Tari
· 16 April 2008
· Chapter 85: The Joy of Serving
Námo is a delight. Humbling himself to serve others is something all in authority should do once in a while. Ingwoin could learn a lot just by watching him. Obviously the Maia have learned and benefited from his lessons.
I think there is more to the Valar losing bets with each other. I think they are used as a learning tool which is a good thing.
Tari
Author's reply
Námo is indeed a delight, which is why I enjoy writing about him so much. Ingwion can indeed learn from him and I suspect that the Maiar have benefited from his lessons over time. And the betting is probably both a learning tool and a way to amuse themselves along the way as they try to figure out the Children.
Tari
· 15 April 2008
· Chapter 84: Obedience is a Verb
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Mushroom tarts sounds so good. I love mushrooms
And isn't obedience a problem we all have. I know I don't always listen and many times people don't listen to me. We hear, but we don't listen. This can cause us to make false assumptions. How did you get to be so wise?
Author's reply
Wisdom has nothing to do with it, but experience does. I have as hard a time listening as the next person and that's the hardest thing to do, to listen and as you say not make assumptions, false or otherwise.
And I love mushrooms, too. In that, I'm a Hobbit at heart. *grin*
Tari
· 15 April 2008
· Chapter 83: On the Shore of an Endless Sea
I always felt that the Vaire were as strong and forceful as the Valar. How Ingwion could defy the Valar is beyond me. That is something no one can succeed in doing. Yet, no matter how difficult the Elves are, the Valar continue to shower them with love. That is how I picture our Guardian Angels.
Oatmeal for breakfast sounds good to me.
Tari
Author's reply
I think Ingwion was suffering from many things that just made it impossible for him not to defy Nienna at that point. Probably somewhere in the back of his mind he was telling himself that his defiance was a useless gesture but he still could not help himself and the Valar realized that and took it into account. Yes, they are very much like our Guardian Angels.
And there is nothing wrong with oatmeal from breakfast... Ingwion just couldn't imagine being served it for dinner! *grin*
6336
· 9 April 2008
· Chapter 41: A Slow Recovery
I am trying to decide what sort of stuffed toy Glorfindel has! I am not sure if they had teddy bears in Aman so that leaves dogs, cats and rabbits! Some how I just can't see Glorfindel with a stuffed bunny so that leaves cats and dogs, I am plumping for a kitty since Glorfindel seems to be a cat person!Or maybe it's because I am a cat person my self!
Lynda
Author's reply
I left it up to the reader's to supply their own stuffed toy, since every one probably has a 'favorite', so a kitty works for me (I'm a cat person, too). *grin*
Tari
· 8 April 2008
· Chapter 69: Glorfindel on Taniquetil
"The Past is a dangerous place to be, for it is full of regrets and ‘should-have-beens’. It does no good to dwell there overlong. The present moment is all any of us are ever offered, even we who will live until all the ages of Arda are spent. Take joy in the Present and leave the Past where it belongs."
Words of wisdom I should be following.
Glorfindel has finally been rescued. That he feels no animosity toward those who abducted him speaks volumes about his character, which is why he is one of my favorites.
Tari
Author's reply
Yes, they are indeed words of wisdom we should all follow. My mother always said the one phrase that should be struck from the English language is "I should have....".
Glofindel is a truly noble person by anyone's yardstick.
6336
· 7 April 2008
· Chapter 4: Progress Reports
I think someone should write a book or teach courses in Reborn care, it would certainly help people to understand the difficulties the Reborn have in integrating back in to society!
You are right it, should have been Namo who had a little 'chat' with a certain Hacker!:<)
Lynda
Author's reply
You're probaby right but it would have to be the Reborn who write it, since they're the only ones who know about it from the inside out, so to speak.
Tari
· 4 April 2008
· Chapter 65: Attack...
Oh No!!!! How horrible. Just when I think Sador is safe, he's captured. Why anyone would want to harm him I cannot imagine. It will be interesting to see who comes to his rescue although I do believe Haldir will be one of them.
I do love a good mystery.
Tari
Author's reply
We'll find out soon why Sador was taken and you can bet that Haldir will be one of the rescuers, once he learns about the kidnapping. I'm glad you like a good mystery. I like them too.
Tari
· 2 April 2008
· Chapter 63: Echoes of Judgment
It's so much fun reading about the Valar. Tolkien doesn't elaborate as much as you do. I like seeing them as loving, caring beings who show great patience with the willful elves.
Tari
Author's reply
Tolkien says very little about the Valar and most of it is rather negative, since the POV of the Quenta Silmarillion is that of the Exilic Noldor who havce rebelled against the authority of the Valar. It's one of the reasons I like writing about them; I want to explore more fully the relationship between the Valar and the Eldar in Aman. And with that lot they need a great deal of patience. *grin* Glad you are still enjoying the story.
6336
· 25 March 2008
· Chapter 101: Alassiel and Vorondil
Makes sense to me! (Vorondil, calling his horse Rocco)!
Lynda
Author's reply
I agree. I makes perfect sense and as Finrod points out it's easy to remember. *grin*
Tari
· 24 March 2008
· Chapter 57: Those Who Guard
I thought you were talking about the ring Aragorn wore.
Once again I have to thank Tolkien for leaving so many opportunities for expanding his stories. Who would guess that the Valar could be a bit naughty. I love your take on what might have happened to Finrod after he died.
This chapter was a delight to read.
Tari
Author's reply
Yes, it's the same ring, or rather a copy of it. I'm glad Tolkien left enough gaps in the Legendarium so the rest of us could play in his universe, too. *grin* Glad you liked this chapter.
Tari
· 19 March 2008
· Chapter 54: Language Lessons
This chapter was such fun to read. A light in the darkness. Laughter is so healing and that is something sorely needed by all.
I would love to learn Sindarin myself, but have no one to interact with. All my friends are Gondorian. Oh, well.
Sometimes I want to reply to something in your responses, but find I cannot. I guess I'll just have to make notes to include with my next comment.
Author's reply
This was a fun chapter to write, as well, especially searching to find two words that were similar enough in pronunciation to confuse a newbie to the language but have two very different meanings, especially for one that would be considered insulting.
As for learning Sindarin... you don't need others to interact with. I, myself, don't really speak it, though I can read it and write it. All you need to do is check out the various websites that offer lessons in the language. Thorsten Renk's Sindarin course is the best, especially as he's just updated it with new information that has recently come to light about the language. His site is called Parma Tyelpelassíva or 'Book of Silver Leaves' [phy(dot)duke(dot)edu/~trenk/elvish/index(dot)html].
Tari
· 12 March 2008
· Chapter 51: Return to Lórien
I just got back from a short vacation and have resumed reading this wonderful story.
What happened to Glorfindel in the previous chapter was horrible. I can't wait to see what happens to those who were so cruel to him. They don't realize it is they who will be punished, not Glorfindel. As I said before, they are a bit on the stupid side.
In this chapter, the healing begins. Something that is sorely needed. I think Finrod will make an excellent healer.
Tari
Author's reply
It will be several chapters before we get back to Glorfindel, but eventually we will see what happens to everyone involved. The elves who have abducted Glorfindel are probably not the sort to converse with Maiar or Valar so are forgetful of the fact that they share Aman with others who are well aware of their activities even if their own people are not.
Healing has indeed begun and Finrod will prove himself to be an excellent healer in many ways. Thanks for sticking with the story. Just as an incentive, I will be posting the first chapter of Book Two of this tale in a few more days.
Tari
· 4 March 2008
· Chapter 49: Plots and Counterplots
Ingoldo, Timwetariel and Vorindil are pure evil. They leave a bad taste in my mouth. Did they really think the other Elves were so stupid as to not find out what they were planning? There are Maiar all over, invisible but watching. Three cheers for Valandur seeing through their ploy.
Tari
Author's reply
Some people are born stupid and others have stupidity thrust upon them. Familiarity breeds contempt and I think most elves are so used to being around invisible Maiar that they simply forget they are there. Valandur, of course, is nobody's fool, which is why he's Ingwë's Chief Loremaster.
Tari
· 27 February 2008
· Chapter 46: A Belated Begetting Day
I like the meaning you gave to the Ruby. I'ts my birthstone although I don't know that it's description fits me.
The party sounded like so much fun that I found myself wishing I could be there.
Tari
Author's reply
I didn't give the Ruby that meaning.... it is the meaning traditionally given it by medieval people. I don't make up any of the meanings for the gemstones or flowers that I have in this story, although I will adapt meanings to fit the parameters of the story and Middle-earth.
I actually based the candle lighting scene on an episode of Babylon 5, believe it or not. *grin*
Tari
· 26 February 2008
· Chapter 43: Meeting With the Elder King
I do love a good mystery, but this one is a bit scary. I can't imagine what the Valar have in mind, but I'm sure I'll find out soon enough.
Tari
Author's reply
Well, you won't have to wait for long to find out what the Valar are all talking about. *grin*
Caddy de La Bris
· 25 February 2008
· Chapter 999999: Character List
Hi Fiondil,
Do you know what kind of music I am hearing? Of course not. How could you?
But after a long time I am looking throug some of my very old datas (dates)? Old stories and also old music.
And I found "A song for the lonley" from Cher.
And I found it absoluteley fitting: They are all - in one way or the other - lonley.
And I like it to hear to this song and imagine your story and I cannot expect Elf interrupted II.
Alwayw with you
Caddy
Author's reply
I don't know why you think these characters are all lonely. Most of them seem to have just the opposite problem. However, you won't have to wait too long for Book Two, only a few more weeks.
Tari
· 25 February 2008
· Chapter 42: An Appointment in Valmar
Your desciption of Valmar is so beautiful. That is how I picture heaven as being. The Valar are wonderful. How can anyone help but love them?
Tari
Author's reply
I based the layout of the city on the ceremonial centers of the Aztecs and Mayans. I figured with only 14 Valar, you're not going to need a lot of buildings. *grin* Glad you liked the description. I tried to make it as vivid as possible without overdoing the details.
Tari
· 22 February 2008
· Chapter 41: A Slow Recovery
I just wanted to let you know I am still reading and loving your story. This particular chapter was fun to read. The reborn certainly cry a lot, but I guess that's all a part of the healing process. You make them all seem so real. I find myself wanting to hug Glorfindel myself.
Tari
Author's reply
I'm glad you're still enjoying the story. I don't think the Reborn cry a lot, but certainly Glorfindel's recent experiences give him an excuse. Also, I think with the Reborn their emotions are closer to the surface than normal so they tend to act on them more and so appear to be more emotional than the once-born.
Tari
· 19 February 2008
· Chapter 38: Ingwë Alone
I LOVE IT. I LOVE IT. I LOVE IT. It seems like each chapter gets better than the last. The Maia are guardian angels. I totally beilieve in them and feel that each one of us has one to guide and protect us too.
You are amazing.
Tari
Author's reply
I've always figured the Maiar were more than just servants to the Valar but served a deeper purpose and wished to show it in this light. I'm glad you liked this and thanks for the compliment.
Tari
· 19 February 2008
· Chapter 37: An Ancient Lullaby
This chapter deeply touched my heart. I thought the banter between Glorfindel and Ingowion (?) was the highlight. But, Iluvatar singing to his children as they awoke for the first time was priceless beyond measure. What an incredible joy.
Tari
Author's reply
Thanks, Tari. I'm glad you liked this chapter. We finally learn all about the lullaby that Námo sings to the elves in Mandos and what it's true significance is.
Tari
· 18 February 2008
· Chapter 36: A Lesson In Forgiveness
I see what you mean about Alassiel coming around. Maybe she'll learn to really appreciate Glorfindel. He sacrificed his life that others might live. I'm most interested in seeing where you take their new friendship.
The Valar are something, aren't they?
Tari
Author's reply
Alassiel has a good heart but she was being corrupted by her grandparents. Whatever the relationship between her and Glorfindel I'm sure they will become very good friends, if not more. And the Valar are always something.
Larner
· 17 February 2008
· Chapter 142: Songs of Power and Glory
Ah--parted by Eru Iluvatar Himself, have they been, as each, caught in the midst of the battle that brought each to his death finds himself seeking to slay the Balrog he fought then.
Now, to find what is intended for each. Looking forward to it. And I can finally look at some of the other tales posted on the site over the past few days and work on the stories I myself am writing.
Thanks for an interesting last few days. I also just finished "The Ambler Warning" by Robert Ludlum last night. I recommend it.
Author's reply
Yes... in this case Eru had to take direct intervention to protect everyone. The first chapter of Book Two will be up soon, before Easter. Glad you enjoyed this and are looking forward to the continuation. I haven't read Ludlum in years, though I liked his writing. Maybe I'll pick him up again when I get a chance to buy English-language books again.
Too exciting, eh? Heh! Now, to see to the final match!
And Vana is TOO naughty by half! Heh!
As for Glorfindel and Finrod--the two who stripped as they danced before Aranfinwe's court are prudish before a mere Valie?
Author's reply
Well, stripping before one's peers and stripping before one of the Powers... not the same in my book and apparently not the same in Finrod or Glorfindel's book either.
Larner
· 17 February 2008
· Chapter 140: Tournament List
Okay....
Larner
· 17 February 2008
· Chapter 139: Day of Reckoning
Excellent match! And Tolkien was known to change his mind about a number of subjects, after all! Wonderful conclusions to many questions here.
Author's reply
The discussion the Valar have with Finrod and Glorfindel wasn't initially planned... it just sort of happened, but obviously certain subjects neede to be addressed, and so they were. Christopher Tolkien did admit later that he made a mistake in making Orodreth a brother of Finrod rather than a nephew. I decided for purposes of my own to follow that scheme instead of the one found in the Silmarillion.