Treezebees · 24 January 2011 · Chapter 5: Abiding Friendship
I just finished the story and it's really great! I enjoyed reading it and I hope you will add a new chapter some day!
A Darkness Lies behind Us by Bodkin
Reviews (57)
Agape4Gondor · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 5: Abiding Friendship
I love the repartee between Finrod and Espalas - you'd think Finrod would realize that Namo would NOT want him back so soon! But I found it so sad that Finrod is separated from the Men he so loved.... And Finrod's knowledge of men - he should be listened to... And poor Amarie - she will have her hands full - if Indis has anything to say about it. I do so like her... her love for Finrod, her spunk, and her resolve to do what is needed. Oh my - who was that? Are we ever going to learn? I loved Finrod's humble acceptance of the obeisance... I loved the obeisance.... Oh - I so loved the Council - great chapter all the way around! Bless you for sharing it.
Agape4Gondor · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 4: On Sand of Pearls
My heart did break for the women left behind... it must have been horrible... then to learn of the deaths of those they loved.... I LOVE the phrase... he made friends as easily as others made... purches of fruit - excellent phrasing!!! OH good grief and the nightmare statement - all suffered - but Finrod has the courage to change that - to make amends - to heal others as well as himself. Beautiful... Ah ha! I loved the reunion - I will say no more - as you were quite discreet! I loved the meeting with his grandparents and the gentle sea over his toes... A splendid chapter - filled with trepidation, beauty, and love.
Agape4Gondor · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 3: Out of the Timeless Halls
Sorry for the delay in continuing the review! My heart went out to Finarfin... when he knew Finrod did not think him a coward... difficult decision - how terrible for the Noldor king... I like the fact that Finrod's release seemed to his father as a 'promise' to all those who mourn... my heart went out to Earwen - who felt her people's resentment... I shuddered when Finrod remembered the Helcaraxe... My heart cried, 'Yes!' when Finarfin noted that there was not just ONE kinslaying! Why did it continue??? I loved Indis hesitation at the thought of the HUGE project she was taking upon herself. And I loved the meeting with the foresters... gentle...
Inglor · 17 May 2008 · Chapter 5: Abiding Friendship
Oh, and your talent for crushers: -I am here now,’ Finrod reassured him. ‘And so are you. And, in the time to come, we will all do better than we did.’ ‘Vague, cousin,’ Espalas intruded, ‘very vague. And meaningless.’ ‘Not if you were there,’ the unknown elf told him. ‘Then you would understand.’ - gave me chills...
Author's reply
The separation of experience is, I think, one of those things that make it difficult for elves to grow past their bitterness. That, of course, combined with immortality and elven memory. The elves of Aman will never understand - and the returned elves don't want to let go of what they have seen / done / experienced / loved. But they all need to grow. Whether they like it or not!
Inglor · 17 May 2008 · Chapter 5: Abiding Friendship
There are perhaps 10 ff writers that I can name off the top of my head, yours is one of them. What makes your writing stand out from the other 9 is your imagery. Your descriptions of sights, sounds, and smells, are pure joy. Behind every great man is a good woman, yes? I really like your female characters.
Author's reply
Goodness! I'm flattered. I love expanding beyond sight to make words multi-sensory. And I love strong female characters - and looking at those left behind. Thank you, Inglor.
perelleth · 14 May 2008 · Chapter 5: Abiding Friendship
I am glad that you are still with this! There are two moments that caught me here. One is the picture of Indis literally walking out of her garden, abandoning her self imposed eclusion and probably having a role to play in this new state of things. The other was this: Not if you were there,’ the unknown elf told him. ‘Then you would understand.’ So definite, stating in one moment the gap between exiles and the rest. Also when they met those elves to whom Alqualonde was just achapter in long a bloodied story... and I liked that the thought somehow sobered up boisterous Espalas for a while. Light humour is easy when you do not carry such wounds... IT is intersting to see how they all would adjustto each other's presence in a foreseeable very long future!
Author's reply
Because the division between Aman and the Hither Lands is so firmly drawn - if one way - the elves of Aman can never understand. Their lives are so sheltered, that hearing of the suffering of others is like ... sitting in a restaurant sighing about sub-Saharan Africa. Small matters seem so much more important - and, with immortality and elven memory, grudges never get buried - and they have precious little incentive to overcome prejudice. Alqualonde - as the only example of its kind for the elves of Aman - will always seem a ... massive offence. Thank you, perelleth.
Larner · 14 May 2008 · Chapter 5: Abiding Friendship
Ah, our beloved Bodkin! How wonderful to see you again! Hurray! Hurray! I find I very much like Espalas and his perceptions of his half-Noldo, half-Teler cousin; and the introduction into Alvalonne is just perfect! Heh! Dropped goblets of cider and all! As for the reluctant Elf now told off to help in the refuges--hopefully he'll actually learn something, although I have my doubts right along our beloved bride-to-be! Yes, these are Elves who will help to see the return made easier for those who come in the future.
Author's reply
Oh, I think that everybody is about to learn a thing or two! It must be so easy to stagnate in the Blessed Realm and think that because it has always been so, so will it always be. Finrod seems to me to be the largest pebble dropped in the pond of self-satisfaction, but he's not the only one. Thank you, Larner. I will try to be a bit quicker about updating! Or this will take years.
Redheredh · 13 May 2008 · Chapter 5: Abiding Friendship
I really love Espalas and his self-satisfaction! He is perfect in his role! "... never as silly as you pretended..." Cleverly stupid,eh? "... perfected the look of straightforward simplicity." Perfect for an agent. "... the rakish smile that tended to make the mothers of beautiful daughters decide he was dangerous." lol! "... as simple as his sister's husband." Well, that just says it all. ;) His analysis during the council was superb. Finrod is lucky to have a helper, who also has affection for the Edain. The dropped tray was well done and used very effectively. I wanted the elf to be Edrahil... and then I remembered he died with Finrod. *sigh* Indis had some great moments too. " The symbolism was obvious - but vaild, nonetheless." Loved that whole bit. "It was always a mistake to forget that the Valar could be ruthless..." Profound in its cynicism and irony. I have hopes for where Finrod is headed as much as Espalas! Just make sure he makes room for Amarie, please?
Author's reply
Espalas makes me laugh. He's a lot cleverer than he lets on - and I think he would get on like a house on fire with the more mischievous Sindar and the less-shy Wood-elves. While Finrod, I think, likes and appreciates Celeborn far more than most of the Noldor. I'm not sure the Valar really know what to do here - the whole situation is a bit beyond their experience. I have a feeling they're just dropping a few pebbles in the pond to see what will happen. And Finrod and Amarie will definitely have time together! Thank you, Redheredh. I hope the next chapter will arrive rather more quickly.
Alquawende · 12 May 2008 · Chapter 5: Abiding Friendship
I'm so glad that you've updated at last! I wonder who that elf was that Finrod and Espalas met. Is he going to be important or not later in the story? I'm also curious about what Finrod is going to do about the returned Exiles and the Sindar. But wouldn't the Sindar follow Olwe, if not Finrod because Olwe was their old lord's brother? I'd think they would hear Finrod at least because he is related to Thingol and understands part of what they felt because he had lived in Beleriand too. Thanks for writing and please update soon!
Author's reply
I suspect that elf will be around. He doesn't seem the sort to step back from Finrod now he's seen him again. I think Finrod's role is primarily to bring down the barriers that stop all the different peoples from hearing each other. He's blood-related to all the ... tribes of Aman, rebel, Exile, kin with the Sindar, and, I daresay, enough of a wanderer and enthusiast that the Wood-elves know and like him. He did, after all, die at the side of one of the Edain. The Sindar would have made their way to Olwe, I think, once they left the Island, but I'm going with the thought that the Lonely Isle was a necessary stopping point, where elves from the Hither Lands needed to recuperate before reaching the mainland. I'll try to be a bit quicker about the next chapter. Although there's only about half a page so far.
Nilmandra · 12 May 2008 · Chapter 5: Abiding Friendship
I like this line: While the few Wood-elves … Espalas hid a grin. Well – they might not accept it, but their preferred method of resistance was absence. Controlling them was like trying to cage mist. - it shows that not all elves are the same, that their spirits and temperments vary so widely. I'm sure Indis and Amarie and the others helping those returnning to M-e will find that what the elves need will vary considerably.
Author's reply
Thanks Nilmandra. I'm not surprised the Valar put off re-embodying the elves in the Halls of Mandos. It must have been an administrative nightmare of the kind that makes you look the other way and whistle whenever the topic comes up. I suspect that Tol Eressea and all the different elves there - well, at least they had had a common enemy. Espalas has the eye of someone who can see the problems and ia able to decide that it's none of his business - and be thankful for it.
Nilmandra · 12 May 2008 · Chapter 4: On Sand of Pearls
It is interesting to think of programs, for lack of a better word, in the rehousing of the dead and reintroducing them to society. I like the spontaneity of it, in how the pieces seem to come together on their own. That seems right to me.
Author's reply
It needs to come from the elves though, I think. Valar-stimulated, maybe, but the locals need to be ready. And there's nothing like a bit of barn-raising to pull a community together.
Nilmandra · 12 May 2008 · Chapter 3: Out of the Timeless Halls
My favorite part about this is the discussion between Indis and Earwen, that the kin being ready to receive them might be important to the reunion as well. And Ingwe, with his very helpfulness, for he had a son long missed that he wished for. How interesting that Finarfin finds that Finrod is not perhaps, the first. :D
Author's reply
I do think it is important - if the return is to work - that the elves are ready to welcome their lost kin. And they're not, a lot of them, which is why it has been deemed necessary to smooth the way. And I can't imagine that harmless, accidental uncontroversial deaths in Aman - and there must have been some, elves being as adventurous as they are - wouldn't have merited a swift return. But it must have been a nightmare to work out how - and perhaps the experience only went to prove that a group effort was required if more ... complex ... tortured fear were to be returned.
daw the minstrel · 12 May 2008 · Chapter 5: Abiding Friendship
I like the ideas being considered here: the possibility of forgiveness, the need for reconciliation. I also like Indis's observation that it didn't do to forget how ruthless the Valar could be. Indeed. Time for everyone to remember just how small and limited they are, and yet valued nonetheless.
Author's reply
Thank you daw. The more you think about the problems the elves of the Blessed Realm must face, the more complicated it all becomes!
Alquawende · 4 November 2007 · Chapter 4: On Sand of Pearls
This is a really good story. This whole take on what to do when the Reborn come back is something I haven't thought of that much, but I'm really enjoying yours. I was looking at someone else's review and I can't believe that there are going to be ten chapters to this. That's going to be great! More Finrod! Yipee! Hope you don't get destracted anymore, and thanks for writing! Alquawende
Author's reply
Well - I've got the titles, Alquawende, now I've just got to get round to writing the story! One of the most fun things about writing fan-fiction, I think, is looking at something that's little more than an idea and trying to figure out how it would work. The whole Blessed Realm, for example, is so complicated - layer upon layer of infrastructure, not to mention age-old resentments and grievances. Hopefully the next chapter will spin itself more quickly. Thank you, Alquawende.
Nariel · 12 September 2007 · Chapter 4: On Sand of Pearls
I was reading this over again because I love it that much. Okay maybe it's just because of Amarie but who cares. I see you haven't updated in a *LONG* time. I do wish though that you update. *No one here's getting any younger* How far are you in the story any way? Do you know how many chapters there are so that we the readers are assurred that this amazing story of yours will even be finished? Will you please update?! Happy writing and updating and Namarie!
Author's reply
Thank you, Nariel. I have got about half a chapter written - and am trying to focus on it. Unfortunately, I keep getting distracted by boring things like work. I will get to it, I promise. I have about ten chapters planned. Although I've got a few more good chapter titles ... It will be finished.
Anonymous · 8 September 2007 · Chapter 4: On Sand of Pearls
I love this! You make the reader want to read more. I am now under your spell. Finrod is so realistic, I could almost feel as though I was there with him. Amarie. Poor Amarie. All she does is wait, never anything else. Whenever I read about her, she is always the one waiting. Maybe Finrod should wait for once. She is always so gentle in this story. And patient... Right when she has Finrod within her grasp, he must leave again. And she must wait. Finrod better hurry before she is too old in her mind to wed or she no longer wants to. It's a pity for Finrod that he loved Middle-Earth a lot and that the time of his greatest happiness was there, but marred by not having someone to share it with. If only Amarie, had journeyed with him to Middle-Earth...
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm sorry this story is moving so slowly. I keep getting distracted from it! It's a good thing that time doesn't mean the same thing to elves - because Amarie had had to wait a very long time! But I suspect her patience will be rewarded. Eventually!
Anonymous · 23 July 2007 · Chapter 4: On Sand of Pearls
Cannot wait to read more chapters to this story, because you have done a terrific job so far! I do hope you continue this! Hope to see more chapters extremely soon and updated quicker!!!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it and there will be more - but it is moving slowly. Except for the chapter titles. I've got them all planned out!
perelleth · 25 June 2007 · Chapter 4: On Sand of Pearls
FInrod´s return would be a catalyst for healing for many other, one might expect! I loved his meeting with Amarie and how he humbled himself, and also his conversation with FInarfin, although seeing that one begins to wonder about that being the "blessed realm" :-)
Author's reply
The feeling that you get from the 'Finrod walks with his father ...' comment is that he is pretty much the first to return. My feeling is that he probably wasn't - but he was the first of the royal families to return from exile and death. How others were received - whether others were allowed to be freed - would probably depend on how Finrod behaved. And, I think, if any of those proud scions of the House of Finwe could be trusted to behave well, it would be Finrod. And you might have spotted that I don't really get the whole Blessed Realm thing if Blessed Realm is supposed to be synonymous with mindless bliss. It wasn't like that before Feanor chased off after his stones and it wouldn't be now - elves are obstinate, determined, inventive, contentious ... lots of other things, too! ... and would challenge each other throughout eternity. Even those with the best of hearts! And for the best of motives. Thank you, Perelleth.
Ellie · 19 June 2007 · Chapter 4: On Sand of Pearls
What a very moving chapter! The insights into the deeper problems in the Blessed Realm are so well realized and stated by Finarfin and Finrod. The meeting of Finrod and Aaire and between Finrod and his grandparents was excellently portrayed. You have shown the courage of the reborn and those who love them quite well. Nicely done!
Author's reply
Thank you, Ellie. Elves are such complex and long-lived characters that I really can't imagine life in the BR being all sweetness and light. I suspect the rulers of Alqualonde must have come to terms with the Kin-slaying - if only to survive it - but that doesn't mean every Teler will have done. And Finrod wouldn't want to hide behind his grandfather. His reconciliation with his Teler side would have been important, I think.
Imhiriel · 18 June 2007 · Chapter 3: Out of the Timeless Halls
Finarfin's summary of the difficulties and heartache that awaited him when he turned back from the flight, terse and brief as it is, illuminates very clearly his bravery, as well what a struggle it must have been for the Elves of Aman - all Elves - to recover and recoup, and rebuilt peace and frayed relations. To contrast this with what people reproached him and what names they called him (and which is shared, regrettably, by some writers), this makes if all the more poignant. "Perhaps the newly-housed fëar of the slain need the... absence of enmity in their carers." Very intriguing answer to the question of why certain Elves are released when others presumed "more deserving" are not! And it rings certainly true, hard as it is. "Finrod might walk beside his atar under the trees..." Oh, I like how you have used here the relevant quote from the Silmarillion - you have certainly brought it to mind in this story! The plural form of "Elleth" is "Ellith". I like the back-and-forth of showing Finrod adapting to life and what the women are up to in establishing a "care system". "It would be ... pleasant, to remember that I am only a small part of the whole." Very perceptive of you to include this observation. I think it could be difficult to be the centre of attention even if it is all from care and concern of those who love him. To put himself in a more regular perspective in relation to others must be an equally important step towards normalcy. And what a thought-provoking encounter for Finarfin. How indeed has this "problem" of Reborn Elves been dealt with without coming to the attention of the leaders.
Author's reply
Thank you, Imhiriel. And the chapter titles are all extracted from the Silmarillion, as well. (I have far more than I can possibly use, too.) Really, the immortality of elves must be incredibly difficult to deal with - fine as long as everything is sweetness and light, but dealing with spite and violence and personal affront and learning to forgive and move past offences that perfect memory can recall in meticulous detail ... Well - I'm only surprised they all manage to get on as well as they do. It would be difficult for Namo to return to life those whose restored innocence would not protect them from the less pure response of those who lived through the past. I think accepting responsibility might be key in returning - understanding your motives and moving beyond them - and that the more damaged the fea and/or hroa the more difficult the process would be. Those who died in innocence or sacrifice might well have an advantage ... but then guilt and culpability are not the same thing. And following commands cannot be used to justify actions when those commands are carried out slavishly to the active harm of others ... Sorry. Rambling. I know (these days) that the plural of elleth is ellith - but I just so much prefer the ellyth spelling that I am reluctant to change. Sorry.
Inglor · 18 June 2007 · Chapter 4: On Sand of Pearls
One of the things that is truly striking about your writing, to me anyway, is your imagery. Sight, sound, and especially smell are clear yet understated. It makes the "suspension of reality" completly effortless. And your insights And characters And pace etc. Finrod's comment about nightmares was a masterful stroke, both what he said and how he said it
Author's reply
Thank you, Inglor. I have to work to keep the imagery under control - it flows quite easily for me! I'm very flattered by your additions! Finrod is a very strong character, and insightful with it. Glad you liked it.
Redheredh · 18 June 2007 · Chapter 4: On Sand of Pearls
I am very happy to see you continuing this story! That was a sweet reunion between Amarie and Finrod. :) Her observation very informative about the nature of Finrod's re-embodiment. Finarfin's conclusions were rather insightful. But, poor Earwen... being told there were already reassimilated (more or less) returnees, when she and the other ladies had come to see their mission as very needful. She had a right to be bewildered and question what was really going on. Her speculation about the best treatment of 'hard' cases was also insightful. It was wise of Finrod to seek official forgiveness and show humility. Olwe too was wise to explain his reasons for giving it - with conditions. I am glad to see that his people respect their king enough to wait upon his judgement and not accost Finrod outright. Although, as yet, it seems most people only resent not having their loved ones back when this prince has been returned. However, I am worried that the 'tendrils of resentment' will become braided into a garrote of vengeance. The Teleri are pretty good at rope-making. But, I fear the kin of someone who has perished in Finrod's company even more. One thing that has to be said is that your writing makes every tale - even those of a pondering nature - a pleasure to read. The well-depicted settings and the little personable details you include draw the reader unsuspectingly into grander themes - not just painlessly, but delightfully. I like this chapter as a bridge to the next movement in the disrupted song of marred Eldamar.
Author's reply
The idea of returning to live again in the west becomes more and more complicated as you think about the implications. And the numbers. And quite how you would deal with being reunited with members of your family who died a violent death thousands of years before and who have missed all the experiences that came between then and now. I think Finrod would have realised the need for an official expression of regret. He has the instincts of a king and he is deeply interested in other people. And matters are in flux rather at the moment and could go all sorts of ways - including ways that could prove disastrous. Hopefully the leaders have enough eyes out there to be aware of where they need to push and where to soothe. Thank you, Redheredh. I'm glad you liked it - although it is not a story that is flowing very well. Fits and starts, I'm afraid. But it will continue - I am determined on that!
Agape4Gondor · 18 June 2007 · Chapter 2: Wonder and Disquiet
This is a truly beautiful story, Bodkin, and I am enjoying it immeasurably.
Author's reply
Thank you Agape4Gondor! It's moving rather slowly, I'm afraid, but hearing that you are enjoying it encourages me to go and write some more.
lwarren · 17 June 2007 · Chapter 4: On Sand of Pearls
I find the thought that the unforgiveness felt by the elves of Aman to be the hindering factor of their kin being returned to them absolutely fascinating and plausible. Why restore the innocence of the reborn, only to have it corrupted by the unforgiveness and hate of the society they are expected to rejoin? But even more compelling is Finrod's statement to his mother about mending the distances that separate his people. "'A big responsibility.' Earwen was not sure she approved. 'But a great purpose.' Anar shone in Finrod's hair and the reflections on the crystal water enhanced the gleam of his pale skin. 'And it is only fair that we should be asked to put back what we have received.' He smiled. 'For we have received so much more than we have deserved.'" His nobility really shines there! Such an interesting time - and I like the thought of houses set up to help those reborn adjust to their new circumstances. Best of all, Finrod and Amarie and Earwen and Finarfin - I love those elves (especially as seen in your vision of Aman). And as usual, Bodkin, you have such a lyrical way with words! "Scents of...salt winds and distant islands, silver fish and pods of sleek dolphins, bright corals and kelp forests. You could take the Teler from the sea, but the ocean remained part of the Teler, despite long centuries in the decorous Tirion, surrounded by trees and the tang of forge-fires." *sighs* Lovely! Between you and Fiondil, I am getting my 'Finrod fix' quite regularly! LOL (well...if I can't have Legolas....) More soon, please..... Linda
Author's reply
If the reborn arrive innocent, having paid for whatever sins they have committed, then the last thing the Valar would want would be for them to suffer at the hands of those who bear grudges against them. Finrod makes a great spearhead of a more general movement to ease matters. An Exile, but not a Kinslayer. A king and a victim - a sacrifice. A very personable sacrifice, too, and one who could charm the birds off the trees. I'm glad you are enjoying a fix of Finrod - and thank you, Linda.