Reviews (558)

blake · 16 July 2022 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

I remember so many years of waiting with bated breath for the next Fiondil update. It was the highlight of my week all through high school. Came back to read some old stories and bask in the nostalgia. Can't believe it's been so many years now. I love many writers of tolkien fanworks, but none of them have shaped the way I imagine Arda to the extent Fiondil did. He said he lived in Middle-earth part time and I've always suspected he was telling the truth ;) So often I'll remember a detail about a character or event and find it came from Fiondil rather than the legendarium - as far as I'm conncerned Fiondil contributed to the legendarium. You have Pengolodh and Aelfwine, and then you have Tolkien and Fiondil.

KathyG · 22 December 2021 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

Thank you so much for allowing Dreamflower and me to use the back story Fiondil developed in our story! So far, we have posted 90 chapters here and on other Web sites. The name of our story is "An Unexpected Adventure," and it's posted under my username. I really think that Fiondil's great stories should all be posted on Fanfiction.net and Archive of Our Own! That would widen his audience base greatly. I noticed that another reviewer would like very much to do that. Would you object if that was done?

SweetpeaDeepdelver · 3 September 2021 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

I don't know if you all are around anymore to read this, but I needed to say thank you. I first discovered Fiondil's work as a teenager, on the cusp of the great wide world. I avidly followed his work and mourned him when we all heard of his (far too soon) passing away. Now I'm married, with a kid, and I've come a very long way since those early days. As I was breastfeeding, I came back to the Elf Academy series for the first time (I believe) since Fiondil's passing. His world is just as rich and as vibrant as ever and I miss his bi-weekly updates in ways I haven't in years. I completely understand if this is all we will ever get. Thank you for all your work. Eru be with you all and Fiondil will be in my prayers.

Rangerfan58 · 2 March 2021 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

I hope you feel well enough to continue the story soon since I am enjoying it, though I understand that health comes before anything else. I was also wondering about two other things which I can no longer ask the original author due to his death and thus must ask you who have continued his story these questions . I was wondering if I could archive these stories on a website called Archiveofourown, also known as AO3 if you thought he would permit it. The other thing I wanted to ask about is, if you think he would permit it if I could write a story based on this part of Chapter 35 of Stirrings of Shadow,including this part and naturally mentioning the original author. He and Glorfindel were of an age with one another, both scions of Noldorin nobility, though Glorfindel was probably closer to the Noldorin royal family than he. The ironic thing, of course, was that their two families hated each other. Thandir chuckled at that thought. He wondered what his adar would think if he knew that his only son now took orders from the son of his hated rival. Yet, so much had changed with the Rebellion. He stopped, his thoughts taking a strange turn. It was the Helcaraxë that changed them. He and Glorfindel had eagerly joined the Rebellion under the banners of Lord Arafinwë and his sons, but the antagonism of their respective families proved too much and Glorfindel had attached himself to Turucáno’s banner, leaving Thandir to follow Lord Findaráto. Yet, in spite of their initial mistrust of one another, each had had the opportunity to save the life of the other during the Crossing and while they never became friends (at least then), they had done what none of their elders had been able to do: they had made peace between themselves. When, centuries later, news came to him of Glorfindel’s death as he helped succor the refugees from fallen Gondolin, Thandir had wept. When, nearly thirteen hundred years later, Glorfindel had stepped upon the quay at Mithlond and made his way to Gil-galad’s court, Thandir had wept again, though for different reasons.... Upon entering Aran Gil-galad’s court and seeing Thandir standing in attendance beside Lord Celeborn, Glorfindel smiled so brilliantly, his joy so completely unadulterated, that Thandir did not know where to look and felt unaccountably ashamed. He only looked up when he felt Glorfindel take him into his arms and give him the kiss of one kinsman to another. "I’m glad to see a familiar face, Cousin," the golden-haired ellon whispered to him. Then he stepped back, giving him a searching look. "Art thou mine enemy?" he said unexpectedly, asking the question he had asked Thandir all those centuries past when neither knew if they would survive the frozen hell which they were crossing. Thandir shook his head and then did the only thing he could think of: he knelt before this Reborn ellon, offering Glorfindel his knife. "If thou seest an enemy before thee, lord, let him be slain," he whispered the words he had said all those long yéni ago. "Yet if in thy heart thou seest a friend, let this knife be witness to our pledge of amity." For a long moment Glorfindel did not move and Thandir was acutely aware of Gil-galad’s court looking on with undisguised curiosity at the tableau before them. Then Glorfindel took the knife from Thandir’s hands and with a single motion sliced his palm before returning the knife to its owner. Without breaking eye contact with Glorfindel, Thandir sliced his own palm and then they joined hands. "Let the Valar be our witnesses that in the mingling of our blood I see naught but a friend before me," Glorfindel intoned softly, a gentle smile on his face. "As do I," Thandir said, repeating the same words he had spoken under the silent regard of the shimmering curtains of light that were ever present in their trek across the Ice. Then Glorfindel pulled him up into a tight embrace again and Thandir wept.... I do understand and will respect your wishes if you deny me my requests, and if you wish to contact me privately you can find me on AO3 and Fanfiction.net under this penname

atealgirl · 9 November 2020 · Chapter 8: Catching Up

Hi, I don't normally leave reviews, but as I was rereading this chapter I got thinking about Morwen and what role she might play in future parts of the story. Maybe she could be a love interest for Glorfindel and what ends up stopping him from fading? I love Fiondil's universe and it has changed how I look at the rest of Tolkien's world. Thanks, atealgirl

Cam · 5 December 2019 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

I'm really glad to learn that you're still alive (you don't get to say that often)! I'm so sorry you've had such an unbelievably difficult few years. That is so much to bear. For what it's worth, you are certainly in my prayers. Thank you for the work you've done to keep Authur's legacy alive. I still come back to his works right along. It's hard to believe it's been so long since his passing. I was still in high school back then, now I'm married and about to enter grad school. His stories hold so many fond memories for me - I sincerely hope we get to see the rest if his 'vault' someday. Regardless, I really do so, so appreciate that you've put this much work into passing his drafts on and finishing his stories. Thank you for the update - I hope this upcoming year and every one after is far kinder to you.

Shemyaza · 2 October 2019 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

Hi everyone, no, I am not writing from beyond the grave, the rumours of my demise have been greatly exaggerated! I'm not even sure where they started. It is true that I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in May 2011 and I had to have chemo and then a stem cell transplant, but I have been in remission now since 2012. Unfortunately there is an aftermath of that kind of treatment, skin and gut issues, bone issues from having had to take steroids for the skin, gut issues which led to me being diagnosed with osteoporosis. My spine is crumbling and since 2016, I have been in and out of hospital with spine operations. Unfortunately the ops didn't work and the past three years I have been dealing with the fact that I am in a lot of pain and my mobility is less. The last operation was Spinal Decompression which didn't work and now there is nothing they can do to help the spine. I am still walking, I just have a lot of pain and have to rely on painkillers. I'm sure quite a lot of you know how debilitating that can be. I have to take Vitamin D and Alendronic Acid which is a bone hardener in an attempt to halt the damage to my lower spine. In addition to all this, my dear sister died on October 24 2017 and it was a huge blow to both her family and me. I am still not over that. I am still grieving. None of this has been conducive to writing and my own writing has suffered. However, I am slowly getting a handle on all of this and hopefully I can at least do some writing of my own. I'd like to thank those who left messages about my 'demise', when Ellie told me, I actually laughed at the idea considering how hard I have fought to remain alive for the past 8 years. As you can see I am very much alive. Fiondil's last story, does have two or three chapters which he had written but not published. I will try to post those. Still alive and kicking!

elrondion · 28 September 2019 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

truly sorry to hear about Shemyazza's passing. in the spirit of her monumental effort and fiondel's obvious desires i have a request. if Shemyazza's and fiondel's notes still exist, would it be possible to post them here of on a third party site? this would give those of us who have been following along, the opportunity to see where this incredible story was going. it could stand as a final memorial to both of them.

AnnEllspethRaven · 23 September 2019 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

I am so sorry to hear that Shemyazza passed six months ago. Everyone at SWG is mourning her passing. Also, this work will not be completed or updated.

Midnight Promise · 21 September 2019 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

I just wanted to take a moment and thank everyone who had a hand in posting these remaining chapters. Fiondil's work has brought a lot of hope and peace to people. I so wish we could have access to his computer and see what else he had in store for us! I hope you are well in your lives. <3

Kevana · 3 June 2019 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

I keep thinking of Arthur lately and came back to revisit his works. I’m very thankful they’re still hosted here, and that his friends were able to post the last unfinished tales. Thank you so very much for doing so. I miss him. Even people you only know in passing really do make a big impact in your life in ways you could never have imagined. He was an amazing person. I hope that his friends here are all well and living your best lives. Blessings to you and take care of yourselves. <3

Aranadhel · 11 December 2018 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

Hello, What's the update, please?

KathyG · 26 July 2018 · Chapter 0: Prologue the Second: The Beginning of the End

I have a request to make of the beta-readers who finished Elf Academy 3 and posted part of Elf Academy 4. If Fiondil were still alive, I would make this request of him, but since he's not, and since I don't know your email addresses, I must do it here. Dreamflower and I are co-writing a story which is now being posted here on Stories of Arda, as well as on a few other Web sites. Here is the link to the story: An Unexpected Adventure Glorfindel plays a role in our story, and since very little of his back history was given by Tolkien, I should like to draw on the additional back history that Fiondil gave him. Have Dreamflower and I your permission to do so? I hope that one day, you'll be able to resume working on Elf Academy 4!

KathyG · 1 July 2018 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

This story is never going to be finished, is it? I take it that you have developed it as much as you'll ever be able to. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been over a year since you last posted a chapter. That really is a shame, because I would have so loved to see how it ended! As another fanfiction author, I have a request to make of you. Dreamflower and I are in the process of co-writing a novel-length LOTR story, which we have just begun to post. We have asked permission of SoA to commence posting it here, and we're waiting for their reply. Glorfindel is one of the characters in ours. Is is all right if Dreamflower and I draw on the back story that Fiondil gave Glorfindel whenever the need arises? The trouble with relying solely on the history that Tolkien gave him is that there is so little of it. I really love the additional history that Fiondil gave him, and I should like to draw on it if I may. If Fiondil were still alive, I would, of course, ask him but since he's not, I am asking you. If Dreamflower and I do use it, we will give the credit to Fiondil for developing it and thanks to you for letting us use it.

katharein · 18 June 2018 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

Please do what you need to do in your RLs! I am grateful for your work and while I would love to see anything more, it has been such a gift already - thank you. KathareinVALAR

Aranadhel · 11 April 2018 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

So when will this continue? Been waiting too long. Come on whoever it is managing this.

Gabe Francis · 2 April 2018 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

The story will not be updated since Shemyazza has died earlier this year.

KathyG · 26 March 2018 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

Are you not going to finish this story after all? Is it going to remain in permanent hiatus? It's been almost a year now since it was last updated, and it looks as if it's never going to be continued. That is going to be a real shame.

Arasinda · 29 November 2017 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

Dearest Beta Sisters for Fiondil, I have missed your work on his behalf. Some fans have become dishearted and said good-bye, but there are many of us who are still waiting for the closing chapters. I believe many of us would be satisfied with even the finishing outlines to Fiondil's work other than stay in limbo. Closure with the last "adventure" for the elves in modern times feels needed. However, I do have a suggestion. If possible see if TolkienScribe can assist. Fiondil enjoyed his work, and he has written of Elves in our time and dealing with the Dagor Dagorath. I miss Fiondil's creative imagination within the world of Tolkien. It was a wonderful sandbox at the end of a busy day or week. Elessar, have hope. Sincerely, Arasinda

KathyG · 14 July 2017 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

Ouch, sorry to hear that! Recovering from surgery's no fun, I know, especially when you have to endure pain in the process. Please tell Shemyazza she's got our best wishes! Will the next four chapters finish the story, then, or will it have to remain in a state of permanent hiatus once the fourth and last chapter has been posted?

KathyG · 14 July 2017 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

You've come to the final chapter that can be posted, haven't you? The story cannot be finished, and that's a real shame. Well, we all thank for for all of the chapters that you were able to post for us. At least we got to see how part of the story goes. If only Fiondil could have lived long enough to finish it!

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 5 June 2017 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

Dear Ellie, Shemyaza and Mari, I've had a lot of family stuff going on these days and I know you have too, off and on, everyone has RL difficulties. I hope all's well with you all now or as much as it can be. The world is quiet here, for now. We all greatly miss our Fiondil, and if there's anything I can do to help with this story I'm here. If this is truly to remain my heart-Atto's Unfinished Tales, I understand, and I want you three Beta Amigas to know I love and respect you for getting as far as you did with it. I hope we'll remain in contact and you won't just fade away, you, me and our fellow Fiondilie. Tye-melin, Kaylee Arafinwiel, yelde indonyo to Atto Fiondil

KathyG · 1 June 2017 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

It's been almost 2 months since you've lasted posted a chapter. I take it, then, that this is as far as you'll be able to continue the story?

Ninq · 10 April 2017 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

If Glorfindel is perfectly capable of flying the plane on his own, and Alex already owned the plane, then why was Rufus needed at all in the first place? Might be he's one of the pieces of the puzzle that needs to fall into place, but somehow that sounds ridiculous... time will hopefully tell, but I'd be happy enough to know Redelfs background before we run out of the chapters written by Fiondil

gwed · 7 April 2017 · Chapter 59: Syracuse

Oh I can't wait to find out Rufus' reaction to the so-called Little People. lol Like all the humans before him, it's bound to be good. I don't know why, but I got ridiculously excited to find out Glorfindel's a pilot. I love it. My reaction was the same as Alex's. I'm just waiting for some human to finally yell at him "what in the blazes else can you do?" Aside from looking gorgeous which does come naturally! Rufus' response to him and Gwyn being top of the top ladies' men was gold. Though talking about wincing in sympathy for Rufus. A person looking like death warmed over should really be made into a poster for Namo's little chats. You don't even have to ask. Just look at the person and if they look like the poster then you know. I'm one of the very few people apparently who doesn't like Alex, but I gotta admit that I enjoyed him in this chap. For one, his responses are always funny when someone rides him about having a girlfriend. Welcome to the real world of relationships and the teasing that comes with it! Must've been tricky to feign nonchalance at Glorfindel's Ireland story when Alex realized what he was doing. It's moments like those where I really love looking at the Elves through human eyes.