Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux by Fiondil
Lilandriel · 4 November 2007 · Chapter 133: Vorondil On Trial
poor child :( what a terrible thing to wish. all life is precious... i'm not sure i understand Ingwion's reaction. who has he lost? or have i forgotten? well, it's about time for some answers from her
Author's reply
Ingwion's reaction is something that is not explained in this story, only alluded to. Eventually, I hope to write about it, but that's another story.
Lilandriel · 4 November 2007 · Chapter 132: Confessions and Confrontations
this is such a heartbreaking chapter! oh, that poor child :( i am so very glad that his father loves him so fiercely. i think he is going to need that in the days to come the future will find a way. even if things aren't as Eru initially planned, let's not forget that he wove threads into the Song that not one of the Valar ever even knew about. he's not omnipotent for nothing! the Song will change, but Eru's ultimate will shall remain unchanged. damn, i sneeze and you post a handfull of chapters! lol!! :)
Author's reply
Very true. Aldundil and Calalindalë may have circumvented certain plans by what they did, but Eru is able to weave the new theme that is "Vorondil" into the whole and create something new. I have no doubt that Eru has great plans for Vorondil, though they will necessarily be different from what had been planned for Calalindalë and the elder Vorondil's children who will no longer be born.
eiluj · 4 November 2007 · Chapter 132: Confessions and Confrontations
Thanks for such a speedy post after the Evil Cliffie! You’ve obviously been planning this a long, long time, judging by how well all the Vorondil details fit together. Then again, this whole subplot might have been devised just to delay satisfying our communal insane curiosity about the tournament.... What a good thing Eönwë & co. just happened to be in the neighborhood! "The oaths stand," he reiterated, then he gave the ellon a piercing look. "As do yours and Mistress Yavalda’s” -- Any oaths in particular that we should know about?
Author's reply
This subplot has been in the background from the moment Vorondil joined the other Noldorin at the High King's court along with Glorfindel and there is still much to write about Vorondil and his family. Whatever the oaths, I'm sure we'll learn about them eventually. *grin*
Encaitariel · 3 November 2007 · Chapter 132: Confessions and Confrontations
Beautiful. I loved how you used "thee", etc. for Aldundil and Vorondil's more personal conversation, very touching. And the Maiar are, as always, a joy! Thank you for writing. -Encaitariel
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed this. The use of the -l form of the 2nd person singular in Quenya is often used to indicate formal or polite speech but Tolkien states that between intimates it also has the original familiar aspect, which is how it's used here.
Beruthiels Cat · 3 November 2007 · Chapter 134: Justice Is Not Healing
In a word, Fiondil-POWERFUL. Your best yet... Cat
Author's reply
Thanks, Cat. I'm glad you think so.
Kitty · 3 November 2007 · Chapter 134: Justice Is Not Healing
It’s telling that Vorondil is seeking comfort and protection from his amillë in the arms of Lord Námo. What a mess! And it can be mainly laid at Calalindalë’s doorstep, I’d say. She’s quite a nasty piece of work (sorry – but I can’t find any better word for her!), destroying the lives of so many people. I think it was the right decision to entrust her to the Valar. And I was very glad that Finrod didn’t punish Vorondil (I refuse to call that a true punishment) and was so understanding. What he did was wrong, but in light of what his mother did it was so understandable. That he thought he was an abdomination was heartbreaking. To allow Aldundil to go with him was good – these two need some time together, I think. Maybe they now are able to heal a bit from all these hurts. Now I truly look forward to know how all the elves will now think about the Reborn, about Finrod and all that ... it was bad enough they thought he would kill poor Vorondil. Hopefully the outcome did give them something to think about! This were three memorable chapters, and I’ll re-read them frequently.
Author's reply
Vorondil is beginning to accept the Valar, and especialy Námo, as surrogate parents, or perhaps favorite "aunts" and "uncles". Certainly, the time he and Námo spent clamming helped to solidify their relationship as one based on trust rather than fear. I'm sure there will be a lot of rethinking on the part of many elves about the Reborn, especially after seeing Finrod, Glorfindel and Sador act during the trial. Certainly, their take on Sador will change and Glorfindel has been seen in a new light as well but those who remember his arrival and the recent events surrounding is banishment. Glad you enjoyed these chapters so much. There is a lot in them and they can all stand a second or even a third reading before all the nuances can be understood and appreciated.
Kitty · 3 November 2007 · Chapter 133: Vorondil On Trial
You know how to make your readers curious, do you? Just whom wants Ingwion to be released from Mandos? Am I right in that it’s the one of whom they in an earlier chapter said something about ‚the right Vanya’? Seems to be one of the Royal Family, after all – but I know, I know – you’ll not tell me ... Anyway, Sador was rather impressing here. He’s come a long way from the shy ellon who was released with Glorfindel. Ah, and now Calalindalë has to answer for her behaviour! *runs to next chapter*
Author's reply
The story behind Ingwion's words and the reactions of Ingwë and Elindis will be told someday, never fear. I won't leave readers scratching their heads over that for too long, that would be more torture than they deserve, even from me. LOL Sador has started to mature and come into his own. He's no longer just the apprentice potter, he's an elf-lord in his own right, maybe not by blood but certainly by circumstances. Being the ward of the Noldóran does have its advantages. *grin*
Kitty · 3 November 2007 · Chapter 132: Confessions and Confrontations
Three chapters at once! Very nice surprise – thank you so much! Oh my – what can I say about this rather intense chapter safe that I feel so sorry for Aldundil and Vorondil? This whold mess is so sad for both of them. But at least it seems to have brought them closer together, what is a good thing. The second half brightened the mood considerably. Do I need to mention how much I enjoyed it that the Maiar turned up at Cemendur’s place? Eönwë sending them all off with Manveru and Erúnaro to plan some mischief was just too good! *grin* And it helped the elflings obviously to get over their initial shock, even if that was a bit changed after their return. Poor elflings, no wonder they were so upset after overhearing these rumours! I am glad Finrod managed to calm them down.
Author's reply
Yes, the situation between Aldundil and his wife and Vorondil is very sad but hopefully things will work themselves out. The Maiar are very much fun to write about. Not as formal as the Valar, so they can relate better with the elves, especially with elflings.
Nariel · 3 November 2007 · Chapter 134: Justice Is Not Healing
I'm so glad that three chapters were added at the same time! I loved reading the trial, but in some ways I wished there was more drama to it... Oh well, I still liked it. The part when you added the info about the Statute of Finwe and Miriel is quite a clever idea. I had no idea it was going to be included. Finrod's judgement is sound though I do wish Calalindale would receive a harsher punishment. In some ways even Aldundil I think should think about the sorrow he caused his brother... I feel so much pity for Sorondil and Lindorille. Their parents have no care for them and then to add to that, they speak of things one should not speak of in front of elflings. The part with the porridge and doll was quite funny. Especially the part with Yavie being the envy of the dolls in Eldamar. LOL. '"Emme made my favorite dish."' I think you mean Amme. Thanks for writing such a wonderful story! What's the next chapter about? At least give me a summary... ^_^
Author's reply
I don't think you read these chapters carefully enough. There was more than enough drama within them, though embedded in the dialogue rather than in action. Also Aldundil expresses sorrow for what he did to his brother several times, so your point about him his moot. Sorondil and Lindorillë's parents care about them very much but are somewhat clueless about certain things. Emmë is an alternate form of Ammë, both are correct, just as in English "mum" and "mom" are both correct hyporcoristic forms of "mother".
Mysterious Jedi · 2 November 2007 · Chapter 134: Justice Is Not Healing
Wow, so Vorondil never meant to kill Finrod in the first place...add intriguing plot twists to the list of this story's attributes! Thanks for updating...and three chapters at once too! It's nice to know I'm not the only one who thinks about Arda all the time!
Author's reply
Thanks MJ, glad you liked the chapters. And while I don't think about Arda ALL the time, I do think about it a lot! LOL
Agape4Gondor · 2 November 2007 · Chapter 134: Justice Is Not Healing
Ok - I'm going to have to hurt Vorondil's 'mother!' Oh good grief - this poor little one - such a pawn... "I... I’m an abomination, aren’t I? I was never meant to be born." *sigh* A just punishment and one that will bring healing to Vorondil whether the author wishes it or no *giggles* And I'm very glad that Vorondil and his Atar will spend time together in that blessed place. Good chapter.... much to think on.
Author's reply
Children are often the unwitting pawns of their own parents' histories, hatreds and resentments. And I want Vorondil to heal as much as the next person, more so, since he's MY OC. *grin* Glad that this chapter has given you much to think on. That's one of the purposes of writing: giving the reader something to think about.
Agape4Gondor · 2 November 2007 · Chapter 133: Vorondil On Trial
First off - I'm surprised that Finrod is going to hold court - not the High King - but I do understand and think it's a good thing. As for the spectators - it kind of turns my stomach that they would be so 'bloodthirsty' to not want to miss out on such an event... for the gossip seems to speak of bloodletting! Oh dear - I was stunned when Namo pled not guilty for Vorondil. Good grief - very much not expected. And I loved that Glorfindel reminded Finrod that he was not in Nargothrond! Poor Vorondil - did he ever truly remember what had happened? And to have so many recount the horrendous deed... difficult for an adult, nevermind an elfling! Oh my! And then you broke my heart with Vorondil's confession... how hideous for the poor littl thing... I'm just going to sit here and sob for a moment or two before I continue reading............... Never in his wildest dreams... 'Finrod visibly clutched the arms of the chair...' I must admit, I am totally in the dark with Ingwion but will wait patiently...
Author's reply
The offense was against Finrod and as a king in his own right, his is the right to hold the court. I suspect that Ingwë simply didn't want to have to deal with it all, especially since Vorondil is a Noldo and technically under Arafinwë's jurisdiction, not Ingwë's. Yes, Vorondil has a lot of "history" to deal with, none of it his fault but certain tainting his life in ways he does not understand. I promise that the backstory with Ingwion, Ingwë, and Elindis and the grief that colors their lives will be told eventually. One saga at a time, please. *grin*
Rhyselle · 2 November 2007 · Chapter 132: Confessions and Confrontations
Oh I just wanted to weep when I read: "B-but I’m bad, aren’t I?" Vorondil whispered forlornly. "I was born bad, wasn’t I?" This young ellon stole my heart somewhere along the way, and I hurt for him. I just want to be able to scoop him up and comfort him and find a way to help him past the negative perception he has of himself through the actions and spite of his mother. Thankfully, since I can't be there to remind him that he is unconditionally loved, Namo was there to do so. The exchanges between Aldundil and Vorondil were wonderful. I thought that when Aldundil told his son that Vorondil was the best thing that had ever happened to him was something that all children need to hear and know. I feel so badly for Vorondil... His mother twisted his fea through her anger and hate of the Reborn; Aldundil didn't take enough of a hand in his upbringing to counter act Calalindale's poison; and then he finds out that the thing he'd always feared--that if his father had died in the War of Wrath, that he'd never have been born--was truly what was originally intended to be. He should not exist. To learn that one's existence was not meant to be at all, that other elflings had been meant to have lived from Vorondil Sr.'s and Calalindale's union (and they were to be and do something important in the history of Arda on top of that!), and that the union from which he'd been begotten was in violation of oaths sworn and promises made before the Valar.... well, I hope I never get into any kind of position where I'd end up feeling what Vorondil must feel. It's going to take a long time before Vorondil overcomes his lack of self-worth, and sorrow and guilt. Although he was the innocent victim of his mother's decision to abandon her vow to the senior Vorondil, and his father's decision to be swayed by her arguments, he feels as if he were the guilty party... he sees himself as flawed and not even worthy of life... and I think it is going to take a LOT of repetition of Lord Namo's statement that "no matter what happens [he] will always love [Vorondil]" to break through the pain he is suffering. I loved the change of language as Aldundil helped Vorondil lay down and told him to rest. The intimacy of the "thee" and "thou" was very touching and helped to emphasize the depth of love that Aldundil has for his son. //The Lord of Mandos locked gazes with the ellon and the sense of compassion and pity he saw in the Vala’s eyes was nearly overwhelming. "Aldundil, forgive me for my harsh words earlier. I never meant to imply that we wished Vorondil any ill. He is as beloved of us as you. But please understand this... what you and Calalindalë did has changed the course of history. Only Eru now knows where all this will lead, for I have neither the wisdom nor the foresight to say either way..."// This bit really got to me too... I love it that Namo can apologize to Aldundil. But he isn't pulling any punches about the consequences of the choices that Aldundil and Calalindale made. And now you've got me curious about what the future would possibly have held if Calalindale would have held to her oath.... even though that future apparently can no longer happen (although I contend that there must be others who could fulfil the roles that the non-existent elves were destined to fill). In particular, I'm intrigued by Namo's reaction--that his expression went dark for a moment (and that hesitation before the word "sins"). But I suppose he'll borrow a page from Aslan's book and only tell the story that concerns the ones he's dealing with and not someone else's... Finrod's return to find the elflings sitting in the dark broke the emotional tension in a good way, although the overall tension of the looming unknown outcome of the morrow's trial was maintained despite the lightheartedness of the banter in Finrod's encampment. The description of the visit to the children's parents heightened the tension (and I'm also curious about the oaths that Sorondil and Yavalda swore... to whom and for what purpose?). And what about the prank that they decided to target Laurendil with? Will we ever find out what it was? Wonderful chapter, and now I'm going to go read the next two even though I really need to be going to bed!
Author's reply
Vorondil, of course, is indeed the innocent victim of his parents' decisions to abandon their oaths. Whatever was meant to happen, of course, will not, or at least will not happen in the way originally intended, but Eru is the master of contingency plans and I'm sure he's got it all figured out, including what role Vorondil will ultimately play. Still, it will take some time for the sense of worthlessness to pass from Vorondil's self. WIth Námo's help and Aldundil's love, hopefully that will happen sooner rather than later. And Námo doesn't pull any punches, true. What happened was in violation of many things and the consequences of such actions are far-reaching enough that even Námo hasn't been permitted to see. While there is still tension over the day's events and tomorrow's trial, Finrod's handling of the fears of the elflings was just what they needed to feel secure and unthreatened, since they are likely to project what has happened to Vorondil upon themselves as children tend to do. As to whether we ever eee what prank was pulled on Laurendil... well, as soon as the elflings tell *me* what it was, I'll be sure to let everyone else know. LOL
Agape4Gondor · 2 November 2007 · Chapter 132: Confessions and Confrontations
Phew - A trial I can agree with and I am very glad Finrod is not going to kill Vorondil - but I'm really wondering what on earth is wrong with those elflings' parents!
Author's reply
I don't think a death penalty would have been permitted anyway, certainly not in Aman. Even Fëanor was merely banished for his crimes, but considering what has happened in Aman since the Darkening, the idea has obviously become a possibility in some elves' minds. As for the parents.... time alone will tell.
Tira · 2 November 2007 · Chapter 134: Justice Is Not Healing
All three were terrific! *sighs* poor disturbed elfies...and it looks to get ever so much harder before it gets easy.
Author's reply
Thanks, Tira. I'm glad you enjoyed these chapters. It always gets harder before it gets easier, but hopefully the healing is at hand for those who accept it. Not sure about Calalindalë, but certainly Vorondil and Aldundil will accept it from Nienna and the other Valar.
Mysterious Jedi · 2 November 2007 · Chapter 131: An Afternoon of Shame and Glory
I have really enjoyed reading this story so far. I like watching the adults interact with the children, and the Valar interact with the elves. There is so much love among the characters! It seems real, even though I know it's fiction---and fanfiction at that! Please post more soon.
Author's reply
Hi MJ... I'm glad to see you're still with this story and that it seems real to you even though you know it's not... that's what every writer aims for... that his or her readers forget that the story and the characters they are reading are imaginary... that, of course, was Tolkien's genius in creating Middle-earth, and why we all love to play in it, even if it's only by reading other people's fanfic. More's a-coming, never fear....
Radbooks · 30 October 2007 · Chapter 131: An Afternoon of Shame and Glory
Oh, I love that Vorondil turned straight to Namo for comfort and help. He didn't try and run away. I'm anxiously awaiting to see what happens there but I hold out hope that Finrod will have compassion on the young elf. I'm enjoying the archery competition and the way you have it set up... it seems perfect for elves, difficult! The song was funny and fit very nicely. *grin* I'm glad that Turindil has Mithilas to help him right now, especially when dealing with the three kings. That would be difficult for any Sinda, I think, and especially so for one of the newly reborn. Thanks again for sharing this wonderful tale.
Author's reply
You're welcome. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings about this tale. As a writer yourself, you know how much we enjoy being able to dialogue with our readers in this manner. Some of them even act as secondary betas, picking up errors and inconsistencies that I and my main beta may have missed. That alone is a service to me as a writer that I very much appreciate. Anyway, I'm sure Finrod has nothing but compassion for Vorondil, though he will have to address the situation in a particular manner whether he wants to or not. And Mithlas, having had to deal with his own terrors and sympathize better that most with the Reborn and some of their own problems that they face in their new lives. Arafinwë, of course, has had three Reborn to deal with, so he's an old pro. *grin*
Radbooks · 30 October 2007 · Chapter 130: Turindil
Hmmm, another elf that has been released too early and this one doesn't even know who he is! I feel so bad for him, having no family around. Where does he even live? sigh. Yet, there is something about him that is so familiar to several of the other elves, including Olwe and so that makes me wonder if he is related to him in some way. I'm anxious for Finrod or Glorfindel to see him; I have a feeling that one or both of them know who he is. His name must be a clue, but again I don't see it! :) Finally a mention of Gil-Galad, my second favorite elf after Glorfindel!! :) Though, I must say that Finrod is creeping up there now. I know he can't fit in this story, but it was nice to at least read his name. *grin* I enjoyed Vana in this chapter and the way she interacted with Turindil. He seems so very young, though I suspect he is not, just feeling lost and alone. I'm not sure I'd like to see Namo wearing yellow! Blue would be okay, but not yellow! :)
Author's reply
Well, I'm not sure it's true to say that Turindil doesn't know who he is, but rather his memories are too vague to put names to faces and make it all fit together. Glad you liked Vána and Turindil together. Yes, he is old, but right now he's too new to Life again to claim that part of him much. He's just feeling lost and alone right now. Hopefully, that will change soon. No one wants to see Námo in yellow including Námo! That's the whole point of the joke, isn't it? *grin*
Agape4Gondor · 30 October 2007 · Chapter 131: An Afternoon of Shame and Glory
I have little marks all over this chapter. There was so much love and tenderness for the Valar by this young Turindil. Especially his reason - 'they love us when no one else can be bothered.' Phew! That one packs a wallop, it does! I thought it appropriate that the other elves could not even look him in the eye after that one! The tests were very difficult. I liked the way you described them - easy to understand. And I certainly wouldn't want to be one to try! As evidenced by poor Aldarion's 'less than perfect' shot! ROTFL Turindil is quite the bard indeed. I certainly can't wait to figure out who the heck he is... - you love to torture your readers! With the reaction that he had upon hearing Finrod's name and the 'I know I've seen him somewhere before' of Olwe... you've got something up your sleeve! And I've told you before that I really like Vorondil - so how could you leave the poor elfling in such a state! I am shuddering as Finrod enters! Hooray, please, with the next chapter????
Author's reply
>>you love to torture your readers!<< And you love being tortured, admit it. *grin* I'm glad you liked the archery tests. It took me a while to come up with them. I've never really seen archery competitions so wasn't sure what was done in them. I tried to imagine what elves would consider not only appropriate but challenging, yet not impossiblly so. Certainly, most humans probably couldn't do very well with the spinning target or the blindfold one unless you're Kwai Chang Caine *LOL*. I won't leave you hanging too long with what happens with Vorondil and Finrod. I still need to finish one more chapter before I am ready to post the next part, but it won't be a long wait, I promise.
Agape4Gondor · 30 October 2007 · Chapter 130: Turindil
You had me rolling on the floor with this quote, Fiondil.... "the time spent in Mandos was ignored..." Ignored by whom!?! Definitely not the Reborn! Poor Turindil - it's a good thing there are 'some' Elves with a modicum of decency. I felt for him as he 'rocked back and forth' and his face reddened in embarrassment. The question he asks of Vana was heartbreaking - 'why was there no one to greet me?' And the sense of guilt he had because of that... I hope he took Vana's admonition to heart! Being Reborn is not fun!
Author's reply
No, sometimes being Reborn isn't fun. Besides all the angsty stuff you have to go through on a personal level as you reclaim your previous identity, you have to put up with other people's prejudices and preconceptions. The time spent in Mandos was ignored in terms of determining if an elf was old enough to fight under the rules. Should a Reborn elf be said to have begun life again after Mandos or not? Finrod would have been okay as he's been out of Mandos of over a century, but that's not the case for Glorfindel or Haldir. It was descided that the age of the Reborn would be determined based on how old they were when they died and as if they had never died. But I'm glad you found the sentence funny. It's really more ironic than funny to my mind, but to each his or her own. *grin*
Nieriel Raina · 30 October 2007 · Chapter 131: An Afternoon of Shame and Glory
Wow. This chapter was so full of things I want to comment on. First, was Turindil's explaining the relationship between the Reborn and the Valar and how he feels they are the only ones who care. They are wonderful counselors. They give the Reborn what they need most...a listening ear. I remember back to Sador telling Namo about finding out Netilmire was his great grandmother, and Namo just listened. *smile* I also think this is a sournce of the great affection between the Reborn and the Valar and why they do not freak out as much in the presence of the Valar as do many of the Onceborn. There is a relationship there that few Onceborn have with the Valar. Now, the archery competition! I LOVED the devices you came up with to challenge the competitors. Are these based on real archery competitions? I've seen a few stories in the fandom that have increasingly more difficult rounds, but yours are some of the more realisitic feeling scenarios. The blind shooting was very ingenius. Poor Aldarion though. Oops! Maybe they need to check the ladies jewelry before allowing them to attend? *grin* And the song was HILARIOUS. It was good to see it so well accepted too, and I loved Aldarion's response. And I loved both versions of the song. It is good to see that a few at a time, the elves are learnign to deal with the Reborn. Mithlas handled that very well, and I had no doubts Arafinwe and Ingwe would be understanding about Turindil's discomfort. In the short time we've seen him, I've really come to like Turndil. So nice to see Eonwe if briefly. I am not surprised that Ingwion and Finrod will face off, nor will I be shocked when Finrod wins, though I don't think it will be an easy task. Glorfindel is just adorable whenever he is on the scene. *huggles elf* I love the relationship he has with Namo. It is very interesting to see Namo's thoughts on the tournament. I think that while in many ways, he is right, there is also a sense of comraderie building between the competitors. While that may not be a huge step, it is at least a small step in the right direction. I think Namo takes it all very personally, especially any attacks on HIS Reborn. *grin* The whole situation with Vorondil is disturbing. The poor ellon has just had everything against him from the beginning. I found it telling that upon finding out his actions against Finrod, he ran straight to Namo. I don't think he even knew what he was doing and that will surely come into play. But what timing and a horrible cliffie you left us with! Ego, teitho! I want more! *smile* Great chapter. As always I'm on the edge of my seat, longing for more. NiRi
Author's reply
I think what separates the Valar (and Maiar) from the elves is that they are truly nonjudgmental towards the Children. They may have to administer justice and therefore judgment against them, but that's not the same thing. I think that is why Turindil is getting at when he says that the Valar love the Reborn when no one else can be bothered. As for the archery contest... the exercises are not necessarily based on real-world competitions (although my beta who is blind told me that when in high school she took archery and her friend tried to help her by attaching a bell next to the target with a rope and then standing (she thought) far enough away to be safe, only be nearly skewered by Mari's arrow!). Really, I just thought "what would be considered interesting Author Reply: (blast! pressed the wrong button!) Say I was saying.... I just thought,"what would be considered interesting and challenging to elves who are so good at what they do that anything 'normal' would be boring and a waste of their time?" I decided that moving targets where they still have to hit the center would be a good test, with one such moving target being harder than the other, and the blindfold one just seemed a natural thing for elves to come up with as a test of their skills. We will see later what truly motivated Vorondil in his 'attack' of Finrod... and it is indeed telling that he ran straight to Námo rather than trying to run away. And you know you live for cliffies! LOL
Kitty · 30 October 2007 · Chapter 131: An Afternoon of Shame and Glory
You know, Turindil’s explanation about the relationship between Valar and Reborn was sadly touching. How lonely he has to feel when he thinks no one save the Valar cares truly for him! Well, at least he had enough humour to make this naughty song :) And I want to know what Findis said when someone told her just *why* Aldarion nearly shot the High King! "With three Reborn ellyn who all speak it, it is a simple matter of survival. I need to know what they’re plotting." *snicker* That’s the best reason to learn Sindarin I’ve seen so far! Enjoyed the archery contest as much as the swordfighting one. Only a pity it’s nearly over – but then, I doubt they can stand much more of this excitement ;-) After thinking the chapter over a bit – the main reason for the tournament may have failed, but I don’t think it was completely wasted. At least the competitors got to know each other better, some new friendships seem to begin blooming, and I think there are stronger bonds developing between the Tol Eressëans and the Reborn, and even some of the Amaneldi – not least the three Kings. There are *some* elves who will have a better understanding. Do I need to mention that I can’t wait to know more about this meeting between Finrod and Vorondil? That were great chapters. This is already the longest story at SoA, but it’s still getting better and better, and I don't want it to ever end :)
Author's reply
Of course, Námo's perspective on things is not that of the elves, and while the true purpose of the tournament may not have happened, I thihk you are correct that friendships have been forged, at least among the competitors, fighters and archers alike, who can at least relate on a professional level in terms of their fighting and archery skills. The next couple of chapters will deal with Finrod and Vorondil, culminating in a public trial where the outcome will be somewhat different from what everyone may expect.
Kitty · 30 October 2007 · Chapter 130: Turindil
Hmmm ... it appears that my initial distrust of this mysterious archer was unfounded, at least until now. What Vána said indicated it is not one of the kinslayers or another baddie. And even Olwë feels he is somehow familiar? Interesting. But though I have some vague ideas, I’d better not even try and guess more about Turindil’s history; my knowledge about the First Age is too limited. Have still not managed to read the whole Silmarillion, but only bits and pieces of it. I have to admit that I like Turindil. Poor guy, it must be a terrible feeling to have only vague memories of his former life and then nobody there who knows him, no family or friends to welcome him back. It has to be a comfort for him that Mithlas was worried enough to come after him, and I hope Mithlas and the others will take him under their wings. Oh, and btw, good to know how Mithlas was convinced to sail at last *lol* And the image of Námo in yellow left me laughing – could any of these impudent elves keep a straight face at this? I’m happy enough with him wearing blue and green for a change! Vána is naughty to even suggest this bet! Though it was a nice look at this couple.
Author's reply
I'm sure that Mithlas and Gilvagor especially will "adopt" Turindil and make him their gwador soon enough and Aldarion won't be too far behind. And I hope that I was able to convey with the conversation between Vána and Oromë the love they have, not only for each other, or for the Reborn, but for Námo, as well, that they can joke about his sartorial tastes. And no, I don't think any of those elves would be able to keep a straight face if their lives depended on it. LOL
Encaitariel · 30 October 2007 · Chapter 130: Turindil
Another lovely chapter, Fiondil! I think I know who Turindil might be, but I'll wait and see. I do love your Sindar characterizations. By the way, I have to ask: "...he tied with a Nando named Denethor." Is this THE Denethor, or another Nando of that name? Pretty neat if he was! Thanks, Encaitariel
Author's reply
Well, THAT Denethor, the leader of the Nandor into Beleriand, did die, so it's most likely that he has been reborn since then preferring to live among his own kind on Tol Eressëa. I'm glad you like my Sindar characterizations. They are quite different from the more refined Noldor and Vanyar, which make them all the more interesting.
Beruthiels Cat · 30 October 2007 · Chapter 130: Turindil
Hi Fiondil! The first PM was sent to your yahoo address a few days ago, but I've sent another this a.m. (just in case, lol...) BC
Author's reply
Well, I haven't received as of the time I was notified of this review. Try sending it to the gmail address that I sent you and see what happens, because I never received the first PM.