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Rise Again From Ashes  by Independence1776 2 Review(s)
SurgicalSteelReviewed Chapter: 18 on 10/27/2010
I've been really bad about reviewing lately - sorry about that!

One of the things I really appreciate about this story - and this chapter in particular - is how real the reactions of many of the characters seem to me. It makes sense to me that Finarfin might not welcome the Fëanorions back with open arms - he likely had a long hard road as king of the remnant Noldor. Simply managing to convince the various other elven groups in Valinor that there wouldn't be a repeat of Fëanor's rebellion must've been difficult, and for him, it must feel on some level like 'wait, I've been working my tail off for millennia to keep the Valar's trust and keep the trust of the other elves - and the ringmaker and the kinslayer get off scot-free?' And whether that's the reality or not, I'd imagine that's how he feels.

Maglor's reactions also seem realistic to me - the only person currently walking in your Valinor who might have a glimmer of understanding of what it means to essentially be Morgoth's dupe (even if they didn't realize it at the time) is the man who was Sauron's dupe - his nephew Celebrimbor. And it makes sense to me that he'd occasionally simply need a few moments alone. I like that Elrond seems to respect that.

Finally, I appreciate that the Valar in your 'verse seem to have learned from their mistakes. They're taking much more of a hands-off approach with the elves, only intervening when it's truly necessary, not attempting to bully or trick the elves into doing what they think is best.

And one squeeful note: I loved the noise made by imploding air as Eönwë departed. My scientific side clapped like a seal at that. :)

Author Reply: It's nothing to apologize for. I'm likely worse than you. :)

Yes, that's very much how he feels, along that Maglor's return has caused a lot of headaches for him from the various factions. There's a lot going on in Valinor that simply can't be shown due to the POV. I'm very glad it makes sense to you.

Yes, Celebrimbor is one of the few people who could understand, for the reason you mentioned. It's why I couldn't leave him out.

They had to have, really. (At least, I like to think they did.) I think one of the things that hit them was the fact that their intervention with Fëanor was harmful at best, and that maybe, he was right about some of his beliefs.

*grins* The scientist in me couldn't not put it in. I tried my best to fit RAFA in with real-world science, so it had to happen. I'm glad you caught that!

6336Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 10/24/2010
Well I can't blame Elrond for being a little pissed with Maglor, but really Finafin needs to get over it. The person who is really to blame for all this is his father! If Finwe had not wanted more children and had not married Indis, Feanor would not have attacked his brother and precipitated all this.
The Silmarills might still have been stolen and the Nolder might still have left for Ennorath in a huff but things would have played out a lot differantly!
Having said all this I still think somebody needs to have a little chat with Finarfin, maybe the Elder King could drop a few hints in Finarfins ear about being adult about all this, and not blameing everybody but himself. Maglor has as much right for forgivness as the next Exile be he kinslayer or not, besides I think they were all a little crazy at that time, Feanor not the least!
If the Valar can forgive Maglor, albeit conditionally, and I have issues with that, can Finarfin say them nay?
Lynda
p.s. Maybe Fiondil's Namo can hop over to your 'verse and have one of his famous 'Little Chats' with Finarfin!

Author Reply: Yes, Finarfin does. But there will always be bad blood there. Finarfin thinks the Kinslayings are unforgivable.

The person who is really to blame for all this is his father!

Actually, I blame the Valar. If they hadn't trusted and released Morgoth, the Silmarils would never have been stolen. Furthermore, I don't think they understand the Children at all, especially not that early in M-e's history, though in the intervening years in my 'verse, they've learned from their mistakes. I can't blame Finwë for loving someone else and wanting more children.

Well, this isn't simply a family matter for Finarfin. Maglor's return has caused a lot of civil unrest in some quarters of Valinor, which he has to deal with as king. Plus, it's the first meeting between the two in Ages, when their families didn't part easily or ever really get along. He has reasons to react how he does.

If the Valar can forgive Maglor, albeit conditionally, and I have issues with that, can Finarfin say them nay?

Yes, due to free will. The Valar can't make him think or do anything, else they'd be worse than Morgoth. Secondly, it wasn't a conditional forgiveness. The restrictions were placed on Maglor because he's a criminal *and* in some danger just by living. It's roughly equivalent to someone being placed on probation in the US criminal justice system. I am curious as to why you thought it was conditional, and what your issues are.

Maybe Fiondil's Namo can hop over to your 'verse and have one of his famous 'Little Chats' with Finarfin!

My conception of the Valar, the underpinnings to my 'verse, and interpretation of the Silmarillion are completely different than his. Even if I was interested, it simply wouldn't work.

Thank you for reading, and I'm glad you're enjoying it!

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