I hope the two Vorondils can be good friends. I also hope that Vor the first will see what a miserable life he has been spared by not having to marry the monster who mothered Vor the second. Herendil deserves a nice happy complete family again. I hope he gets it and that aldundil finds forgiveness. It is all so very complicated and sad.
Author's reply
I'm sure they will be good friends, Ellie. And perhaps the elder Vorondil, once he learns the truth about Calalindalë, will be grateful for having avoided that particular fate, but I suspect that more than likely he will simply feel sorry for the elleth and wish her well. And Aldundil will find forgiveness when he learns to forgive himself. As complicated and as sad as it may appear, I'm sure it will all work out in the end for them all.
Tari
· 26 April 2010
· Chapter 116: Family Reunion
It’s interesting that Vorondil felt a glimmer of something familiar when he looked at his nephew, but nothing when he looked at his parents and brother. That fact caused them so much pain. Their loved one was reborn, yet they could not welcome him back much less hug him. How very sad. The day will come when this will not be so, but not for a long time.
Author's reply
I think Vorondil Sr saw something in his nephew that reminded him of Aldundil even though he had no conscious memory of is brther. And the day may be sooner than one might think when the family is reunited in truth and Herendil and Vandacalimë will be able to hug their son and Aldundil will have his older brother back again.
Kitty
· 26 April 2010
· Chapter 117: Revelation
They have really some awkward situations at their hands- Gurthalion and Vorondil jr. on the one hand and Vorondil sr. and his family on the other.
Hmmm ... considering all that was said and done beforehand, I am not entirely sure it was wise of Finrod to arrange for the two Vorondils to meet so soon and provoke the realisation about their relationship, even if Irmo wanted to have them meet without family around. It certainly didn't take the two long to figure their relationship out. At the moment I am a bit worried about the fallout. And if Vorondil jr. tells his uncle who his mother is ... will Vorondil sr. remember the name?
And what was that about Vorondil resting without getting all excited? Somehow I doubt this visit will meet that requirement :D
But you are evil, ending the chapter where you did, you know! The only consolation is that with you I know there will be an update soon. (Though never soon enough ;-))
Author's reply
Sorry, Kitty, for ending the chapter as I did. I realized that what follows deserved its own chapter, so I hope you don't mind the wait too much. *grin*
I am sure Irmo won't be too pleased with Finrod's interference, but with the Reborn cat out of the bag, as someone put it, there won't be much he can do about it but work with the situation. As for the younger Vorondil telling his uncle about her mother... I really doubt he will. That will be one topic of conversation everyone will seek to avoid until and unless the elder Vorondil mentions it first.
We'll see in the next chapter just how the two Vorondils get along and how the rest of the family reacts to the news. Thanks for the review, Kitty. I appreciate it.
Arwen75
· 26 April 2010
· Chapter 117: Revelation
Well that was an intersting point to leave the chapter. Now I have to wait for a few days for the next one...
Anyway enjoying this story immensely although I am wandering what is going to happen now...
Author's reply
A mini-cliffhanger, as it were, Arwen. *grin* I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Rhyselle
· 26 April 2010
· Chapter 117: Revelation
Well, that happened quicker than I was expecting. :) Revelation was a perfect title for this chapter.
I now have a mental image of Vorondil Jr., Eruana and Veryandur all hugging Vorondil Sr. to try to comfort him.
BTW, I think it's cool that Vorondil Sr. found Glorfindel's flet. *grin* is it still painted blue?
Back to my housework... but when I saw the notice pop up, I just had to read this new chapter. As usual, well done!
Author's reply
It only seems that this happens rather quickly, Rhyselle, but actually a couple of weeks have passed since Vorondil Sr first came upon his nephew all unknowing.
I have no doubt the flet is still painted blue. No one would dare paint it any other color for fear of incurring Glorfindel's wrath *LOL*
Enjoy your week off. Thanks for taking the time to review. I greatly appreciate it and I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter.
Hel
· 25 April 2010
· Chapter 116: Family Reunion
It is interesting that Vorondil finds himself drawn to his nephew even if he isn´t even shure if he has a brother. I wonder if the Reborn have a kind of instinct for their family if they meet them even if they don´t remember them.
It must be very hard for Vorondil´s family to meet him and not reacting on their feelings. And it is very touching and cute to see him care for his nephew in that way and that he will visit him again.
Irmo´s new way of having the Reborn full acces to nearly all parts of Lorien is unexpected but I have the suspicion that it is a wee bit for his own amusement to see the Lóriennildi running after the Reborn.
Author's reply
You may be right about the instinct, Hel, though I would put it down to unconscious memory that has yet to surface. And you might well be right about Irmo's motives... you know how amusing the Children are to the Valar. *LOL* Thanks for reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
Sunny
· 24 April 2010
· Chapter 116: Family Reunion
I am sure Vorondil Sr’s parents and brother had received firm instructions about what to do – and what _not_ to do – if they happened to come across him somewhere in Lórien. And here they find him with his nephew! Two emotion-invoking situations piled on top of each other. So of course they react, but, presumably following instructions, _try_ to keep a lid on their reactions.
It should be interesting to see the Vorondils’ further interactions.
I wonder if seeing his parents and brother will stimulate Vorondil Sr’s memory, and if it does, how it will impact his readjustment to life.
Were any Valar or Maiar hanging around invisibly here? I would think they would want to monitor this situation rather closely.
Wonderful chapter!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Oh I have no doubt that Herendil and his wife and son were given firm instructions as to what not to do and say. Naturally, until they actually come face-to-face with Vorondil Sr it's all an intellectual exercise. I think under the circumstances they did quite well, though obviously the elder Vorondil, being a sensitive Reborn, must have picked up on their anguish and not understanding it, became uneasy around these 'strangers'.
How this first meeting will impact Vorondil Sr or his family remains to be seen. As for the Valar and Maiar.... I'm sure someone was keeping an eye on the situation. The Valar don't miss much these days. *grin*
Thanks for the review, Sunny. I reall appreciate it.
Rhyselle
· 23 April 2010
· Chapter 116: Family Reunion
*sniffle* *smile* *melt*
This was just a most perfect chapter, Fiondil.
Vorondil Sr. was wonderful with Vorondil Jr. and I just wanted to hug them both! I liked his painting instructor very much. She really has the right touch with the Reborn, and I'm glad that the Loriennildi have become more understanding of the Reborn over time.
I was so charmed at how Vorondil took care of his injured nephew, all unaware of their relationship, and I admit that I cried when Vandacalimë, Herendil and Aldundil realized who he was. That must have been SOOOOO hard for them not to blurt out who they were to him.
Thanks for giving us that line about the smug-looking Loriennildi and the amused Maia waiting for him at the entryway of the maze. I needed that before reading the last bit.
I get the impression that some of the Reborn come into Lorien and have more memories come to them quickly, while others take much, much longer to have even some of their memories come back. It intrigues me as to why the difference happens.
I hope that young Vorondil feels better soon. I comfort myself with the knowledge that elves heal faster than men, and although it will take time for him to recover from his wound, it will not take as long as if it happened to you or me.
Thanks for such a lovely chapter. Even though every character in it is an OC, it still feels as though I've opened a door and stepped into the good Professor's Arda and am in Aman with real people. Well done!
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. You may recall Míriel as the Lóriennildë who castigated Finrod for tree-swinging when he should have been in painting class. She wasn't quite as sympathetic then as she is now. *grin* She was one of those who needed 'remedial training' in how to deal with Reborn after the incident with young Vorondil when the ellon tried to run away from Finrod and Lórien and Finrod came down hard on Irmo about it.
Anyway, you are correct about the Reborn. Some come to Lórien with more memories than others. There's no rhyme or reason for this discrepancy except to point out that people generally are not the same and do not function the same. Children, for instance, develop at different rates even when they are of the same age group. Same with the Reborn. Why? Who can really say, though it does make things interesting from a writer's point-of-view. *grin*
Vorondil will heal well enough physically, though I have no doubt he'll suffer from the occasional nightmare for a while.
Thanks for such a lovely chapter. Even though every character in it is an OC, it still feels as though I've opened a door and stepped into the good Professor's Arda and am in Aman with real people.
Thank you for this. As a fanfic writer I can receive no greater praise. It is rather rare to have a chapter where there isn't at least one CC in it, though. I hadn't really realized it until you mentioned it. My OCs are so real to me that I forget that they are not canon. *grin* And thank you for taking the time to let me know how much you enjoyed this chapter. I really appreciate it.
Kitty
· 23 April 2010
· Chapter 116: Family Reunion
You know, I'd like to be able to just wander off from work like Vorondil when the weather is as lovely as it is right now. Lucky guy. From what I have seen so far, I like him already.
It's interesting that Vorondil keeps thinking of that elfling; he seems to sense somehow that he's his nephew. And he promptly found him and even helped him. Lovely.
Btw, Veryandur is such a sweetie, once again giving Vorondil his beloved Narmollë.
Um ... did I not say in the last review that I think they will stumble over each other? It didn't take very long for that, huh? But it was lovely, even if I felt so sorry for them that they can't welcome Vorondil back properly at the moment. I wonder how long it will take until he realises who they are ...
Author's reply
I'm glad you like Vorondil, Sr., Kitty. But then, he's Aldundil's brother, so what's not to like? *grin*
The elder Vorondil doesn't understand his fascination with young Vorondil. He only knows he feels sorry for him. Perhaps because he knows that he suffered hurt enough to die, he is in sympathy with the elfling.
Veryandur would make a very good Lóriennildo himself, though he's too young to have that firm an idea of what he wants to do with his life, but who knows? He and Sorondil might end up becoming apprentices together when they are older.
We'll be seeing in the next couple of chapters the ongoing saga of the two Vorondils and if they ever learn what their relationship is.
Kitty
· 23 April 2010
· Chapter 115: Lunch with Elflings
The elflings seem to be on a good way; that Sorondil wants to become a Loriennildo is telling. While I doubt his parents will be pleased, at least at first, I think it's great. And it's sweet how worried they are for Vorondil.
Very sensible of Irmo to warn them that they could run into the older Vorondil. Somehow I am convinced they will stumble over each other, the way things are happening to them lately. It will be a trying time for Aldundil, no doubt – knowing his brother is back while worrying for his son, and with his wife away ...
Author's reply
I'm sure Sorondil's parents will raise objections at first, but eventually they'll come around. Being Vanyar they are in the habit of obeying the Valar and if Lord Irmo wants Sorondil as a Lóriennildo, then that's that.
Aldundil is certainly being pulled several different ways emotionally. Knowing his brother is in Lórien cannot help him but we'll see how it goes.
Kitty
· 23 April 2010
· Chapter 114: Repercussions of an Oath
This chapter proves once more how necessary it is that the elves of Aman learn more about Beleriand and the life there. They do understand so little, which will lead to many more misunderstandings, even about matters who are less difficult to understand than this Life Oath. Aldundil is slowly seeing that he has to talk about his experiences, I believe, and Herendil that he has to listen.
Well, Herendil seems to begin to understand a few things, and I was glad how he in the end comforted Gurthalion; at least he can see that this poor ellon wasn't at fault. And he seems to make up with Finrod, too. Good.
Oh, had nearly forgotten about the older Vorondil. Why do I have the feeling it was *no* coincidence that he stumbled into this particular grove?
Author's reply
While Aldundil was in Beleriand only during the War of Wrath, he would have been there long enough to get to know the Beleriandic Elves and something about their culture and all. We know he was initiated into their warrior society, but like a lot of soldiers, he finds it difficult to explain what he experienced to those who cannot relate, like his father. It makes things very difficult for him and the other warriors who returned to face uncomprehending family and friends who simply didn't want to *hear* what they went through. At least Herendil is willing to listen now and he's elf enough to realize that neither Finrod nor Gurthalion are really at fault here.
As for Vorondil, Sr... well, Námo certainly didn't think it was coincidence. *grin*
Larner
· 23 April 2010
· Chapter 116: Family Reunion
I feel for all of them, and rejoice he already develops feelings of compassion for his namesake. Well done.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larnern. I appreciate you letting me know how much you liked the chapter.
ellie
· 23 April 2010
· Chapter 116: Family Reunion
this was beautiful! it had to be hard for the parents, but at least their reborn son recognizes some part of the family. it will be an interessting way for the family to grow back together again. the innocence of the reborn is beautiful.
Author's reply
Thanks, Ellie. I thought it was a beautiful chapter, too. It's very hard on the parents and Aldundil, but at least they now know he is back among the living and that has to be a comfort for them. It'll just take a little more time for Vorondil, Sr to remember who they are.
6336
· 23 April 2010
· Chapter 116: Family Reunion
Oh, this was nice, sweet and gentle, just what I needed today, Thankyou!
So the Vorondils have met and will meet again and Vorondil Sr's family did not overreact when they met, it must have been very hard for them to do that. I wonder what will happen when he does find out who the family is?
Lynda
Author's reply
I'm glad this chapter was just what you needed today, Lynda. We'll see eventually what happens when Vorondil, Sr learns the truth about his family.
Kitty
· 23 April 2010
· Chapter 113: Enquiry
Hm ... there really seems to have something gone wrong with Eärnur's treatment, through no fault of his own. They will have to watch patients very careful after such attempts in the future.
Now the end upset me a bit. While I believe I know where Herendil is coming from, I am still disappointed and sad that he's blaming Finrod for everything. Hope that is cleared up soon :(
Have to run, the ponies are waiting. More later!
Author's reply
Herendil's had a shock and he's not handling it too well. He hasn't yet understood all the ramifications of Aldundil's Life Oath and what happened with his grandson, so it's understandable that he's acting as he does. We'll see in the next chapter whether things get cleared up between him and Finrod.
Kitty
· 23 April 2010
· Chapter 112: Gurthalion’s Demons
Very sensible to have Finrod teaching Sindarin and History of Beleriand. Particularly the latter should be something taught to all Amanians, though I guess many wouldn't appreciate it.
Urgh. That was abominably. Poor Gurthalion, if that's what is haunting him it is not surprising that he is having so many problems to get over it. I shudder to think what would have happened without Finrod going after him, so I am glad Finrod managed to pull him back.
Author's reply
The Sindarin and history lessons are long overdue, that's for sure, Kitty. Hopefully, the Lóriennildi will benefit from them.
Poor Gurthalion, indeed, but at least there are people like Finrod there to help him.
Tari
· 20 April 2010
· Chapter 115: Lunch with Elflings
Can't you just picture Finrod picking flowers with the elflings? What a hoot. It shows he is not too proud to tackle menial jobs. And then there is poor Aldundil having to deal with two Vorondil's. That's enough to make anyone's head turn in circles.
Author's reply
If he can wash dishes, he can pick flowers. *LOL* But it is nice to know that he doesn't think doing so is beneath him. Aldundil and his parents all have a lot of readjusting to do now that Vorondil, Sr. has been reborn.
Sunny
· 19 April 2010
· Chapter 115: Lunch with Elflings
"The only time we look down on them is when we’re hiding in a tree and they’re trying to find us." A perfect rendering of elflingish! ;-)
It shall be interesting to see if Vorondil sr meets his relatives while in Lórien
Author's reply
Hi, Sunny. Yeah, I thought so too. *grin* As for Vorondil Sr meeting his relatives in Lórien.... hmmm....
rick
· 19 April 2010
· Chapter 115: Lunch with Elflings
Hi, Fiondil,
I think this whole story is going splendidly. You do have quite a few threads wot weave back together eventually; it's interesting to watch each one develop. You've been taking weaving lessons from Vaire, right? :)
Keep up the good work!
Author's reply
Hi, Rick. There are quite a few threads to this story, more than I originally anticipated, and I hope I can weave them all back togeter, or at least most of them. As in real life, not all threads get woven back; there are always a few loose threads in everyone's life and that's as true of these characters as it is true for you and me. I'm glad you think this story is going splenidly. Thanks for letting me know. I greatl appreciate it.
Tari
· 19 April 2010
· Chapter 114: Repercussions of an Oath
Vorondil is sleeping and also wandering thru the maze with the Lóriennildi following. Hmmm, I wonder what that's all about? Did I miss something here? Has his fea left his body as part of the healing process? I'm sure Eru has something to do with what is going on.
Author's reply
You are confusing the two Vorondils. The one who is sleeping is Aldundil's son and Finrod's thrall. He was the one that was attacked by Gurthalion. The other one is his uncle, Aldundil's brother, who died during the War of Wrath and has recently been re-embodied. This scene shows the two Vorondils, uncle and nephew, meeting for the first time, though neither knows this, especially the one who is sleeping. *grin* And of course Eru does indeed have something to do with this as Námo comes to understand.
Larner
· 19 April 2010
· Chapter 115: Lunch with Elflings
Definitely a subject of concern, having brother returned and having married his betrothed! Now, maybe there are TWO Vorondils who might appreciate flowers!
Author's reply
You're right about that, Larner, though I suspect it will be some time before the Reborn Vorondil will even remember about Calalindalë. And flowers are always appreciated, whatever the occasion. *grin*
6336
· 19 April 2010
· Chapter 115: Lunch with Elflings
Hm, so now that reborn cat is out of the bag, so to speak!
Seems a little odd that, all of a sudden, most of Lorien is now open to the re-born, could bring about some interesting developements!
In ways I hope that Vorondil snr, does not meet up with his family, it will be very hard for them to not acknowlede him as being related.
Well the elflings are happier which means Finrod is happier.
Just how much longer will Melian have to wait for Elu? I know, I know all times are soon to the Mair and Valar!
Lynda
Author's reply
That's right, Lynda. The Reborn cat is definitely out of the bag. *LOL*
I'm sure that Irmo has his reasons for opening up Lórien a bit more to the Reborn and everyone else. As to what happens with Vorondil, Sr... we will just have to wait and see.
I'm not sure just when Elu gets released from Mandos. Sometime in the next millennium of the Second Age I imagine,probably after Glorfindel has already left for Middle-earth, so he is unaware of it.
ellie
· 19 April 2010
· Chapter 115: Lunch with Elflings
Finrod really is wonderful looking after the elflings and caring about their thiughts and concerns. I'm glad he was there to help with Aldundil finding out that his brother was released, I think it is best for the brother to not hasve to worry about having to marry Cal-whatever her name is. I feel sorry for Aldundil for having to be married to her.
Author's reply
Hi, Ellie. I'm glad you like Finrod here. He really does care for the elflings, probably more than he expected. I think he will make a great atto someday. His solicitude towards Aldundil I think also shows what a caring liegelord he is to his vassals. They're more than just another sword or spear carrier, they are people about whom he cares and wants only the very best. Wouldn't it be nice if some of our own leaders (political and religious) were like that?
Larner
· 17 April 2010
· Chapter 114: Repercussions of an Oath
No, Atta doesn't leave a good deal to chance, does he? More healing yet that the younger Vorondil is to offer via his own physical suffering and maturation?
Nicely done!
Author's reply
That's right, Larner. And how the two Vorondil's will react to one another, whenever they meet in truth, remains to be seen.
Sunny
· 17 April 2010
· Chapter 114: Repercussions of an Oath
An excellent chapter. The last two have been very dramatic, but this one is as intense, but in a different way.
This must be a lot of information for Herendil and Vandacalimë here, most of it hard to digest. In particular, Finrod stating that he _would_ have executed Vorondil or Aldundil if he hadn’t accepted the latter’s oath must have been utterly shocking. The same goes for Námo telling them that Vorondil was _meant_ to die that day.
I expect Irmo and Estë will use the opportunity during the dinner with Herendil and Vandacalimë to give them all the information they feel their guests can absorb about this entire mess – in particular I suspect they will explain about Vorondil’s Judgement. And it wouldn’t it surprise me if Irmo suggests a bit of therapy for them, too. Perhaps the concept of “family therapy” will now be introduced to Aman? There is a fair amount of healing needed there since the family won’t have long to wait for a summons to meet the elder Vorondil...
(Finwë’s family would definitely have benefited from a bit of family therapy, too, but that is an entirely different matter) ;-)
Another problem has definitely crept out from under its rock, too: The reactions of those who remained to those who participated in the War of Wrath. Aldundil’s painful account of his return has made that clear.
Once Vorondil (the elder) is united with the family, how likely is it that the two Vorondils are going to get in trouble together? I get this image of someone yelling their name, and both of them appearing... ;-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, there is certainly a lot of information for Herendil and Vandacalmië to absorb all at once, so I suspect you are correct about Irmo's motives for inviting them to have lunch with him and Estë. They'll be able to answer questions that other, even Finrod, might not be able to answer.
As for the two Vorondils and their relationship... that remains to be seen. *grin*
I'm glad you found this to be an excellent chapter, Sunny. Thanks for letting me know.