Reviews (2,009)

Tari · 16 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

Methinks Vorondur was in the car with me when I get stuck behind school buses which happens all to often. I feel exactly the same way. What makes me even angrier is when the school is right across the street. There is no need for that child to take a bus.

Direwolfy · 15 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

Hello! *Scales up the cliff and looks around* You got a room for one more? I'm bringing chocolate-raspberry cupcakes. :) I have been following this story - and others - for a couple of years now, though not being much of a cliff dweller I usually wait until a story is finished, so I can read it all at once. No chance of that any more, It's all I can do to wait a few days for a new chapter. So I figured I should at least pen out a review and get a few impressions off my chest. Firstly I'm really enjoying your (modern) mortal/elf interactions. The whole 'outsiders looking in' perspective is brilliant and maybe it's some sort of suppressed insecurity, but I love watching perfect condescending elves getting taken down a peg by 'mere' mortals. This chapter made me like Kyle Stoner even more than I already did: the man might be arrogant as hell, but he's got plenty to be arrogant about. Same with Alex/Artemus (I adore Alex. I want Alex and Valandur sit down and speak of all things linquistical, philological and spy-logical). The last few chapters have been rather hectic, huh? I wonder if the elves are being unduly influenced by something/someone, because it feels like they are passing around the Idiot Ball: from Helyanwe to Glorfindel (Rusty Nail) to Elrohir (attacking Helyanwe) to the Aman Elves as a group, to the twins (briefly) to Vardamir&Earnur and now to Vorondur. Wonder who is next? It seems like there's a lot going on for a moment, but if there's ever a lull in the story, it would be fun to see a bit more of the elves exploring and wondering at the arts of modern world, be it music, film, literature or something else. (Somebody introduce Nell to the works of VIrginia Woolf? Erstwhile warriors to Hemingway or Remarq? Huxley or Orwell to freak out all the elves or more modern fantasy to freak out Finrod? The possibilities are endless.) Oh and before I forget (how COULD I forget?) I absolutely totally utterly adore your Namo. Can you believe it, I barely even thought about him when I first read The Silmarillion and now I keep leafing through the book for mentions of him and pout, because I like your version better than the original. (Then again, the original was written by the exiled/cursed Noldor and whatever do they know anyway?) Thanks for reading my ramblings, hope it was reasonably coherent. -Dire

Ellie · 15 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

You could have started this chapter with the warning: "Be afraid. Be very afraid." For Ron who was already losing it just after reading the note to then go see Finrod and watch him get ready to lose his cool as well, or actually worse, become too cool, things had to be very very bad indeed. It was very amusing that the thing Ron fears most, second to the possibility of something bad happening to a member of family, is the wrath of his wife. LOL! That was a nice bit of humor after watching his decent into madness. Love all the talk of cliff dwelling and snacks and beverages while the cliff-perchers wait for the next chapter. You have got to be proud or a very sick man who delights in tormenting others or a secret member of the cliff-dwelling restoration society, or perhaps a little of all three. LOL

Diana · 15 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

Hi Fiondil, Just brought my lawn chair to the cliff along with everyone else. Good job on this chapter(as always). A lot of irony here! Vorondur getting homicidal over someone's arrogance regarding the Twins since Glorfindel's not able to do it this time; he gets a shot to the shoulder instead of a shot to the jaw; Valinorian Elves c/o being dressed down by a prince. Hell, it's no wonder after Kyle's experience with Glorfindel in EA2 he goes around with lots of hypodermic needles in his bag (lots and lots and lots). Well, folks, if you're at the edge of a cliff just watch which way the wind is blowing if you decide on scattering ashes. The Dude abides, Diana

Larner · 15 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

Hmmm. It would appear that this has proved the time for everyone to go overboard in their reactions to events! And Vorondur, for Pete's sake! Certainly he knows far, far better. Although it does appear that Dr. Stoner came prepared for all serious eventualities. It's lucky Ron didn't managed to kill Earnur!

6336 · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

One lump, please. Did some one mention scones, would they be coming with raspberry jam and clotted cream by any chance? Ooo, cookies too! (Since this is a virtual tea party, might as well load on the calories!) Not sure I could sleep in that cliff house, it looks interesting though! Huggs, Lynda

Kevana · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

My goodness, what kind of drug did Stoner hit Ron with that could take down an angry Elf that fast? And if he actually decided to carry around a hypo of tranqs just in case of violent Elves at this meeting...dang, dude. You are the kind of guy who will survive the zombie apocalypse, LOL. Not that it's a bad idea. Much as you hate to admit it, they have volatile tempers and Mortals are not fond of being left unarmed, and clearly it helped here. I think I would go for a taser though, heh. Poor Vorondur. That kind of anger is so scary to experience. Just because he's a psychiatrist, he's certainly not an unfeeling rock. And that INFJ temper can be particularly deadly when out of control. I have no doubt Ron is going to feel horrible about this when he wakes up. I doubt his wife is going to be happy, either, as he already well knows! Honestly I don't think he was that annoyed with Earnur for dissing Finrod, the culprits probably could have done or said anything wrong and it would have ended up the same way. But I just hope someone's there to help him back from the dark place he fell into. Finrod appears (*appears*) to be doing better, and thank goodness. But seriously Earnur, did you not learn your lesson about going up against this particular Reborn? It does not end well. I guess everybody's had a long day. Thank you for the update, Fiondil! I am in beach bum mode now and sneaking away to the coast every chance I get. With sunscreen, now, of course. ;) Hope you're having a bit of spring, finally, and a whole lot of happiness. -Kevana

FV_Whisper · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

Thanks, Lindelea. Yes, that would be interesting to see Finrod's reaction on that piece of information. Two lumps for my tea please, or else I won't drink it. Cookies anyone?

Lindelea · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

FV_Whisper is right! All we need now is for Kyle Stoner to ask Finrod what "slipping his leash" meant... Yes, scones sound very nice, but I don't take any lumps in my tea. I'm odd, that way. Looking forward to the next installment...

Kevana · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 30: The Scene from Glorfindel’s Perspective

Ha, a Reborn is dangerous whether they're bored or not! But Glorfindel can be dangerous even when he's on the lam from his body. Also, apparently "sit on him" is the Námo-approved method of dealing with him now. *grin* I imagine all other avenues have been exhausted at this point. Sad to see he still has this issue with going for walkabouts even all these years later, but I'm glad they had Olórin on watch to take care of him in the absence of his ring. And then Olórin got distracted by a Mortal chewing out a couple of Elves, huh? Maiar are the biggest gossips! I can only imagine he was sharing every word of it with his brethren. If only Stoner knew he was quite the topic of interest, I wonder what he would think. Possibly yell at the Maiar for making the doctors have to revive Glorfindel? *grin* See how they like getting on a Mortal surgeon's bad side. I'm really glad the poor Elf is not suffering in his state, even though he's probably going to have a rough time of it on waking up. I don't blame the Twins and Serindë for taking off. Sometimes it's not so much running away as it is stepping back out of not wanting to make things worse, and knowing your limits on what you can take. But ooooh dear, you three, you're in for it. If Mr. Death Himself is amused, I think it's time to be concerned. "Girl, you have it bad, don't you?" *loud, undignified snort* Great chapter, Fiondil! Thanks for the update! -Kevana

Lyana · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

Ah yes... when those quiet, controlled types blow, it's spectacular, and woe to any who happen to be in the blast area! Ron's hinted at his dark past - now maybe they'll all stop underestimating him? And again, Dr. Stoner comes through. The man is clearly no fool, and at this point, probably ready to section the lot of them! Good thing he also appears to be the type who likes to play with lions and comes prepared. With tensions as high as they are, I wouldn't be surprised to find he's been carrying around several fast-acting tranqs knowing that it's the only way he'd be able to get the drop on them. As an aside, I find it interesting that the Mortals all seem to be far more adept at reading the tension levels than the Elves. One more time (but I'm sure it's not the last...) - poor Finrod! *passes scones and asks the other cliff sitters whether they'd like one lump or two with their tea*

FV_Whisper · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

And so it shows how someone so cool and collected as Ron can lose his temper too when stressed enough. This chapter was interesting in the build-up, until all the tension was suddenly released there in the end. And no, Holly is not going to be happy with this! Kyle Stoner's quick calculating manners prevent things from taking a turn for the worse again, this guy is growing on to me more and more. His comment about a job in Alabama he could have taken too has me wondering whether he too, like some of the God Squad, had felt a sudden urge to take on a job in Wiseman. I would not be surprised if that was the case. Vardamir and Eärnur seemed to have learned little from the whole affair, their patient almost died because of their mistakes, and they are still going on in the same way, not even contacting Finrod about what happened, even though he requested it. And since when does Finrod, prince as he still is, not have the right to reprimanded them? And speaking of Finrod, not only did they not informed him as requested, they also made no notion to him about Glorfindel slipping his leash at all. He is not going to be happy when he finds out! Ron's way was definitely not the option, but after the things these two healers put both Glorfindel and the Twins through, it was not so bad seeing one of them suffer for a bit. Sunny, that cliff house seems like an excellent spot for us all to gather in. We might even think of bringing our sleeping bags!

Sunny · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

I think we all need a nice, comfortable place to stay on the cliff, especially since we are spending so much time here. Something like this would be nice! ;-) http://designyoutrust.com/2013/04/cliff-house-by-mackay-lyons-sweetapple-architects/

Lindelea · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

My first thought on reading the chapter title, before even clicking in, was, "Woohoo, here it comes... fasten your seat belt!" And I was right. Three tries to get past the first sentence. That didn't bode well. Anger that almost frightens Ron? Bad sign. My next thought, during the phone call, was, "Uh-oh. Nobody told Finrod." And then Finrod... talk about glimpses of sheathed lightning. Or something to that effect. He's so mild-mannered most of the time, it's easy to forget (Ron is a great picture of someone being suddenly reminded -- going still like a terrified rabbit in the face of Finrod's deathly quiet, controlled energy). And him using the Mortal name -- the way you pointed it out calls attention to its significance, even if we don't know just what that significance is, yet. I think it might be a new level of understanding and acceptance (of something or other) on Finrod's part. Somehow I hadn't thought of Ron going to Finrod as a sign of fealty or vassalhood. It just seemed like a logical thing for him to do, what with Glorfindel and Finrod being best mates and all that. But, okay. Stoner comes through again. Every time he appears I'm more impressed. I can see his explanation, "Yeah, I always travel loaded for bear. You never know when you're going to run afoul of a stray polar bear in these parts." (Of course, if he'd moved south, the excuse might have been an alligator...) Of course, he probably has a good idea of the tensions among the Elves, and he as a human would be limited in dealing with those tensions, unless he has a little help... Huh. That's kinda sorta like the way humans have developed medical advances without the benefit of Elvish giftings and talents... And of course, love the little details, like the school bus. So typical! Great way of adding life and reality to the pictures you paint.

Sunny · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

Well, well, well. The always calm, cool and collected Vorondur ha a temper after all. And such a temper it is, too! Definitely a matter of still waters running deep, here, and the scintillating surface hides dangerous currents and whirlpools. I guess he, also, needs some anger management classes. This was a beautifully written chapter, Fiondil. The tension is subtle, but still noticeably there, all the way until the explosion at the end. Loved those little touches of daily life and asides, like Vorondur going still like a rabbit with a predator nearby as a reaction to Finrod reading the note from Serindë. And speaking of that note - I suspect that reading that note what what sparked the anger in Vorondur. He must have felt that his family was splintering as it once did when his son was killed. Now his daughter has taken off for parts unknown with his prospective new son, and his twin (and since they come as a set, Elladan might not be a new son, exactly, but he would certainly be considered kin!) And with Glorfindel nearly dead in the hospital - who is the leader of the Wiseman Elves, and probably family as well, given his relationship with the twins. It's not surprising that Vorondur's mood has taken a turn for the worse. It was not surprising that Kyle Stoner, smart cookie that he is, came loaded for bear. With tensions so high, I guess he thought a few precautions were in order - and a good thing, too! Eärnur might not have been feeling particularly repentant before Vorondur blew his stack but he would certainly feel sorry - for himself, at least - after. Another evil cliffie today. Will you be posting on Friday, as usual? And will we get some extra chapters, given that it's Easter week?

someone · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

It's a serious situation, when someone is trying to strangle someone else, but I can't help smiling at Kyle with that hypodermic! *grin* I can just see a smug expression on his face at that. Did he guess that some of the elves would not be happy and decided to arm himself or is he always so well prepared? Ron is a bit scary when he is upset.

bookworm · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

Oh dear! When your PSYCHIATRIST looses his cool you know things are really getting bad. Poor Ron! (I will also confess to an unkind level of amusement at poor Glorfindel last chapter)

6336 · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

Yep. I think Holly will be more than a little pissed, for two reasons, one Sarah has gone off with the Twins and two, Ron has just tried to kill someone! (Question, does Kyle normally go around with hypo's loaded with fast acting tranks, or just when he is called to meetings with Finrod?) Now to see what Finrod's reaction to all this is, not good I will imagine! Thank you for the popcorn, just as I like it and I will take a caffeine free Pepsi, please! Back to the cliff, which is starting to get a little crowded. Huggs, Lynda

Monalex · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

Hello Fiondil, After a lovely chapter from Friday in which we finally see Glorfindel and are exposed to his brand of humor again!! We now have to deal with the aftermath of that situation; I am also with the others that said the twins needed to be away to calm themselves and find their center, without those whose arrogance nearly killed their father figure!! As we the readers have been predicting, the continued condecendation of the Valinorean Elves toward the Wiseman Elves has finally had someone exploding and attacking them... now to see how Finrod deals with this. What I find interesting about this chapter is that we finally have Vorondur lose his cool!! Which was EPIC... totally EPIC!! Too bad no one else saw him...I'm sure Alex would have been impressed and most likely would have cheered him on, hahaha!! This goes to show that everyone has a line or something that states how much crap they can take and as we have finally seen, Vorondur's line is having someone nearly killed because of the arrongance of others and most importantly when the result of that arrogance also affects his family. I sincerely hope that Earnur and Vardamir finally learnt that their continued arrogance is detrimental to the well-being of any patient they could have later on. The good thing is that Finrod is learning how the Valinorean and Wiseman Elves are interacting and the feelings of the Wiseman Elves on the treatment they are receiving. The poor ellon has his work cut out for him...if that is the reaction from the most even tempered of them all, I shudder to imagine the reaction of say Dearon or Amroth... ohhhhh horrible things may come for this two healers... non physical obviously, but maybe making them paranoid is enough?? Lastly, why does Kyle have a syringe and a hypo with him?? Does that not strike anyone as odd?? Hope Vorondur has a nice nap that will allow him to reclaim his cool again... As always a great chapter and now to await until Friday... ahhhh... Monalex

Sarah · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

Ah, so our hotshots don't feel the need to be told off by Finrod, do they? Rather ironic since I seem to recall that it was their little posse ( though not specifically they themselves) that were griping about how they would rather be led by him over Loren, which is what set this whole thing off in the first place. You cannot have it both ways, boys. and once again the day is saved by Kyle Stoner. Someone get this man a raise, ot a drink, or simething.

rikki · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

Youch! That was an intense confrontation! You have built up the anger and loss of control here in a very realistic way. Ron has always seemed to be the logical, collected elf in all this, but it goes to prove that you don't push anybody too far or they will react. Being strangled is bad enough, I am glad that neither Ron or Earnur were wearing swords or there would have been blood everywhere. I'm glad that Kyle was there with his hypo. I wonder if he brought it knowing that the meeting was going to be confrontational. Finrod is taking on his role of leader here in a good way. When this started, he was hesitant and unsure. But he has taken on the demands of the elves and the mortals with the natural ease that is his way. Without demanding it, he has Ron giving his fealty to his liege lord. Kyle is also coming under Finrod's command by coming to the book store rather than demanding that the elves come to the hospital. Too bad Mir and Earnur haven't realized that yet. And we haven't gotten to Helena yet. I have a feeling by the time this is done, all the elves are going to come to know the king on an upfront and personal basis.

Twoflower2 · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

Oh no. The next time Finrod holds his bookstore court, it will be Vorondur's turn to be dissed. I somehow expected that these Elves see the error of their ways and calm down after the meeting with the priests, but the passions seem to unravel further and further. I sincerely hope nobody gets killed, this strangling attempt was a very close one. Calm and collected people may be very scary when overcome by rage, and Vorondur is no exception. I am impatiently waiting what happens next. Here's to Friday.

Dreamflower · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

Good heavens! I was fairly certain Vorondur would "lose his cool" when he found out what had happened, but not quite to this extent! *whoosh* I guess it's that I have gotten used to him as the calm voice of reason, one who almost never loses his temper, and never to this extent. But of course, he's a father here, who sees that his daughter's been driven off by the actions of others, and those actions placed his closest friend in danger of dying, so I suppose there is some excuse. Thank goodness Kyle had a hypo of tranquilizer on him. (Why, I wonder, was he carrying it around? There must be something behind that as well.) The repercussions of Helena's words just keep piling up bigger and bigger...

Soledad · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

Drat, I lost the chance to be first while reading the chapter! *pouts* Anyway, it was a fantastic read. I love Vorondur, and for him to lose his cool it probably takes a lot. Poor Eärnur! Yes, he behaved like an arrogant sod, but still, being nearly choked by a Noldo was probably a much bigger shock than simply being almost killed. I wonder what happened to him in the previous Ages. He was such a modest, likeable person earlier on, how did he catch the Valinórean Haughtiness Virus? A shame - what is it with the Blessed Land ruining everyone's character? Kyle Stoner for the rescue! Hah! It's a good thing that he always carries a syringe with him. Boy, but will Ercassë be pissed with her husband. Too bad she wasn't with them. She could have warned the others, as soon as Vorondur started grinding his teeth. But apparently, all important discussions are to be held among males only.

UTfrog · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 31: Vorondur Loses His Cool

Hooray for Kyle and his needle. Wonder if Eanur has finally gotten the idea that he is in trouble. He is probably lucky it was Ron, not Finrod who choked him. Great chapter for the insight and personal interactions. Do we get to see similar aftermath for other characters? Thanks, as always.