Kitty
· 14 November 2009
· Chapter 23: A Prince in Flight
Poor Finrod, that was a bit much, and Amarië didn't help, either, as usual. The more I get to see of her, the more I want to give her a piece of my mind. She has to be quite arrogant and stupid to think that disparaging his former life is helping her in regaining his love.
Arafinwë and Eärwen really love their son and are willing to take him as he is now, but sadly, that's not enough to make up for the behaviour of so many others, as it seems.
Well, I am not sure running away will help Finrod much, but I can see why he wants to get away from all that whispering and contempt *sigh* Really wonder how that will turn out.
Author's reply
Hi, Kitty. Thanks for reviewing. How it all turns out will be revealed in the next chapter.
6336
· 13 November 2009
· Chapter 24: Into the Mountains
Oh, Finrod, what are we to do with you, running away won't help it will only make things worse for you?
Now you come dragging home with a broken leg and assorted bumps and bruises, just don't expect your parents to be very happy with you, pleased you are back and not able to leave for a while, just not very happy!
I can understand why the Valar stay out of the Re-borns lives as much as they can, it would be a little like running home to Nana every time something went wrong!
Lynda
Author's reply
I think he has learned that lesson pretty well as we will see in subsequent chapters. And you are correct that the Valar try to stay out of the lives of the Reborn as much as possible because otherwise they become a crutch, not only for the Reborn, but for everyone else who has to deal with them.
ellie
· 13 November 2009
· Chapter 24: Into the Mountains
loved the chapter. i'm glad finrod got some time alone to regroup but feel bad for him that things went so badly at the end. his poor parents in their sorrow that he is gone- especially finarfin who seems to blame himself. he's such a good papa!
i'm sure Eru knows where the bear came from...
can't wait for more!!!
Author's reply
Thanks, ellie. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. I'm sure Eru knows where the bear came from, too. *grin*
Tari
· 13 November 2009
· Chapter 24: Into the Mountains
Oh those rascally Valar! Finrod should have known they were behind the piles of snow over his hut and the lack of game; maybe even the bear. I think he was enjoying his freedom so much that he never gave it a thought.
It’s too bad he broke his leg, but at least he is heading for home where he belongs. His parents will be so relieved and will coddle him. Of that I have no doubt.
Author's reply
I think you are right, Tari. Finrod was just being stubborn, not wanting to go back to Tirion, enjoying his freedom, so he was determined to stay against all odds. Only, of course, the odds got a lot worse with the bear showing up.
I think many people will be relieved to see Finrod back where he belongs, not just his parents, but the Valar.
Sunny
· 13 November 2009
· Chapter 24: Into the Mountains
Finrod seems to be able to teach stubborn lessons to a stone! No wonder, since he was able to hold out for so long against _two_ Valar playing Murphy.
Author's reply
And experience is the best teacher and we know he learned his lessons well. *grin*
Larner
· 13 November 2009
· Chapter 24: Into the Mountains
He should have realized from the snow that he was being prompted to go home. Silly Elf! Now he will have quite a time recovering! And I'm sure the bear was sent by someone....
Author's reply
Well, some people are a little denser than others about certain things. *LOL* And I'm sure the bear was sent by Someone, too....
njomo
· 8 November 2009
· Chapter 23: A Prince in Flight
Hi Fiondil,
One can hardly blame Finrod, though it is sad that the love and respect of Arafinwë and his ammë are not enough. And yes, it never pays to discount the Valar and Maiar when one is making plans...
Thanks Fiondil!
Joanne
Author's reply
I suppose for Finrod he has reached a point in his maturity that his parents' love isn't enough and he wants the respect of his peers and others. He's not getting it so off he goes. We will see though just how successful he is in his flight. As you say, it never pays to discount the Valar when one is making plans. *grin*
Tari
· 6 November 2009
· Chapter 23: A Prince in Flight
Poor Finrod. He totally forgot that the Maia would be instructed to keep watch over the Firstborn. I'm wondering which Vala will greet Finrod when he reaches his destination, if he even makes it that far.
Author's reply
We will see in the next chapter how things work out for our Reborn ellon. He has indeed forgotten that living in Aman there would be Maiar around who might be keeping an eye on him or at least will notice what he is doing even if no one else does. That, of course, was not the case in Beleriand and he is still thinking in terms of living there rather than in the land of the Valar.
Larner
· 4 November 2009
· Chapter 23: A Prince in Flight
There is someone watching over him, at least, whether or not he realizes it. That is good!
Author's reply
Yes it is.
Sitara
· 4 November 2009
· Chapter 23: A Prince in Flight
First of all, I have a question, solely for purpose of satisfying my curiosity. Did Tolkien say somewhere in his books that Nerwen Artanis wasn't allowed to return to Aman, after the War of Wrath or at some other time? I'm rather intrigued."evil grin"
For some reason, although I understand Nambaurato, Amarie's reaction is less understandable for me. Firstly, because as Finrod had chosen to leave, she made her choice as well, for I cannot imagine she was locked in the dungeons in order to be prevented from leaving. Secondly, she was supposed to love the ellon, after all, and think a bit about his wellbeing not only aboiut nursing her grievances.
I've to say that I liked well Finrod's endeavour. I believe he only should have left a note for his parents to let them know he'll be allright.
I'm rather anxious to see Tulkas again, if he'd be the one send to catch the fugitive. 'lol'
Author's reply
Tolkien does intimate that Galadriel was not allowed to return but that when she rejected the One Ring she proved herself and was allowed to sail. As for Amarie, in the Silmarillion it explicitly states that she was forbidden to follow Finrod into exile. Forbidden by whom and why we are never told. We will see in the next chapter how Finrod fares and what the Valar do about it (if anything).
6336
· 3 November 2009
· Chapter 23: A Prince in Flight
Ah, Finrod, not the best day you have ever had, but I can think od a few worse ones!
It is a pity he and Amarie can't have that little chat with Lord Namo that is coming in their future but neither of them are mature enough to benefit from it yet!
No, Finda running away is not the smartest move you can make at this time, I feel for you, I really do, sometimes crawling back into bed and pulling the covers up over your head seems like such a good idea, dosen't work though. You have to face your fears or they will overwhelm you, look upon them as Orcs and deal with them accordingly!
O.K. climbing down from the soap box now!
Good chapter,
More please?
Lynda
Author's reply
Thanks, Lynda. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. We will see how Finrod deals with things or not in the next chapter. Stay tune.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 3 November 2009
· Chapter 23: A Prince in Flight
Finda, Finda, Finda...*shakes head* *hugs Finda* Poor Finrod, having so much going on and feeling so unwelcome that he decides to run away!
Arafinwe is clever, so I don't see him not realizing that his firstborn is unhappy even when Finda puts on a front, though. *wry grin* I would bet that the reason Finda didn't get caught is that his Atto didn't *want* him to get caught.
Of course he was eventually caught...by Ravenni. Though she didn't stop him! She just told Tulkas. I hope Tulkas won't squish the breath out of Finda. He's not like Squishy. *winks* He's breakable. *hugs Finda* (Finda needs lots of hugs)
Mithrod is a very good horse, I like him. :)
Wish me luck on my lecture test today and we're also starting to work on vital signs...now where did I leave my stethoscope, blood pressure cuff and thermometer, I need them! I suppose I can't blame Gwindor for their going missing though I know he likes to take things! (Yes I know, that's the other story LOL)
Tye-melin, Atar Fiondil! *hugs atar indonyo*
Kaylee
Author's reply
We will see how Finda fares soon enough. Good luck on your test. I am sure you will do fine.
Sitara
· 31 October 2009
· Chapter 22: Confrontation
I suppose that I really am like the proverbial dog with a bone when it comes about certain things. You're right in saying that, according to the most beautiful picture that have been ever painted, if I can use this metaphor, when someone choses to sacrifice his own life for another person, whether that person deserves or not such sacrifice is inconsequential. That was precisely the point of my review, although it's possible to have remained unseen, lost among the layers of venom coating my words.
There is a difference, in my opinion, between deserving a life sacrifice and being worthy to die for. The latter has to do, at least in my mind, with the outcome of your Whereas I still keep my opinion that Beren and his reasons to undertake that quest did not deserve Finrod's sacrifice, the right to chose and to appreciate the worth of his deed does indeed belong to Finrod and Finrod alone. I shall abide by his judgment.
Another thing I wanted to say that Finrod ought to understand that Aman is not Nargothrond and perhaps you cannot apply here the same criteria in respect to judgment as you used to do there. You know, I've always felt that not having some blatant life-threatening situations to keep them on their toes was rather bad for the Amanians. "lol"
I certainly didn't want you to feel like you'd done something wrong with this bit, Fiondil. On the contrary, it was quite realistic in my opinion. I admit I was a tad shocked by that quote, but on second thoughts, why not? Surely Eru never intended to say those words just to One Person, so why not, indeed?
Well-wishes,
Sitara
Author's reply
Hi Sitara. Well I can certainly understand your pov although I do not hold it myself. I guess we must simply agree to disagree where Beren is concerned. *grin*
And Finrod would agree with you about the Amanians. Remember, he thought a nice invasion of orcs would have speeded up the court a tad. *LOL*
And I am glad you found what I wrote to be realistic. That is my primary aim, since writing fantasy entails keeping things as realistic as possible so the reader is not scratching her head.
Well wishes to you, also.
njomo
· 30 October 2009
· Chapter 22: Confrontation
Hi Fiondil,
Points for Finrod for standing up for himself, no matter how angry and hurt he felt.
And Námo, well, what can I say except he just gets more and more perfect all the time. How good it is that he keeps an eye on the reborn. Hopefully his words and the comfort he brings will bolster Finrod in the days and weeks to come.
Thanks Fiondil.
Joanne
Author's reply
We will see shortly if Namo's words help or not. Thanks for reviewing Joanne. I appreciate it.
6336
· 27 October 2009
· Chapter 22: Confrontation
Hi Fiondil, sorry havn't been reviewing much lately, been kind of busy workinmg on Halloween costumes for the Orclings and their Naneth.
I am reminded, some what, of a story of Larner's where in a similar situation Eomer would have demanded a good brood mare from each of the litigants herds for his trouble! Wonder what the equivilant would be from the two ellith, the first fruits of their gardens?
Bad tree luring Finrod on like that! Nambarauto really is a nasty piece of work isn't he, seems to me Calalindale comes by her attitude quite honestly, she gets it from her father! Yes, I know Salmacas is her father, but if this is the kind of people he hangs around with I can see it rubbing off on her!
I do like Herendil, can we have more of him, please?
Nothing wrong with hanging from trees, wouldn't hurt a few people to do it more often!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
You are right, Lynda. Nothing wrong with hanging from trees at all. *grin*
We will see more of Herendil in future chapters and we will even see Aldundil briefly.
I have to admit that Larner's story that you mention was somewhat inspirational for this chapter with regards to the judgment Finrod renders.
Larner
· 27 October 2009
· Chapter 22: Confrontation
A worthy judgment, and a delightful interlude with the tree--until the trouble maker came--hateful being he was! Glad Namo came to comfort him, and appreciated the Scriptural allusion.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I am glad you liked the chapter and especially the Scriptural allusion. I try not to overdo that sort of thing but here it seemed most appropriate.
Sitara
· 26 October 2009
· Chapter 22: Confrontation
Hmm..yes, I do remember those particular people from your earlier stories. As for Salmacas' and Nambaurato' words...there is much to be said, in my opinion. Assuming the risk to split the hairs a little too much "lol", I've to say that there is truth in their words. The circumstances in which Finrod, king of Nargothrond, found himself ever since Beren showed up at his doorstep wearing the ring of Barahir was aptly named using just one word: a trap. Nothing about heroism and nobility, if I recall correctly. Because I cannot possibly trust my own thinking in regard to this, I shall trust instead Finrod's himself and I'll take his own words as being the most appropriate for describing how the king of Nargothrond felt in the hour when he was about to choose between his kingdom and his personal oath.
However, I believe that the point in dying for someone is not whether that person deserves or not such sacrifice. As a matter of fact, Beren didn't and I'm afraid here is more than my personal dislike with the man, although I'll leave the details for another time, preferably when the man himself would be present to speak for his own, as I don't recall him saying a single word after finding out exactly what kind of Pandora's box would be opened during his quest for a bride. "lol"
Anyway, the point in all this mess is that Finrod died to save the life of someone, as unworthy as this might have been, and for this he deserves respect. But again, it's hard to see it when your no one was there to save your own son-in-law-to-be too. Even harder, when everyone sees only one's own side of story. On top of that, Finrod's attitude during his father's court was hardly helpful, in my opinion.
You made me rant again, Fiondil. As to end my ramblings launching another poisoned dart "grin", I'll say that Aman was "a hallowed land" (to quote a bit from HoME) only in Namo's mind. "making faces at the Lord of Mandos" And to think that after a hundred of years, the things weren't much better..."sigh" Hallowed lands, yeah right. Say, Fiondil, do you think Atar might find some fresh Ainur in the Timeless Halls? But, please, not another Tulkas!
Huh...I suppose that after venting out my "little" grudges with the Valar, I may admit that I liked how the same Lord of Mandos conforted Finrod. Some things, albeit true, are better to be left unspoken or, at least, saved for another time or another pair of ears. Namo's, for instance. "lol" And don't think I haven't recognized *that* sentence.
Author's reply
Whether a person is deserving of dying for or not is, to me, immaterial. If we stopped to analyze if so-and-so is worth dying for, no one would bother to risk their lives for another. Whatever the merits of FInrod's sacrifice might be, only he has the right to say that it was worth it. No one else has that right, not even the person who was saved. That is a gift to be treasured and not something considered earned in any way. That, in a nutshell, is the basis of the Christian story after all (just read St. Paul).
I am glad you liked Namo comforting Finrod. At least I did something right. *LOL*
Sunny
· 26 October 2009
· Chapter 22: Confrontation
Hmmm. That Nambarauto is _definitely_ overdue for a few lessons. Perhaps Finrod will be the one to administer a one – or more. Though I suppose it may have to wait for him to grow up a bit again. Unless, of course, he fancies himself a warrior. In which case a bit of sparring might chasten him just a bit... *grins evilly*
Calalindalë certainly seems to have come by her attitudes honestly. Her father certainly is a nasty piece of work! It makes me wonder if Calalindalë will be able to mend her ways. If not, well, Aldundil and Vorondil (jr) do at least have each other. And _Aldundil’s_ family does at least seem to be considerably nicer – at least if Herendil is an example.
I can just bet Námo also wishes Glorfindel was there ... What has he been _doing_?? ;-)
Author's reply
I wrote this chapter for a number of reasons, one of them showing an earlier Calalindale where we see, as you say, that she gets her attitudes honestly. And I wanted to contrast the attitude of her father and Nambarauto with Herendil's and by implication Aldundil's. We will see more of Herendil in later chapters.
As for what Glorfindel has been up to... you will have to go back to "Elf, Interrupted: Book One" to find out. *grin*
Kitty
· 26 October 2009
· Chapter 22: Confrontation
Glad that Finrod and Arafinwë are growing so close again. Finrod needs it, I think.
Enjoyed Finrod's explanations how he made sure people didn't bother him with petty problems *grin* Oh yes, I can see him use the infamous book about punishments on these people ;)
Yay, you wrote that nasty Nambarauto meeting Finrod! :) And I enjoyed it, though I felt like kicking Nambarauto a few times. Glad Finrod tapped into his old, more mature self and gave him a piece of his mind! That was more than deserved.
Herendil, on the other hand, was nice. That's one I'd like to see more of.
And I know perfectly well why Námo wishes that Glorfi were there, too - he wants his peace in Mandos *eg* Nice of him to show up and comfort Finrod, btw.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Glad you enjoyed this chapter, especially Herendil. We will see more of him in the future, I promise. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Tari
· 26 October 2009
· Chapter 22: Confrontation
Nambarauto may consider mortals to be useless, but I’m sure neither Iluvatar nor the Valar would agree with him. He’s so full of anger that he can’t see the error in his thinking. He may regret what he said to Finrod someday. At least I hope he does.
I was not surprised when Lord Namo appeared before Finrod to comfort him and give him words of wisdom to help him deal with the cruelty of others.
Author's reply
I think your estimation of Nambarauto is very apt, Tari. Hopefully he will learn the error of his ways and regret what he said to Finrod, but some people never change no matter what.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 26 October 2009
· Chapter 22: Confrontation
Sorry for being gone so long, Atar Fiondil! I promise I've been reading faithfully, even though my reviews have been sparse. Swept up in school...test time again, and my first month is over! I hope I'll do well, as I can't retake anymore tests now!
But on to my review. I loved Finda's judgement of the two ellith's problem, it was great! And the tree was so nice to him. But those ellyn...yes, I remember Herendil and Vorondil, and Aldundil. And I knew which Vorondil it was, of course. I remember Aldundil's wife, too, of course.
Nambarauto...Nambarauto...I barely remember him from Once Upon A Blizzard. My *first* reaction was your Tapestry story where the Laughing Vala burned down, but of course THAT Nambarauto was Namo! LOL! Although I wouldn't be surprised in the least if some of these ellyn were among the group that caused trouble.
Tye-melin Atar Fiondil! More please!
Kaylee
*going back to studying and reading too*
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I hope your tests all go well and I am glad you are still reading, just as long as the reading does not interfere with the studying. *raises eyebrow and send significant look your way*
Anyway, Nambarauto was not a pleasant character in "Blizzard" and I am afraid he did not improve over time. Well, maybe Herendil will straighten him out some.
Anyway, more to come so just be patient.
Kitty
· 26 October 2009
· Chapter 21: Hunting
Well, at least the memory Finrod relived wasn't too bad. And he seems to have done quite well during the Hunt with Oromë. I wonder a bit what Amarië will have to say about that, considering her behaviour of late ...
Speaking of which, I am glad Arafinwë gave her a piece of his mind. That was well deserved :)
Author's reply
Re-reading this story and making minor corrections for the MEFAs and occasionally coming across reviews that I didn't respond to for some reason. I hate that. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. I doubt Amarië was told about the Hunt with Oromë. This was definitely a 'guy' thing. *grin*
Kitty
· 26 October 2009
· Chapter 20: Warrior Braids
This chapter left me feeling *really* sorry for Finrod *sigh* Amarië's behaviour was inexcusable! And even more so as she expects him to take up their relationship again. But why should he, after she treated him and his lovely gift so scabbily?
And I wish Arafinwë would have accepted the warrior braids fully. He may be right that there are less confrontational ways, but to stop Finrod's first attempt to show that he's changed since he left was not the best of decisions, considering Finrod's current insecurity.
Author's reply
Amarie and her friends have a lot of growing up to do, perhaps even more so than Finrod. Arafinwe's decision, however poor it might have been, was made out of love and concern for his son rather than out of a refusal to let Finrod be his own person. He is not perfect (who is?) but he tries his best.
Sitara
· 25 October 2009
· Chapter 20: Warrior Braids
Hmm..I have a few reasons to believe that I'm more than able to understand persons having issues over the facts of life, but this time I'd like to tell Amarië that there is a difference between being hurt and being a cow. If I'm not mistaken, the "noble and kind" Vanyarin spirit was highly praised in one of Tolkien's later writings. Considering that both Idril Celebrindal and Nerwen Artanis have done a not so wonderful job at proving him right "evil chuckle" , Amarië has just managed to dig the hole even deeper. "lol"
Because I'm about to be kicked out the computer room, I'll end it here and I'll bid you a nice Sunday afternoon. I hope your Internet problems shall be solved in the near future for I look forward to see a new chapter "Tales from Vaire's loom" and maybe a new fic? I recall a promise you made several months ago about continuing a little (OK, not so little "lol") vignette...
Author's reply
Well not all Vanyar are the same and some fall short of the ideal as is true in any society. At least she does improve over time as we well know and that has to count in her favor. There will be a new story for Vaire's Loom later this week in honor of Halloween.
Larner
· 21 October 2009
· Chapter 21: Hunting
This is one way to effectively work off tension. And it is a good lesson for his folk to learn. Now, for Amarie to internalize it!
Author's reply
I guess so, Larner. *grin* Of course, we know that it is some while before Amarie comes around.