Interesting look at what the leaders of the exiled Noldor might have felt at the first rising of the sun. Finrod was right, of course - no matter for which purpose sun and moon initially had, they had to enjoy the light and to take advantage of it as well as they could. Only a pity Anar didn't have the same effect on Morgoth as it did have on Gollum. Would have served him right.
Author's reply
It is a pity Anar's light did not have the same effect on Morgoth as it did on Gollum, but there you have it. I imagine that the sight of Isil and Anar must have been quite disturbing to the elves, both the Sindar who had known only starlight and the Noldor who ahd known the Light of the Two Trees and never thought to see anything like it again.
Interesting discussion.
"A people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." This reminds me of something- either a hymn or a Bible verse, and I can't remember which. Of course, the addition of "two, in fact" made me laugh.
As for the timeline: the Silm makes it seem a *lot* faster. It's hard to believe it took Fëanor nearly ten years to leave Valinor. Frankly, the time involved makes my head spin. But the Elves are immortal and don't see time the way we do. I just have to keep telling myself that...
~ Indy
Author's reply
The quote (except for the addition of 'two, in fact') is from Isaiah 9:1 and now that I think about it, the story is rather apropos to this time of year since we are now in Advent: the Season of Light.
The Silmarillion does make it seem as if everything is done in a day, but as you say, with Elves (and the Valar), time has a different flow and meaning.
6336
· 4 December 2008
· Chapter 6: MAGIC: The Password
Reading parts of this makes you wonder just who rules in Mirkwood, Thranduil or Mrs. Thranduil!
This is just as funny the fifth, or sixth time around as the first!
Keep them coming,
Lynda
Author's reply
I'm glad you are enjoying this the fifth or sixth time around. Thanks for letting me know.
Poor Finrod and his dark emotions. I like your use of "the people in darkness have seen a great light". Finrod did seek to conquer the "night" in response to this new light and in mnay ways he did conquer the "night" of others in his life in Middle-earth though he never lived to see thier new day. Nicely done!
Author's reply
Very true, Ellie. I'm glad you liked this one. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Much of grief is now relieved beneath the light of the rising moon and sun, although more is now perhaps remembered, now that these have come at last to warmer times. Now to the business at hand, then?
It is too bad that the first knocking at the doors of Angband did no good!
Author's reply
Yes, it is a pity the first knocking at the doors of Angband did no good. Well, it it had, there wouldn't have been much of a story afterwards, would there? *grin*
The devil is in the details, and it is those pesky little details that can make or break a story...
I can just about _see_ Turucáno standing there with a coltsfoot flower between his fingers, first with a silly smile and then looking sad. Coltsfoot because it is a sign of spring here in Norway.
Findaráto not showing much emotion - and those he seem to have right now are not pleasant at all.
BTW - were you inspired by the song?
Author's reply
Yes, I guesss you could say I was inspired by the song, which has always been one of my favorites. I'm glad you found this story to your liking. Thanks for reviewing and letting me know.
Ces
· 1 December 2008
· Chapter 39: DISORDER: Chaos Theory
"Do you think Lord Námo sits here whenever he wants to pretend he’s Lord Manwë?" That has to be the funniest line in the entire chapter!
Glorfindel and Finrod running amok in the Halls of Mandos! It's perfect! Way to keep Namo busy and the rest of us amused. It just totally made my first day back to work after the holiday all worthwhile! Thank you!
Ces
Author's reply
That's apparently many people's favorite line. *grin*
Glad you liked this one, Ces, and that it made your day. Thanks for letting me know.
Independence1776
· 30 November 2008
· Chapter 39: DISORDER: Chaos Theory
What a wonderful story to come back to from visiting relatives for Thanksgiving!
Oh, no. Glorfindel and Finrod together in Mandos. This ought to be good!
I can definitely understand why Námo doesn't want anyone on that statue, though.
The Maiar are involved... I am very, very glad I am not in charge of them.
Yes, that throne room is intimidating to me! I wouldn't want to be an Elf facing Námo there.
Children indeed.... I don't think I would have been able to be so stoic.
The ninny incident!
Vairë! I never- though I should have- thought about her being the mastermind.
Phase Two? Okay, I am officially worried. :P
~ Indy
Author's reply
Hi Indy. Yes, I suppose that if a certain Valië is behind all this chaos, one should be really worried. *grin* Glad you enjoyed this one. Thanks for reviewing.
Kitty
· 30 November 2008
· Chapter 39: DISORDER: Chaos Theory
The Lord of Mandos would have been happy if Glorfindel and Findaráto had never met within these Halls. Separately, they were both forces to be reckoned with. Together, they were a menace to civilization as the Amaneldi knew it, not to mention a threat to the sanity of the Valar, especially this particular Vala. *ROTFLMAO* Poor Námo is under no illusions about these two, isn’t he?
"Well, it’s rather large," Glorfindel commented. "Do you think Lord Námo sits here whenever he wants to pretend he’s Lord Manwë?" *LOL* Nothing and no one is sacred to these two, eh?
"If they weren’t already dead," Námo muttered, beginning to get annoyed, "I would kill them all over again… slowly." *snicker* Oh, maybe he should rather be worried what they will be up to when they are reborn *grin*
That whole update was hilarious! I was laughing myself silly, from Námo walking around dripping wet, though he’s able to simply think himself dry, obviously wanting to be pitied, to Glorfindel calling him a ninny (so this was the story behind that!) and Námo ending up in the fountain up to the realisation that Vairë was behind the whole thing. No wonder Finrod and Glorfindel never stopped being impossible when even a Valie was encouraging their antics!
Thank you so much, Fiondil, for this great chapter and the laugh!
Author's reply
Hi, Kitty. Glad you enjoyed this little story so much. There are some great moments throughout, aren't there? *grin*
Sunny
· 28 November 2008
· Chapter 39: DISORDER: Chaos Theory
I got to thinking (always a dangerous endeavour) when rereading a few favorites - seriously stressful day at work, so I needed the laughs. I wonder if this might be another piece that Vairë was planning to show off in _Dinner with Námo and Vairë_?
_Somebody_ - either Vairë or one of Námo's Maiar must be no mean strategist _and_ tactician, BTW. Getting all those things to go just right to make Námo's day ... interesting ... must have taken a fair bit of planning _and_ skillful execution. Hopefully they had backup plans in case things didn't go quite according to the plan (a necessity when the Dynamic Duo is involved, I think) ;-)
But then I suppose things might have become almost as interesting if the right things _had_ gone wrong with the plan. :-)
Author's reply
I found your analysis quite amusing and interesting. I'm sure, Vairë, being a Valië, and the Maiar, being Maiar, were able to plan and execute this quite easily, though I have no dobut they had contingency plans in place. As you say, things might have become almost as interesting if the right things *had* gone wrong, and even Vairë admits to herself that her 'phase one' was only partially successful. As to whether or not Vairë ever made a tapestry of this....
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 28 November 2008
· Chapter 39: DISORDER: Chaos Theory
Poor Námo. Having to deal with these two must be tiring even for a Vala.
"Well, it’s rather large," Glorfindel commented. "Do you think Lord Námo sits here whenever he wants to pretend he’s Lord Manwë?"
LOL! A god thing I already finished my tea, else I would need to replace my keyboard...*laughs helplessly*
~Cal
Author's reply
Good thing indeed! Glad you enjoyed this one Cal. Thanks for your review.
Ellie
· 28 November 2008
· Chapter 39: DISORDER: Chaos Theory
Oh my goodness! LOL!!!! I especially loved the following :
"Separately, they were both forces to be reckoned with. Together, they were a menace to civilization as the Amaneldi knew it, not to mention a threat to the sanity of the Valar, especially this particular Vala."
And
" "Do you think Lord Námo sits here whenever he wants to pretend he’s Lord Manwë?" "
Too funny!
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. I'm glad you got a laugh out of this one, especially the above quotes. I have the feeling that Glorfindel's innocent question was closer to the mark than Námo cares to admit. *lol* Let's hope Manwë never finds out.
6336
· 28 November 2008
· Chapter 39: DISORDER: Chaos Theory
Been rereading this and I just love all the little details, slight smiles and finger waggles!
You will have to do a story about what Namos guard Mair do in their down time, I would think they would need to get out of Mandos once in a while!
When are you going to write phase two?
Deffinately more please!
Lynda
Author's reply
I have no idea when or if I will write phase two. Vairë will need to tell me about it first. *grin* I'm glad you enjoyed reading and re-reading about phase one though. Thanks for letting me know.
Thalanee
· 28 November 2008
· Chapter 39: DISORDER: Chaos Theory
I love that one! I can just picture on top of that statue and the rather bedraggled Lord of Mandos. ;-)
Poor Namo... I wonder what Vaire ant their Maia will do next?
I can hardly wait for the next chapter.
Greetings Thalanee
Author's reply
Thanks, Thalanee. I'm glad you enjoyed this. Whether there is a "chapter two" to this remains to be seen. *grin*
Siiw
· 27 November 2008
· Chapter 39: DISORDER: Chaos Theory
So THAT is what the scary maiar from the trial in EI usually do? *shivers*
This had me smiling broadly. I love your characters, and most of all your maiar! You have made them into living personalities, i enjoy reading these stories a lot. They are so detailed, life-like and filled with an unconditional cosmic love that makes reading pleasant on a deep level.
Author's reply
Hi Siiw. Yes, THAT is what the scary Maiar usually do.
I'm glad you love my characters, especially all my Maiar (though not ALL of them are mine, some actually belong to Tolkien *grin*). I have endeavored to imbue all my OCs, including the Maiar with real personalities and histories, so as to make them, and the stories, as three-dimensional as possible. I don't care for two-dimensional stereotypic characterizations. They make the rest of the story equally as flat.
When you are writing about the Valar, who are the spiritual representations of Eru, then you can't help but write about unconditional cosmic love. I'm glad that this makes reading for you pleasant on a deep level. It's what I hope for all my readers.
Thanks for letting me know hwo much you enjoy my stories. I really appreciate it.
GoldenFlower
· 27 November 2008
· Chapter 39: DISORDER: Chaos Theory
HAHAHA. <3 this chapter. SO FUNNY. And the fact that Finrod and Glorfindel remind me eerily of me and my best friend just serves to make it even more hilarious. Hahaha, plotting maiar and valar and dead elves running amok, oh my!
~GF
Author's reply
Thanks, GF... I'm so happy you found this story so funny. I was practically laughing out loud myself as I was writing it, especially with Námo being so clueless about being set up by his wife and Maiar. *grin*
Larner
· 27 November 2008
· Chapter 39: DISORDER: Chaos Theory
Ah, the joy of working with THESE Elves as they find themselves once more. And love the wondering if Namo played at Manwe here! Heh!
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. As much as Námo may grouse, he really does enjoy these two Elves and rejoices in their innocence and curiosity. I suspect that he even secretly looks forward to seeing what further mayhem they may cause. *grin*
6336
· 27 November 2008
· Chapter 39: DISORDER: Chaos Theory
Oh dear, poor Namo! What those two have put him through and still do!
I have a feeling he wishes they were still in Mandos where he had more control over them than having them running loose in Aman, even with Mair watching over them!
Vaire is one sneaky Valire! Hope her plan works, Namo can be a real stick in the mud sometimes, he needs to lighten up!
More please,
Happy Thanksgiving,
Lynda
Author's reply
You're probably right about how Námo feels about Finrod and Glorfindel and Vairë is indeed one sneaky Valië, but being married to Námo she has to be. *grin* And a Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Nieriel Raina
· 27 November 2008
· Chapter 39: DISORDER: Chaos Theory
ROTFLMAO! Excellent!
Author's reply
Thanks, NiRi. Glad you enjoyed this one.
Rhyselle
· 27 November 2008
· Chapter 39: DISORDER: Chaos Theory
Mwhahahahahahahahaha! Oh! This was so funny! I'm busy cooking for today's Thanksgiving dinner, and you've just given me something else to be thankful for. :)
I can't pick out a favorite part of this, truly it was all inspired!
(Although I do wonder why Namo just didn't clean himself up with a thought--unless he really wanted Vaire's sympathy over his not quite very bad day. *grin* Even if he wasn't consciously doing so.)
Well done!
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. I suspect you're correct about Námo trying to get sympathy from Vairë unaware that she instigated the whole thing. *grin* Glad you liked this one. Thanks for letting me know.
harrowcat
· 27 November 2008
· Chapter 39: DISORDER: Chaos Theory
*grin* I know that I have been working myself too hard but PLEEEEEESE don't set those two on me!
Author's reply
Okay, I promise not to send them your way. *grin*
Sunny
· 27 November 2008
· Chapter 39: DISORDER: Chaos Theory
*Picks self off floor, brushing off lint and loose thread ends.*
I knew it! I KNEW IT!!!! As soon as I saw the title I just _knew_ Glorfindel had to be neck deep into whatever it was :-D
So now we know about when Glorfindel called Námo a ninny. *Hands Námo a fluffy towel and a cup of hot chocolate*
*giggles a bit more and goes back to the beginning of the story#
Author's reply
Glad you found this so funny, Sunny. Thanks for letting me know.
Kitty
· 23 November 2008
· Chapter 38: CONTEST: Power Play
That must have been quite a battle! To watch Finrod battling with Sauron makes me even more appreciative of Glorfindel who was able to keep up with this mighty elf at the Tournament. They’re both great – not only as warriors, but in personality and courage and so many other things, no matter how foolish (or whiny *eg*) they are behaving on occasion.
Anyway, I was glad Námo was with Finrod when the memories of this terrible time came back; it must have been such a comfort to be assured in this way that something good came from this, too.
Author's reply
This has always been one of my favorite scenes in the Silmarillion for all it's brevity so I was happy to have a chance to expand on it. Both Finrod and Glorfindel are indeed great, and not only as warriors. I always suspected that there was more to Glorfindel than met the eye from what little we see of him in LOTR. The same is true for Finrod.
As terrible as the experience was, something good did indeed come out of it and because of it Arda would never be the same again.
Raksha The Demon
· 23 November 2008
· Chapter 38: CONTEST: Power Play
Ooh, this is wonderful stuff! I always adored Finrod; he is my second-favorite Elf in Tolkien's works; and his confrontation with Sauron is an epic struggle that I wish Tolkien had written more of. What Tolkien did write, the battle of songs and enchantment, was great; and so is this elaboration. And I love it that Finrod's companions, even when revealed to Sauron and about to be imprisoned, strove to protect Beren as best they could by hiding his true identity from Sauron.
I wonder if Finrod ever was able to meet Dior in Mandos, or Elwing; who carried to Earendil the Silmaril that, in part, Finrod's courage enabled Beren to stay alive long enough to retake with Luthien's help...
Author's reply
Hi Raksha. I'm pleased that you enjoyed this tale. I always wished Tolkien had written more about this confrontation as well, which is why I decided to do this fic. Even if Finrod did meet Dior in Mandos he would not have known who he was, at least in my Valar-verse, where the Dead leave behind all memory of their previous lives. Dior, of course, was born after Finrod's death. Elwing never died so she would never be found in Mandos. Perhaps once Dior was released from Mandos he and Finrod met and I'm sure at one point Finrod also met Elwing. But that, as they say, is another story. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Larner
· 21 November 2008
· Chapter 38: CONTEST: Power Play
Ah, I am reminded of Theoden's statement, that should they face defeat at least it would be a fight worthy of a song; so it was with Finrod and his folk as they sought to aid Beren. I grieve for them so; but he has his triumph in it as well, and is the greater for having been through what he experienced.
Beautifully done, Fiondil.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I appreciate your review. The tale of Finrod dying to save Beren has always been one of my favorites, especially since I resented Tolkien killing him off. *lol* But we at least know that he is alive and well and living in Aman now, and can be content with that.