6336
· 19 July 2010
· Chapter 141: After the Council
Nothing like a good hissy fit to clear the air and sooth the feelings!
It will take Sador a while to find his way, things do have to be sorted out, where will hje live, will he still be able to follow his trade, has he even finished his apprenticeship! I hope the Tolerresseans were not expecting to take him back with them!
I wish him luck, with Morcocano and Galadwhen to deal with he will need it!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, a good hissy fit was definitely in the works. *grin* There is a lot that needs to be dealt with before Sador takes up his new position. Most of the concerns you raise will be answered in the next couple of chapters.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Lynda. I appreciate it.
I´m not surprised that Eärendil propose Sador as Cano as that everyone was so fast convinced that he is the right person for the job. And that they can convince him. But I´m curious what his grandmother will say when she hears about it as that will be the end of his apprenticeship.
Glorfindels idea of teaching the elves to young to train with weapons first how to make is great. So the young elves of the different groups will have to work together and they will have to study the various cultures and the history behind the weapons and armours and the designs.
Author's reply
Hi Hel. Actually, we will see what Netilmire has to say about all this and what solution is found so that Sador can continue his apprenticeship soon enough, once the Noldor return to Tirion after the Council.
As for Glorfindel teaching the younger elves about making weapons and armor and studying the history behind the weapons designs of the various elven cultures will be one more instance of cultural exchanges that have been discussed during the Council. It will certainly keep the youngsters busy and out of the warriors' hair as they are trying to train. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Hel. I appreciate it very much.
Hmmm. Sador as Cáno - I had really thought he was too young for that, being so newly released from Mandos and all. But he certainly fits the "don't want the position criteria!
Small nitpick: You have both the partiality and the sympathy that this position needs. Wouldn't that be impartiality?
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Thanks for the nitpick. I did mean 'impartiality' and wasn't paying attention when I was proofing the chapter. It has now been corrected.
I'm sure not everyone would find Sador an acceptable candidate as Cáno, but this has been in the works for some time now, at least among the Valar who have their own agenda. *grin*
Yippee!!! I was right! Sador was absolutely the correct choice - he walks in two worlds with almost all of his life. He is a craftsman who is the adopted son of a King, a child who defended children with his life and was awarded his warrior braids as a result of that, and a young ellon with the wisdom granted by death and rebirth. Perfect! I'm so happy that I figured it out :-)
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Yes, you were indeed correct, Erulisse. *grin* And for all the reasons you list and more Sador is indeed the perfect choice. Eventually, he may begin to believe it himself. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Yay! and finally! It was clear that something was being planned for Sador (by you, if not the Valar!) early on, and I figured that this was it. Wonderful.
I know I seldom review chapters, mostly because others get in before me and most write all that I want to say (and in better form too). But I want to tell you how very much I appreciate all your writing. And the amazing fact that you can and do update consistently.
Author's reply
Well, I'm glad you decided to leave a review for this chapter, Viresse. I am very happy to know that you enjoy my stories. As for updating consistently... I consider that my job as a writer and in doing so I feel I am respecting my readers. I really hate having to wait weeks, months, sometimes years for an update of a story by other authors. One has to wonder if they truly respect their readership by not updating on a regular basis.
Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing and please don't be shy about reviewing. Speak what's in your heart and that's all the eloquence that you need.
Poor Sador! Did you really have to be so cruel with him?
Author's reply
Cruelty had nothing to do with it Soledad. *LOL* In truth, I knew Sador would eventually become Cano way back in Book One, around the time that he was involved in the Hunt when Glorfindel went missing. The Valar wanted him to be Cano and there wasn't much I could do about it.*grin*
Tari
· 16 July 2010
· Chapter 138: Reflections
I do not think picking a leader will be an easy choice and do not envy them their task. My thinking is that Elwing would be the best choice.
I read the story you suggested first. Those naugthy elleth. I wonder what they would think if they knew the ellon overheard thiem.
Author's reply
It is indeed an unenviable task, Tari, but a necessary one. As to who it might be, that remains to be seen.
I'm sure the ellith were well aware of the ellyn overhearing them. That would have simply made the whole thing funnier for them. *grin*
Nice one again Fiondil! I rather suspected it would be Sador, he is one of the most self-deprecating of the Reborn, but always seems to be around to lend a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear, two very important characteristics for a leader. The experience will come as he grows older and takes on the wisdom of those around him.
I do think that the Valar are terribly manipulative, but I think they feel it's justified given their desire to keep 'the children' safe. Unfortunately, they often didn't appear to factor in that the 'children' have minds of their own. Children grow up and even the Kings aren't the same people who met with Orome in Endor so long ago.
You give the Valar a very sympathetic sort of aura and I can totally understand why. They make mistakes, they are not infallible and even when they interfere there is a strong chance that they might be making the wrong decision. It's a very delicate balance that they have to maintain especially in their dealings with the Eldar. I think this makes them more 'human', if you like, which appeals to me. I am not one of those who believe that the Valar are lofty god-like figures who only appear to make judgements or pronounce dooms. I think a lot of people think that the Valar are minor gods and not the servants of the One.
I can imagine what a minefield Valinor must have been once the Reborn started to appear.
Author's reply
Hi Shemyaza. Thank you. I'm so glad you like Sador as the choice for Cáno. Everything you say is true -- in time, experience will come and with it deeper wisdom.
What you say about the Valar is equally true, and I have tried to give them a sympathetic aura. Even Tolkien in his writings (which some writers tend to ignore) states that the Valar made (or appeared to have made) mistakes, though he cautions that we cannot always judge by appearances. Always and ever the Valar are the servants of the One and if they are minor gods it is only because we make them so, not because they are.
I suspect Valinor was indeeda minefield once the Reborn started to appear, as I have intimated in my writings.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
ellie
· 16 July 2010
· Chapter 139: Further Reflections
Fascination discussion and facts on the youngest or younger brothers being better rulers. I hadn't really considerd it before, but you are right about that. That kinda fits in with my Kin No More where the younger brohter thing is explored with Finwe's clan.
Ingwe asking his wife to evaluate was too funny! I agreed with her ansawer though :-)
Still really like wise shy contemplative Earendil and Elwing is a suitable partner for him complimenting him with her ability to move among others so well adn being just so personable. You really do need to write a story for them.
Sorry it took me so long to review this.
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. Believe it or not, it was only in writing this chapter that I began to analyze the fact that it was the younger brothers who ended up ruling. Of course that whole thing about Ingoldo being the older brother is purely made up for the purpose of the storyline (and as a motive for Ingoldo's actions here and during the Darkening), but why not. It doesn't really contradict anything that Tolkien writes about Ingwë which is pretty darn little.
And I'm glad you like my portrayal of Eärendil and Elwing. Perhaps I will come up with a story for them. I'll see what the Muse has to say.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. No problem with taking so long to review as I know real life has been a bear for you lately. I'm glad you were able to take a moment to share your thoughts.
Oh,poor Sador! I think he will be a great Cano, he has the respect of the Kings and the common people, so it should work out for him and them, he will miss having Finrod and Glorfi around though, not that he has seen much of them lately.
Huggs
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I think he'll make a great Cáno as well. And while Finrod and Glorfi aren't around much anyway, I'm sure they will be there for him whenever he needs them (as well as Beleg and all his other friends).
Well...that was an inspired, and rather unexpected choice, lol! But really, it makes sense. I am very pleased with the choice (as you hinted I would be, Atar Fiondil!) though I am leaving the choice of Cano nameless in case someone clicks on 'Reviews' before they click on the chapter. Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise, now. *grin*
All I can say then is it was well done; I don't think our new Cano needs to worry, everyone is being so supportive! :)
Thank you for a lovely chapter and a most satisfying choice of Cano!
(I may have lost the bet with myself on it being an elleth, but at least I won the bet with myself on the Reborn bit! :D)
Tye-melin,
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I'm glad you approve of the choice. I'm afraid that other reviewers will probably not be as circumspect as you, but I appreciate you consideration in not mentioning the ellon's name. Very mature of you. Anyway, thanks for letting me know how much you enjoyed the chapter. I appreciate it.
Kitty
· 15 July 2010
· Chapter 139: Further Reflections
Urgh, the thought of Ingoldo as king is scary! No thanks, I perfer Ingwë any day.
Ah, good, Glorfindel got to show off puclicly how good he's at fighting now :)
Hmmm ... if Eärendil were right, my main candidate Ingwion would be out. The only one who seems to fit that description I can think of right now is Sador. Wasn't he trained as a diplomatic aide, too? But still, he seems too young *scratches head* Maybe I'll have more ideas tomorrow, right now I'm struggling to even keep my eyes open, let alone think.
Author's reply
There have been several names put forth by readers, including Sador, and each time the reader also offers objections as to why that person would not qualify. Sador is indeed young, if one considers only that he his biologically about 70 years old now (and emotionally on par with people that same age), but chronologically he is much older.
We'll see very soon just who Eärendil's choice is and why.
Thanks for reviewing, Kitty.
Kitty
· 15 July 2010
· Chapter 138: Reflections
Seems Ellie provided you with a very humorous addition to your Valar-Verse *lol* No wonder the King isn't happy with the whole thing!
So, we're back to the million dollar question: Who's supposed to rule. I'm really curious who will be the unfortunate lucky one.
Author's reply
Ellie wrote that piece a while back and had to wait until I had gotten to this point in my own story before she could post hers. I had decided I wasn't interested in detailing the evening's conversations and such, so I was happy that Ellie supplied me with grist for the creative mill. *grin*
Yes, the million dollar question, but it will be answered soon enough. And whether the person is unfortunate or lucky really depends on one's point of view, doesn't it? *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Kitty.
Kitty
· 15 July 2010
· Chapter 137: Trial’s Aftermath
Now that's worrying; I really hope the Valar and Maiar take action before someone gets truly hurt. While I understand why they want the people in Aewellond to be more careful and keep watch, I'm not comfortable with risking innocent lives just to teach a lesson and to test their abilities.
"Actually, I was thinking of standing on the sidelines and cheering you on, as well as offering my unbiased critique of my brethren’s fighting skills." *snicker* Good old Olórin, he's invaluable!
Hmmm ... Eärendil as the Cáno? While he may have the skill, somehow I doubt he'd do it. Though I adnit the only one in Valinor with mortal blood in such a position would be ironic.
I very much doubt the Valar will ever let the two of us near a tournament again except as interested spectators. Could be true, but would be such a pity. It was really fun (ok, besides the huge cliffhanger you left us with, of course)
Arafinwë certainly found an interesting way to punish Selmacas further. There might finally come something good out of this attack.
Author's reply
I have no doubt that the Valar will make sure that no harm comes to anyone in Aewellond, at least those who are unarmed. Any warriors would of course have to take their chances as in any kind of battle.
Olórin is indeed invaluable and irrepressible. *LOL* I like to show something of the kind of personality that we see in him as Gandalf while he is still a Maia. I'm glad you liked this little dialogue.
The Valar may allow Finrod and Glorfindel to fight in a tournament, but probably not against one another. Too risky. *grin*
Arafinwë is apparently taking a page from Finrod's book of creative punishments (and one has to wonder where *he* came up with the idea). I'm sure that Arafinwë and Finrod will make sure that this works out for Vorondil and Selmacas.Vorondil deserves two sets of grandparents.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Kitty. You know how much I appreciate it.
Kitty
· 15 July 2010
· Chapter 136: The Elder King’s Defense
It has to be disconcerting for the other Elves that the Reborn think they could be friends even with their murderers. Even I find it a bit difficult to accept; I'd think not all Reborn think the same way and it could depend on character and temperament and the like. But then, what do I know, I'm only a simple Mortal ;)
You know, Manwë defended the Valar skilfully, and while it may be true what he said, I'm still left with a slightly uncomfortable feeling. Guess there have been a few cases too many where I was not happy because the whole situation smelled a bit too much of manipulation, with or without the greater picture in mind. Oh well, I'm not exactly in a generous mood right now.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. You may be correct that much depends on character and temperament, and yet, are we not enjoined to forgive our enemies? Why should the Elves not do the same? The Reborn have the benefit of undergoing purification before they are re-embodied, so it is probably easier for them to forgive their murderers. The ones who have the problem are those who were left behind.
I'm glad that you think Manwë defended the Valar skilfully, although I understand your discomfort. I think Manwë was able to show why what appeared to be manipulation in the incidents cited, it doesn't necessarily follow that ALL incidents are manipulation-free. The Valar are really walking a very fine line here.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I hope your mood improves eventually. *grin*
Kitty
· 15 July 2010
· Chapter 135: The Valar on Trial
That was certainly an interesting chapter. It took a lot of guts to do what the Elves did, but I think it was necessary to air all these incidents where they had to be feeling manipulated by the Valar.
Author's reply
It did take a lot of courage for them to do this, but as you say, it was necessary to get it all out in the open. Glad you found this an interesting chapter, Kitty. Thanks for letting me know.
Larner
· 14 July 2010
· Chapter 139: Further Reflections
It does sound as if they have their Cano. One of the former Morgul slaves?
Author's reply
We'll find out on Friday, Larner. *grin*
Hel
· 13 July 2010
· Chapter 139: Further Reflections
There are some would be suited to be cano. If they want the job is another problem. I wouldn´t wonder if they consent on an elf as cano and the said elf declines the offer. It is the old problem those who want the job are unsuited and those who would be perfect don´t want it. As for Sador: there are a lot arguments for him, but even if the whole gathering votes him, he shurely would decline. One good reason for it would he have, as being aprenticed.
So I´m waiting eagerly for the next chapters.
Author's reply
Hi Hel. you are certainly correct that those who would want the job would be most unsuited for it and those who are perfect for it won't want it. As for Sador's apprenticeship with Netilmírë as being a detriment, that is certainly something that would have to be taken into consideration, though I imagine there would be ways around it if it came to it.
Thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you're looking forward to the next chapters. I appreciate you letting me know.
Serinde
· 13 July 2010
· Chapter 139: Further Reflections
So there is a regular elvish BBC "The Song of praise" like program? And a song with mild digs at the Valar for not lending a hand in the clean-up included?
One of my favourites Russian songs is a song "Two monasteries"/"Dva monastyria" (The transcription is eye offending, I know. I have tried to write it in Cyrillic, but the side does not support it. My appology).
It goes approximately: Once upon the time there were two monasteries. One for men, the other for women. The life of monks is not easy, neither is easy the life of nuns. So it was decided to dig an underground passage. It is said truth, but it is the truth which must to be told. The nuns finished two third of the passage themselves. Because...
The men where digging for a while, when one of them suggested ... let us have a smoke...so they were sitting, smoking, jesting ... meanwhile, the women were digging and moving slowly forward (a v eto vremia zhenshtiny kopali, i prodvigalis zhenshtiny v period).
The men also started with digging of a parallel underground passage to a wine cellar, so they were drinking strong wine and joking: Only an owl does not drink!... meanwhile the women were digging...
And after somebody said: "Brothers we have low productivity of work, it is a shame" and so the monks were for a long time sitting and preparing the work plan for the whole next year ... meanwhile the women were digging....
So I can imagine an elvish variant. Something alone the line:
The Valar were sitting and feasting
Meanwhile the poor elfs were snow digging
The Valar were....
I would like to be there and listen...
Author's reply
*LOL* Yes, I can imagine the Vanya's song went something like that, Serinde. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Sunny
· 13 July 2010
· Chapter 139: Further Reflections
It is rather obvious from Elindis' little remark that she definitely isn't blind! ;-)
And lots of other people are also evidently, ah, evaluating Glorfindel's (and Galdor's) fighting skills. Well, Glorfy should be in a good mood for the next few days (unless something happens) since he has gotten to play.
_I_ still think the one who is getting the chore of being Cáno is Brethorn. Sador might have been a good choice if he were not so newly reborn, but he has been out of Lórien now for only - what - three years or so? Not really enough time to grow up, and he is still at times a very sensitive elfling...
Author's reply
No, Elindis is definitely not blind. *LOL*
And Glorfi is in a very good mood, though how long it will last is anyone's guess.
Sador is certainly very young, perhaps too young in many ways, but he does have other things going for him that Brethorn does not. However, whether it's Sador or Brethorn or someone else, we'll learn soon enough.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Sunny. You know how much I appreciate your input.
Rhyselle
· 12 July 2010
· Chapter 139: Further Reflections
Hmmm. Looks like I'm in good company with my supposition. I truly hadn't read the other reviews before I posted mine! :)
Of course if we're all wrong, then I'm in good company that way too. *grin*
Author's reply
Yes, you'll be in good company either way. *LOL* Isn't it nice to know others think along the same lines as yourself?
Rhyselle
· 12 July 2010
· Chapter 139: Further Reflections
For the past several chapters, I've been thinking that Sador would be a good choice to be Cano. Now having read Earendil's thinking on it, I'm even more inclined to believe that they will at least ask Sador to do it. Whether he would accept is another thing entirely...
Thank you for the lovely scene of the Eldar singing to the Valar on the High Day. That was really wonderful, and I only wish that I could have heard the singing for real. Even if I barely understand ten words of Quenya or Sindarin between the two languages, it would be thrilling to hear, especially the new song!
An excellent chapter all in all, and I'm so glad that I was able to tell you so this time! RL is easing down the demands on my time for now, so I hope to be a better reviewer in the future.
Well done!
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. Well, as I've told everyone else, we'll find out on Friday who the lucky (or unlucky) elf is who will become Cáno. *grin*
I'm glad you loved the scene of the Eldar singing to the Valar. I would like to be there in person to hear them as well.
Glad to hear that RL is easing down for you. I look forward to reading your reviews whenever you get the time to write them. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Fantasia
· 12 July 2010
· Chapter 139: Further Reflections
I vote for Sador, like the other reviewer said...
Author's reply
Okay, Fantasia. That's three votes for Sador so far... *grin*
6336
· 12 July 2010
· Chapter 139: Further Reflections
Yes, they could do with a break, when you get all those alpha people together things can get a little fraught.
Hm, now you have me scratching my head and frowning over just who Erendil has decided on.
Cliffe time again and I have to be up early on friday, sale day and the store opens an hour early.
I am on vacation for the following two weeks and I am going to have a go at trying to load some of your stories on my e-reader, if I can figure out how, that is!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Well, Lynda, it won't be long before we find out, so just hang in there. *grin* You'll have to tell me how successful you are in loading my stories to your e-reader. I would like to purchase one myself, but will have to wait until I can afford it (i.e. I'm actually working). They would be handy to have when on vacation or traveling.
Lady Edlyn
· 12 July 2010
· Chapter 139: Further Reflections
A lovely chapter, meldonya! There was so much in here between the Council, personal discussions, the events on Valanya, the contests and Eärendil's musings.
I've been suspecting for some time (more than ten chapters ago, to be honest)that Sador would be the chosen candidate for Cáno, though I can't tell you just what put that thought into my head at that time. But he is the only character that I think meets are the necessary requirements and matches the description of the person Eärendil is thinking about.
As a Sindar from Endore he'd be acceptable to (most of) the Tol Eressëans, he has the family connection with Arafinwë and therefore the other Amanian royals, he's comfortable in the everyday world of the common people and the Court, he's experienced traumas in his previous life that colour his current thinking and reactions (in other words, he's he's got great incentive to work to make sure something like what happened in Endore doesn't happen here) but he's flexible enough that he can compromise when needful.
Of course, if I'm right then his likely first response will be something along the lines of surprise ("Me?"), terror ("I can't do it! I don't know enough! I'll screw it all up!), and then suspiscion ("Glorfindel put you up to this, didn't he?").
Well, we'll have to see if I'm right. Regardless of who is picked for the job, it will be interesting to see the reactions of everyone.
Bravissimo! I can hardly wait till Friday! HAve a good week!
Edlyn
Author's reply
Of course, I can neither deny nor confirm your suspicions, Edlyn. *LOL* I think at least one other reviewer has suggested Sador as Cáno. You'll have to wait a few more days to find out if you're right. At any rate, I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it. Have a good week, yourself.