In Darkness Bound by Fiondil
obsidianj · 24 July 2011 · Chapter 91: Noldóran
You have fooled me too with that dream in the last chapter. But it seems Arafinwe learned his lesson.
Author's reply
I imagine a lot of people were fooled by the dream, but it was more than a dream, it was Arafinwë's last chance to be Arafinwë and not Pityahuan. As you say, he finally has learned his lesson and everyone is happy about that. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj · 24 July 2011 · Chapter 90: Repairing the Damage
Finally, Arafinwe seems to be on the way to get out of this hole of his own making. I just hope the Valar didn't miscalculate again. The poor ellon has suffered enough in my book.
Author's reply
Well, you will see soon enough just what transpires, obsidianj. The Valar are keeping their fingers crossed, too. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
obsidianj · 24 July 2011 · Chapter 89: Unforging a Collar
Oh, so that's how Arafinwe burnt down the cottage. LOL. Poor ellon, so, finally he wants to get rid of the collar, but I don't think this is the right way to go about it. He needs someone to take it off and then just don't put it on again. Tiutallion already hinted to that. Let's see how long it takes him to figure that out.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Yes, that's how it happened. We'll see how things turn out for him soon enough. The Valar, as you may guess, aren't quite through with him yet. *grin* And how he eventually removes or has the collar removed will be revealed soon enough. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
6336 · 22 July 2011 · Chapter 93: Four Nissi and a Nér
Poor Intarion, he really is in a tight spot with four ellith ganging up on him! He does have an ally in Heranerato though, on one hand I want him to stay and stand in for Ingwe, but in the other hand he needs to get back to Vanyamar and help there. I don't think his father's actions will make him very happy! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Poor Intarion, indeed, Lynda, but at least he does have one ally in Herenarato. We'll be seeing how Intarion fares in Tirion while Lirulin is away and then we will check in with Ingalaure and then Ingwion. Slowly but surely the threads are all coming together. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much. Hugs.
Tari · 22 July 2011 · Chapter 84: Pityahuan
This chapter was very hard for me to read. I don't like the way Arafinwe is being treated even though I know Manwe has his reasons. I can't help wondering why Manwe has not consulted with Iluvatar in this matter.
Author's reply
This was a hard chapter to write, as you can imagine, Tari. And who is not to say that Manwe didn't consult with Atar? We are seeing this mostly from Arafinwe's viewpoint so we're not always privy to what the Valar think or do. At least we know that there is no lasting resentment on Arafinwe's part for how he was treated and which he only brought on himself. We'll be seeing how he fares and how the Valar plot to get him to rebel so they can deal with him more forthrightly in the following chapters. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
bookworm · 21 July 2011 · Chapter 92: Intarion and Lirulin in Tirion
*wince* ooh ouch Amarie really isn't taking it well (not. That I can blame her in the slightest, really). Intersting use of the chain & collar to make Arafinwe's crown too! Heh, I recall something in Prince Caspian about not being sure about being a king being one of the surest marks of being a good one. Good on Arafinwe, although I'm sure the Valar are all thing "about time!" Am looking forwards to seeing all the threads come together, sounds like things are starting to heat up!
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. No, Amarië is not very happy with Intarion at this moment. And I remember that scene from Prince Caspian and I think it's very true and that aspect of kingship will actually be discussed later on by Arafinwë and Ingwë (when they finally find him). I think as soon as they got rid of Arafinwë the Valar threw a party. LOL! And yes, the threads are coming together and things will be heating up again. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Tari · 19 July 2011 · Chapter 83: Judgment
If Arafinwe was a cat, I would say he lost one of his lives when he was lead into the Máhanaxar. I never expexted Lord Manwe to be so harsh in his treatment of Arafinwe. My heart aches for the poor elf. I do hope something better is in store for him.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. Yes, it does seem harsh, but Arafinwe has left the Valar with no choice. We'll see how he fares in his new life, and, of course, we know that eventually he does return to Tirion and becomes the Noldoran, so we know there is a happy ending somewhere down the road for him. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Larner · 19 July 2011 · Chapter 92: Intarion and Lirulin in Tirion
Poor Amarie! Of course she's disappointed, but then Atto has plans for her beloved in Endore to which no one else at the moment is privy. And I can certainly appreciate Intarion's reluctance to face her immediately. It's definitely a stressful time for everyone.
Author's reply
Poor Amarie, indeed! And poor Intarion. The ellon had such high hopes of succeeding and now.... Well, as you say, Larner, Atto has other plans for Finrod, and also for Intarion, for he has an important role to play here in Aman, though he does not realize this yet. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
ninqwestilmen · 18 July 2011 · Chapter 89: Unforging a Collar
Hi Fiondil, The last time I read this was when Ingalaure was tossing the crown at his uncle. [ I know... its been too long..] The story has gone in quite a different direction these past few weeks, and not quite what I was expecting to see. I am finally fully up to speed and just in the nick of time too :) Arafinwe's thralldom was quite a shocker to say the least, so totally unexpected, but brilliant writing it into the story, now it seems like its the only thing that could have happened. A powerful chapter indeed. It did seem to me that too much time was spent wallowing in the new Pityahaun's misery, maybe the story needed it, but reading all the chapters at once, it did seem to drag on a bit. [That's my only critique and be sure that I read every word of the chapters regardless :) ] This particular chapter stands out as the best of this section... The hysteria, the realization that he wished to return and the burning of the cottage... very well written, and wonderfully portrayed.
Author's reply
Hi ninqwestilmen. See what happens when you go away. LOL! The amount of 'wallowing' to which you reject I don't think is too much and only covers 2 chapters really. I think it would have been strange for him to be wallowing in self-pity in one chapter and then feeling perfectly fine about it all the next. There had to be a slow progression (too slow as far as the Valar were concerned) from self-pity to self-realization and you still have a couple of more chapters to go before you get to that stage of his development. At any rate, I'm glad you enjoyed this and the earlier chapters. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
6336 · 18 July 2011 · Chapter 92: Intarion and Lirulin in Tirion
Well Aule is reforging the collar into Arafinwe's crown, I thought he might do that, as he kept on say it was a waste of perfectly good Mithril! We know what Intarion and Lirulin have been doing and Amarie is not a happy camper, I am surprised that she did not haul off and smack Intarion for his comment, either her or Lirulin! Now to get to Vanyamar and see what The Rat has been up to, other than trying to become High King, that is. Waiting for Friday, Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. We'll be staying with Intarion and Lirulin for at least another chapter before we check in with what is happening in Vanyamar and what Ingwion is up to. Eventually we'll bring all the various story strands together with Arafinwe joining Ingwion in his search for Ingwe, but we won't see that happening any time soon. There is still much to tell in this story so please be patient. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Larner · 15 July 2011 · Chapter 91: Noldóran
About bloody time the lesson took! Heh!
Author's reply
Definitely, Larner. I'm sure everyone from the Valar on down is breathing a sigh of relief just about now. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Sunny · 15 July 2011 · Chapter 91: Noldóran
I wonder if you had been reading C. S Lewis when you were writing this - the sentiment Manwë voices is certainly quite similar to what King Lune tells Cor (Shasta) at the end of _The Horse and his Boy_: "The King's under the law, for it's the law makes him a King. Hast no more power to start away from thy crown than any sentry from his post." And: "For this is what it means to be a King: to be first in every desperate attack and last in every desperate retreat, and when there's hunger in the land (as must be now and then in bad years) to wear finer clothes and laugh louder over a scantier meal than any man in your land."
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Of course, I've read (and re-read) the Chronicles and I do remember this part of the story, but I was not consciously thinking about it when I wrote this chapter. Certainly, Lune's words to Cor/Shasta could have been spoken by Manwë or Námo to Arafinwë. And they are as true in real life as they are true in stories, though our own leaders have forgotten this bit of dictum, unfortunately. Thanks for pointing out the parallels. I obviously internalized this concept without realizing it. *grin*
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 15 July 2011 · Chapter 91: Noldóran
Atto, All I can say to that is, it took him long enough!!! I'm so glad he's finally learned what he needs to learn. Thralldom being equated with kingship - I hadn't thought of that, but it's true, isn't it? Emma and I wrote a story called "Tithen Aran" where a little Thranduil played at being King, but tried to do whatever he wanted. Oropher told Thranduil that a good King listens to his advisors and subjects, and tries to satisfy them in a way that works best for the kingdom. He equated being a king with being a father (ironic, as Oropher wasn't yet King in Greenwood, merely Ereinion's advisor in Lindon for his Sindarin subjects, and yet Oropher will end up being both father and King) and Thranduil, young as he was, understood that lesson. Parents, too, need to do what is best for their children, and can't (or shouldn't, I ought to say) run from them. I think both our analogies work well. What do you think, Atto? I like yours, and Arafinwe's finally come to understand. Now to see him actually get the collar off for real, right? And then hopefully find Ingwe! Hey, Aule, if there's any mithril left over from the collar and chain, make another collar for Ingoldo. There's someone who deserves thraldom at the least! Tye-melin, Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Long enough, indeed! But better a slow learner than no learner. *grin* And I agree that both analogies work well. Thanks for sharing it with the rest of us. And next chapter we will see what happens to the collar. We'll also be backtracking a bit story-wise to see what Intarion and Lirulin are up to before we return to Ingwion and Ingalaurë. Eventually, all the different story threads will come together, I promise. Now that we've gotten Arafinwë where he needs to be, we can see how Ingwë is rescued and what happens afterwards. Thanks for reading and reviewing, meldanya. Tye-melin.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 15 July 2011 · Chapter 90: Repairing the Damage
'It was then that he smelled the sweet fragrance of lemongrass and oricon, and knew that he had been found.' Aww, yay! well, I'm sure our silly Pityahuan did not think it was yay. *pokes Arafinwe* But wherever he goes, he shall always be found, because he is never completely alone. Atar at least is always with him, which is a lesson Finrod and Glorfindel will learn much later on. I'm so glad that Arafinwe's starting to come back to himself here. It must have been hard for him, but he's come to a realization of what his 'humility' really was, and I think he's really starting to understand the definition of humility. And obedience, for that matter. :) Well, we'll see. Tye-melin, Atto! Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Yes, wherever he goes, he's never truly alone because Atar is always there with him, though he probably doesn't realize this. And he is indeed beginning to understand himself better and his motives for what he's been doing. We'll see how well he progresses in his lessons in the next few chapters. Thanks for reading and reviewing. Tye-melin!
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 15 July 2011 · Chapter 89: Unforging a Collar
Well. *wry look* That went well, Arafinwe. Nice job. *snorts at him* I'm sorry it took me so long to review, Atto. I promise, I read this last week. *shakes head at self* I'm rereading it now, though. This had me howling with laughter: "Thought you would never open the door," he heard someone say, sounding rather put out. "Here. Let me have those." The bolts of cloth were taken out of his hold and Arafinwë stood there blinking in bemusement at the person who had invaded his cottage. She was not a Maia. In point of fact, she was.... "L-lady Vairë?" he whispered in disbelief. The Valië gave him a wide smile. "Last time I looked," she said coyly. Oh yes, that's too funny. *grin* I love Vairë! I especially love how she talks about her own lord husband as Eärwen would castigate Arafinwë for his own failings...not least this, I imagine. *sighs at Arafinwë* Oh, and: "No sense feeling modest, my dear. I’ve seen you in naught but your loincloth and I remember when you were just an elfling running about naked because you hated wearing clothes." *helpless giggles* Oh, you love embarrassing him, don't you, Atto? *grins wickedly* Of course, I love reading it... And then the dream of Eärwen...I loved that. And then of course, the silly ellon ends up burning down the cottage and running off...oh, very silly. =P Off to review more! Tye-melin! Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Vairë is quite a delight, isn't she? I love her very down-to-earth approach to things, especially when dealing with the Children. She reminds me of the grandmother who isn't above telling very embarrassing tales about her grandcildren. *LOL!* Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it. Tye-melin!
Tari · 15 July 2011 · Chapter 82: Ranyar
Arafinwë is so convinced he is to be punished that no one can convince him otherwise. He has put unnecessary grief on himself. Why would the Valar punish him; he has done nothing wrong. As was stated, he is stronger than he thinks. I can’t believe he will never see Tirion or his loved ones again.
Author's reply
Very true, Tari. And, of course, we know from the Silmarillion (and from my stories) that he does return to Tirion. Just how he gets back is the subject of much of the rest of this story. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
6336 · 15 July 2011 · Chapter 91: Noldóran
Well it took him a while, but, I think Arafinwe has finally pulled himself out of his funk and is ready to pick up the peices of his life and get on with the job of being Noldoran! I did like Manwe's insight's on being a ruler, something that not only royal rulers should keep in mind, but also elected rulers, they even moreso, if they don't do a good job they will be out on their ears at the next election if not sooner! Now to reforge that collar, go to Tirion and grovel for forgivness from Earwen and find Ingwe! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Manwë's (and Námo's) insight on being a ruler apply to our leaders even today, though few would even give lip-service to the concept, never mind, actually follow through with it. And that's unfortunate and probably why the world is in such a mess when our leaders can't remember that they serve us and not the other way around (and that goes for any kind of leadership role, whether in the government, the church or wherever). What happens to the collar and to Arafinwë now will be revealed in the next chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Laikwalâssê · 15 July 2011 · Chapter 91: Noldóran
at last he has stepped out of his self-pity. It´s about time to become what he is born to be - a King! I liked how Manwë described this position - ever to be at the mercy of others. I´m curious how he will return to his family/people. I wonder if his time with the Valar has not really happened "outside". I like the phrase "I could not love you more than I already do, nor could I love you less. I can only love you" - how true. The (your) Valar always surprise me. Thank you for this wonderful chapter. Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. We will be seeing in the follwing chapters what happens with Arafinwë as he re-enters Eldarin society. He won't be returning to Tirion immediately because the Valar need him to help Ingwion find Ingwë and set things right in Vanyamar before he can take up his duties as Noldóran (and there also needs to be a coronation which we'll see). Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny · 15 July 2011 · Chapter 91: Noldóran
So Arafinwë has finally come out of his funk and is willing to take up his duty as Noldoran. A very good thing - for the Noldor, for Eärwen (who gets her husband back, but I suspect he is going to work at it to earn her forgiveness for running away and leaving her and Anaire to run the kingdom), for Arafinwë himself, and for the Valar. And probably also for Ingwë and Inwion as well. And what Manwë told him about the nature of Kingship is a very good description of what it should be. It is more than wearing a blingy hat and sitting at the head table wearing fancy clothes at feasts. And I _thought_ that collar was going to get reforged. And in the dream at least it was. Is it going to happen _outside_ the dream as well?
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, finally! Now let us rejoice and sing hosannas! LOL! We'll see in te next chapter what the fate of the collar will be. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Serindë · 15 July 2011 · Chapter 90: Repairing the Damage
So there it is. The light at the end of the tunnel. Arafinwe is on his way to healing. Gandalf-to-be with his knowledge of children has found the right solution. Repetitive, stupid and mindless work in combination with sleep deprivation worked as he expected or even better than he expected, since nobody had expected the water dripping Manwë. So Arafinwë was sent to Nienna, where he should had been from the very beginning. I think that his brethrens will be kidding the elder King for yeni to come every time when an Arafirmë visit will be eminent. I understand why the "Children" are afraid of Namo, but for me the really scary one is Nienna with her acerbic wit. I would not want to be in the same galaxy with angry Namo, but it seems me that angry Namo is still preferable to angry Nienna even if she can be trusted to come with a good solution. And to force Arafinwë to take care about himself was a good idea. (An interesting differentiation between being on one's own and being alone. The same goes for alone and lonely. Saint Exupery wrote something along the line: In the desert you can be alone, but you never can be lonely. You can be lonely only among other people.) Arafinwë has learned to be self-sufficient (not an easy task to do it even with Tuitalion help) and gained a bit of self-confidence, moreover if you are not able to take care about yourself, you are not able to take care about other people or about a kingdom. He has learned that there is no job is truly beneath him and how much effort it takes to do some simple things (many times you never appreciate the needed effort till the moment you are forced to do something yourself). If he wants to eat he must cook for himself so he has not so much time to think about what he did or he did not. There is the old saying: if your heart is hurting find employment for your mind, if your mind is hurting find employment for your hands. Or as my grand-mother used to quote a bishop from Brno: "Udrzujte poradek a poradek udrzi vas." Uphold the order and the order will hold you up. If you force yourself to keep yourself and your place tidy, it will prevent you from hitting the bottom. Which is exactly what somebody as traumatised as Arafinwë needed. I think the return to Tirion was the critical moment for him. The ghost town with all its derelict houses and the formerly overcrowded royal palace now quite and empty. Till this moment he was probably able to function more or less normally, but the real shock came after the return to home. The part with Vairë was really fun. I like her kindness and down-to-earth attitude. "My beloved is a masterful tactician, one of our greatest scientists, able to bring order to the higher dimensions with a single thought, and one of Manwë’s closest advisors, yet show him a needle and some thread and he turns white and runs as far away as he can, leaving me to repair his tunics." She was sounding shockingly like any exasperated spouse (although I doubt she does a lot of tunics repairing). I would guess it was an certain eye-opener for Arafinwë who even acted for the first time as "normal" elf. And he was given assistance from above, so he finely came to the conclusion that he must remove his collar. He put the collar on himself willingly so he also must remove it himself. The Valar will respect his free will.
Author's reply
Hi Serindë. I think you're right about Arafinwë's return to Tirion being the critical moment for him. It must've really hit home to him as he walked through near-deserted streets to the palace just what he and the others truly did to themselves and to their loved-ones who elected to remain behind. That's when the psychic break began, though it does not completely manifest itself until later, as you see here. And I love Vairë. She's almost as fun to write as Námo, though for different reasons. And yes, Nienna is way scarier than Námo, and for the very reasons you mention. But, she does have a handle on things that makes her very valuable in helping the Children when needed, such as she does here with Arafinwë. And Arafinwë is very close to coming back to himself. We will see in the next chapter how that happens. Thanks for such a lovely review. I really appreciate you taking the time to write it.
Larner · 12 July 2011 · Chapter 90: Repairing the Damage
Excellent that he recognizes the arrogance of his own form of humility. He is at last growing truly as a person, and finding a sense of worth in true accomplishment. And his love of his wife may well be his saving.
Author's reply
Very true on all counts, Larner. Love is indeed his saving grace. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Tari · 12 July 2011 · Chapter 81: Abdication and Acquiescence
I am so proud of Ingalaurë. He displayed a strength that I am sure no one expected, especially Ingoldo. I just hope nothing bad happens to the rest of the family. (A spawn of Melkor describes Ingoldo perfectly.)
Author's reply
Hi Tari. Ingalaurë truly shines here and he does have strengths of which even he is unaware. As to what happens from here, that remains to be seen. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny · 12 July 2011 · Chapter 90: Repairing the Damage
It seems that running away isn't something only the Reborn do... :-P I think Arafinwë's time with Manwë and Nienna necessary in more than one way - the family dynamics in the Noldorin royal family were not exactly the kind to encourage a confident personality in the youngest son - and even less a leadership personality! And now Arafinwë is thinking over his life and putting things into perspective. Perhaps his dream about Eärwen "shook thing loose" in a way, and made him _able_ to see things he could not perceive before? And now carpentry has been added to the list of things Arafinwë is capable of. And while I don't think he will ever be a truly skilled carpenter, it seems that the repairs are at least of decent quality.
Author's reply
Hi Reborn. No, that's true, others are quite capable of running away, though Arafinwë isn't so much running away from something as he is heading towards something, at least in his own mind. And certainly the family dynamics of the House of Finwë was not conducive towards teaching Arafinwë leadership qualities. His time with Manwë has shown him what true leadership is all about. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate you taking the time to do so.
bookworm · 11 July 2011 · Chapter 90: Repairing the Damage
*urge to hug Arafinwe: Rising exponentially* Ah, but it's Love in the end that's his motivator? Earwen is one lucky girl. Elf. Queen. Whatever. I do hope he's better soon (also I am curious to know what's going on with Ingwe, considering how often it gets brought up!)
Author's reply
Hi Bookworm. Yes, Love rather than Duty is Arafinwë's motivation. We will get to Ingwë eventually, I promise. We still need to deal with Arafinwë as Pityahuan for one more chapter and then catch up with what has been happening with Ingwion, Ingalaurë and Intarion, for all three will play crucial roles in finding Ingwë and stopping Ingoldo. So, just be patient. There are many treads to this story and eventually they will all come together. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
6336 · 11 July 2011 · Chapter 90: Repairing the Damage
Hm, you coverd a lot of ground with this chapter, I think, finally, Arafinwe is on his way to healing. I was just thinking that all the things he has been learning will serve him in good stead when he goes to Ennorath during the War of Wrath (? I can't keep the Wars of Beleriand straight?), though I suppose he will have people 'doing' for him, but you never know! (Plot bunny anyone?) Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
You have the right war, Lynda. I think Arafinwë would prove himself very self-sufficient, much to the consternation of his lieutenants. *grin* And yes, he's finally on his way to healing. We'll be seeing in the next chapter how this situation resolves itself. It's high time for him to be helping Ingwion find Ingwë. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.