Reviews (2,009)

Monalex · 24 March 2014 · Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall

Hello Fiondil!! No no no no no NO NOOOOOOO!! It's not happening!! What a horrible terrible chapter, why is it that Glorfindel is always the bait in need of punching, kicking and cutting?? It's not fair!! Why couldn't they use that horrible elleth Helena instead?? I hope she is feeling terribly guilty and scared, scared not because Glorfindel is hurt and there is the possibility that he could *gasp* die, since she doesn't care for him ar anyone else without a title!! But because if such came to pass she would be in serious danger and could be killed in a moment's notice by the twins!! Those two are fun and caring, but hurt someone they love and Eru help you!! At least some "good" may come out of this, in that Vorondur now knows who are of like mind with Helena, seeing as they were quick to defend her. Still I am wondering how could Glorfindel be bested by mortals?? Even if they were a mob, they should not be a problem for him!! He killed a Balrog and orcs!! And he fought the Witch King of Angmar!! Could they have injected him some medicine to put him to sleep or incapacitate him?? This also could rally more mortals in backing the elves position in the community, since they have NEVER attacked a mortal with the intent of killing before!! Also poor Fionwe or any Maiar on watch, it must have been terribly difficult and excruciating for them not to stop it from happening!! To watch one of their Sword Brothers being attacked to such an extent and not be able to do a thing!! I'm sure when this was known by all of the Maiar, some of them will be in serious need of counseling with Lord Irmo!! While others will stage a protest with their respective Lords for the privilege of killing the upstart who attacked Glorfy!! Finally I’m with Dave on this one; someone should sit Finrod down after all this is over and explain to him the legal facts of life in the United States of America!! He can’t just order the legal guardians of order aka. The Police, to not do their job!! Grant you, I concede that he must be in shock and hurting over what happened, but still!! Not good for Mortal relations, my friend!! Though I loved how Dave referred to them, the elves as “Alien Overlords” and Finrod as “The Great and Powerful Wizard of Oz”, very true epithets. Now Finrod will have his work cut out for him with the local police… actually make that talk to all the rest of the elves, I’m sure they need it!! As always a great chapter and now to wait four painful days until I know if Glorfy makes it or not!! And to see if Dan or Roy kill that awful elleth or at least seriously maim her!! If Glorfy survives I recommend that they move that sorry excuse for an elleth to an apartment or just keep her from Glorfindel's company, after all Edhellond is more his home than hers and she doesn't deserve to be in his company at all!! I'm just noting all the exclamation points, hahahaha, I must be really in angry and in shock over what happened!! Monalex

6336 · 24 March 2014 · Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall

Just had a nasty thought, this isn't Farrell's doing is it, calling in some favors, the description of how Glorfy was beaten makes me wonder? Lynda

rikki · 24 March 2014 · Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall

That was tense chapter here. I don't know if I would consider it dominos falling as much as dropping a favorite coffee mug on the concrete floor - mess everywhere. As much as Glorfindel being attacked by unknowns, there is also the divisions between mortals and elves and between the elves themselves that are very apparent here. The enemy will gain ground by the discord being spread amongst the elves and the mortals. Finrod is probably acting as he thinks is needed, but he is going to have to work on his relationships with Dave and Dr. Stoner and the other mortals. Alien overlords indeed! I am hoping that Vardamir and Vorondur can pull miracles here and stabilize Glorfindel all the while giving Dr. Stoner and the mortal nursing staff pointers on how to deal with injured elves. And hoping the elves going with the cops to search the crime scene can find some clues as to who did the attack. The elves are going to need to stay together until this person(s) is caught as they could decide to attack someone else. Oops, and I can think of two elves alone right now. Ack! Waiting for the end of the week is going to be hard.

Kevana · 24 March 2014 · Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall

Also, I think you may have just guilted me into going to donate blood again. Good job. *grin*

Ellie · 24 March 2014 · Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall

The elf network was interesting to watch. Love how you built the tension there. I know it was bewildering and frustrating when the elves took over the patient and the crime scene, but I think the mortals will come to understand eventually. Of course the elves will get a serious talking to as well, I'm sure, when all is said and done. Ron is still awesome. He takes command of situations beautifully and sorts out the people well. It was very interesting the battle lines which were drawn in the waiting room, especially noting who did not get involved and who did and on which side. I know I'm being deviant in not commenting on Glorfindel, but, oh well :-)

6336 · 24 March 2014 · Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall

So the Cliffee King strikes again, and it is a doozy of a landing. O.K. who is the Orc Spawn who did this to our Glorfy, they must have got the drop on him or else Karl and Dave would be dealing with a massacre and not one severely injured Elf. Just hope Helena is pleased with herself. I wonder how the Maia are doing having had to watch the carnage, the Vala must have had to keep a tight leash on them, poor guys, they must be spitting mad! Hope all goes well and the cross transfusion does not cause more problems, could they use artificial blood? If they need a universal donor I will send B.H. up there, he's O negative, I can't help I'm A positive! As for why I am up this early, you can blame the cat, she brought me a present, a flower, with loud proud announcements at 4.44 a.m. I thought she had caught something and got up to clean up the mess and found a flower instead, nice surprise. She just brought me another one! Silly cat! Oh, well I think this is enough rambling for now. Huggs, Lynda

Sarah · 24 March 2014 · Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall

Having seen some other reviews of this chapter, I must say that I too am surprised that one person (or perhaps a few persons) were able to inflct so much damage. This leads me to wonder if Glorfindel is once again "the bait". Regardless, if (Lord forbid) he doesn't pull through this in one piece we are going to have a very upset Namo on our hands. My heart goes out to the others though, the poor dears. I suspect that one of their worst fears has been realized. I think we all need a group hug and some of Esther's chocolate cream pie after that one. And now to sit wracked with anxiety and anticipation for the next 4 days. Bravo, oh King of Cliffhangers & Plot Twists

UTfrog · 24 March 2014 · Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall

And a long fall off the cliff it was. Love the idea of Elrond as an apprentice. I can just see his face at the suggestion. That was the only light moment in the chapter. Also loved Dave's Oz remark and the one about someone giving Finrod a political facts of life talk. The rest of your chapter is extremely well written horror. Perhaps good will come of this in some Elves seeing that they are badly outnumbered when push comes to shove. Anyway, frustrating, but great read. Waiting for Friday.

Dreamflower · 24 March 2014 · Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall

OK, the main thing on my mind is how anyone mortal could do that to GLORFINDEL?!? At least anyone on his own--still, Glorfindel could take out half a dozen ordinary muggers. Unless he had in some way been previously incapacitated. Or unless he decided not to resist for some reason. Oh, this is a *fine* mess! I hope Helena is beginning to realize this is her fault!

Sunny · 24 March 2014 · Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall

Ouch, ouch, ouch! I wonder who did that to Glorfindel, and how whoever-it-was got the drop on him? In any case, a very nasty result of the quarrel in the last chapter, and one that no doubt will have many and unforeseen ramifications. Whatever else it has done, Glorfindel ending up in the hospital certainly has made the fissures among the Elves clear. And I hope, for everyone's sake, that he will recover without too much in the way of effects. I expect Helyandwë feels rather guilty, now, as she should. I wonder what worries her most, that Glorfindel was attacked and now lies seriously wounded in the hospital, or the fact that Finrod might consider her partially responsible for this, as Elrohir does, and possibly some of the other Wiseman elves may do as well? Loved the little aside about Elrond and Irmo, It might have been fun to be a fly on the wall when Elrond told Irmo that!

Kevana · 24 March 2014 · Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall

No no no no no no. No. NO. Nooooo. ... NO. THIS IS SO. MUCH. WORSE. Than *anything* I had imagined. Oh, no. This was a spectacular chapter with the pacing and excitement and tension. But I just stared in horror like watching a car accident happen. What a nightmare! How could mortals get the drop on him?? Was it a mob?! How would they have found him? Are the others in danger? Were they trying to make it look like a suicide? Who would even have thought to do that? Am I an idiot for wishing it was some kind of monster besides mortals being monstrous? Noooo why. Excuse me while I cry forever. This is horrible and awful and heartbreaking. *flails uselessly* NOOOO. :( Those were not dominoes. That was a landslide! -Kevana

Celeth · 24 March 2014 · Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall

So they're going to put some Mortal blood into Glorfindel? Hmmm, so now there will be three Peredhel on Middle Earth :-D I wonder how the great warrior Glorfindel, who was trained by Maiar and who faced down the Nazgul and hordes of orcs, not to mention a Balrog, could have been bested? Maybe it was because he was so distracted? Or maybe he thought displaying his real prowess might be counterproductive to the fragile Elf-Human relationships they are trying to build. I liked that little aside about Elrond. So he was rather rather-headed, even to a Vala. That must have been quite a conversation (hoping for a new story). The story gets more and move exciting...

Laer · 21 March 2014 · Chapter 24: Domino Effect

Loved the song, and more than understand why she wanted to move home to her mom where it is sane. Wow. Helyanwë was not only cruel to someone she supposedly loves, but she could have kicked him in the male region and he wouldn't have been as hurt as he was from her words. That was so very wrong of her. (Pardon me while I rant some more about Helyanwë....grrrr) Sorry. all better now. Hope they find Loren soon. He needs his brother more than ever now. :(

Sunny · 21 March 2014 · Chapter 24: Domino Effect

You're up to your old, tricks again, I see, O Cliffie King. :p Truly nasty of Helyanwë - when Glorfindel comes home from a long day dealing with administration and politicking at the college, she first takes his hand and shows sympathy - and then turns around and figuratively kicks him in the teeth. Because Glorfindel - and the rest of the Wiseman Elves - have not automatically stepped back and let Finrod take over as the leader of their merry band. And Finrod himself is clearly in favor of shared leadership. And she sees Glorfindel as tainted because of his association with mortals. Glorfindel is definitely not a happy camper now. He does not like surprises even at the best of time, and lately his life seems to have become nothing but a long string of nasty surprises. This one is just the latest, but may be one of the nastiest, given that he is in love with Helyanwë, and thought that she might be falling in love with him. I liked that little reference to the Lord of the Rings - but I hope Glorfindel doesn't take Denethor's behavior as an example to follow. Námo certainly wouldn't be pleased with him if he did so! Helyanwë's comments, though. She expresses her disapproval of democracy as disapproval of what she sees as disrespect towards Finrod, and she appears to take this seeming disrespect as an insult. Now, I'm sure everyone would agree that Finrod is capable of determining what is and is not an insult to himself, and those close to him, and deal with it in whatever manner he considers suitable. But I suspect that Helyanwë is also insulted on her own behalf, and that this is truly the greater problem here. She is royal, after all (or at the very least at or near the pinnacle of Valinorean Nobility) and having the locals NOT bowing and scraping and deferring to her (as I suspect she expected them to) is probably a letdown for her. Was she thinking that she would be able to lord it over the Mortals and the Wiseman Elves on the strength of her connection to Finrod? Helyanwë may not know it yet, but I'm sure that she is in deep, deep trouble. And I'm also sure that when Finrod has all the facts, he will be able to devise a punishment for her that will be properly ... educational. “Some of my best friends are Mortals. I just wouldn’t want one of them marrying my sister.” *picks self off floor, laughing* Oh, Fiondil, you wicked, wicked man!

Soledad · 21 March 2014 · Chapter 24: Domino Effect

I'm sorry for Sador. Had he heard Helyanwe speak the way she did, he'd have wished the earth would open and swallow him, so ashamed would he be. Good for Sarah to set an example. She's apparently learned a lot since her confrontation with Alex in EA2.

Larner · 21 March 2014 · Chapter 24: Domino Effect

Someone has some serious growing up to do, apparently. Glorfindel is probably gone to ground somewhere to deal with his anger and to be away from others generally, and particularly Helyanwe for the moment. She needs to come to grips with the truths of this place and its people, just as President George needs to come to grips with his new underlings not being a threat but instead an invaluable resource.

Lindelea · 21 March 2014 · Chapter 24: Domino Effect

smelling faintly of turpentine I love when I run across details like this, that add depth and texture to a narrative. Alas, poor Glorfindel. And so, we must remain in suspense until the next update...

6336 · 21 March 2014 · Chapter 24: Domino Effect

Well at least Glorfindel knows how Helena feels about his position as Co-leader! I don't see how Finrod could be their leader, at least at the moment, give it a couple of generations and he might be in a position to do so, or at least enough that Glorfindel could take that long vacation he has been needing for the last yen or two. I am beginning to wonder whose side Helena is on, or did she just assume that Finrod would come in and take over and Glorfindel would willingly step aside, "Yes My Lord, no my Lord, how high my lord?" So not him! Some of the Elves moving out of Edholland is a good idea, with a bit more room to move around things might not be so tense. Hope all is well with you, is it Spring yet? Huggs, Lynda

Monalex · 21 March 2014 · Chapter 24: Domino Effect

Hello Fiondil! What a way you chose for Helena to show her true colors! Woooowww I can just imagine the reaction and treatment she will have from her "Uncle Finrod", when he learns exactly what she did or said. I can guess what Finrod will do, thinking that she can mistreat, dismiss and hurt his brother so easily! Her parents did her a great disservice, because neither Alassiel, Findalaure, Elennen, Ingwion, Ingalaure, Intarion or any of the other royals, even at their worst, would treat any elf as if their beneath them, much less someone she has acted as if she cares about. What a horrible, petty and arrogant elleth, amazing that she is Sador great-granddaughter! Though I notice that she conveniently forgets her great-grandfather would not have such a bright future as a prince if he hadn't Glorfindel's friendship in the wing of the reborn in the first place. Forgetting also that one of her ancestors was a bodyguard of Prince Celeborn and the other a maid of Princess Artanis. Her great-grandfather had no standing due to his being born to the dignity of it – as she would think and say - unlike Glorfindel who from what you have let us know, his father was a High Lord of the Noldorin Realm, a close adviser of King Finwe. That his house has diminish is no fault of his own and he has attained great honor as a warrior, protector and adviser among the elves, something very few Elves can boast about. Glorfindel could have been made a Prince, just like Sador if he had wanted, but he was and is content with whom and what he is, which is very good! I can clearly see how all the elves that matter to her –because they have high standing in her eyes - will react to her "sharing of thoughts", like Finrod, Laurendil, Valandur, the Three Amigos and Nell, I think she will find herself singled out and found wanting. Which is just as well, I would vote for her getting booted from the House, but I don't see anyone actually doing it, unfortunately. If she can't get booted out of the house, I vote Finrod punishes her in the way he does so well and that we all love. I am concluding that Helena just thought herself in love, like Vorondur says, because no elleth would treat so badly an ellon she loved or cared about; this is just another point in which she will be judge by those who matter to her, because everyone will think and quite rightly, that she just led him on. Although I should point out, that I am very impressed by Glorfindel's maturity, back in Elf Interrupted he would have thrown a tantrum and/or at the very least would have shouted. But I can see why he did neither, he was very sad, not angry which is great difference, though I am curious as to what or where he is and who is keeping him company. Because that can be the only reason for his skipping a class he had planned. Give Glorfindel a hug for me will you? He totally deserves it! :) As for the University, I think this is one of the cases in which the Maiar should be working full time on! Having a known anti-Elf heading the University is a serious mistake. I don’t understand how this Richard could have kept in the council such a racist person, who could make trouble in the future. Even though he kept it to himself, it would have been easily noticeable. As always a great chapter and what a magnificent cliffhanger! Monalex

Kevana · 21 March 2014 · Chapter 24: Domino Effect

Helena, honey. :( She must be struggling with some kind of big inner conflict if she has feelings for Glorfindel yet would believe such things about him and doubt his value. I am sad for her. I can only imagine how much it would grieve her grandparents, who both love Glorfindel so much, and who surely would not have taught their children or grandchildren that people are only to be valued on their titles?! I wonder if she's been listening to whispers in the wind, and not the good kind that come from Olórin. Maybe Helena ought to be like Finrod and get thrown to the tender mercies of working under some Mortal a tiny fraction of her age. As for Glorfindel...they need to equip him with a GPS chip, the way they tag whales or wolves so scientists can track them. Same for Alex. In fact, just go ahead and chip them all. Save yourselves some trouble, folks. :P At least hang a cow bell around his neck or something. Poor fellow, can't win for losing, can he? Organizational politics are not pleasant and that's when you *don't* have the end of the world looming over your head. The Elves need some well-placed Mortal allies to back them up and they need them badly. If the Valar are serious about not being denied, George Stillman and his fellows might be in for some rough times themselves. Not that they'd ever hurt him but, well, what Fionwë said. Domino effects rarely stop easily, I have a feeling there's a long line of them still waiting to get knocked over. On the lighter side: “Nothing wrong with that,” Elrohir said with a huff, then he gave them a wicked grin. “Some of my best friends are Mortals. I just wouldn’t want one of them marrying my sister.” Fiondil, you evil man, you deserve to get something thrown at your head for that one. I nearly choked. I will be laughing at this one for a thousand years. And that song, oh good grief! I roll my eyes every time I hear it. I'm with you, Ercassë. Give me Miranda Lambert over Brad Paisley any day. *grin* Welp, looks like it's time to visit my waiting spot on the cliff edge. See y'all back here Monday. Awesome chapter, Fiondil! Tension is building and I'm getting chills, expecting something to explode and I'm rubbing my hands and cackling wickedly at it. Love! Take care, Kevana

Ellie · 21 March 2014 · Chapter 24: Domino Effect

Oh my, oh my, oh dinosaur, what has Helena done? Insert knife and twist, huh? The Valar were being rather optimistic in thinking that a severe talking to would change feelings. Love Ron in this, then again I always love Ron. Edhellond has suffered a very great loss in his moving out to a haven of his own. I'm glad Daeron is talking to him though. Daeron needs the therapy. I hope his girlfriend doesn't turn on him as well. I have to wonder if all that is coming to pass right now would have happened if Ron had not moved away. Hey, let's blame Ron. Yeah! Poor guy. I had forgotten all about that "I'm Still a Guy" song. I still remember when I first heard it and then told you about it when you sent this scene for beta. Oh my! LOL!

Dreamflower · 21 March 2014 · Chapter 24: Domino Effect

Oh dear! Poor Glorfindel--to hear one he thought had regard for him (and perhaps more) to speak to him in that way! Well, I knew her attitude had to come out sooner or later but that was very dramatic! I can't blame him from storming off and I have a feeling that she's going to find herself ostracized now--which she thoroughly deserves. As Serinde said "What a snot!" His use of Denethor's words were very apt. And the others are right: he'd never neglect his responsibility no matter how angry or upset--but something extraordinary must have happened. Best case scenario: he's been waylaid by one of the Valar. Worst case: he's been waylaid by an enemy. And then there are possibilities in between. Yet what niggles at me are the hints of trouble at the Academy. That's really sinister... *grin*

UTfrog · 21 March 2014 · Chapter 24: Domino Effect

Domino effect indeed. You title says it all. I liked the song too. Monday's update is greatly anticipated. Thank you.

rikki · 21 March 2014 · Chapter 24: Domino Effect

This was a hard chapter to read with all the arguments going on. It had to be a gut wrenching revelation for Glorfindel to hear Helyanwe basically tell him that he was less than the gum on Finrod's shoe when it had seemed earlier in the story that Helyanwe and Glorfindel were enjoying each other's company. If I remember your story from Elf Interrupted, Glorfindel was never treated as a subordinate of Finrod, but instead adopted into Finrod's family as a son and brother. And it seems that until Finrod returns home from work, Helyanwe is still not aware that she has done anything wrong in arguing with Glorfindel. It's going to take some strong interactions to get Helyanwe and possibly some of the other Valerian elves to see that they are causing a lot of damage among the entire group of elves.

Celeth · 21 March 2014 · Chapter 24: Domino Effect

Oh, please let Glorfindel still be in one piece!!! Poor Glorfindel, it was really a bad time for Helyanwe to be airing her views, just when he had a hard day topped off by what seems like a confrontation with the "anti-Elf" George Stillman. I always thought that Glorfindel had royal blood because Gandalf himself said that he is an Elf-lord of a house of princes, one of the mighty of the Firstborn. That must have hurt, being told that he should submit to Finrod because he is not a Prince and merely a lord of a house that no longer exists. It would hurt coming from anyone, but it would be worse coming from someone whom you thought loved you.