“When it comes to the Reborn, my son, expect the unexpected.” Definitely the very best advice possible when it comes to dealing with the Reborn. Let us hope Arafinwë takes it to heart - and if he is smart, he will also share it with Eärwen and others who are close to him. (Whether they take that advice - that is another thing entirely!!)
Author's reply
Oh yes, Sunny. It's one thing to hear these words but it is another thing to internalize them. I am sure Arafinwe is indeed smart enough to share that bit of wisdom with his wife and others.
Tari
· 20 October 2009
· Chapter 21: Hunting
That was quite an adventure. Now perhaps the other ellon will have a little understanding as to what poor Finrod is going thru. It has to be very frustrating not having much memory of your previous life.
Author's reply
Obviously, Tari, it has to be very frustrating, but we know that eventually Finrod's memories will surface, at least all the important ones.
Larner
· 14 October 2009
· Chapter 20: Warrior Braids
Amarie and her friends all have some serious growing up to do!
Author's reply
Definitely. But then the look at Finrod as an oddity and not as the prince (and once king) that he is.
Ellie
· 13 October 2009
· Chapter 20: Warrior Braids
I feel so sorry for our intrepid hero. Why doesn't Arafinwe approve of the braids, I wonder. Poor Finrod trying to be himself and not succeeding very well at being anything but confused. I'm so glad that Arafinwe at least understands him even though no one else does. I still want to slap Amarie and those girls who were at the party. sigh... poor prince!
Author's reply
I think Arafinwe doesn't so much disapprove of the braids as he feels that wearing them will just make things tougher for his son who is already having a hard time fitting into Amanian society again. Finrod will have to wait until he has "back up" from Glorfindel before he feels confident enought to resume wearing them. In "Elf, Interruped 1" Arafinwe does mention the fact that the Noldor who went with him to Beleriand during the War of Wrath undid their warrior braids when they returned (those who were actually inducted into the Warrior Society), so no one in Tirion has seen them before this.
6336
· 13 October 2009
· Chapter 20: Warrior Braids
Honestly, Amarie where is your head, the ellon who is supposed to be your betrothed gives you a gift and you treat it like it came from some one you barely know. Very poor manners, your Naneth would be ashamed of you and your Atar would be so disapointed in you!
Oh, Finrod what are we to do with you child? Rebraid your hair, be Finrod and not Finderato, it is who you are after all. Why didn't your Atar say something when you asked about the beads and gems, you must have told him what you wanted them for?
Still at the internet cafr I see, I'll try a few old program C.D.'s this time!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
I don't think Finrod actually told Arafinwe just why he wanted the gems and beads only that he did and Arafinwe may not have remembered the warrior braids that the elves of Beleriand wore since apparently he never wore them himself. It won't be until Finrod is reunited with Glorfindel that he will start to assert his "Finrod" identity over his "Findarato" identity and resume wearing warrior braids.
njomo
· 11 October 2009
· Chapter 19: Confronting the Past
Hi Fiondil,
I really sympathize with Finrod at this point. First he's like a grand experiment with Amarie trying to jog his memory at every turn, and being puzzled when he doesn't automatically remember what she shows him. And then he's like a punching bag for those with issues over their sons or whoever leaving Aman. Under the circumstances, he stood up very well on this particular day, thanks in large part to Arafinwe's understanding and support.
But with the advent of Finrod's memories of his first meeting with the Edain, one possibly sees the seed for why a certain conversation with Manwe at a much later date was deemed necessary...
Now I'm just wondering where you will turn next with this tale...
Thanks Fiondil!
Joanne
Author's reply
Yes, Finrod stood up to the pressures of everyone's attention on him very well. We will see how well he continues holding up to all the pressures around him in future chapters. Some things, unfortunately, are going to get worse for him before they get better. Thanks for reviewing, Joanne. I greatly appreciate it.
Sitara
· 10 October 2009
· Chapter 19: Confronting the Past
I liked this chapter, I truly did, Arafinwë's less-than-befitting-a-king words and manner of reasoning notwithstanding. I'm not exactly the most unbiased person when it comes to him, so I shouldn't say more on this topic. But a king cannot afford to judge on the base of "rumors" and "from what I've learned", in my opinion. As I've understand that Arafinwë's going to be one of the main characters of your upcoming story, I ought to withhold any further opinion, at least until I'll have the whole picture. "grim look"
Finrod and Rialcar..it seems to me that Finrod's gotten a taste about how it feels to be the one to make up for all the damage. Without bothering to consider Laurendil's mood and happenings in his own household on the eve of the Darkening, Rialcar vent out his frustrations on Finrod, because he was available and because this was the easiest thing to do. Hmm...an old bad habit of the Elves, I'd say.
Ilvanaráto...another one who paints everyone with the same brush. Albeit..uh..when it comes about that particular human, I've to confess that I'm as puzzled as he is. "lol" And that, speaking about races and not individuals, I like Orcs better than Men. At least, they cannot be blamed for what they are. A very good friend told me once that according to Tolkien's last letters, he'd have wanted to write a sort of a sequel for LOTR and he gave up the idea mostly because the picture would have been too dark. Sound reasoning, in this case.
Author's reply
Hi Sitara. Well, people like Rialcar and Ilvanaráto have reasons for feeling the way they do, though not necessarily good reasons. They are actually representative of many of the elves who remained behind in Aman in their attitudes about the Exiles and what they endured in Middle-earth. I'm glad you are willing to withhold judgment on Arafinwë. He really is a good guy after all and he has always had my deepest respect considering what he had to do to give back the Amanian Noldor some of the self-respect they had lost. He also had his own hard lessons to learn and learned them well, I think.
Sunny
· 6 October 2009
· Chapter 19: Confronting the Past
*Shakes head at Amarië* This is _not_ the way to go about regaining Finrod’s love. He died, dear, and he doesn’t even remember you right now. Though I suspect that unless someone presents you with a clue-by-four you will be steaming onwards on your present heading until you meet a suitable iceberg. And I suspect it will be his parents who do their best to pick up the pieces, while you stand in a corner freaking out and just making the situation worse. Probably right next to Lord Rialcar.
No wonder it took you a century to win Finrod back. I know, time doesn’t mean much to an elf. Makes me wonder just _how_ you, ahem, managed things to badly...
The Fëanorionnath _refused judgement_??? 8-o
(I wonder – may someone who refuses judgement get the opportunity to change their minds? What does the Muse say?)
I liked Finrod’s disapproving attitude of the farrier’s sloppy work! ;-)
(Or perhaps the prissy courtiers’ attitude, to be honest *EG*)
Author's reply
Well, you have to almost feel sorry for the elleth. She's been living on expectation for so long and now the reality does not match her fantasies and she can't quite handle it. At some point she will overstep the bounds and we'll see what happens then.
As for the Muse and the Feanorionnath.... who can say? *sly grin*
Larner
· 5 October 2009
· Chapter 19: Confronting the Past
It appears that this lord that Finrod ran into blames Findrod for his son's choices, as if Finrod had been doing his own haranguing, which, IIRC, he did not do. Has a bit to learn, obviously. And his son is on his way back home anyway!
Author's reply
Little does Rialcar know it, too. *lol* Unlike Pelendur, though, I think he accepts his son more readily when he sees what he's made of himself. We don't see any of the hostility that Pelendur shows to Haldir in Elf, Interrupted. But at the moment, he's ready to blame Finrod for his son's choices, mainly, I think, because Finrod is there and Laurendil is not, so he makes a ready-made scapegoat.
Kitty
· 5 October 2009
· Chapter 19: Confronting the Past
Amarië can't help but rub in her former relationship with Finrod at every turn, huh? *rolls eyes* Poor Finrod.
Though Rialcar wasn't much better. That was downright rude, if you ask me. I was really glad when Arafinwë arrived. The story Finrod told then sounds very like Galadriel *grin*
You realise now we need a story about Finrod proving that he can shoe a horse much better than the work done so far?
Now I am beginning to be annoyed with too many elves for their treatment of Finrod *growls at Ilvanaráto* No manners, these so-called nobles ...
Author's reply
I doubt if Arafinwe was fooled by either Rialcar's excuse or Finrod's but let it go for the time being.
The trouble with the Amanians who never left even to participate in the War of Wrath is that they have only rumors about things and not the actual truth, so when they meet Finrod they act accordingly. Finrod, of course, is more than willing to set them straight, as is Arafinwe.
Tari
· 5 October 2009
· Chapter 19: Confronting the Past
I don’t know what to think about Ilvanaráto. He makes me a bit nervous. I hope he isn’t going to present new problems for Finrod.
I also hope we hear more about the valley Finrod is remembering. It’s stirred up my curiosity.
Author's reply
I don't think Ilvanaráto will give Finrod any real grief. And the valley is the one where Finrod met Beor and his people. You can read about it in the Simarillion. *grin*
6336
· 5 October 2009
· Chapter 19: Confronting the Past
I have a piece of advice for Amarie, back off, let the poor ellon breathe, you can't force the memories back, they have to come on their own. You have to realise this is not the Finderato you loved all those many years ago, he may look like him, but this is the new, improved, grown up version, you will have to grow to meet him.
'Lord' Rialcar was being a bit of a pill wasn't he! Poor Finrod is still having a hard time finding his way around the palace and here's Rialcar bugging him about his son, when Finrod isn't quite sure who this guy is, let alone Laurendil!
It would be nice to see Finrod keep up the skills he learned in Lorien, especially the horse shoeing, be good to see the confrontation between him and the palace farrier!
Lynda
Author's reply
Poor Finrod, indeed. He must feel at times as if he's swimming in a pool of sharks. *lol* But we know he survives and thrives and shows that he's made of sterner stuff than the others believe. At least his parents are on his side and that is the most important thing for him right now.
6336
· 5 October 2009
· Chapter 18: Home Again
See, I keep telling you that all reborn should come with a guide to their care and feeding, even Arafinwe agrees with me!
So Finrod needs a light at night, good idea saves one from stubbing ones toe on the way to the privy!(Just joking.) It will be a long time before he gets over his fear of the dark and I expect it will come back to him at the oddest times.
Lynda
Author's reply
No doubt about it, Lynda. Some fears just don't go away that easily and this is a memory that will always haunt him. I suspect that Finrod might always insist on one candle lit throughout the night just to be safe.
6336
· 5 October 2009
· Chapter 17: Crossing Eldamar
Arafinwe is handling his reaquantance with his son just as he should, I get the feeling that he is a very good horseman and he is working with Finrod much as he would a skittish horse, being firm and gentle in turn.
I am beginng to wonder if maybe Amarie was more in love with the heir to the Noldoran then with Finderato. I am with a lot of your reviewers who jsut want to give her such a slap, of course he does not have court clothes, what would he need them for in Lorien!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
I think you are correct about Arafinwe. I hadn't thought about it in just that way. And being an Elf, of course he's a very good horseman. *lol*
As for Amarie... I think orignally she was in love with Finrod but as the centuries of their separation continued, she substituted the love for him for the love of the image of him, if that makes any sense. Naturally her image of him does not coincide with who he is now and there lies her dilemma.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 5 October 2009
· Chapter 19: Confronting the Past
Oh, Atar Fiondil! I loved this chapter...Amarie's been getting on my nerves all through this story, lol, and I know she'll only get worse before she gets better. (Rest assured, I am reading, but my reviews have been few and far between because RL has been so busy! I have my first tests today at Everest College *hopes I pass them*)
Ah, Artaher, is it? *makes note* I had been wondering what Orodreth's Quenya name would have been!
And here I see usage of the nicknames of the Feanorionnath, which I only remember being used before in "FAULT: The Doctor Is In". Hey, at least Finda didn't call him *Nelli* *ROFL*!
There's Glorendil's *pointedly uses Sindarin name though we usually use his Quenya one* father...I do not like him right now, he's on my list right next to Amarie of Elves Who Need To Be Dealt With By Namo.
*Grin*
Thank you for this, I'll think of it while I take my test and hopefully the good feelings from this present will help! :)
Tye-melin,
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I hope your test goes well and you pass with flying colors. And I am glad you are enjoying this story and this chapter especially. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. I really appreciate it.
njomo
· 3 October 2009
· Chapter 18: Home Again
Hi Fiondil,
What a wonderful gift for Finrod to receive. Something to let him know he's not forgotten, and something to help him remember his friends from Lorien. The most precious gift though, was the inscription "‘When in doubt, remember that you are loved by Eru and the Valar and by us’"--one hopes that this is something Finrod will remember and hang onto in the weeks and years to come.
I remember the vague yet real and persistant fear of the dark I had as a child, and Finrod's is so much worse, as his is a real and very terrible memory, no matter what details he does or doesn't remember.
I liked his question, "Again?" I could just see that scene in my mind's eye. Too bad Amarie didn't rise to the occasion and tease him back, but I guess we know it took her a long time to really unbend and relax with him.
Thanks Fiondil. I'm really a Glorfindel fan but I'm gettin' to like Finrod a lot too!
Joanne
Author's reply
Hi Joanne. Your review showed up twice so I deleted one.
I thought Earnur´s gift was very appropriate and will be very useful to Finrod in the years to come, especially the last "rule" when things get bleak.
I could just see Finrod´s expression when he asked that question. It was so typcially Finrod and it is a pity Amarie did not rise to the occasion. We know she does improve eventually but it woud have made life much easier for Finrod if she had been less haughty and hypercritical of him.
I am glad your´re getting to like Finrod. I like them both and it´s impossible for me to say who is my favorite because they both are.
Sitara
· 2 October 2009
· Chapter 18: Home Again
Speaking of Tirion's means of defense...maybe it wasn't so much out of place wanting to build battlements above the walls. The war won't stay forever away from "the Blessed Realm". Would be Mindon Eldalieva still standing after Dagor Dagorath, I wonder?
Considering EI Book One, it looks like Amarie is good at bottling up her emotions. Torn between her desire to have back her betrothed and her rage towards him because the lure of Middle-earth was more powerful than his love for her, aware of the fact that in his state she cannot lash out against him without being (or seeming) selfish and cruel, she can't do better than sneers and scowls for now. Well...sometimes slapping someone could be a very useful experience. "LOL"
Nice book that Earnur, the Maiar and other Reborn had prepared as a gift for Finrod. It may come very much in handy when dealing with some annoying inhabitants of Valinor.
Author's reply
Hi, Sitara. Amarie is indeed good at bottling up her emotions. In the Silm it is said that she was forbidden to follow Finrod to Middle-earth. One has to wonder, forbidden by whom? Finrod? Her parents? The Valar? An interesting concept that I hope to explore further in my upcoming Darkening story.
Glad you liked the book. I thought it was a very thoughtful and from-the-heart gift for him.
Kitty
· 30 September 2009
· Chapter 18: Home Again
It is a bit sad that Finrod's first thought at seeing Tirion was the lack of defense. Though it was understandable as well. Old habits die hard.
Absolutely love that little book! A very personal and very lovely gift!
Oh, poor Finrod. He's not ready to be in the dark yet, that much is obvious. I guess it will take quite a while for him to manage that. And would you be surprised to learn that I keep rolling my eyes at Amarië?
Author's reply
Sad, but not unexpected. At least his atar understood what he was feeling.
Glad you loved Earnur´s gift. I wasn´t sure at first what it would be until Finrod finally unwrapped it.
It will indeed take time for him to come to terms with the dark, but he´s Finrod, so I have no fear that he will eventually conquer this particular fear.
And no, I would not be at all surprised at ýour eye rolling at Amarie. *grin*
Kitty
· 29 September 2009
· Chapter 17: Crossing Eldamar
Arafinwë is doing a great job with Finrod, I have to say. Considering the situation they are thrown in, he manages admirably. Amarië, however ... oh well, let's just say I'll certainly *not* nominate her for the Nobel Prize for tactfulness ... Now I am beginning to understand why it took so long for Finrod to fall in love with her again, if these first days are anything to go by.
Author's reply
Arafinwe is pretty cool here, isn´t he? It´s why he´s one of my all time favorites. And now you can see why Finrod and Amarie´s relationship took awhile to get on an even keel. She only gets worse before she gets better.
Kitty
· 29 September 2009
· Chapter 16: At the Great Gates of Return
Well, at least Finrod got enough of a warning to say goodbye to his friends. And I like his parting gifts.
As for the reunion with his family ... don't know if to laugh or roll my eyes. Amarië obviously has no idea whatsoever that the Finrod released from Mandos could be in any way different from the one who left Valinor so long ago. And do I detect a certain jealousy of that 'Aladriel' here? :D
Anyway, Finrod's parents managed the situation quite well. Will be interesting to see how that plays out.
Author's reply
Amarie, like many Amanians, have no clue about what their friends and family members went through in Beleriand, especially those who died, so obviously she expects Finrod to be the same person he was before he left. Her views are unrealistic, of course, but typical even of us humans when we expect others not to have changed from the image we have of them and getting upset when the image doesn´t match the reality.
Kitty
· 29 September 2009
· Chapter 15: The Healing Hands of the Harpist
Somehow I have the feeling someone should have a talk with the Reborn and explain a bit more to them, instead of leaving them so uncertain about their options for the future. It would save them a lot of anxiety.
Glad Finrod got a new harp. And nice way to chose one :)
So he's going to be released soon? Somehow I have a feeling then the fun will truly begin - will be interesting to see Finrod interacting with his parents and the other people who knew him before he left.
Author's reply
Probably Irmo and the gang think it best for the Reborn to muddle through on their own. Life is full of uncertainties and this is just one example of it that they might have forgotten in the Halls of Mandos where everything is certain.
Aiwen
· 29 September 2009
· Chapter 18: Home Again
It is interesting that Finrod's memories of later events are so much stronger than of earlier ones. He got spectacularly off on the wrong foot with Amarie. I am enjoying this, but I've been so busy lately I haven't been reading or reviewing much.
Author's reply
It´s probably a case of last in, first out as far as memories go. I am glad you are still enjoying this, Aiwen, and I appreciate it whenever you are able to leave a review.
Erulisse
· 29 September 2009
· Chapter 18: Home Again
Fiondil - As always, a joy to have another chapter from you. A quick comment and three small corrections.
title: ‘Parma Axanion Ennónain’ - May we please have a translation? You are usually so good about having the translations at the bottom, but you didn't do this one and I'm not good enough at Quenya to translate it for myself.
And three instances where words are running into one another - three paragraphs in a row.
Turning the page hesmiled at
By the time he reachedthe end
amd
He sniffed a bit as he placedthe book
You'll probably want to correct these.
You probably won't want to actually publish this review - it's far more important to me that you know how important your weekly postings and updatings are to my days. You're one of the few authors that I would truly miss if you weren't part of SOA and I would follow your writings in any venue because you are masterful in that craft. Thank you for enriching my life and making my Tuesday happy :-)
Author's reply
Corrections have been made. Thanks for pointing out the spacing problems. And thanks for your words of encouragement and praise. I really appreciate them and I am glad that my stories brighten and enrich your life.
Larner
· 28 September 2009
· Chapter 18: Home Again
Amarie has so much to learn as yet, and her own disappointments at learning he has had so many years to learn how to be King in his own right that were not spent with her.
Author's reply
Very true, Larner, and unfortunately it will take a good century for her to figure all this out. Oh well... what´s time to an Elf, anyway? *grin*
Sunny
· 28 September 2009
· Chapter 17: Crossing Eldamar
No, Amarië. This is not the Findaráto you once knew and loved. This reborn ellon – who throws food at you, and behaves generally like an elfling – is an ellon who, among other things, survived the Helcaraxë, survived battles with Melkor’s minions, and founded a mighty kingdom. And who gave up his crown to fulfil an oath, and as a consequence died in agony to protect a mere Mortal.
Who this stranger is, is someone you will have to learn to know. But you are not alone! Arafinwë and Eärwen – and Findaráto himself – are learning right along with you!!