Reviews (392)

ellon · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 43: Many Meetings

Fiondil, you are my favorite writer on here by far. Loving the story.

Tari · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 42: Convocation

What a brilliant start. He really got their attention. Good for Valadur. I'm sure he's much more intelligent than some thought.

demeter d · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 43: Many Meetings

Wow! Busy chapter! Bravo to Valandur for his excellent conclusion to his presentation. It reminded me of the French and their Canadian children and their concern to keep their language free of what they consider to be lazy modern borrowings. I am sure that they prefer not to dwell too much on the motley "bouquet" which is Modern British and American "English", which owe much to borrowings from them. I quite often go back and re-read many of your pieces in "Tales from Vaire's Loom". Particularly in December, I like to re-read your "Breath of Arda". This morning I just had to go back to that one after reading your note here about how much the Valar had to LEARN over the ages. The way they all joined to aid the battle for the Pellenor is subtle and graceful. They acted only after careful planning, and the direct approval of The One. Quite a difference.

Cairistiona · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 41: Interviews and Explanations

Val has such good people skills... he's handling the delicate chore of setting up the spy/informant network with a very deft hand. I like Lirimiriel very much--she seems like someone who has found contentment in life. And Val's father is sharp as a tack, isn't he, sussing out that there were goings-on in the Guild and Val might be in the midst of it. I bet Val wasn't able to get anything past his mother or father when he was little! Finally, thank you for providing information on the inspiration for the willow hall... what magical structures those seem!

ellie · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 43: Many Meetings

This is such a fun chapter. There is so much going on and the promise of so much more to come. Their whole romance is very "Vanyarin" even with the little half-Noldo fireball in the midst of things. Most enjoyable!

Kevana · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 43: Many Meetings

“Just one Vala, Ammë” I'm really glad I was alone when I read this chapter because I laughed like a hyena at this point. And it just kept getting better from there! Alternate title: "Valandur Has A Really Good Day For Once"? Val's speech went swimmingly it seems! With a rousing conclusion like that, I imagine it'll have people talking for a long while. Findis! I think her escape was quite daring, even if it was one assisted by her "captor," haha. I can only imagine what she's been doing to make Aulë glad of getting her out of his hair for a bit. Interesting author's note. I'm glad Alassiel and Ellie brought it up and discussed it because it's really helpful in framing the time period here. I totally think this is sending a message to Finwë about his behavior and beliefs as well. I don't know how high the ceilings are in his palace, but I suspect they could be 100 feet and he'd still knock his head on them when he finds out about this. And her brother's just going to fly straight through the roof and launch into orbit. Do you like terrible puns? I like terrible puns. If Thranduil was riding a moose and fell off, would he be...unamoosed? Thanks for a fantastic update. Loved this chapter in particular. Have a day free from rampaging moose and other angry ungulates! -Kevana

Siiw · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 43: Many Meetings

Wow. It has been so quiet and peaceful for several chapters, and now this. Poor Voronwë and Marilla, they must feel like the world has turned upside down. Valandur has had all this time to slowly adapt and cope with everything he has experienced, and this must be difficult to comprehend for them. To be honest, things happened so fast here that also I felt like everything changed faster than I could take it in. :p I haven't read the "laws and customs", so please forgive me if this is a stupid question. Is the practice where parents arrange betrothals a royal custom, or a Noldorin one? I have always had the impression that the Elves knew when they had met their life partner, and that they stayed with each other forever. Finwë remarried, and Nerdanel left Fëanor, and all of those were Noldorin. Of course, the Silmarillion focuses so much on the Noldor that it could be coincidence. I first thought the hooded figure was Olorin! This was full of surprises, and was it maybe meant to go this fast to make us feel some of the shock that the characters felt?

Sunny · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 43: Many Meetings

I see that Val has been rather closemouthed about his recent adventures. I'm sure his family would have wanted him to tell them what he could without having two of the kings and the Valar prod him into it, but then, I guess that Val not telling tales is another good qualification for his new job as spymaster. So now Findis and Val are betrothed, and that without Val having to exert himself at all, what with his beloved falling into his lap like an overripe fruit. I'm rather disappointed at you slighting this aspect of the story in this way, Fiondil, but then the relationship between Val and Findis has Romance cooties all over it, so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised.

UTfrog · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 43: Many Meetings

Fantastic chapter in all aspects: the ovation for Val's speech, the sudden appearance of royalty and a Vala, the lovely meeting between Val and Findis, and the Valar's resolution to the crisis. Val's family has to be emotionally overwhelmed. The royal appearances, the casual mention of a title for Val, the appearance and plans of the Valar and oh yes, a new daughter. I am pleased that Rumil attended as well. Hope the lunch was fun. Thank you for a tremendous chapter.

bookworm · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 42: Convocation

Hahaha, oh Valandur, I'd have loved him as a lecturer, he knows exactly how to grab your attention. Also ouch,that confrontation between sisters...still, it had to happen...

Kevana · 30 November 2013 · Chapter 42: Convocation

That will certainly wake up the snoozers! I know his family's so proud of him in this scene. I think this shows how not all people in positions of power among the guilds and educational institutions are closed-minded to change, which makes Lirilissë look all the more unreasonable. I hope Val turns out to be the first of many more junior presenters. Ha, caught in the middle of a family catfight...well I suppose it's good Lirilissë happened to be visiting anyway, as it seemed to convince her sister to join in with the little minstrel endeavor. I think all scholars could do with a bit of blue tourmaline! Finally caught up, whoo! Today I have first one and then another of my favorite fan-drawn Hobbit comics. I particularly like the dwarf intervention. Thank you as always for the wonderful updates! -Kevana

Kevana · 30 November 2013 · Chapter 41: Interviews and Explanations

It seems like this plan is going to have a wonderful impact on a lot of people's lives! The little farming area is so quaint. I loved how you described it. And the hall is simply beautiful! It really reminded me of some of the plantation houses in Louisiana, with the oaks so big and close together they touch and make tunnels over the roads. Lirimíriel seems entirely different from her sister. I can't help but see them as opposites in a way. It's almost as if Lirilissë had other plans before joining the guild – if she joined it only for Lirimiriel – and has been so angry and prideful because she felt hurt and refused to give up, even if it would mean having a chance of her own happiness beyond the power inherent with leading a guild. Meanwhile Lirimiriel cut her losses and started over and ended up content. Or maybe I'm looking too deep. Anyway. *grin* Can't wait to see what happens with the sisters! Great example of how even little family rows can throw a wrench in the workings of a country. Speaking of...Val had better watch out for that too-clever father of his! -Kevana

6336 · 29 November 2013 · Chapter 42: Convocation

Well that got their attention, hope the rest of the speech goes as well. Hope you had a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Huggs, Lynda

Laer · 29 November 2013 · Chapter 42: Convocation

Valandur's speech started strong,and I am sure he had a wild finish ;) I also think that is was about time the two sisters faced each other and learned to love again. Well, ok I know I am jumping to a conclusion, but well I hope it's there. Great job and hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving.

Larner · 29 November 2013 · Chapter 42: Convocation

I suspect that the confrontation between the sisters is long overdue, and am glad that it happened in a place where the guild master sister could not abuse the teacher. And I am certain that Valandur's speech went brilliantly!

Cairistiona · 29 November 2013 · Chapter 40: A Secret Revealed

Very interesting on a number of fronts. Lirilisse, despite having her secret coaxed from her, seems to be still holding on to more secrets. Wise of Ingwe to sense that and want to speak with her twin. There's always two sides to a story, with the truth often lying somewhere between. And the secret courtyard with its mysterious bell and mysterious escape tunnel... very ominous, both! There are so many undercurrents running through this story. I do wonder how they will all come together.

UTfrog · 29 November 2013 · Chapter 42: Convocation

And "I be thanking Master Fiondil . . ." Wonderful beginning to a speech I would say everyone in the room sat up and listened. Glad the sisters finally met, but I suspect more clashes will occur before they reconcile in any fashion. I also liked that Val is still thinking about Findis. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Kevana · 27 November 2013 · Chapter 40: A Secret Revealed

Valandur's sudden and utterly understandable fear of courtyards reminds me of that line from Jurassic Park, after one of the kids nearly gets killed when the car he's in gets tossed into a tree. Tim: I hate trees. Lex: They don't bother me. Tim: Oh yeah? Well you weren't in the last one! Poor Val. I don't believe I'd be going into any more courtyards myself. Hello, mysterious and off-limits bell that likely heralds destruction. I shall dub thee The Foreshadowing Bell of Doom. So even in the earliest days looong before the Darkening there was suspicion and a need for subterfuge, even as they built the city. Hm. That's a good test of loyalty, Ingwë. I am sad to report that I would probably fail it. What was that awesome quote from Terry Pratchett? "Some humans would do anything to see if it was possible to do it. If you put a large switch in some cave somewhere, with a sign on it saying 'End-of-the-World Switch. PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH', the paint wouldn't even have time to dry.” Apparently that also applies just fine to Elves. Lirilissë...girlfriend, you've got some problems. Taking your familial struggles on an entire guild is not the nicest thing to do. I wouldn't be surprised, though, if she maintains her control because she's supported by high-ranking bards who don't particularly see value in the minstrels. But it seems like there's something a little fishy to her story, too. Kind of amusing to see somebody butting heads with Ingwë though. *grin* Val's good at keeping the king grounded, it would seem. Ahahaha, I was wrong, maybe that poem is getting stuffed into the Elven equivalent of a sock drawer, where no one else can see it. -Kevana

Kevana · 27 November 2013 · Chapter 39: Conversation with a Master

I can just imagine Ingwë's reaction to reading his daughter's poem! I wonder if Elves have the equivalent of putting schoolwork up on the fridge. That's the kind of thing you hang onto and pull out at your kid's wedding to embarrass them. *grin* Indil's adorable, did you mention in one of your stories what she grows up to do? With an imagination like that she might make a good composer herself. Lirilissë seems to have a misunderstanding of how plurals work. Minstrels, dear. More than one. But then she also seems to have a lack of understanding about how to take others' input well. Voronwë is a fascinating person! He was one of the original "unborn" Elves, wasn't he? Or was that Valandur's grandparents? He must have some incredible stories to tell. His wit is sharp enough to notch steel. Not necessarily a good thing when Val's trying to be clandestine...but glad to see he's able to impart some good information here. I see what you mean about the easy integration of information-gathering and minstrels, given their role in society. Much as I hate to say it, their somewhat low societal status probably makes them even more ideal because nobody would ever consider them a threat. Remembering my music major friends from college and what they'd say if they'd had to make their own instrument! I can't decide who'd be the most unhappy, the pianists or the tuba players. Do you imagine serving the Valar being a bit like being a nun or monk, or similar? Curious how that would have worked. Finally getting caught up! -Kevana

obsidianj · 27 November 2013 · Chapter 41: Interviews and Explanations

The twins are very different in their outlook on the world. One only looks on her importance by her status, the other looks to what she can do for the people around her. Valandur's father is as smart as I thought *grin*. He figured out that there is more going on than just curiosity with his sons questions.

obsidianj · 27 November 2013 · Chapter 40: A Secret Revealed

And the fireworks started. Interesting confrontation between Ingwe and Lirilisse. Luckily Valandur was there to see through her manipulations, but Lirilisse showed her aptitude for master of her guild by this. Let's hope she is not making Voronwe's life miserable because of his son. Otoh, Val has the ear of the king and I think, she is too smart to take her anger out on Val's father. Now I want to hear the story of the twin sister. Lirilisse isn't by any chance the "older" of the two twins?

obsidianj · 27 November 2013 · Chapter 39: Conversation with a Master

Valandur should not underestimate his father. Asking questions like this seemingly out of the blue might give away more than he thinks. Lirilisse seems to be a bit of work. If people like her and Feanor are more widespread, Melkor woouldn't have to look far for his purposes. Let's see how Ingwe will deal with her.

obsidianj · 27 November 2013 · Chapter 38: Loremaster, Spymaster

It seems like there is a lot of pettiness and joggling for rank in a packing order going on in Aman. How were they able to keep the peace for so long? The picture you paint of the music guild is not very uplifting. The more I read the more I can see how the kinslaying finally came about. It is surprising that there were no murders earlier. Someone with Feanaro's temper having been denied real master status might not take that decision and live with it...

Larner · 26 November 2013 · Chapter 41: Interviews and Explanations

Oh, how I hate such sibling squabbles as this! Having been an unwilling participant in one since my mom and stepdad divorced, I tend to empathize strongly with the minstrel sister!

Laer · 25 November 2013 · Chapter 41: Interviews and Explanations

Wow, sorry haven't been able to leave a review for the last two chapters (stupid work. what is up with that? We should be able to kick back and...sorry ranting away about wishing I could be retired so I could sit down and enjoy this lovely chapters of yours. ;) ) hmmm, seems that Val has his been very fortunate with who his parents are. They are both very intelligent; but from the sounds of it so are the girls. Fantastic family. Love the fact he has a sister named Arwen. :) I am enjoying the fact they are making sure the Minstrels are feeling useful, and that they can have hope after all. Perhaps they will be like Lirimíriel and prefer to teach? Sounds like she knows that her sister needs some help. Either way great job Mister "I am just a lowly loremaster and won't be much help to the High King."