Radbooks
· 27 November 2007
· Chapter 139: Day of Reckoning
Oh, very nice chapter even if I did strongly suspect that Finrod would win this round so that they'd have to 'play' again. :) I loved the time together in the tent with the four 'brothers' and Namo and Irmo speaking together and the two Valar serving Glorfindel and Finrod was a neat scene that I could really see in my mind. It saddens me to think that people will still be so upset with the outcome of the tournament that they have to be on their toes for the next days and months, but I know it's true. *sigh* It'll take a long time for things to be healed there, won't it?
I loved the conversation between Ingwion and Manwe... he's certainly been learning a lot in the last few months, hasn't he? I loved Manwe's sense of humor there.
I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter!
Author's reply
I'm sure many people figured Finrod would win this round just for the added excitement of having to watch these two 'play' again, plus, why make things easy for Glorfindel? He's breezed through this tournament with his hair barely out of place. LOL
I'm glad you liked the arming scene with the Irmo and Námo. I actually didn't expect them to be there any more than the elves did nor did I expect that long disertation about motivations, but once the Valar started speaking, even I listened! *grin*
Manwë's sense of humor is subtle but it's there.
Next chapter will be posted soon.
Alquawende
· 26 November 2007
· Chapter 140: Tournament List
Fiondil, there's another 'Elf Interrupted' novel? I can't wait!
Author's reply
Yes. Book Two will start about five minutes after Book One ends, more or less. *grin* However, I won't be posting the next book for awhile as I need to work on Stirrings of Shadow and Wars of the Valar, which I've been neglecting in order to finish up the tournament.
Neilia
· 26 November 2007
· Chapter 140: Tournament List
Thank You! Great addition to your tale! Hugs, Neilia
Author's reply
You're welcome. Glad it helps.
Agape4Gondor
· 26 November 2007
· Chapter 139: Day of Reckoning
WOW - I just had to sit back for a few moments to catch my breath! What a great time you must have had writing this chapter. Do you have a healer nearby to help you recover???
I loved Namo and Irmo dressing the warriors. I loved Manwe's exchange with Ingwion and I loved the match. Stunning, taut and tense.
Excellent - all the way around - from beginning to end.
Author's reply
Hi Agape! Exciting, wasn't it? Well, you ain't seen nothin' yet! *LOL* Glad you enjoyed the chapter, all of it, not just the fighting, and yes I did indeed have fun writing this chapter. Healer? A nice cup of double hot chocolate was all I needed. *grin*
hanci
· 26 November 2007
· Chapter 140: Tournament List
I didn't review (not enough time and not enough words - imagine 'great!' for every chapter) for so long that I decided to wait with my praise until the end of the tournament (I didn't realize it would take so long, although I should have expected it). Well, you have broken my resolve with introducing Beleg and this last dramatic fight. The complexity of this story is amazing, and the details to which you went with the tournament system and the archery contest - wow! I like how more Valar appear in the story, besides the 'popular' ones like Námo. And Beleg! And all those elves from Silmarillion gaining personality and...uniqueness (is there such a word?), not to mention original characters. But what I like best is that your characters change during the story, they grow and evolve.
I can't wait for the final fight of the tournament, however it ends. With you, it won't be so simple.
Author's reply
Hi Hance! Wondered why I hadn't heard from you in such a long while. *grin* I'm glad, though, that you have been enjoying the story, especially these last few chapters featuring Beleg and this first round between Finrod and Glorfindel. I've tried to give the Valar equal time, but with 14 of them, it's not easy and some Valar seem to gravitate towards certain characters more than others, so not all are featured all the time. Since the focus of the story is on Glorfindel and the other Reborn, then Námo and Irmo as being the two Valar most intimately involved in the lives (and deaths) of the Reborn are more often featured, but every once in a while, the others join in.
Anyway, I try to make ALL my characters as three dimensional as possible with flaws as well as strengths so that they have "room" to grow and evolve. And yes, "uniqueness" is a perfectly good word. *grin*
As for the final fight of the tournament... you'll have to decide just how simple it is or isn't for yourself. *grin*
eiluj
· 26 November 2007
· Chapter 139: Day of Reckoning
I loved Námo and Irmo’s hair-braiding “much to Finrod and Glorfindel’s embarrassment and secret delight.”
So the Valar are expecting a backlash against a win by an Exilic Noldo? Hm. (And then there are all those who are losing fortunes on their bets.) “Today’s outcome will not be welcomed by all, regardless of who wins. Be aware of this in the coming days, weeks and months ... all of you." Well, if it’s only a matter of months (at most) before the problem’s solved, that’s great news! ;-)
Interesting discussion of everyone’s motivations.
I was expecting Finrod to win this one. As to the final outcome: Alassiel and Lindorillë, unable to decide who they hope will win, are representative of all of us. I’m not sure if I’ll be happy whoever wins, or unhappy whoever loses....
I prefer Gil-galad as Orodreth’s son, perhaps because it makes Gil-galad somewhatly Finrod’s heir. When Gil-galad appears in fanfic, he’s invariably Fingon’s son, and I always feel a little cheated. Yet I’m distinctly unenthusiastic about Gil-galad being Galadriel’s great-nephew (though I don’t quite know why: maybe it puts him more in her shadow than if he’s her cousin’s son?).
The Orodreth scenario also makes Gil-galad more distantly related to Elrond (and Elros): that could be a plus or a minus. Since by far the best Gil-galad I’ve read was in Nilmandra’s “History Lessons,” I’m fond of the idea that the twins were raised by Gil-galad and Círdan. Well, even if they were more distantly related, Gil-galad was still their only (Noldor) relative other than Galadriel. But if Gil-galad wasn’t Fingon’s son, then the twins’ closest relative was (probably) Celeborn! Which seems odd, but perhaps only because Celeborn doesn’t get enough attention in fanfic at the best of times, and the uncertainty about his origins only makes it worse....
If you go with the Orodreth scenario, then Arafinwë didn’t only leave his only surviving child in Endorë, but also his great-grandson.
Author's reply
I thought long and hard before I decided to go with the Orodreth son of Angrod route, but in the end I decided to accept Christopher Tolkien's admission that he screwed up with the geneology of Gil-galad, which is why I was somewhat disappointed that it wasn't corrected in the geneology page listed in the back of "Children of Húrin". Oh well....
As for who is related to whom and to what degree however you decide Orodreth's parentage (and Gil-galad's), I leave that to Hobbits to figure out. *grin*
What backlash if any to the tournament there will be will be revealed in the second Elf, Interrupted book. This book ends with the tournament itself.
Nieriel Raina
· 26 November 2007
· Chapter 139: Day of Reckoning
*looks smug* I KNEW Glorfindel would not win this round. *sticks out tongue* Not after Finrod spent some time training with Tulkas. *grin* Besides, it would be too easy to end it too quickly. You like to draw your readers along slowly. No complaints from the peanut gallery!
What a wonderful chapter, mellon nín! And I will leave a longer review when I am actually conscious. *thunk* That would be me falling asleep on my keyboard.
*hugs*
NiRi
Author's reply
Well, of course I like to draw my readers along slowly. That's how I get them hooked in the first place! *grin* I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter so much even if you were falling asleep reading it. I look forward to that longer review.
artistic sprite
· 25 November 2007
· Chapter 140: Tournament List
I didn't realise that the last chapter is the final round! Good thing you put up the list!
Author's reply
Yes, this part of the Elf,Interrupted series ends with the final round of the tournament. There are two more chapters to go, as Finrod and Glorfindel have to fight one more round to determine the overall winner of the list.
Nikara
· 25 November 2007
· Chapter 139: Day of Reckoning
Why am I not surprised? Hee Hee. We want all of the pretty fight scenes between those two that we can get. Has Glorfindel started to really fight yet, or is he still holding back? And what else is the purpose of this tournament? The next few chapters should be very interesting! Don't make us wait to long!
Author's reply
Don't worry, Nikara. The rest of the tournament will be over with soon. I'll have the next chapter up by week's end. And yes, Glorfindel has started to really fight... he has to now that Finrod has started to fight for real, too. *grin*
Alquawende
· 25 November 2007
· Chapter 140: Tournament List
This makes it a lot easier to see who wins and goes where now. Thanks!
Author's reply
You're welcome. I couldn't put it up earlier as it would've spoiled the surprise.
Alquawende
· 25 November 2007
· Chapter 139: Day of Reckoning
I've been reading this for quite awhile but have decided to finally review. I am a huge fan of this story and Finrod especially. I am taking it that Finrod won this right? You have done a great job with the suspense, like with the bettors and describing the fight. I think you are way better at writing battle/duel scenes than I am. When Lindorille said that maybe Glorfindel and Finrod could both win, my guess on how you are going to end the duel is close then.
Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
Thanks Alquawende, I appreciate you taking the time to write a comment. I'm also glad you've been enjoying this story. Yes, Finrod has one the first round of the final round. By the rules of the list, he and Glorfindel have to fight one more round, which will be fought later that afternoon. Whichever wins that round, wins the tournament. I think Lindorillë expresses a sentiment we all must feel sometimes, wishing that everyone can win and there aren't any losers.
Nariel
· 25 November 2007
· Chapter 139: Day of Reckoning
I really enjoyed this chapter and loved how Lindorille improved.
Author's reply
Thanks, Nariel. I'm glad you liked the chapter and yes, I think Lindorillë is improving, slowly but surely. There is definite hope for her and the other elflings.
Nikara
· 23 November 2007
· Chapter 138: The Reborn Archer's Tale
Another excellent chapter. It was nice to see Beleg with some family, although it is sad that he had none for so long! Now, don't delay too much. We are all extremely eager for the fight between Glorfy and Finrod. It is sure to be one for the record books. Can't wait!
Author's reply
Thanks, Nikara. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Yes, it was sad to see Beleg not having anyone to greet him but now he has his friends and family with him and that's all that matters. The final tournament chapters will be up very soon.
Beruthiels Cat
· 23 November 2007
· Chapter 138: The Reborn Archer's Tale
You realize your adoring fans are not going to allow you a break after this cycle wraps up? *grins*
Most excellent, Fiondil! Congrats on encouraging Rhyselle into the game- I just finished checking in on her tales, and they're wonderful. SO much looking forward to whatever you have up your sleeve...
Cat
Author's reply
>>You realize your adoring fans are not going to allow you a break after this cycle wraps up?<<
They won't? Gee, maybe I should plan to run off to Tahiti without my laptop and see what happens then! LOL
Thanks, Cat. I was happy enough to let Rhyselle play in my universe. It's fun to see what others get excited about because of something they read of mine.
Neilia
· 22 November 2007
· Chapter 138: The Reborn Archer's Tale
I enjoyed this chapter very much. Your tales of each elf's rebirth and new life are interwoven in such a way that it makes a very long story interesting from the beginning and on. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Thanks Neilia. I appreciate your comments. I know this tale is rather long, but I'm glad you think I've written it in such as way as to keep it interesting right from the beginning. Next chapter will be up fairly shortly.
eiluj
· 22 November 2007
· Chapter 138: The Reborn Archer's Tale
What a wonderful morning surprise!
Odd that Beleg seems to remember so much less of his life than what we saw with Glorfindel and Sador. Presumably he’ll get those memories back eventually.
Suddenly, all heard Finrod laugh and the sound of it was both wonderful and terrible in the joy it conveyed: joy of battle, joy of holding steel in his hands, joy of having a worthy opponent with whom he could test his skills. None who heard that laughter was unmoved. One or two of the Amaneldi even fled from the stands, too overcome by the emotions that laughter, both darkly dangerous and gloriously lighthearted, evoked within them. Even Sador found himself on his feet unconsciously reaching for a sword that was not there -- Wow.
Author's reply
Each Reborn remembers things differently and from the hints that people like Oromë drop, it seems that his release from Mandos was considered by some to be premature and that may be why his memories are slower to come, but come they will and at least he'll have his gwedyr to help him through them.
Isn't that such a neat paragraph? When I was writing the scene this just came. It's a very powerful image and shows that Finrod is still a warrior whatever else he might be, and the joy he feels is beyond the experience of most of those watching, which is why a few find themselves fleeing, unable to handle the emotional overload.
Viresse
· 21 November 2007
· Chapter 138: The Reborn Archer's Tale
Humph. Just *what* was Irmo's excuse for doing that to Beleg?!? Grumble, grumble, Valar, grumble. Still, a moving chapter for both Beleg and Olwë.
And thank you for updating so quickly. Thanksgiving Day was suddenly turned into a gift-giving holiday.
Author's reply
Sometimes the Valar do not follow the same rules as the rest of us and we have to take it on faith that they (generally) know what they are doing and why. Still, it works out for Beleg in the end and his "recognition" was something, wasn't it?
And I'm sure many of my readers are giving thanks to Eru for this chapter. *grin* I hope your Thanksgiving was everything good.
Calenlass
· 21 November 2007
· Chapter 138: The Reborn Archer's Tale
You put in Beleg--the Beleg.
Yes, Beleg is another one of those Silmarillion elves that I'm fond of. :)
*nearly dies of happiness*
~Calenlass
Author's reply
Glad you liked the chapter Calenlass. Beleg has always been one of my favorites too.
Nariel
· 21 November 2007
· Chapter 138: The Reborn Archer's Tale
Making Beleg related to Olwe is very creative and it also explains why he has silver hair, not the brown hair that I imagined. The part where he's at the gates and no one came, until the Maia of course, to pick up Beleg.
Your description of Finrod's laugh was actually quite well done. I, the reader, could feel all the emotions you wanted the laugh to equal.
I almost forgot about Alassiel and I didn't even stop to think that she had in all ways become a nanny to the elflings. Hopefully some of them are changing for the better.
What does Olwen mean? I think it means something along the lines of 'dream maiden' or 'maiden of dreams' because wen means 'maiden' and ol, I think, has something to do with dreams because Olorin has something to do with dream and thought.
Thanks for this chapter! Isn't the next chapter going to be between Finrod and Glorfindel?
Author's reply
I'm not sure what "Olwen" means. It depends on how "Olwë" is defined. Elwë and Elmo both mean "star-person" so I suspect that Olwë would mean "dream-person" but no one knows for sure. There is an actual Quenya word _olwen_ which means "branch, wand, stick" but I doubt this is meant here. I simply chose the name because it seemed logical that had there been a fourth brother, his name would have been "Olmo", but since it is a sister, I give her the feminine ending _-wen_ meaning "maiden".
I'm glad you thought my description of Finrod's laughing as he fought with Mithlas was done well. I tried to convey a certain sense of joy that he was feeling that perhaps only another warrior would understand.
The next chapter will be about what it will be. The fight between Finrod and Glorfindel will be coming up shortly, never fear.
Kitty
· 21 November 2007
· Chapter 138: The Reborn Archer's Tale
Can’t believe it, but my guess was rather accurate – I had suspected Beleg could be a relative of Elmo and Olwë, even if there is nothing in canon about that *is very pleased with herself*
This would explain his rank among Elu’s warriors (though I don’t doubt he deserved it for his abilities alone, too) and why he knew Celeborn’s guard, I suppose – I think you’re going with the version that Celeborn is Elmo’s grandson. And that means the son of Beleg’s cousin Galadhon is married to Finrod’s sister and Arafinwë’s daughter ... *groans* They are all somehow related to each other, aren’t they?
It is a relief to know that Beleg now has found family to care for him. It must have been terrible for him to leave Lórien and find nobody there to greet him. But now he has found a lot of family, and one that can actually help him. As he seems to have been released too early, too, I fear it would be hard for him to stay with strangers who maybe not even know much about Reborn, particularly when his memories start to resurface.
So we have finally our dream finale :-) I truly look forward to the match between Glorfindel and Finrod. I enjoyed the one between Mithlas and Finrod very much. Mithlas made Finrod truly work for his victory, and Finrod deserved it in the end. Beleg was right in this regard – what he said was very wise. And the one paragraph expressing Finrod's feelings about having a worthy opponent was great. Ha, how may he feel when he has to fight Glorfindel ... can't wait for it!
And I have to repeat myself - I love little Veryandur!
Author's reply
Yes, I stated earlier in the story that I was following the Elmo-Celeborn version to explain Celeborn's kinship with Elu Thingol. Of course, the relationship with Beleg is my own invention inspired by ilxwing's painting of Beleg which has him with silver-grey hair. When I saw that, I said ""Yes!" and knew exactly how I wanted him to be introduced to Olwë.
And I love little Veryandur. He's and Eruanna have stolen my heart. The three older elflings are a little harder to like, but it's not their fault. They're actually good elflings, just with wrong-headed ideas taken from the adults around them. I don't think Finrod would have bothered with them if he didn't think they were redeemable. I have great hope for them all.
Nieriel Raina
· 21 November 2007
· Chapter 138: The Reborn Archer's Tale
--Suddenly, all heard Finrod laugh and the sound of it was both wonderful and terrible in the joy it conveyed: joy of battle, joy of holding steel in his hands, joy of having a worthy opponent with whom he could test his skills. None who heard that laughter was unmoved. One or two of the Amaneldi even fled from the stands, too overcome by the emotions that laughter, both darkly dangerous and gloriously lighthearted, evoked within them.--
That was my favorite part of this chapter. Magnificent writing, my friend!
This was both a wonderful yet sad chapter. I really felt badly for Beleg not having anyone meet him at the gate. I'm glad that he has found his friends now. And he's Olwe's nephew! I KNEW he was related somehow! *grin* I think he and Sador would be good friends once they have time to speak together.
I feel kind of like the people wanting a glimpse of Beleg too. He is one of my favorite elves from the Silm. The story of Turin, while very sad, is one of my favorite tales. I really love Turin (yes, I'm weird) and the tragedy of Beleg's death still makes me weepy.
--"I remember Túrin," he whispered. --
*cries*
And now Finrod and Glorfindel will face off! After seeing Finrod laugh in the heat of battle, I can't help but hope we'll get to see Glorfindel really fight! Oh what a dangerous thought! *grin*
Wonderful chapter! I can hardly wait to see the conclusion of the tournament!
NiRi
Author's reply
Thank you. I rather liked that particular paragraph myself.
The character of Beleg has always been one of my favorite from the Silm and his death at the hands of Túrin so tragic and needless. One wonders what would have happened had he not died, but we'll never know. At least, he's alive again and I have no doubt Sador and Finrod and Glorfindel will do all they can to make him feel welcome and loved. He needs that more than anything right now.
Next stop... Finrod and Glorfindel. Hopefully no one will be disappointed.
Radbooks
· 19 November 2007
· Chapter 137: Recognition
Lovely chapter, Fiondil. I was so glad for Turindil/Beleg that he finally had people who knew him, even though I suspected Finrod or Glorfindel would know him. But, I didn't think they would know him just from Mandos Halls, but from Arda... chapter three was a long time ago now! :)
The Beleg & Turin story is soooo sad and it'll be interesting to see how this plays out, either now or in future tales. And, just how is he related to Olwe? You've got something planned there, don't you? That's a rhetorical question since I know you won't answer it! *grin*
I also enjoyed the final of the archery contest, it was very different and well done. Oh, and Finrod and Glorfindel teaching Ingwion naughty words was very funny as well.
Author's reply
Hi Radbooks. Gald you liked the chapter. We'll find out what's up with Olwë in the next chapter. Glorfindel, living in hidden Gondolin would not have known or met Beleg. Finrod, traveling back and forth between Nargothrond and Doriath may have met him, but not necessarily enough to 'know' him well, so for all intents and purposes, Mandos is where they all first meet.
Coming up with a sutiable (for elves) final archery test was not easy and this was the best I could come up which would test their skills to the max. I'm glad readers have found it a believalbe contest.
The image of Finrod and Glorfindel teaching Ingwion naughty words in Sindarin is a nice contrast to the previous day's angst and much needed to lighten everyone's mood after the bad taste the trial must have left in everyone's mouth.
Encaitariel
· 19 November 2007
· Chapter 137: Recognition
Ah, ha! I knew it!(speechless at the awesomeness of Beleg Cúthalion) Really, though. "Friend of Túrin" and amazing archer? Who else in Arda could it be? Although, I honestly did not remember that he was one of Finrod and Glorfindel's playmates. :(
I seriously burst out laughing trying to visualize this! Ai, how I do love Sador!
Thanks for another great chapter. And thanks for your help!
-Encaitariel
Author's reply
Yet, how many readers kept trying to 'translate' the name from Sindarin and coming up empty? *grin* All the clues were there.... and I was betting on people forgetting that Beleg was one of Finrod and Glorfindel's playmates. *grin*
Glad you enjoyed it and glad I was able to help.
Agape4Gondor
· 19 November 2007
· Chapter 137: Recognition
WOW - is about all I can say. It was soooo glorious to 'see' Beleg. My gosh, my fav 1st age person/elf/man is Turin... I know, I know a lot of people don't get him or like him or whatever... but I just love the man
And I truly believe that Beleg would still, despite everything, love Turin. GREAT CHAPTER!
*goes away to quietly weep in the joy of seeing Beleg again and in remembrance of the loss of Turin Turambar*
Author's reply
Hi, Agape. All I can say is... you have strange taste in Edain! LOL
Glad you loved the chapter. *hands over hanky*
Kitty
· 19 November 2007
· Chapter 137: Recognition
What a wonderful treat to start my week at work with! :-)
*slaps forehead* Beleg Cuthalion - Turindil - I should have known ...!!! That was far from all my vague ideas. Oh well, at least the surprise was perfect. And what a wonderful surprise! I am so glad for all of them, and particularly for Beleg himself, because he has now found some friends and has not to feel so lonely any longer. And the Tol Eressëans will be thrilled to have him back, that much is obvious.
Now I only still wonder why Olwë thought him so familiar. But I am sure I will find out soon.
You found truly a great way to make the archery contest a challenge for the competitors and very interesting for the reader. I'd not thought of this finale.
Thank you, that was another great chapter!
Author's reply
Heehee. Gotcha! Glad this chapter brightens your work week. And yes, Beleg finally has people who remember him and welcome him. I think the Valar purposely planned it this way, a sort of surprise for everyone. Glad you liked hte archery contest. Coming up with challenging trials, both for the competitors (and elves, no less!) and the readers. This last one was the hardest for me to come up with, but it seemed like the right kind of challenge for these particular archers.
We'll learn more about what Olwë thinks about all this in the next chapter.