The Brightest of Us All by Ilye

Intriguing!

I like that you chose Fingolfin's point of view.

And also Lalwende's involvement.

What an ending!

You've packed in plenty of intriguing twists and resisted the temptation of tidying-up the loose ends too neatly.

Oh, this is original! I really, really like. I love the details--the repeated “You are an arsehole" exchange is perfect and totally believable.

I love all of the family interactions. The ring very true, or perhaps more one of few possible interpretations that could feel true to me. So many small details delight me. I love you included Lalwen--ten years and nearly 100 stories later I wish had when I was plotting my backstory of these same characters, too many words under the bridge for me to go back and re-work that now. I love that others beside just Fingon are trying to find him.

Curufin, ha! That made me giggle. Afraid he is not the favorite anymore.

Of course, I love most of all that Feanor survives and a chance to look at how that might have changed the story. I love seeing him begin to let go and listen to others. Maedhros may have been tempered by his suffering, but then so has Feanor.

The flip in who had the most internal difficulties in keeping their flock in order is really interesting to read. The fanon favorite is that Maedhros would have problems with the Feanorians when he hands the crown over to Fingolfin. Here Fingolfin's willingness to deal with Feanor makes problems for him among his followers. I really like the considerations that your storyline manifests when you change an outcome like this big one--Feanor lives--so many little things must change as well.

Obviously, I really enjoyed it! Thanks so very much for sharing.

I like where and the way it ends. But you know how fanfic readers are--we always want more of good thing--putting all literary or artistic considerations aside.

Extremely entertaining AU.