Larner · 21 October 2009 · Chapter 80: The Second Day in Avallónë
Now, this should liven things up a good deal! Heh!
Author's reply
Wou have no idea, Larner! *lol* But never fear. We will see nexxt week what happens.
Elf, Interrupted: Book Two: Glorfindel's Quest by Fiondil
Larner · 21 October 2009 · Chapter 80: The Second Day in Avallónë
Now, this should liven things up a good deal! Heh!
Author's reply
Wou have no idea, Larner! *lol* But never fear. We will see nexxt week what happens.
Sunny · 20 October 2009 · Chapter 80: The Second Day in Avallónë
I see that some people - the ellith in particular - are suffering from Garment Envy ;-) My answers to my own bouts of that condition is to engage my creativity - with an eye to possibly incorporating the interesting details in some future sewing project. Perhaps there will now be a subtle shift in the local fashion towards whatever is currently fashionable on the mainland? ;-) It was interesting how the mainlanders gently scr**ed up their hosts' careful arrangements by choosing to ignore seating precedence. This may well produce some fallout - at least if one is to judge things by Lord Morcocáno's affront at not being seated by one of the Kings. And then the Nandor show up!! (And I suppose that lots of confusion will ensue from this. What fun!) ;-)
Author's reply
You may be correct about the change in fashion, at least among the ellith of Tol Eressea. At least they've found something worth emulating from the mainland. *grin* The Amanians, of course, are not so subtly putting down the pretensions of the Avalloneans by ignoring protocol. What fallout occurs from it will be seen in the next chapter. And yes, the Nandor are a fine spanner in the works.
njomo · 18 October 2009 · Chapter 79: Reaction
Hi Fiondil, I've felt for some time that Sador was just too quiet. Maybe that's not quite the correct word to use. For all his being reborn roughly the same amount of time as Glorfindel, he's always seemed very level-headed and able to cope. Seeing the difficulties Glorfindel had at times, I wondered if Sador was just somehow more mature than Glorfindel, or if sooner or later he would reach a breaking point. I thought more the latter--and sometimes one wishes that what one expects won't happen. But Sador has many around him now who are able and willing to help him through this time, if he will let them. While Glorfindel's aside to Finrod is amusing, I was heartened by his analysis of the situation of the progress at the moment. His question, "should we be worried?" might really be funny if circumstances were different. I'm glad that while the maiar were amused the rest of the party took him seriously. I don't know for sure what you intended, but I felt that this was more than just a "smart" remark on his part. I also enjoyed Olwë's honesty about what he thought the progress would be like. I've been in that situation before--not being able to say what I thought a situation would be like but never-the-less insisting "not like this". And Ingil's reply to Olwë's comment: “We have no advice to give you except to continue as you have," must have been very frustrating to hear. Not encouraging at all. I hardly dare to think what might happen next! Thanks Fiondil. Joanne
Author's reply
Hi Joanne. Orome and Namo both knew that Sador was sublimating certain emotions and knew that sooner or later something would trigger an explosion. Sador appears more level-headed and mature but that's not entirely true. He is, however, closer to the level of maturity that he had before his death than Glorfindel has simply because he died so young. At least he does have people around him to help him through this particular crisis. And while Glorfindel is prone to smart-aleck remarks when it suits him, even then he can be very serious about it and certainly the other elves are taking his summation seriously enough simply because they are feeling the same way. As frustrating as Ingil's advice is, it is sound. The Maiar have no advice to give and the elves must simply muddle through as they can. We will see how it all falls out over the next few chapters. The excitement isn't over yet! Thanks for reviewing, Joanne. I really appreciate it.
Tari · 14 October 2009 · Chapter 79: Reaction
Watch out for the quiet ones, hmmmm. We are not dangerous. I’m with Beleg. Problems, problems, but what to do? What a day they are having indeed. It’s enough to make anyone tired. Those Maia must be pretty strong if even the females can carry an elf effortlessly.
Author's reply
Well the Maiar are spiritual beings with great powers beyond anything an Elf or a Mortal has, so carrying a grown Elf is not a problem. *grin*
Larner · 14 October 2009 · Chapter 79: Reaction
They keep seeing such emotional setbacks. Hopefully the presence of Laurendil and Manwen so far has managed to put the rumors to rest among the thoughtful.
Author's reply
Emotional setbacks are bound to happen especially in stress-filled situations and this day has been full of stress for the Elves. And hopefully enough people have seen Laurendil and Manwen to negate the rumors about them.
Ellie · 13 October 2009 · Chapter 79: Reaction
It would be nice if the Valar actually did tell people WHY every now and then. I feel so sorry for Sador and his lonliness. Looking forward to more answers to pressing questions about WHY? WHY? WHY? *stomps foot and pouts in honor of Sador and L & M. Another fine chapter!
Author's reply
LOL! We'll just have to wait and see, won't we? Sometimes, telling someone WHY doesn't always help and much must be taken on faith. As Arafinwe points out the Valar do nothing without reason even if the Elves can't see it. I'm sure Laurendil and Manwen will come around.
6336 · 13 October 2009 · Chapter 79: Reaction
Hm, well that was intersting and very explosive! I can understand how everyone is feeling, more than one Valar has finger in this pie! Let's hope that Laurendil and Manwen make it back to Lorion in time and that Sador recovers from his breakdown. Would still like to hear Ingil's tales though!:<) More please, Lynda
Author's reply
We'll see in the next few chapter how things go with everyone. And maybe someday Ingil will have a chance to "snitch" on Beleg. *grin*
njomo · 11 October 2009 · Chapter 78: Iaun Araw
Hi Fiondil, I can understand to some extent what happened to this group of Nandor over time-understand, but not condone. To that point, Elennen's explanation makes perfect sense. What I can't quite rationlize is the long lives of the elves and their memories. Of course, over such a long life, one could choose to remember-or not, and pass along-or not-certain memories and customs. Their stubborness seems to almost match the intransigence of one well-know elf of Valinor. I guess what I'm trying to say is that they come by their "blind spot" quite naturally... If this is a sample of their hospitality, no wonder they seem to have been left to their own devices on the Lonely Isle. If they have kept such reverence for the memory of "Lord Araw" over so many long years, one hopes the appearance of Oromë in their midst will help his words take root. Yes, Beleg is one to keep his head in a crisis, as is Sador. I laughed at Sador's reply to Ingwion's question “Why would Lord Ithildor have weapons?”: “Who cares?” Sador exclaimed. “Come. We are wasting time." And trust Glorfindel to have the situation well in hand... Thanks Fiondil, as always. Now to see what other mischief will arise. Joanne
Author's reply
Glad you liked this chapter, Joanne. Yes, Beleg and Sador are quite a pair, aren't they? *grin* And Glorfindel was doing what he does best, being himself. We will see soon enough if Lord Orome's words have taken root within the hearts of the Nandor. As future chapters will show, there are undercurrents about which our intrepid heroes know nothing yet their presence has triggered some powerful emotions among certain groups of people, the consequences of which will effect them and everyone else very deeply.
Hel · 11 October 2009 · Chapter 78: Iaun Araw
So it is a sacred place. Maybe the Nandor could put a sign at the pool "Swimming in the holy pool only after apointmet with Lord Orome". Then he can´t felt left out and only very, very few people will go bathing there which will make the Nandor happy. But it is interesting that a whole settlement of elves could live right next to a city without having contact with the peolpe there. After the meeting with Orome I think that will change. And if I guess that was the reason Orome enticed the group around Olwe to go bathing and "meeting" the Nandor.
Author's reply
Most likely that is the very reason for what happened, Hel. The Nandor are just far enough away from the city that they can feel isolated from the other elves and feel secured from them. Tol Eressea is not as large as Beleriand was so they do not have the option of going just anywhere to live. Hopefully this little incident will convince them to rejoin the rest of the elven society to which they now belong.
Tari · 7 October 2009 · Chapter 78: Iaun Araw
How scary. All they wanted was to enjoy a quick dip. What they found was a group of elves surrounding them with bows notched. Where the Nandor did get the idea that they were supposed to guard pools for Lord Oromë? None of the Valar would withhold something like this from the first born. Beleg dropping the seashell brought to mind Pippin dropping his broach, both of which were an excellent idea. There is always someone alert enough to find anything to help them in their search.
Author's reply
Very scary, indeed, Tari. And, of course, Orome sets them straight on certain things. *grin* Beleg may be a Reborn with few of his memories intact at this point, but he´a no fool, that´s for sure.
Sunny · 6 October 2009 · Chapter 78: Iaun Araw
I suppose this would be an Adventure by the standards of Olwë, Lindarion and Elennen. Those who once lived in Middle-Earth might have a somewhat different view of such things. Although perhaps some standards will change now that Glorfindel is reborn ;-) Although the Nandor probably found their “visitors” casually asking if they might not ask Oromë for his opinion of the matter rather mind-boggling – and Oromë just as casually appearing and giving it even more so!!
Author's reply
Very true, Sunny. The Nandor and even the Tol Eresseans in general, especially those who are not Noldor have yet to realize that the Valar are "neighbors" and just as likely to drop by as anyone else, especially if invited. *lol*
Larner · 5 October 2009 · Chapter 78: Iaun Araw
Ah! Valarin object lessons are always instructive! Heh! Most satisfying as the Nandor are reminded that they are Elves first and need to deal with that, rather than setting themselves apart as somehow special and different.
Author's reply
They are indeed, Larner. I am glad you found this particular lesson satisfying. Of course, that cannot be said of the Elves. *grin*
Kitty · 5 October 2009 · Chapter 78: Iaun Araw
Ha, I had been wondering if maybe that pond was seen as sacred by the locals, and my guess was correct! Beleg's reaction to the spear was great, though, of course, the others weren't as good, so it didn't help. Couldn't help but shake my head when they were talking about killing the four. As Olwë said, that's plain kinslaying. And to disregard the fact that they could not have known *and* to not even want to know who their prisoners were was plain stupid. So I enjoyed it immensely when Glorfindel, Finrod and the others turned up and then called Oromë. To imagine the looks on the faces of the Nandor was fun! And I hope they think about what he told them. No matter how they feel about that pond, they were overstepping all boundaries with their intent to kill the four swimmers.
Author's reply
Too true, Kitty. The Nandor, or at least these particular Nandor, needed this lesson badly and Glorfindel and Finrod (with the help of a certain Vala) were just the ones to give it to them. *grin* I doubt if the Nandor actually would have killed them; they were merely trying to impress upon them the seriousness of their "transgression". What exactly they intended to do is anyone´s guess since it never got that far. Good thing, too, as the political fallout would have been disasterous for everyone.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 5 October 2009 · Chapter 78: Iaun Araw
And all I can say to that, Atar Fiondil, is thank Eru for Lord Araw...*shudders* And I'm glad Beleg thought to drop that seashell! Yes, it is time the Nandor began learning lessons about compassion for others. I'm surprised I didn't think of the Nandor being on the island... Something else for me to ponder. Now, back to last-minute studying...have my medical terms down, but the accounting part is ick. :( *sigh* Tye-melin, Kaylee!
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. While Tolkien never specifically says that the Nandor joined with the Sindar and Exilic Noldor to return to Tol Eressea after the War of Wrath, he does not specifically state that they didn´t and so I believe that some who survived the war did indeed sail, especially if they lost family in the war and would like to greet them when they are released from Mandos. In Elf, Interrupted, Book One, I do mention the presence of some Nandor at the tournament. Not all of them have remained reclusive but most still are.
Hel · 4 October 2009 · Chapter 77: The First Day in Avallónë (Part II)
Eyes in the woods. Mysterious and creepy. I wonder in what kind of trouble they are know. The pool is not by chance some kind of sanctuary to some elves? I hope the search in the archive brings some news of Sador´s family. Could it be that the Lord Irmo has sometime a rather warped humour? He must have had a very good time watching Brethorn´s and Saelmir´s first meetings with their families. At least we know now why he normally waits for the arrival ot the families of the reborns before releasing them.
Author's reply
We will see in the next chapter what kind of trouble these elves are in and what significance the pool has. Hopefully Sador will get some news about his family but it remains to be seen what kind of news. I am sure that Irmo´s sense of humor is no more warped than the next Vala. *lol* I am sure he and Namo got a real kick out of watching the show with Brethorn and Saelmir.
njomo · 3 October 2009 · Chapter 77: The First Day in Avallónë (Part II)
Hi Fiondil, Aahh, the suspense is thick here. I just don't know which "clues" are really important to the story. For instance, is it important that Beleg learned how to back float? Will Brethorn figure somehow in the story to come? Yes, and then add the mystery of Ingwion, the question of who or what was watching the pool, whether / when Sador will finally learn about his family, how did Glorfindel learn about Ingwion's "mystery" or what exactly did his comment to Ingwion mean...the list goes on...and on. You never cease to amaze. Waiting on the edge of my seat for the next chapter. Thanks Fiondil! Joanne
Author's reply
Hi, Joanne. Thanks for your words. I don´t actually think of myself as a good mystery writer, but when you lay it all out the way you have I can see that I ain´t that bad. *lol* Hopefully all mysteries will be solved by the time we come to the end of the story.
Sitara · 3 October 2009 · Chapter 77: The First Day in Avallónë (Part II)
No privacy whatsoever in Valinor, as far as I can see. Patches of thin air start suddenly to shimmer, revealing one or another of the Ainur, the hills and clearings have now ears to listen...Maybe a revolution would really be in order, don't you think? "lol" I think this chapter may be setting the stage for further events. You piled up more mystery on top the already existing one, after dropping that huge hint in regard to Ingwion's issues within the last chapter, Fiondil. Well..that's it. I just have to find somewhere a bit of patience, although I don't know where..."lol" P.S. You're the only writer I know who didn't leave himself to be deterred about his work and commitment towards his readers by technical difficulties. Just for the record.
Author's reply
Hi Sitara. Well some mysteries will be solved sooner than others, so just hang in there and remember that patience is supposed to be a virtue. Don´t know why, but that´s what they say. *wry grin* I can do without the technical difficulties, believe me, but thanks for letting me know you appreciate my efforts not to let them stop me from getting my stories out. I appreciate it.
Kitty · 29 September 2009 · Chapter 77: The First Day in Avallónë (Part II)
Olwë is a hopeless case when it comes to ships, really *shakes head, amused* Though now you have me wondering if there is something wrong with that pool ... but at least they had fun playing there. That archive collecting news about people is a good idea. Over time, it will be of great help for many who lost their family, be it because they died or because they were separated during the wars of Beleriand. I hope they will find out something about Sador's family. Love Brethorn's story about his and Saelmir's reunions with his relatives *eg* Really wicked!
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Well, Olwe does have an excuse being the king of a seafaring people, but perhaps he needs another hobby. *grin* We´ll find out in the next chapter what there is about the pool that is not quite kosher. Hopefully the archivist will have some news for Sador but only time will tell. And Brethorn´s story just shows that the Valar do indeed have a wicked sense of humor.
Kitty · 29 September 2009 · Chapter 76: The First Day in Avallónë (Part I)
Hm, it's probably true that at least part of the reason Eärnur was sent had to do with Lasgalad. Though I guess it's not the only reason, too. But I am glad he was there and could help. Yay, Pelendur and Haldir finally got to talk! I am so glad to see Pelendur is coming along. It may still be a while until they can be close again, but at least they do spend time with each other and seem to be on the path to reconcilation. And it is good that they are going to talk about the time since the Noldor rebels departed; I think both need this knowledge to really understand how much has changed, including themselves. *lol* Findegil tricked them nicely, didn't he? Nice to see him again :) I feel so sorry for Ingwion. The reason for his sorrow is probably the often hinted at and never explained one, right?
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. There are, of course, several reasons for Earnur being there and Lasgalad is only one of them. Pelendur and Haldir have some ways to go but at least they´re talking to one another and willing to listen. That is the important thing. Findegil is a cadgey character, isn´t he? *grin* And Ingwion´s sorrow is indeed connected to what has often been hinted at but will someday soon be explained. I promise.
Tari · 29 September 2009 · Chapter 77: The First Day in Avallónë (Part II)
If I were Beleg and company, I would be very leery of this quiet clearing. Something so beautiful should have someone around somewhere. I hope they are not in trouble again. I have to wait a whole week to hear Finrod’s story? I think we’ve probably heard it before, but as far as I'm concerned, I can never hear it enough. I’m beginning to like your Finrod almost as much as I like Legolas who is my favorite Elf.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. We will see next week what trouble Beleg and company get into (if they get into trouble at all *sly wink*). Finrod´s story is merely explaining the presence of the Royal Progress, nothing more. I am glad though that you like him almost as much as you like Legolas. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Larner · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 77: The First Day in Avallónë (Part II)
I am curious, of course, as to who is spying on Olwe's party. And I love Finrod's welcome in Brethorn's home. What a thing to have done to Saelmir! And now to see if any information comes from the visit to the archive.
Author's reply
We will see in the next chapter who is watching Olwe´s party and what comes of it. As for the rest... only time will tell. Glad you liked Finrod´s welcome in Brethorn´s home. They are close friends even though they haven´t seen one another for nearly a century.
Sunny · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 77: The First Day in Avallónë (Part II)
That pool sounds very pretty – and an invitation to skinny-dipping! Lindarion’s complaint that ”this isn’t much of an adventure” sounds like he is _inviting_ an adventure to come and find them. (And I like this definition of it, which pops up fairly often in Fantasy and SF books: An Adventure is _somebody else_ in deep sh*t long ago and far, far away.) ;-) Arafinwë’s attempt at incognito didn’t quite work, I see. Just his luck, encountering someone who remembering him from the War of Wrath. I suppose Sador will find his kin _eventually_. Though it may take time – but what is time to an Elf? When he _does_ meet his kin again, I suppose it will be a nicely dramatic scene. And if it is not one you have scheduled for EI, perhaps you may throw this thought to your Muse, and see what he makes of it? IMO it may make for a better story if their reunion takes time: Then they can be properly awed at each others’ fates – and there will be lots of reciprocal admiration of elflings and such. *Sniffs at Finrod* C’mon, Finda, you really _should_ have kept up with your old friends from Lórien. You are a prince, after all, which means you should be able to afford an army of social secretaries to keep you updated on the toadies and politicians at your father’s court, while _you_ kept tabs on the important people! ;-) Were the Valar and Maiar hanging around invisibly to enjoy the show when Brethorn met his relatives again? I hope the Flying Spaghetti Monster keeps the Gremlins away from your computer and internet connection – and that it keeps its pseudopods over the techs’ hands and tools – and software – as they work at connecting you! Oh, yes, and Murphy, please stay away! Go pester the CIA or somebody else who deserves it!! ;-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Lindarion´s words are a good example of the old adage, "be careful what you wish for" *LOL* We´ll see in the next chapter what happens to them all. Well, Finda did have his own problems as you see in his "Diaries" so I suppose he could be excused. And as you point out, what´s time to an Elf? At least he´s looking up old friends now that he´s on Tol Eressea. I am sure the Valar and Maiar had a ringside seat for both shows (Brethorn and Saelmir) and had a good laugh over it. Hopefully we will be connected sometime this week. This internet cafe thing is getting real old.
Hel · 27 September 2009 · Chapter 76: The First Day in Avallónë (Part I)
I´m a bit at a loss about the last scene. There is something I miss about Ingwion and Ingil, which I can´t exactly place at the moment. So I wait for part two in the hope of a solution of the situation and a reason for Ingwion´s emotional outburst. It´s good to see that Haldir and Pelendur are talking and solving their problems.
Author's reply
Unfortunately we will not see a resolution to this last scene immediately for it has to do with something in Ingwion´s past. See my reply to Larner´s review for a fuller explanation.
Sitara · 27 September 2009 · Chapter 76: The First Day in Avallónë (Part I)
Hmm..It looks like Findegil's slip of the tongue would make this particular chapter extremely interesting for anyone who loves mystery. And who doesn't, actually? "lol" Ingil...Ugh, taking into account my poor knowledge in regard to the HoMe books, I think there is a version (earlier, perhaps?) according to which Ingil was the name of Ingwe's first born son. But, somehow, I don't think this would be all the mystery, if I'm to judge also Ingwe and Elindis' reaction during Vorondil's trial. Here seems to be something more than that and I wonder myself whether it'd be about an "Ingil" or an "Ingoldo".....Don't mind me, I'm crazy. I also have to wonder what is that Glorfindel seems to know and whether he knows how Ingwion feels having someone dear currently residing in Mandos or he actually knows the identity of our mysterious Elf. I' d rather take the former. Well, since I don't actually believe you're going to spoil the surprise in this story (meaning, spill all the beans or at least, part of them "lol"), I'll try to be patient.
Author's reply
I am afraid I have dropped a very large mystery on my readers here, for which I apologize, but that was Ingwion´s reaction and I just had to put it in. As for what Glorfindel knows and how does he know it.... I suppose eventually that will be revealed as well. *grin*
Ellie · 24 September 2009 · Chapter 76: The First Day in Avallónë (Part I)
So much happens in each of these chapters it is difficult to know what to comment on. I this I am most intrigued this time by what has upset Ingwion so much and how Glorfindel knows what it is. I realy like the picture of the cities that you create. They seem so real as if they could be just down the street. NIcely done! Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
I know everyone is scratching their heads at Ingeion´s outburst, but I promise that eventually all will be revealed. Thanks for letting me know how well I am doing in describing the various cities. I am trying to make them as different from each other as possible yet still be ones which elves would build. Avallone was actually modeled somewhat after the city of Ceuta on the North African coast near Morocco.