6336
· 14 June 2010
· Chapter 131: Lord Eärendil Weighs In
Well that was interesting, very noisy, but interesting.
I think I understand Glorfindel's reaction to Earrendil, he is 'his' kings heir after all, and until he is reborn he will have Glorfindels allegance.
Just what were Falmaron and his atar yelling at each other for, honestly I think Namo needs to dig Frued out and let him loose, he would have a field day with this lot!:<)
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. You are correct about Glorfindel's reaction to Eärendil. He is 'his' king's heir and so he has Glorfindel's allegiance. This, of course, will make it possible for Glorfindel to 'transfer' his allegiance to Elrond later on.
I'm sure Olwë and Falmaron were yelling at one another with the usual "Why didn't you write?" and "Would you have read my letter if I had?" sort of argument that families are famous for.*grin* Unfortunately, the good doctor has yet to be born, never mind die, so Námo isn't able to employ his services in this case. I'm sure, though, Freud would have had a field day with the whole lot of them, elves and Valar all. *LOL*
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Lynday. I appreciate it.
Hel
· 12 June 2010
· Chapter 130: A Change of Plans
I´ve got more and more the impression that the Valar are complicating event much more than necessary. If they only ask people to do things the feeling of being manipulated that some have wouldn´t be there i.e. Falmaron and Glordindel. For some strange reason the Valar are somehow underestimating the elves and their loyalty towards them.
But how should it help that Glorfindel and the others go to the council? For preventing anything it is to late. And I don´t think they listen more to Eärendil or Elwing than to any other elf. Though their arrival must leave a big impression. Especially when the Mariner wears the Silmaril.
I guess I have to wait and see.
The landing on Ulmo´s lake was a nice idea. It fits somehow and Vingilot looks shurely great at her landing place. But will have Eärendil not to leave every evening to fullfil his role as evening-star?
Author's reply
Hi Hel. Some of your observations are very astute and the issue of the Valar manipulating the elves instead of asking will be addressed in future chapters. That will also be true about Eärendil and his flying of Vingilot. Things are geting complicated but hopefully they will resolve themselves soon enough. Thanks for reviewing.I appreciate it.
Sunny
· 11 June 2010
· Chapter 130: A Change of Plans
I think Eärendil will be inundated in requests for lessons in the Art of Making An Entrance (not that I think this is a class that he wants to teach) ;-)
And now that Glorfy has come to Valmar, things are bound to become Interesting, indeed. And it wouldn't surprise me if our friends from the Aewellond delegation are going to add their own flavours of Interesting to the stew! :-D
Is there some reason why Falmaron's - and the other Teleri's that he mentions - experience of death and being reborn is so different from Glorfindel's and every other Reborn that we have seen so far? Is it some kind of policy change in Mandos? Falmaron's description of his fear of light - presumably because it was an alien thing - and what I guess is problems with adjusting to being reborn _because_ he wasn't aware of having died - might point in that direction.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I think for the Telerin Reborn, the circumstances of their deaths were such that it was necessary for Námo to protect them a bit more than he had to with others who died later on in the other kinslayings. In Doriath and the Havens death was a known entity, something with which the Teleri had no experience. So their experience of death and being reborn is different from what other elves experienced. And, of course, every person is different and unique and reacts in different ways from the way others might, and that has to be taken into account as well.
An interesting question. I'm sure others were wondering the same. Thanks for bringing it up and thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 11 June 2010
· Chapter 130: A Change of Plans
Wonderful to see Earendil's folk now represented! Hooray!
And that would be the voyage to be envied!
Author's reply
I certainly envy Glorfindel such a voyage. *grin* And I suspect the Valar set it up so that they would come so that all the elves of Aman would be represented at the Council even if Eärendil's people really have nothing to do with the situation on Tol Eressëa. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it.
Fantasia
· 11 June 2010
· Chapter 130: A Change of Plans
Finally, we have the "Aewellond delegation". And what an entrance...Perfect!...So good to have Glorfindel back.
Author's reply
Glorfindel does know how to make an entrance, doesn't he, Fantasia? *LOL* We'll see soon enough what happens next now that the "Aewellond delegation" has arrived and Glorfindel is back. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Arwen75
· 11 June 2010
· Chapter 130: A Change of Plans
Fun...now to see what happens.
And yeah Glorfindel is with the others - going to be interesting to see reactions all round I feel. I am still avidly reading this and passing time impatiently waiting for the next chapter. I am looking forward to seeing what happens now.
Author's reply
Hi Arwen. Yes, the next few chapters should prove rather interesting. Glad you are still avidly reading this story. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
6336
· 11 June 2010
· Chapter 130: A Change of Plans
Hm, follow the road to Valmar eh, sounds a little like what the early, and I do mean early, pilots used to do!
Wow, this is starting to get really interesting, and cmplicated, just what are Eru and the Valar up to?
I know, I know, wait until monday, alright King of Cliffies, I'll be patient!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Well, it does save a lot of time guessing as to which way to go, doesn't it? *grin* Things are beginning to heat up and with Glorfindel in the mix you know the fireworks can't be far behind. We'll see what transpires soon enough. Aren't you glad I don't make you wait forever for the next chapter? *LOL* Thanks for reviewing, Lynda. I appreciate it.
Monaex
· 10 June 2010
· Chapter 129: Lessons on Innocence
HI:
Great chapter, I am a relatively new reader or most specifically this is the first time that I leave a review. I have some questions, 1) You say in this chapter that Falmaron only has brothers and one sister, but isn't Earwen also his sister alongside Olwen??? 2) I have forgotten why Ingiwion wasn't allowed to go to Middle Earth in the War of Wrath and what does it have to do with Falmaron, and is he married, I mean he is old enough isn't he??? 3) This is concerning the background you have made about Glorfindel, who were his parents were they of High Noble Blood or of a House of Princes??? I ask because you've never said and in the book Tolkien mentions that Glorfindel is a High Elf of a House of Princes. I don't know how you've manage it in this fic. And I am just remembering you said in another of your stories that Glorfindel's father at the very least was born in Cuivinen, since he remembered The Great Migration. Who is his mother??? She was a Vanya right??? And the last question: 4)Have they been reborn???
GREAT STORIES!!!!
Author's reply
Hell Monaex. I'm glad you are enjoying my stories. In answer to your questions:
1. When Eärendil speaks about Falmaron having a sister rather than sisters, he is referring to the fact that he has only met Olwen. Eärwen was not in Alqualondë when he and Elwing were there, and did not meet her at that time. The entire conversation centers around what happened in Alqualondë, both when Eärendil and Elwing were there and when Falmaron was reborn and sent back to his family. Eärwen had nothing to do with any of that, being High Queen of the Noldor and living in Tirion. Eärendil is only speaking about those members of Falmaron's family residing in Alqualondë.
2. Ingwion wasn't allowed to go to Middle-earth in the War of Wrath because his father and Arafinwë both feared for his welfare. They felt he would go seeking death rather than fighting against the Enemy and as Ingwë's heir they did not wish to risk it. And while Ingwion is certainly old enough to be married, he hasn't yet done so. There is a reason for this, but you will need to wait to find out what that reason is. As to what this has to do with Falmaron, the answer to that is: nothing. There is no connection between the two other than the fact that they are the sons of ruling kings.
3. I have kept Glorfindel's lineage purposely vague, with only hints, because Tolkien himself was vague. He really does not give us any further details other than he is a High Elf (meaning, one of those who either went to Aman or was born there) of a House of Princes. I have not disclosed the names of either parent and Glorfindel has, for reasons that were given in earlier chapters, disowned them to some extent, given what happened. Obviously, one of his parents must have been a Vanya and in my stories this would be his mother because the children would associate themselves with their father's clan and Glorfindel sees himself as a Noldo rather than a Vanya. Neither of Glorfindel's parents hasw been reborn at this time and it is unlikely they will be any time soon.
I hope I've answered your questions to your satisfaction. Thank you for reading and (in this instance) reviewing.
Tari
· 8 June 2010
· Chapter 128: Meanwhile... Back in Aewellond
What an example Falmaron would be to the other Reborn and Exiles. In fact, he would be a good example for everyone. Holding grudges never solves anything. He is very wise for a Reborn.
Now I have to wait until the next chapter to find out why Falmaron was brought to
Aewellond in the first place.
Author's reply
You're very right, Tari. Falmaron would be a good example for everyone, Reborn and Exiles and Amanians alike. And you don't have to wait for the next chapter, since it's already been posted. *grin*
Sunny
· 8 June 2010
· Chapter 129: Lessons on Innocence
Hmmm ... not exactly a flashback, more like that reaction he had after he left Nienna’s place, I think. Glorfindel still needs som peace and quiet, but since he is now going to leave for the conference, that is likely to be in shot supply. OTOH, from what I saw when he was living in Nienna’s cottage, I don’t think Glorfy know how to deal with peace and quiet anyway ;-)
So the Valar were not going to manipulate Glorfindel this time – but does he like that they are using him to manipulate Falmaron any better?
It shall be interesting to see what happens when Glorfindel and Falmaron are added to the mixture in Valmar. Falmaron will certainly want to help his father stomp out attitudes like Uinendilmë’s!
Author's reply
Hard to say if it was a flashback or not, Sunny. Obviously, Glorfindel is feelng conflicted about a good many things. I don't think peace and quiet is Glorfindel's cup of tea, anyway. He's apparently not happy unless he's got a sword in his hand doing interesting things to his enemies. *grin*
As for whether the Valar actually is manipulating these two is a matter of debate. Clearly they believe that Falmaron needed to know from another Reborn what the situation with Olwë is. I doubt Falmaron would have accepted anyone else's word about that. And it should indeed be interesting to see what happens when these two show up in Valmar.
Thanks for reviewing, Sunny. I appreciate it.
glenceol@bellsouth.net
· 7 June 2010
· Chapter 128: Meanwhile... Back in Aewellond
poor Glorfy in his boredom. I like Falmaron and am glad we finally get to meet this son of Olwe. I still think it is cool that the Reborn can identify each other. I wonder what our resident Maia is up to with his sudden appearance? Can't wait to read the next chapter!
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. Yes, Glorfindel is definitely a Type-A personality. *LOL* I'm glad you like Falmaron. He just literally showed up. I've known the names of the rest of Olwë's children for quite some time so he was a (pleasant) surprise. We'll find out soon what Mánatamir is up to. Thanks for reviewing.
Tari
· 7 June 2010
· Chapter 127: Vondo in Valmar
Now we know who the rotten egg is -Selmacas. It will be interesting to see what the Valar have in store for him. Somthing good I hope. He deserves anything he gets. Poor Vondo has no idea what prompted the attack which could have left him paralyzed were it not for Finrod and the healers.
Excellent chapter.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. Well, Selmacas was taken by surprise and I'm afraid he didn't handle the situation very well. We'll see eventually what Arafinwë and the Valar decide about him. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for letting me know.
Larner
· 7 June 2010
· Chapter 129: Lessons on Innocence
To learn he is there for the sake of another must be both humbling and reassuring for Glorfindel this time.
Now--to get back to the council and see what he can do to help turn a certain delegate from Avallone around! Heh!
Author's reply
I think you are right about Glorfindel, Larner. And we will see shortly what transpires when he finally joins Finrod and the others in Valmar.
6336
· 7 June 2010
· Chapter 129: Lessons on Innocence
Hm, Glorfindel is right, no matter how alturistic their motives the Valar did violate him when they altered his memories of Errendil, he has yet to come to forgive them.
I like to think that Falmaron would have eventually made his way back to his family, I don't think it would have taken till the breaking of Arda for him to do so.
So Glorfy is off to Valmar, I hope the Valar are prepared for the fireworks to come!
How is Uncle Vondo doing? Vorondil and the Elflings will be very unhappy to find he has been hurt and by Vorondil's other grandfather at that!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
It will take him some time to come to terms with what happened to him, there's no doubt about that, Lynda. He'll get there eventually. And I think Falmaron would have reconciled with his family long before the Remaking of Arda as well, but the Valar obviously felt it was time to speed the process up a bit, hence their desire for him and Glorfindel to meet.
As for Vondo, Glorfindel is unaware of anything happening to him. This chapter goes back a bit in time, which is why Mánatamir speaks only about Morcocáno walking out on the Council. At this point, the attack on Vondo has yet to occur.
However, to answer your question, Vondo is recovering nicely and we'll see him and the elflings again in a future chapter.
6336
· 4 June 2010
· Chapter 128: Meanwhile... Back in Aewellond
Sometimes it is very hard to understand forgiveness. What's done is done and nothing can change it. I am not sure if what the Re-born feel is more a lack of resentment than forgivness to their slayers. Little profound for Friday morning.
I knew who it was before the ship even made it to the dock, that's Fal-whats-his-name, so that's where he goes with his supplies and how he supports himself.
I have an idea why he is there, better make sure you have a supply of ginger biscuits Glorfy!
I have often wondered how the monetary system worked in Tolkiens world, I know you mentioned one of the kings pondering how to use excess profit from his estates one time, but who pays for the Gray Ships and how is Lorien supported, the healers have to work for more than bed and board?! It has to be a little more sophisticated than bartar surely, any thoughts?
Lynda
Author's reply
You're probably right about the lack of resentment rather than forgiveness on the part of the Reborn, Lynda. I think the elves had a monetary system in place simply because Tolkien provides us with words in Quenya and Sindarin for different kinds of monetary denominations of which 'silver' seems to be the most prevelant. Of course, I don't doubt that a healthy bartering system was also utilized. They two are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
Larner
· 4 June 2010
· Chapter 128: Meanwhile... Back in Aewellond
Ah--no wonder he is familiar, then! And he is to bring Glorfindel the quicker to the conference, and perhaps pave the way for his return to the succor of his current hosts' remaining son?
Author's reply
Most likely, Larner. We'll see in the soon enough why Falmaron felt compelled to return to Aewellond and what role he has to play vis-à-vis Glorfindel.
Tari
· 3 June 2010
· Chapter 126: The Council Continues
Nothing else will go wrong? Hmmmmmm. That remains to be seen. Granted, everthing went very well thus far, but, I have no doubt something will happen to throw a monkey wrench in the process. It always does.
Author's reply
We all live in hope, Tari, and we all want smooth sailing in our lives, even the elves, though this lot should know better by now. *grin*
ninqwestilmen
· 2 June 2010
· Chapter 127: Vondo in Valmar
Despite all the trauma of the situation, Vondo manages to be pretty darn cute in this chapter - loved it.
P.S. Forgive the newbie question - Where can I get the backstory on Selmacas and his daughter? I know she married Aldundil instead of Vondo, but I don't know why right now.
Author's reply
Vondo is pretty darn cute, isn't he? *grin*
The backstory can be found in Book One of Elf, Interrupted, chapters 132-134, and in Book Two, chapter 8. Selmacas does not actually appear in any of these chapters but the story of how Aldunil ended up marrying his daughter is told through these chapters.
Hel
· 2 June 2010
· Chapter 127: Vondo in Valmar
The scene was really cute: Vondo standing in this huge chamber and calling for his atto as if nobody else is there. But I think he is the first who wonders that the chamber is bigger on the inside than the building outside is.
Selmacas reaction is a bit strange. His daughter broke her vow to Vondo and married his brother. It´s not like Vondo tried to evade the marriage by dying. Will the other explain to him his relationship to Selmacas and his daughter to explain the attack?
Finrod´s healing powers are amazing. To heal, even with help, such a severe damage to the spine. Selmacas can be glad that nothing lasting happend to Vondo. I don´t know what the elven kings or the Valar would punish him with. He wouldn´t get away with a stay at Formenos thats for shure.
But the Valar are plotting something. Otherwise Vondo couldn´t "escape" from Loerien. I wonder what calamities they will instigate to get all people there they want to have in Valmar.
Author's reply
Hi Hel. Yeah, Vondo is acting like a child who only sees the parent and no one else in the room. It may be others have noticed the discrepancy between the size of the chamber and the width of the building but we are seeing it from Vondo's point of view here.
I think Selmacas just was unprepared for Vondo's appearance and the whole thing with his daugther just came to the fore. Probably in the back of his mind he blames Vondo for everything that happened because he died. If he hadn't died Vondo would have married Calalindalë and everything would have been just fine. It's not a rational thought but people are rarely rational in these cases. We'll find out eventually what Selmacas' fate is. Since Vondo wasn't killed then most likely Selmacas isn't going to be too severely punished, but we'll see.
We're seeing more and more Finrod's innate healing powers which will come in good stead in the future, I think.
And unfortunately, the Valar are *always* plotting something! *grin* As least in my stories.
ninqwestilmen
· 1 June 2010
· Chapter 125: A Snowy Respite
Really engrossing story, I must say. Being a late starter, it took me some time to go through all of your previous work related to this story. Now that I know most of the characters, I eagerly await your updates.
Oh, one thing, canonically Ulmo doesn't have any dwelling in Aman right?
Author's reply
Hello Ninqwestilmen. I'm so glad you have found my stories and are enjoying them. Thanks for letting me know.
As for Ulmo... it depends on your definition of 'canonical'. The Silmarillion speaks of Valmar as the city of the Powers and does describe some, but not all of the mansions. And while Ulmo rarely stays in Valmar or visits Ilmarin, he does maintain a residence for those times when he does come to Valinor, or at least that is the way I interpret it. Others may interpret it differently. Tolkien is vague enough in his writing (or at least in what we have of it) that one can go either way. Besides, I like the idea of his mansion being surrounded by water rather than the more normal gardens of the other Valar. *grin*
rick
· 1 June 2010
· Chapter 127: Vondo in Valmar
Yes! This evolves so very interestingly. Are you sure you need to deal with reality & can't just write all the time?
Author's reply
Too funny, Rick, and don't I wish. *LOL* I'm just happy I have the opportunity to write as I can. Glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for letting me know.
Tari
· 1 June 2010
· Chapter 125: A Snowy Respite
Those rascally Valar. I'll just bet they had fun watching. It looks like even the grouchiest Elf joined in the fun. Perhaps more barriers between the groups were knocked down in the process. (Where are the elves when my yard needs shoveling? Their help would be most welcome. "grins")
Author's reply
I'm sure they had loads of fun watching, Tari. Hopefully some of those barriers between the groups were indeed knocked down. We'll have to see how successful the Valar's ploy is.
Sunny
· 31 May 2010
· Chapter 127: Vondo in Valmar
I can’t say I am entirely surprised that Vondo sneaked out of Lórien. But did he actually manage to evade the Maiar? Or were they conveniently called elsewhere?
Lórien definitely sounds like the place I work – a child care center for children up to three years old ;-)
Selmacas is so in trouble now. Attacking one so newly reborn that he has not even been released from Lórien yet, and might as well have been a very young elfling would not sit well with anyone. And such a violent attack that the ellon was seriously injured, and perhaps might have been killed again!! It wouldn’t surprise me if Selmacas is going to take up a new career tending sheep near Formenos real soon now. Or perhaps the Valar decide that more force is needed to get a message of “Behave yourself!” through his skull and decide that he needs an even more serious bit of rehabilitation, just like his daughter.
Author's reply
As I explained to another reviewer, Sunny, I think Irmo, once he learned of what Vondo was up to, ordered his Maiar to stand down and let events play as they would. I don't think he or any of the other Valar expected what happened. Selmacas' attack was unpredicatble and Námo is always reminding the elves that the Valar cannot always predict with any degree of certainty what any of the Children will do since they had no hand in their creation.
What Selmacas' fate will be remains to be seen. Arafinwë is too angry right now to deal with him in a calm and measured manner. I'm sure exile is the least of Selmacas' problems right now. *grin*
Mr.Namo
· 31 May 2010
· Chapter 127: Vondo in Valmar
Wow! I LOVED this chapter.
Vondo has now made it to my favorite character list. Successfully making it out of Lorien, with out the whole escape being set up by valar, is no easy task. (it wasn't a set up right?)
"Cala-something" *laughs hysterically* Now that was funny. :D
What will the Valar do to Selmacas? Probably keep him locked up until further notice. :P
Yes! Glorfindel's coming back!!! *Throws confetti*
Can't wait for the next chapter.
Mr.Namo
Author's reply
Glad you loved this chapter, Mr.Namo, and that Vondo has made it to your favorite character list. That's high praise indeed! I don't think it was a set up but I think when the Valar were informed by certain Maiar watching what was happening, the decision was made to allow Vondo to go his own way. That's why none of the Maiar were allowed to aid Laurendil in bringing Vondo back to Lórien. So, the Valar didn't orchestrate the escape but they didn't stop it either. What they were expecting is anyone's guess. I very much doubted they expected Selmacas to attack the poor ellon. That was something they could not have predicted. As for what will be done with Selmacas, that remains to be seen. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it, and yes, Glorfindel is coming back. *grin*
Larner
· 31 May 2010
· Chapter 127: Vondo in Valmar
Ah--well done, Vondo! Perhaps a bit better at tracking than he'd thought? Heh!
The attack was not a good one--not by a long shot. Now--to find out why the attack happened, and see what happens when Glorfindel rejoins the others.
Author's reply
No, the attack was not good at all. I think the reason for it is obvious... Selmacas no doubt feels that Vondo is the cause of all the trouble in his family by getting himself killed in the first place and, of course, he was unaware that Vondo had been reborn, so seeing him was a bit of a shock. We'll see how it all turns out eventually and what happens when Glorfindel shows up. Thanks for reviewin, Larner. I greatly appreciate it.