The Findaráto Diaries by Fiondil
Larner · 18 December 2009 · Chapter 29: Presentation of the Heir
Interesting that the oath is that old; but it was excellent toee it here!
Author's reply
Well it had to come from somewhere and I think the Edain might have borrowed it from the Noldor and continued the tradition when they went to Numenor and then founded the Kingdoms-in-Exile after the Downfall.
ellie · 17 December 2009 · Chapter 29: Presentation of the Heir
Gorgeous outfit! Nice ceremony, too. I like the glimpses of culture you present. it makes one wonder just how old these trasitions are which the elves observe and where they started. Herendil was the perfect one to honor Finrod by presenting him. It also made a statement to those not showing Finrod honor that the noldoran notices these things, too. I'm also glad to see Finrod with such a good friend in Rumilion. Can't wait to see how the ball goes.
Author's reply
Thanks, ellie. I am glad you liked Finrod's outfit and the ceremony. We will see in the next chapter just how much Arafinwe notices things in his own court and where his son is concerned. And the ball should be very interesting with Finrod there. *grin*
Parmalokwen · 17 December 2009 · Chapter 29: Presentation of the Heir
A very nice ceremony. I found it interesting, though not terribly surprising, that Finrod would use the Beleriandic form of the oath. Even more interesting, and far more surprising, was that Arafinwë knew the correct response.
Author's reply
Glad you liked the ceremony. Arafnwe's response would have been the same regardless of the additions to the oath that Finrod made, but perhaps he heard such oaths when he was in Beleriand and so was not unduly surprised by Finrod's version.
Parmalokwen · 14 December 2009 · Chapter 28: Invitation to a Wedding
Well, this is certainly one way to find out who his friends are! And it's good that he has them. If only Lúthien had insisted on adherence to Sindarin marriage customs, she and Beren could have been married with so much less fuss.
Author's reply
Perhaps Luthien did but Beren's sense of honor and his own traditions probably would not let him. Oh well.... *grin* At any rate, Finrod now has three new friends he didn't expect to find and that's all to the good.
Tari · 14 December 2009 · Chapter 27: Herendil
Poor Aldundil; he has no idea what he’s getting into by marrying Lady Calladindele. The hunting trip without his father in attendance was an excellent idea. I feel it help to build up confidence in Finrod. He is beginning to feel more comfortable in the company of others and is gaining new friends
Author's reply
Yes, knowing Aldundil as we do in "Elf, Interrupted", one cannot help but feel sorry for the poor ellon, but at least we know things do eventually go right for him. Making friends with Herendil is the first step for Finrod. Eventually things will get easier for him.
Kitty · 13 December 2009 · Chapter 28: Invitation to a Wedding
Well, I'm firmly in Finrod's camp as far as clothes and dressing up are concerned ;) Really loved the way he managed to wear Morwen's gift to the wedding; it's nice that he treasures this gift so much, no matter if certain people think it's not fine enough. Oh, I remember these three young Elves. Weren't that the ones who were so nice to Glorfindel and Sador, too? Good to see them again. They made this day much more bearable for Finrod, I think. And I am glad to see he invited them to the hunt, too; they could become friends to him, too.
Author's reply
Yes, these three young elves are the same who befriend Sador. I am sure that Finrod will find them good friends as well.
Larner · 11 December 2009 · Chapter 27: Herendil
At last he is beginning to make positive relationships with those beyond his family. And this marriage is perhaps one he will have reason to rue. Alas! But a worthwhile friendship nonetheless.
Author's reply
Very true, Larner. Of course he has no idea how intertwined his life will be with Aldundil's but we know he makes the best of it.
ellie · 10 December 2009 · Chapter 28: Invitation to a Wedding
Finrod will be defiant to the end, won't he? Poor guy. It is amazing how much stock people put into appearance and cultural expectations. I bet Arafinwe was horrified to learn what kind of wedding artanis might have had. I wonder if finrod would have fit in better among the court of the teleri than he did among the noldor of finwe's court and later arafinwe's court? Still though, many people chose to follow finrod and took him as their king, so there must have been more to him than he saw in himself if he had such few friends among the court of finwe yet such a large following of the noldor. It is very sad to see finrod with so much of his confidence gone... I'm glad he seems to have some new friends in rumilion and his cousins. I'm also glad that finrod has a father who understnads him so well or at least sympathizes with him so well. I hope that your darkenign story will explore arafinwe's taking the throne and what he dealth with within himself and the court.
Author's reply
Hi, ellie. I will indeed be exploring not only Arafinwe's story during the Darkening (we will see how he ends up being Manwe's apprentice for a time) but we will see Finrod as well, at least until he leaves Aman. In fact, many characters from Elf, Interrupted will show up (and a few new ones) so you will be able to see what they were like earlier. I plan to start posting that story, which is already about half written, by summer as I need to finish up EI first so as not to have any plot spoilers.
Sunny · 10 December 2009 · Chapter 28: Invitation to a Wedding
Three new friends for Finrod, I think. Good for him! Finrod's comparison between the Noldorin and the Sindarin customs of marriage was quite amusing.
Author's reply
Yes, three new friends. And in case you have forgotten, these are the same three who will later befriend Sador. I figured that the Sindar would have devleoped less elaborate ceremonies than the Noldor and would be more practical and down-to-earth about such things.
Kitty · 5 December 2009 · Chapter 27: Herendil
That entry at the beginning makes it very clear how necessary it is that the Reborn and Returnees are sharing their memories and experiences with these who never left Aman. The Elves should learn about the Secondborn and that some of them were such great people. Oh, nice that Herendil brought Aldundil along. I always liked him. And knowing EI, it is particularly interesting to watch him. Of course, we know the reason for his feelings of guilt ... poor guy. Anyway, that dinner went quite well, and I was glad to see they got along so well and even organised the hunt. That was what Finrod needed – some friends who are neither looking down their noses at him nor want to befriend him just to get something from his father. So this is probably a good beginning; I hope over time Finrod will find more of these friends.
Author's reply
Very true, Kitty, and in time, some of them will learn of the Secondborn from those Elves who knew them personally. Originally I was not going to introduce Aldundil, but Herendil insisted on bringing him to dinner, so what could I do? *grin* Anyway, it is interesting to see many of these characters from EI in an earlier time and knowing what is in store for them all. We will see how successful Finrod is in finding new friends, but I think now that he has made the first move with Herendil he will find it easier to do so.
Sunny · 3 December 2009 · Chapter 27: Herendil
A good start for Finrod and Herendil's friendship - finding an activity they can enjoy together. On an unrelated note, I find myself wondering how Herendil reacted when his son swore the Life Oath to Finrod. Has the Muse whispered anything about that in your ear?
Author's reply
As yet, there has been no whispering of the Muse in this regard, but I think Herendil will be making an appearance once Finrod and company return to Tirion. Until I wrote this story he was just a name.
Tari · 30 November 2009 · Chapter 26: Petitions and Apologies
That went well. Being involved once again in the court proceedings is just what Finrod needed. I think it will help repair his self esteem. And, he just may have found a new friend in the process. One can only hope that is the case.
Author's reply
I think he has found a friend and we will see how that friendship develops. Finrod's self-esteem needed this sort of boost.
Kitty · 29 November 2009 · Chapter 26: Petitions and Apologies
Finrod staying out of trouble? That has to be wishful thinking on Eärnur's part *grin* That incident with Artamir was interesting; and I have to agree with the Noldorán here. It is good to know he takes care of these deserted lands and makes sure that the owner, when they return, have something to live from. I really like Herendil. He seems to be nice and sensible and may be the first one of the nobles to befriend Finrod; it was good that Finrod invited him to dinner. But as you can probably guess, I still don't like Nambarauto and the others. Though it is interesting that Herendil can force them to apologise.
Author's reply
Hi, Kitty. I am glad you like Herendil. I think we can see where Aldundil's own nobility comes from (and we will meet Aldundil in the next chapter). And Arafinwe is merely exhibiting the best aspect of kingship, that of stewardship and guardian of others' interests when they are not in a position to safeguard them themselves.
Larner · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 26: Petitions and Apologies
At last, the wounds are being drained, and once drained will at last have the chance to heal. A most interesting and hopefully productive audience this has proved!
Author's reply
Yes, indeed, Larner, the wounds are beginning to drain and healing has begun. Glad you found the chapter interesting. As to how productive the audience was will be seen in subsequent chapters.
ellie · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 26: Petitions and Apologies
I don't blame Finrod at all for his outburst and offering his crown to the lord. Fianrfin handled it very well though. I wasn't expecting the apology at all, but was very glad to see it. I hope Finrod does pursue a friendship with this lord, he really does need some friends in Tirion and some people who obviously respect him for who he was as well as for who he could become.
Author's reply
We will see how the relationship between Finrod and Herendil progresses in later chapters. The apologies, however insincere on the part of the four nobles, is now public record and therefore a sign to others that they need to treat Finrod with the respect he deserves as a prince and throne-heir. That, I think, was Herendil's intent all along.
Sunny · 26 November 2009 · Chapter 26: Petitions and Apologies
” Try to stay out of trouble”. Vain hope, Eärnur. Finrod is a Reborn, after all. And just barely released from Lórien, at that. I am getting a really good impression of Lord Herendil. He seems genuinely sympathetic to Finrod without being an ass-kisser. I find myself wondering just what hold he has over those other nobles from whom he extracted that (deeply unfelt) apology. In any case, I suspect that there may be fallout later on. (Which reminds me that it would be interesting to see Finrod getting reacquainted with sharp-and-pointy items. Though Nambarauto should definitely have something to do Elsewhere at that time ;-) )
Author's reply
I am glad you have a good impression of Lord Herendil. I have no idea what hold he has over these other nobles (he hasn't confided in me about it), but I am sure that it must be a doozie if he can get someone like Nambarauto or Salmacas to capitulate. We will be seeing more of Herendil in subsequent chapters.
njomo · 26 November 2009 · Chapter 26: Petitions and Apologies
Hi Fiondil, I must apologize for my reviewing lapses of late. NaNoWriMo got in the way of quite a few things. Good for Earnur and his advice to Finrod. It's good see that he took it to heart, even though reluctantly at first. Hopefully Finrod's and Arafinwë's words at court will begin to sink through to everyone. Oh, but I felt sorry for Finrod at the end. Parents do have a way of embarrassing their children. But maybe Arafinwë is wise enough to know when to use humor to difuse tension. And these little hints regarding Herendil...I look forward to learning more about him. Thanks Fiondil! Joanne
Author's reply
Hi, Joanne. I think there are a lot of people caught up with NaNoWriMo, so don't worry about it. I appreciate you taking the time to leave this review. We will see more of Herendil in later chapters and see how his friendship with Finrod progresses. And Arafinwe probably said what he said deliberately just to difuse the tension in the court and of course it worked. He has probably had a lot of experience doing so over the centuries.
Tari · 23 November 2009 · Chapter 25: Recuperation
Bringing Eärnur to spend time with Finrod was better than any other medicine they could have concocted.
Author's reply
Indeed, it is, Tari. Friends are often the best medicine because they don't take any flack from you. *grin*
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 21 November 2009 · Chapter 25: Recuperation
Atar Fiondil, I've been reading and re-reading this all day instead of studying for my vocabulary and lecture monthly finals! (Module B is ending now! things are moving so quickly at school!) *Blushes in shame* I don't think I need to ask why I find Finda more exciting than school *LOL* But you know, I really should have been studying...Naughty Kaylee huh? :( Well it's not your fault, except that you're such a brilliant author I couldn't be kept away! Now it's nearly half past 11 so I haven't gone to bed early either because I'm on my sixth re-read of the chapter! The time I haven't spent reading it I've spent pondering what this Elf Academy story of yours could be! I have my suspicions, but when will they be answered? I'll go to bed now and try to sleep, Atto. And then study tomorrow like a good girl *sheepish grin* *hugs lots and lots* 'Night. *gives Atar Fiondil and his Muse a plate of cookies and milk and then climbs into bed* Tye-melin, Kaylee
Author's reply
You will not have to wait long to find out, Kaylee. But you should not neglect your studies for reading on SoA. School first, reading second, okay?
Kitty · 21 November 2009 · Chapter 25: Recuperation
Broken legs aren't that common in Aman? Now, that's something I find surprising. One would think that's an injury you can suffer easily - contrary to, say, battle wounds. I know Elves are more nimble than we clumsy humans, but still, even they can trip over something or be kicked by a horse, elflings can fall out of a tree or whatever. Oh well, to imagine the healers practically arm-wrestling for the privilege to set a broken bone was amusing. Anyway, I was torn between being glad that Finrod was back home safely and worry about his depressive state. Eärnur did a wonderful job in cheering Finrod up. And I was glad to learn that Arafinwë has sent Amarië out of the way for a time; I had really been worried that she would be nasty to Finrod as soon as he was back and make things even worse.
Author's reply
Well no doubt Arafinwe was exaggerating a bit about broken legs. We will see how Finrod fares in subsequent chapters. With Amarie out of the way for a time, I think things will be a little easier for him.
Larner · 21 November 2009 · Chapter 25: Recuperation
When one has the whole of the company of the Valar working against one, what can be done? And Finrod cannot look to become a private person no matter how much he might desire it. It's one of the consequences of being born the son of the heir to the Noldoran, particularly after that heir becomes Noldoran himself! Now Finrod's the heir, and is therefore answerable to all of Aman and its denizens for his actions! At least he and Amarie aren't working against one another while he recovers. And am so glad Earnur was sent to assist.
Author's reply
All you say about Finrod is true, Larner. He is not a private person, and really has never been. It is something he has to remember all over again and act accordingly.
ellie · 21 November 2009 · Chapter 25: Recuperation
going home again must have been so very hard for FInrod. It was good to see earnur again. He is such a great influence on Finrod and a great comfort to him. I like the past history you are inserting here with the king's master healer being a close personal friend and the history you gave FInarfin and him together in the war of wrath. i'm glad amarie is gone for now. finrod really does needd a break from all of the noise. nicely done!
Author's reply
Thanks, ellie. I am glad you liked this chapter and the personal history I have given even minor characters. I think that makes the stories I write more interesting because it lends depth to the stories themselves, much the way Tolkien wrote.
Sunny · 21 November 2009 · Chapter 25: Recuperation
I found the image of the healers almost coming to blows over Finrod’s broken leg rather amusing. I am sure that Finrod is relieved that Amarië is out of his hair for now. She was definitely _not_ helpful to his state of mind. What Finrod really needs now is something to _do_. And while he might not (perhaps) actually run away again, I am sure he will be off on some wild tangent if he is not allowed to feel useful. Well, actually, it is inevitable that he _will_ fly off on some wild tangents – he is recently reborn, after all, and judging from EI anything might trigger that. But those wild tangents might perhaps be _slightly_ less chaotic if he has the anchor of some kind of duties. And perhaps a friend or two. Eärnur is good for him, but he will have to return to Lórien to continue his education, after all.
Author's reply
We will see in subsequent chapters how Finrod deals with all these things. You are correct that what he needs is friends right there in Tirion and I think one or two are coming along soon. *grin*
Sitara · 19 November 2009 · Chapter 24: Into the Mountains
Oops!...I must have pressed the wrong button earlier..Or it's just the risk of being at work and doing something else than working, methinks. "grin" Anyway, I wanted to say that I won't transform this review into another rant against the Valar and their methods only for their attitude towards the people of Angobel, in your other story. Were not for this...."evil grin" Instead, I'd like to ask them a question. What if instead of returning to Tirion Finrod would have been hardened his heart living like this (He had survived Helcaraxe, after all) and would have decided to go and hid himself somewhere else, deep inside the forests or at the world's end? And, if they answer me that they would have given him the same "treatment"....I may start to think about forgiving them. "lol"
Author's reply
Well, as the saying goes, you can run but you cannot hide. *LOL* I am sure the Valar would have upped the ante on Finrod had it been necessary, but luckily they did not have to. I think Eru decided to take matters into His own hands, hence the bear.
Kitty · 14 November 2009 · Chapter 24: Into the Mountains
Námo and I have been very careful to keep out of the way of our former charges’ lives once they are reunited with their family and friends, except in rare instances. Um ... that's not the impression I got in 'Elf, Interrupted', to be honest ... If that is true, then the Valar have changed their mind quite a bit during the next 100 years! Well, this time alone in the mountains seems to have done Finrod some good; he did very well, in spite of the questionable 'help' of the Valar. Only the end was not that nice, but it's amazing that he managed to kill the bear and then get his things together and mount the horse. I hope he gets home safely and people have learned something from his flight. Though I fear that would be asked too much from most of the people at court. Not to mention Amarië ...
Author's reply
Well, with Glorfindel in the mix, I think they had to make a exception to the rule. *grin* FInrod is stronger than we might give him credit for, since he is an elf after all and one of the most powerful. We will see next chapter how he fares and what others have learned (or not). Thanks for reviewing, Kitty. I really appreciate it.