Reviews (2,009)

Lyana · 27 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

May I just say that I love Finrod? (It's purely platonic, of course!) He's just a terrific guy. Good to see tensions going down, and I'm sure a recounting of the Twin's heritage and Glorfindel's exploits have given everyone lots to think about. But I'm even more ready to strangle Mir after his non-apology apology. Grrrr... I hate those! Sorry - you've created monsters (though we very much appreciate the tidbits!). We'll do our best to keep from demanding a full recounting of the Wiseman Elves post Third Age experiences in Middle Earth. :-) *whistles innocently by delivery van while furtively checking to see that the bunny mansion and pile of carrot greens have been properly placed*

Lindelea · 26 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

Yes, the explanation does help! Thanks!

Larner · 26 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

Aha! The voice of sweet Reason has at last penetrated a number of heads. Finrod has shown his level of command, and Vorondur's explanation of Glorfindel's past experiences as a lord among Men was well, well done. They are starting to come to grips with their lives here, and I so hope that they learn full cooperation here soon. And the idea of appealing to a Maia to at least keep an eye on the three wandering ones is excellent!

Direwolfy · 26 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

Hi! I promised myself I'd try to review more often, so I'm back at the cliff with snowberry ice cream (vanilla, cranberry, walnut and cinnamon) to celebrate the first summer-y day this year. (Plus some carrots for the plot bunnies. Make them grow, yes?) A lot of talking in this chapter, but it's long overdue. The whole situation reminds me the massive grudge matches back in the seventh grade, with two camps glowering at each other over the classroom while some poor fool in the middle tried to fix things. Poor Amigos-and-Nell here, with everyone being so much older than themselves, yet behaving so immaturely. The situation in Valinor must be difficult for the youngest elves, for they would be seen as the 'children' until Arda ends, simply because there are no elflings to make them feel older in comparison. On the other hand, the Valinorean elves falling into pre-apocalypse despondency is very realistic. The mortals have been searching for the 'meaning of life' at least as long as there has been written history, but in the end of the day it's just a philosophical question, for our lives are so short and challenging that the society needs to change and adapt, or be cut down. An elf living in peaceful (boring?) Aman for ages upon ages must have far too much time to ponder those questions. There's no ultimate satisfaction to be found, or the Noldor wouldn't have rebelled in the first place, but those events are long past, the center of action literally removed from Aman. The younger elves might have more joy of life, but they're bound to pick up on their parents' attitudes, forever treated as children, hearing the stories about past glories, but knowing there were none for them. Sad, but perhaps inevitable conclusion. Getting back at the chapter at hand, I'm starting to feel sorry for Helyanwe. What she said was cruel, but it feels like she was lashing out at the confusing and threatening new world, rather than Glorfindel himself. I'd say that Eärnur and Vardamir deliberately ignoring other healers' expertise was a bigger deal than a few callous words which were (probably) not actually meant to harm. No one could have foreseen the consequences. (Though whther or not she has learned her lesson is still up in the air.) What I find truly awesome is how 'present' Glorfindel has been through these last chapters, even though he's unconscious. It's not just everyone talking/thinking about him, it's his influence in those around him, like the twins, Ron, Daeron, Finrod etc. It might be that removing him from the picture for a little while is for the best, for it feels like the people around him are only now starting to realise how irreplaceable he is. It's also very realistic - if not necessarily logical - how the Valinorean elves have less respect for half-elves than straight out mortals. *sigh* Kind of drives home how lonely it must have been for Eärendil, Elwing and Elrond. Name Teleporno always makes me wince. I like him and all, but I can't take him seriously when people are calling him that. Monopoly marathon... been there, done that. Wait, they had a game going for eighteen hours and Finrod made them pack it away for good? Ouch. I add my voice to those who would like to see the adventures of Wiseman elves through the history.

Lindelea · 25 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

Glorfindel’s Quenya name would be Laurefindil but everyone knows better than to refer to him by that name even when he is not present. I don't know! (But then, I've been immersed in hobbitry for the past decade and really don't know much about the Fair Folk. It's been decades since I read the Sil, and I'm way overdue for a re-reading.) So, why not call him by his name in Quenya? Is there a story there?

Lindelea · 25 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

Ah, good to see what's happening there, and how Finrod is dealing with the problem. I love Holly's cheekiness, BTW, and Finrod's reassuring words. Ron needs to take Holly out on a very nice date, I think, and wine and dine her by candlelight and buy her bubble bath and flowers and good chocolate or whatever the Elf equivalent might be. Monopoly marathon! BTDT. Growing up in a house full of tension, I fully sympathise with the youngsters. That the older Elves can abandon themselves fully to playing in the snow, while the youngsters huddle miserably by the gate, checking their watches... says something about the stress they're under. Glad the truth is finally out in the open. Now maybe healing can start. Don't know what the future may hold, but glad that Glorfindel's past and illustrious (titles? I'm groping for a word) has been made more plain. Of course, Helen (is that her name? I'm too rushed to go back and look -- read the chapter early this morning and then the site went down when I had time for a decent review) ought to have known it was enough for Glorfindel to be Finrod's brother of the heart -- that would certainly elevate him high above others in my eyes!

FV_Whisper · 25 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

A pissed off Finrod is a dangerous Finrod! I was thinking how being away from her family might actually do Sarah some good. Overprotective dads can be very constricting after all. Holly needs to think better of herself, just because Sarah is Ron's apple in the eye, doesn't mean he doesn't care for her. But I'm sure the events after their son died had something to do with her thinking this way. Her Highness remarks are all too funny but they also should remind Finrod again he has no authority over the Wiseman elves. They won't let him get away with that. But they can tease him with it in any way. Ah, Monopoly. My dad and I used to play that a lot. According to my mom, she could tell by our mood when we came downstairs again who had won! So, from poor Glorfindel, poor Twins, poor Ron we now get por Eärnur? Poor guy really needs a hug and a couple of 'coping with the modern world' lessons. Normally, I would advice some sessions with Ron too, but I think that's asking a bit much for now! At least is Ernest (he's really firm on that name, right?) feeling truly sorry, while I'm not sure about Vardamir yet. Maybe Ron should have a go at him as well? lol The Twins, even though considered only Half-elven, really have one of the most interesting bloodlines in Middle-Earth, now don't they? Love it how Finrod had to point out their Maia ancestry to everyone. There's a lof of tension going on and it's no wonder the youngsters can't stand it anymore. The group of them standing outside, not knowing what to do is a hilarious picture, even checking their watches to see when the hour is over. Building elf snowmen seems at least a good way for them to deal with it, although I wonder whether them building a whole family of them is an unspoken wish to see everything at harmony again. Conflicts must be hard for many of the elves. I think this is a situation where many do not wish to take sides, but are at the same time not familiar with the idea that not taking any sides is actually on option, being used to be alleged to either one or another. And speaking of that, I love the idea of Glorfindel having been a prince! This being said, this would be a good moment to comment how I like it the Middle-Earth elves to call them that way (Wiseman would be so anachronistic when talking about things that happened in the 8th and 9th century, or whenever else) are getting somewhat more background history. "The name of the principality has been swallowed up by history and no one remembers it except as a single footnote in the dusty annals of historians" But I love those footnotes! Unexplored historical facts are the best for research! As mentioned in one of the replies, I think Glorfindel would have been just made for the Renaissance. As for the King Arthur stories, there's so much mythologic stuff woven into those I would not be surprised if there were any elves involved with them. O, and Reborns really are a kind of their own, right? It's a good thing it's Finrod there to understand them. I'm used to carrying large supplies of drinks, let me help getting them inside the cliff-house. Oh, and I'll get a nice cosy hutch for all the plot bunnies people are pointing out to, so we can keep them save and warm.

6336 · 25 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

Well that has got everybody sorted, at least to the point that they know where Finrod is coming from! Even when they are millennia old some Elves are worse than two year olds when it comes to stubbornness! Are Helena and Axantur(Arafinwe's Master of Ceremonies) related, since they both seem to be hung up on precedence? I do feel sorry for the Three Amigos + One, nobody is paying much attention to them, a good snowball fight will cure that or having something productive to do. Finrod is not a happy camper at the moment, if he does go for that run, he does need to have someone with him, there is safety in numbers. If any thing did happen they might not find him until the spring thaw, we mustn't forget there are people in Wiseman who are not too enthralled with the Elves. UTFrog I will be more than happy to help you haul liquid refreshment up the cliff, one bottle at a time, us little 'Mature' Ladies need to stick together. Huggs, Lynda

Ellie · 25 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

This chapter is such an interesting review of the tensions that exist and still need to be healed. I am glad that healing is taking places again in another form. It was fascinating to see how everyone dealt with their discomfort. Loved the monopoly game and then the snowfamily. LOL! Helena is lucky the Wiseman elves did not go after her before and even more fortunate that Finrod didn't take her down once he learned what she had done to set off Glorfindel. Keep up the exciting work!

Sunny · 25 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

Consider Dreamflower's request seconded by me! You might even start a collection where you put any little stories you might concoct about the various Elves and their adventures with various Mortals through the ages. And Glorfindel and the Twins finding Daeron would certainly belong in such a collection - unless, of course, you make a longer story of it! *slips the plotbunny some nice, juicy carrots*

Kevana · 25 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

"I hope they’re all miserable sitting on their individual tree branches covered with snow." This, this just gave me the funniest mental image of several trees full of Elves, all covered with snow, pouting angrily with their arms across their chests. The poor crabby millennia-old babies. *grin* Oh no, not Monopoly! You do not play Monopoly. You survive Monopoly. It's like the Mario Kart of board games - and there are no friends in Mario Kart. *snort* Finrod's not taking prisoners today, I see! Aww, Eärnur. He's really not a bad guy for all that he did something stupid. His little "I want to go home" just made me all sad for him. And the young'uns too, for all that they are very much not young'uns. Although they adapt easier, this kind of conflict is something their elders understand much better than they do. Oh wow, Glorfindel ruled as a prince! Now there's a story. What a good chapter. I hope Helena got the picture. Finrod was very kind to her. I hope he does go for that run, but preferably not alone. The Twins and Sarah have to be up to something all this time, I just hope it's not something dangerous! I'm so glad you were able to post this, the site kept not being there. Thank you so much for the update and have a great weekend! -Kevana

Dreamflower · 25 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

Oh, these Valinorean Elves were so ill-prepared for what they have found themselves in. And yet I'm coming to the conclusion that for the majority of them it's what they badly need. Clearly from Earnur's words he thought he was prepared; but the society of Numenor was nothing like the world of the 21st century! I think I am beginning to see a method to the Valar's madness in dumping them in Wiseman. Sink or swim, they must learn to accept change. Perhaps even to embrace it. And then that will need to be transmitted to Aman in some fashion. It's clear that the stultified society there has to be shaken up before the Dagor Dagorath, or the Elves who have always lived in Valinor will be useless in the conflict. Something else: have you written any little short side stories about the various adventures of those who remained in Middle-earth? I'd love to know more details of Glorfindel as a prince of a mortal realm; of the twins among the Native peoples in the wilderness of the North; of Vorondur working with Freud and Jung; of Amroth's adventures as a spy; of Elladan and Elrohir in med school; and even of some of Glorfindel's feats in Search and Rescue. If you haven't done so, consider this a plea! And if you have, please direct me to them!

Sunny · 25 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

I think a good alternative title for this chapter would have been, "Finrod kicks butt." And while it might have been only a few metaphorical rear ends that truly ended up sore, the rest undoubtedly got the message that they needed to shape up.. I guess the youngsters would be really worried - the sort of cold war that has been going on at Edhellond for some days now, would have been completely outside their experience. And it wouldn't surprise me if they would have been relieved to escape to college if it had gone on. Now, I hope the war hatchets have been well and truly buried, and that the grudges are thoroughly dead (or on the way there) and that they won't get stuffed and mounted. I also hope that the incomers - and especially Helyanwë - won't disrespect Glorfindel and the Twins any more. Finrod definitely won't stand for it, and neither will the Wiseman Elves. Finrod, given the right kind of stimulus, is likely to go up like Mount St Helens if someone irks him badly enough; he is clearly dangerously angry now, but keeping a lid on it. Hopefully he will be able to vent his frustration without doing too much damage to people or, come to think of it, the town of Wiseman. Hopefully he won't get a dream as bad as the one he had just before his wedding! It was rather amusing how some of the Valinorean Elves blanched when Finrod mentioned the Twins were the grandsons of Celeborn. Makes me wonder just what happened to elicit such a reaction! Now, just what are the Twins and Serindë up to? I hope Elladan and Elronir's talent for getting into trouble isn't working right now, or if it does, Vorondur will NOT be pleased.

Rhyselle · 25 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

*sigh* Why do I keep misspelling Vardamir's name? You know who I meant, but still...

Rhyselle · 25 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

What a relief to finally get everyone together and to get the air cleared about the multiple issues besetting the Elves through their own actions and attitudes. Things aren't completely resolved but finally each of them is on the road to resolution. I was very glad to see that Earnur recognizes that he screwed up big time. I noticed that Vandamir's apology was more of a general sort of thing and I got the impression that he still has a way to go before is really reconciled with Ron. It felt like the apology was done because Finrod required it and not because he really felt sorry for the way he treated Ron when Ron came to see how Earnur was doing. The Three Amigos and Nell were quite amusing, and I loved the mental image I now have of them moping in the yard before they began to make the snowmen. Sort of the same attitude that my kids have when I tell them it is time to get off the computer or video games to play outside. *wry grin* Here is hoping that the meeting did get it through to the Valinorean Elves that they have got to get their acts together and get out of their hierarchical mind set. I loved how Finrod pointed out that Elladan and Elrohir actually have the superior bloodline and that they are descended from multiple royal houses. I also loved how Finrod handled the meeting with Helen. Thank you for the fascinating backstory tidbits about Glorfindel's life in Middle-earth. Now my imagination is going to work on what those times might have been like. :-) It was good to end the chapter on a note of resolution and a relaxing of the tensions that have kept us readers sitting in the cliff house for the past few weeks. Glorfindel is still in a perilous position, but I'm feeling much more hopeful for him and for the other Elves in Wiseman. Now to catch up with Elladan, Elrohir, and Serinde... :-) Well done, meldonya!

UTfrog · 25 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

Loved the snowball fight. I can just see the children knocking on Ron's door asking if he can come out to play. As to Prince Glorfindel, I thought he could be King Arthur, but since he could not have been born in Tintagel, I guess not. I also suspect he was a very important figure in the Renaissance. I still want to smack a Helanwe. Glorfindel deserves far better. Enjoying everyone's comments on food for the cliff house. I am a terrible cook. I will bring a large variety of liquid refreshments providing someone can help me haul the to the cliff top. I am literally a little old lady. Thanks for a lovely chapter. I am sure you have another thrill ride in store.

Laer · 25 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

glad that someone is starting to get them to calm themselves. Too bad Finrod had to be all "Prince of the Realm" on them to make them see it tho. Daren is right. They need to see how much titles don't mean much around here any more. The more they try and make it that way the more issues it will cause in the long run between the elves and all of us mortals. We may not be all that and a bag of chips..but neither or they. so nyeh. ;) I am also glad that Roy and Dan are being stood up for by several of the elves and not just the Wiseman elves. Hopefully all will be well soon and they can get back to doing what they are supposed to be doing. I felt bad for Nell and the three amigos. That has to be hard on them. Not knowing what egg shell they were going to crack next as they tried to tip toe around everything. :( Glad that is being worked out also.

Celeth · 25 April 2014 · Chapter 34: The Situation at Edhellond

I just love the way you protrayed Glorfindel in this chapter, even though he isn't here. And I'm beginning to like the Three Amigos. I hope they were successful in making the right pointy ears for their snowelves. That made me smile.

Laer · 23 April 2014 · Chapter 33: A Quiet Evening

I am glad Finrod and the others are not only on speaking terms but also friendly terms. Hopefully Kyle explaining to them that they aren't all that and a bag of chips just cause they learned how to do this over "yonder" sunk in :)

Larner · 21 April 2014 · Chapter 33: A Quiet Evening

Now--if the different parties will kindly refrain from trying to destroy one another, willingly or through ignorance!

Lyana · 21 April 2014 · Chapter 33: A Quiet Evening

Ah - it seems like Finrod is finding his feet in this new reality and it sounds like he and Dr. Stoner are moving into a healthy working relationship. So glad all of them are having a bit of a (Valar induced?) respite; blizzards and storms are often good for that - some of our best family memories have resulted from weather-enforced quiet! And I love the name choices - Elvish and Mortal all in one name. It's so sad to think of Valinor as stagnated. It's going to be a tall order for them to overcome thousands of years of sameness, and I wonder if some might not be able to adapt. *passes the mini quiches and tries to decide between chocolate cake with strawberries and whipped cream or chocolate/peppermint shortbread*

obsidianj · 21 April 2014 · Chapter 33: A Quiet Evening

Nothing like a quiet evening among friends when a storm is raging. Everyone including the readers needed that before the next crisis hit. So, Finrod was behind the order to not let any elf visit Glorfindel. I think that was a good move. If any group of elves would have been singled out that would just add oil to the flames. I hope Sarah and the twins check in soon. Or there will be the next crisis.

FV_Whisper · 21 April 2014 · Chapter 33: A Quiet Evening

A quiet evening, a quiet chapter...Still enough stuff to munch on. Ah, baby names. It's fun to see how Nimrodel and Amroth are actually considering giving their children mortal names. It's another sign of how well the Wiseman elves have learned to blend in over the years. Of course, the names are still elf related, what else could you think? Amroth talking about running for mayor might be just a thought for now, but it's an interesting idea. Of all the elves currently in Wiseman, he seems the most suitable candidate for now. Good to hear Glorfindel misdoing somewhat better, when Kyle called in, I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only reader you got shocked! "what happens in Mandos stays in Mandos" lol! Now, the stagnating society in Valinor is an interesting thing. The elves attitude reminds me a bit of an apocalyptic cult, waiting for the world to end. Except this cult has now been going on ever since the last ice age and that's a bit too long fior a society to function in. It seems both the First and Secondborn seem to have a hard time to decide who of the two is better of. The Secondborn have always seemed to envy the Elves for their immortality (think Númenor), but now it seems the elves on the other hand seem to have troubles on their own with their fate being bound to the fate of Arda (although we do not know what will be in store for them after of course). In the light of Valinor's stagnating society it's no wonder Finrod feels Glorfindel has changed so much he's almost a stranger. It's only to be expected Glorfindel has changed much since he left Valinor. But for Finrod, coming from an almost static society, this would be a very hard concept to get grip off. Also, I think we find the base for a lot of troubles in this. The Wiseman elves who have adapted, and adapted and adapted again to the many different circumstance they faced, while they newcomers have barely come across any kind of chance in their whole long lives. You mentioned how Ron and the other elves have adopted mortal viewpoints and I think that goes for many things, also when it comes to holding a grudge. Ron wanting to apologize to Eärnur and be done with it after amends have been made is a perfect example of this. Some of the Valinor Elves however, I see quite able of holding grudges for centuries on. It's something they'll have to learn to drop, even though this might have to happen the hard way History lessons seems like a good idea. As an historian, I would gladly offer my services lol! Now I can't help but feeling the storm might have something to do with the Twins and Sarah and why they haven't called in yet. Storms at Wiseman seem to come there ever too often with a reason not to be suspicious about this one. And the fact the Valar have something to do with it does't help either! Too much talking already, I'm sorry, that's just how I am. I'll bring in the ice cream and cherries to the cliff house to make up for that! Kevana, I saw that picture a couple of says ago myself and it's truly hilarious!

Kevana · 21 April 2014 · Chapter 32: Vorondur’s Very Bad Day

Oh now, you know I had to go look up those signs first thing. Before I found the set with the Elf Storage, I found quuuuuiiiiiiite a few others that were most definitely naughty. *cackles* Elf Storage, For All Your Elf Storing Needs. Why yes, use the healers as guinea pigs. Start with Eärnur and Vardamir. Perhaps with the more uncomfortable tests first. :P See how they enjoy being the patients! Kyle is growing on me. Stop making me like your characters, Fiondil. You keep doing that and then bad things happen to them. *grin* I still say a taser would work wonders, but whatever you gotta do, man! "you didn't crush his trachea completely" Wow, there's a sentence you never want to hear. I suppose it is, however, better than the alternative. That Elf strength really is scary. But then Finrod did manage to kill a werewolf with his bare hands, so it is not surprising. Aha, and now he finds out about what really happened with Glorfindel. They really need to get that ring back. I wonder if they could teach Kyle or the other mortal doctors something about that spiritual healing they do? Aragorn could do some of it, but maybe the bloodline is just too diluted for it to be possible. The Elves seem very caught up still in the monarchy mindset. Those history classes mentioned in the other chapter are a great idea. As for Ron himself - buddy, I feel for you. It was very sweet how people continually stopped to help him, though. Elf or not, you don't leave people out in the cold on the side of the road. The guy and his son, the nurse, the man walking his dog. It's easier to have a bad day when you know you're not alone. And I always can't help but wonder if sometimes delays happen for a reason. Like you lose your keys, end up running late for something important, but then drive past a bad wreck you would've been involved in if you'd been out on the road at the usual time. Doesn't make bad days any better, but maybe makes you think, anyway. Also - Elves chatting online. Hee, that makes me happy. Anyway! Long review for a busy chapter, and I'm caught up now. Sorry for the delays lately, life's a tad bonkers. Thanks and take care! -Kevana

Lindelea · 21 April 2014 · Chapter 33: A Quiet Evening

p.s. forgot to mention, my mom often quoted that scrap of Robbie Burns', though perhaps she quoted from the original, or another translation? Not sure, just remember her saying the words, "gang oft aglee" or something to that effect. Another of her favourites was "You can't win for losing," though I suspect that's a quote from someone else.