet" was meant literally, not figuratively. As I stated I am of two minds about it. On one hand I am not angry with Valar for treating Arafinwë like that. There is no cruel intention and we know that this time they are getting it right. This time the Valar do not fail spectacularly like in the Feanaro's case. We know from the later stories that they will manage, using their unorthodox methods, to transform the young princeling into a wise King. Moreover they will do it without loosing his trust or love and without scarring him for life like they managed to scare Ingwion. But on the other hand I must say that I feel sorry for Arafinwë. Give the poor ellon a break. He does not act out of humility, that is for sure, but neither he seems arrogant. He is stubborn even pigheaded (it is running in the family), to busy indulging with own sense of guilt and to full of self pity, totally confused and clues what to do. His father was a king, but with two older brothers and nine or how many nephew his chance to became a king was only slightly higher than my chance to became the Queen of England. That is nil. He is absolutely unprepared for the role. There was never a reason for him to be prepared. The transition from a cosseted life of a privileged private person into a king would be difficult even under normal circumstances and they are not normal circumstances. He lost his father and he did not have even time to mourn his father properly. His sharp tong mother is no help. She has never become one of Noldor and she moved from Tirion, the place she had never called her own, back to her own family. One can understand his wife's urge to box his ears, but her position did not change so much, she is more grounded in everyday life, she did not see the kinslaying, did not witness the Doom, she does not live with the guilt abandoning their children in the hour of need and she still has her own family. He lost his older brother(s), all his children and practically the whole family and he knows that he will never see them again. He saw the kinslaying and aftermath of the kinslaying and he heard the Doom. And yet, he is not giving up, he is not laying down and trying to fade. The worse thing he does is coming with some seriously weird ideas and refusing even to consider how weird they truly are. But how can he accept forgiveness, when he cannot forgive himself? The whole scene is pretty ambivalent. Arafinwë robbed of his closes and name and Manwë's hand touching his hair. Is it the ultimate step of dehumanisation or better deelfisation, the last step in the transformation of a young prince - I would not call him Noldoran yet - into a pet? Or is it the monastic vows fashion step into a new life when the past is left behind? Or both?

Larner · 20 June 2011 · Chapter 83: Judgment

He has chosen this for himself, and because he could not accept forgiveness. Alas! But he will learn....

Larner · 20 June 2011 · Chapter 82: Ranyar

Anger doesn't do well at encouraging good communication, does it? Poor Arafinwe! But she will come around. And he has done well after all.

Larner · 20 June 2011 · Chapter 81: Abdication and Acquiescence

Ooh, bless the boy! Bless him! Excellent move, as it forces Ingoldo out into the open, and shows Ingalaure's mettle at the same time. Ingoldo only THOUGHT he'd managed to win over the lad.

Larner · 20 June 2011 · Chapter 80: Debate and Decisions

I'm relieved that they know where Ingwe is. Now, to find out if Ingoldo truly has the families held hostage. He's even more detestable than I'd realized, using such threats! Aargh! And Ingwe may well win his freedom through being the King he is. Ah, Ingoldo--your own punishment approaches more rapidly than you realize!

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 18 June 2011 · Chapter 83: Judgment

Oh...holy...Valar. Literally, I suppose. I read this yesterday, but I'm still having trouble formulating a response, lol. I feel so bad for Arafinwe. I mean...yes, he's wallowing in self-pity, and yes, he literally asked for it, without realizing just what he was asking for, Atto. But I never would have expected this to be the origin of his nickname, not in a million yeni. (And that's a lot.) I might have been upset with Manwe, had I not been writing with Emma about our Thranduil being captured during the Last Alliance. Sauron treats Thranduil in a similar manner to what Manwe's done here...chaining Thranduil to his throne, making him his pet. But the conversation beforehand makes all the difference, and that I know Manwe is not like Sauron, or like Melkor. I trust that he will not actually harm Arafinwe physically, not with the sort of torments Emma's and my story put Thranduil through (or, to go back to your stories, not like Namo suffered at Melkor and his Umayar's hands in Wars of the Valar). I trust that Manwe will treat Arafinwe with love, as he has ever done...tough love though it may be. I wonder what Finrod and Vorondil would think, were they to learn of this... Tye-melin, Kaylee

Shemyaza · 18 June 2011 · Chapter 83: Judgment

Hmm...be careful what you ask for, you might just get it in spades. I myself do not feel sorry for Arafinwe. He thinks he's being all noble taking on the burden of guilt for all the Noldor both in Aman and Endore, but in fact he is indulging his own sense of guilt and Earwen probably wanted to box his ears soundly. I certainly wanted to. The Valar are naughty, but they know that in order to be a good King he must learn his lessons wisely. Giving him what he thinks he wants and allowing him to see what the word thralldom really means is the only way he will see that his half brother didn't even know the half of it when he bandied the word around prior to leaving. This should have been Feanor's harsh lesson. The Valar should have said "You wanna be a thrall...alrighty then, there you are. No more beating metal and creating jewels under the gaze of Aule or being part of the privileged enjoying their privileges. You want to be a slave? Then this is what it's all about." Instead poor old sensitive Arafinwe, never meant to be king is learning that lesson and it will forge and temper him into a wise King indeed. Olorin cannot help himself, he is an intrinsically a good hearted person, but I imagine he can clearly see the wisdome and clarity behind the Valar's actions. It's gonna be a rough right for Arafinwe though. Right now he is too full of self pity, self loathing and guilt over his own actions to realise the lesson being meted out to him. It's gonna take a while methinks.

AzureSkye · 17 June 2011 · Chapter 83: Judgment

Here I was, a nice quiet little lurker, and then you go and write something like this. Um, wow. This was not what I was expecting at all, and yet it fits so perfectly with all the tantalizing little clues sprinkled though out your other works. Poor Arafinwe, to proud to accept mercy when it is offered. He thinks he's acting out of humility and being courageous, and yet all he's doing is bowing to his pride, abet in a far less destructive way than his brothers. I do hope he realizes that. Of course, the king you introduce in EI seems to understand that, so there's hope. And, of course, he also gets to observe how to be a king. I wonder who came up with this plan, it seems a little devious for Manwe, but maybe the Eldest has learned a few things about deviousness in the long ages. Looking forward to how Arafinwe adjusts, though I don't think he's going to remain complacent for long. :) Wonderful (If slightly dark and depressing) story!

Fantasia · 17 June 2011 · Chapter 83: Judgment

WOW, speechless. I don't know what to say. A hard lesson indeed. I don't know if I like the Valars' methods, but I do understand their reasons. When you used the name Pityahuan and referred to Arafinwë as an apprentice of Manwe, never imagined this. From now on, I’ll be suspicious of all your little hints, names and backstories. You are an incredible writer.

6336 · 17 June 2011 · Chapter 83: Judgment

Tough love indeed! I should feel sorry for Arafinwe, but I don't, he has brought this on himself, his time with the Valar will be well spent, they do love him after all, though he has yet to see it. Huggs, Lynda

Erulisse (one L) · 17 June 2011 · Chapter 83: Judgment

Well! This was unexpected, but looking back through your previous stories, fits seamlessly in. I suppose that is one way of training Arafinwe into the appropriate role of a king. Manwe and Namo are devious, as always, and loving also, as always. Now if they could just learn when it is and it not timely to interfere in the deeds and speech of the "children". *headdeskthud* - Erulisse (one L)

Ellynn · 17 June 2011 · Chapter 83: Judgment

Wow, what a powerful, poignant chapter! I love the atmosphere here. Perfectly written.

Rhyselle · 17 June 2011 · Chapter 83: Judgment

Oh, our dear stubborn Arafinwe! I definitely feel that he has made things much harder for himself than they could have been. Pride goeth before a fall, they say, and that's very apparent in this chapter. This is going to be a very difficult time for him, obviously, but the lessons he'll learn will stand him in excellent stead when he fully takes up his task to rule the Noldor. I admit that I didn't expect quite this to be the source of Arafinwe's nickname from Elf Interrupted I! Years ago, I would have been angry at the Valar for treating him this way, but from my more mature perspective, I can see that they are giving Arafinwe exactly what he thinks he wanted. It's going to take time, but eventually I think he'll come to understand that they will also give him exactly what he needs. He just has to figure out what it is that he truly needs. I have a feeling that will take a fair bit of time. When I was in bootcamp, things got pretty intense with all of the putdowns, shouting and mindgames that the company commanders pulled on us, but within the first week I realized that they were dragging all 84 of us in the recruit company down to the same bottommost level, so that they could raise us up, together, so that we really would be shipmates; the playing field leveled so that the daughter of the corporate president was no better than the young woman who was there because she had shoplifted and the judge gave her a second chance at a more productive life by offering her 4 years in the Navy instead of 4 years in jail. None could be more proud than the others, and we all developed compassion (and commiseration!) for our shipmates which ultimately led to friendships and mutual support to meet the requirements demanded of us. That realization empowered me so that I was able to cope with everything that was thrown at me over the remaining 7 weeks of bootcamp. I wonder how long it will take Arafinwe to come to the same realization? :) This was a good chapter, Fiondil. I look forward to see what happens next.

Laikwalâssê · 17 June 2011 · Chapter 83: Judgment

eekk! They want to make him see reason, right? That´s not true, isn´t it? One week till the next update - how will I survive with this chain around my neck...*g*. The chapter made me shudder. Nonetheless I like it very much. Thank you. Lai

bookworm · 15 June 2011 · Chapter 82: Ranyar

*urge to hug Arafinwe: rising* Survivors guilt much Arafinwe? Although I understand Earwen's frustration too, I know the feeling of wanting to smack someone out of their depression! And Olorin is such a sweetheart! (haha. Late review is late. Sorry!)

Rhyselle · 13 June 2011 · Chapter 82: Ranyar

While I can understand Earwen's frustration and anger at Arafinwe's behavior since his return, I also understand that she doesn't really get how much Arafinwe's fea has been damaged by his experiences. It certainly didn't help things that he was not only the "spare", but the "spare's spare" when it came to Finwe's male children, and that until now, he's always been shunted aside--which does nasty things to one's self-confidence. He's simply not capable of recognizing his own strengths at this time, and I an see that he's been headed for a real breakdown for quite some time. This has all been building since Finwe went to Formenos, and something had to give. It occurred to me today that Arafinwe really hasn't been allowed to mourn his father. Finwe left, and then he was gone for good, and Arafinwe never even got to visit the grave site to say farewell and to get some closure to the strained relationship. I have to say that I suspected that Ranyar was Olorin pretty much from the first. :) The mental image of him holding Arafinwe's hand and moving it to touch and then stroke the tree was just beautiful. The tree recognizes him as King, as do most of the remaining people in Tirion, and even his family. He just needs to recognize it himself--which is why he's eventually here going to serve that apprenticeship with Lord Manwe, I know. I also liked the mental image of the Maiar standing around him, guarding him and watching over him until he awoke so they could escort him to Lord Manwe. It would definitely be unnerving to wake up to that sight, but it would also be wonderful to experience the loved and compassion that they have for Arafinwe. Little Aldundilme is a sweetheart, and I have a feeling that she is going to do more to help heal Arafinwe's spirit than a lot of others can. :) Her name sounds vaguely familiar but I can't remember why. Is she mentioned in one of your other stories? Keep up the great work! :) The way you are filling in the blank spaces of the Silmarillion is just lovely!

Laikwalâssê · 13 June 2011 · Chapter 82: Ranyar

I feel sorry for Arafinwë but I can also understand his wife´s anger. He´s surely no coward, though. In his situation it´s more then understandable to despair. I look forward how the meeting with the Valar will turn out. Olorin was again great, as always. Loved this very much. Thank you. Lai

ellie · 13 June 2011 · Chapter 82: Ranyar

this chapter of partings covers so many things. I am glad that you have shown Arafinwe's strength and courage in his actions even though he can't see them. so may people depict Arafinwe as being weak but you have amazingly shown his strength and courage in spite of and because of what he has chosen to do. Hope that makes sense.

6336 · 13 June 2011 · Chapter 82: Ranyar

So Arafinwe has finally got the nudge he needed to get up off his knees and stop wollowing in self pity and get on with doing some thing, even if, in a way, he is running away again, leaving Earwen to hold things together for him! I can't say I blame Earwen for being a little upset with Arafinwe though, but in some ways, at this time, she is better suited to rule than he, she has had the management of a large household for some time and in ways that is very similar to running a kingdom, though on a larger scale. Olorin/Ranyar is such a helpfull Maia isn't he, I hope Manwe does something really nice for him one of these yen, I wonder what Manwe has planned for him when he gets back from Middle Earth in a couple of Ages!? Huggs, Lynda

obsidianj · 13 June 2011 · Chapter 82: Ranyar

It really gets darker and darker. I feel sorry for Arafinwe, but on the other hand, he also has a lot of growing up to do. I think most of the confusion and indecision, I can feel in the elves is that nobody informed them that they are on their own now. That they have to make decisions. It hasn't sunk in or, like Arafinwe, they are not aware of it. When I compare this Arafinwe with the one from Elf Interrupted than he feels almost childlike in some regards.

obsidianj · 12 June 2011 · Chapter 81: Abdication and Acquiescence

Good for Ingalaure to stand up to Ingoldo, at least in a small way. Ingoldo is a nasty piece of work. I hope he reaps what he sows. I knew he was not a very nice elf, but he turns out to be much worse than I thought. Quite a villain. Luckily not everyone buys into his schemes. But as history tells, a few bad people can terrorize the majority. I hope Ingalaure gets some support to remove his uncle from power.

Rhyselle · 12 June 2011 · Chapter 81: Abdication and Acquiescence

I have finally caught up on all of the chapters, and I promise to leave a proper review of each of them as time allows, but before I leave for church, I just had to tell you that I had tears dripping down my cheeks as Ingalaure announced that he would be his father's Steward, and not the new High King. It reminded me of the scene in Nargothrond when Finrod's crown passed to his nephew. I've shed a lot of tears in the recent chapters, but please don't feel that's a bad thing. When I'm reading this, I feel as if I am there, and I have grown to love the characters as if they were living people I know well. This is a dark story, but it's one that needed to be told. Well done!

obsidianj · 12 June 2011 · Chapter 80: Debate and Decisions

Couldn't the Valar have softened the blow to the children? They really don't know the children well. This way of disappointing them can cause all kinds of trouble. They can be so glad that Ingwion and co. are very decent and strong characters. Other elves with greater character flaws (see Feanaro) would go over to the dark side fast ;-). I agree that the elves have to grow up and take more responsibility for themselves, but first meddling with all their decisions and never letting them make mistakes on their own and now, in this dire situation, denying them all help is not making the Valar any friends. The Valar also have a lot to learn...

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 10 June 2011 · Chapter 81: Abdication and Acquiescence

Good morning, Atto indonyo *hugs Fiondil* This story just keeps getting darker (well, that's rather expected) and more complicated...I wonder what, exactly, Ingoldo has up his sleeve. What has he done to Tam? Where exactly is Ingwe? And what is Ingwion's group going to do now that the Valar have refused them aid? I do hope they'll be able to save the day! Ingoldo truly frightens me. His methods of manipulation remind me of my own adar's, turned up to eleven, as they say. He's really, really scary. *shudders* I've been reading and wanting more of this fic as it's gone along, so I'm sorry for sparse reviews. I'm still here, I promise. *hugs* I can't wait to see what will happen next! Tye-melin tenn' Ambar-metta, Kaylee