In Darkness Bound by Fiondil
Larner · 8 July 2011 · Chapter 89: Unforging a Collar
I suspect that this may be the revolt he needs. I certainly hope so--he needs to help find Ingwe.
Author's reply
Most likely you are right, Larner. We'll see how far he gets. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Sunny · 8 July 2011 · Chapter 89: Unforging a Collar
The part with Vairë was really fun. Her lambasting the Dread Lord of Mandos, Doomsman of the Valar like any exasperated spouse certainly evoked giggles in me - and was perhaps also a bit of an eye-opener for Arafinwë. Speaking of whom - I think he is really getting an education here, a very practical and hands-on one. The way you describe it, it has been rather like boot camp - and that is one place where parental leading strings get to be cut, and the recruit gets to learn independence and hard work, and to _lose_ any spoiled-brat attitude he may have - or else. Not that I think Arafinwë was spoiled, exactly, but he is royal, and while I would think Finwë would expect his children to be useful, the tasks they would have been given, would have been rather _princely_ ones. Now, Arafinwë is going to learn to perform homely, everyday tasks like cooking his own food, cleaning up his own messes, and now, making his own clothes. Useful things for _anybody_ to know.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I love Vairë. She's a lot of fun to write and she's so different from the other Valar in many respects. And her down-to-earth attitude is not what you would expect from such a being. And Arafinwë is certainly getting a practical education in self-sufficiency and learning that no job is truly beneath a person however exalted their station in life is. These skills will actually make him a better king. And in some ways, this is much like the Reborn being taught skills they never would have learned under normal circumstances (i.e. had they lived), such as Finrod learning horsehoeing basketweaving and Glorfindel learning ribbon embroidery and beekeeping. Such skills make for a more well-rounded personality. Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
AzureSkye · 8 July 2011 · Chapter 89: Unforging a Collar
"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." LOL! *wipes eyes* Oh, I could just see that... Namo, hiding in a star-core: "No! You can't make me!" Vaire: "Namo, come out of the star. Now." *snickers* I think Vaire was having too much fun putting Arafinwe off balance there. She is certainly good at it. It was also the first time in a while Arafinwe acted 'normal' if you understand. As for Namo and Irmo cowering if Nienna was angry with them...yeah, I totally think they would. Nienna can be scary. *grin* Well, Arafinwe's halfway there, he's accepted he doesn't want to be a thrall, but convincing him he wants to be king...Of course, he'll be a good one simply because he doesn't want it. That was a rather disturbing dream he had. I understand burning down the cottage...I always assumed he'd do it in a fit of sullen apathy, but this...poor ellon needs a hug. Great chapter as always, and I enjoyed the lighter tone at the beginning. Can't wait till Monday!
Author's reply
Hi AzureSkye. I'm sure Vairë was having a lot of fun tweaking Arafinwë. She's really a down-to-earth kind of Valië as I've shown in my other stories and I have a lot of fun with her. And as you say, Arafinwë is halfway there, though he still has some 'growing up' to do before he gets all the way. We'll see how he fares in the next chapter and what follows from his escape attempt. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I really appreciate it.
6336 · 8 July 2011 · Chapter 89: Unforging a Collar
Poor Arafinwe, he is still having self esteem problems isn,t he? His concern about Earwen does him credit, also his determination to be rid of the collar and with her, though I am not too sure I like his method! So now we know how Arafinwe managed to burn down the cottage, I take it lessons in carpentry are due? Evry neri should know how to sew, I made sure my son could at the least sew on a button before he joined the army and he tells of helping his Lt. sew on her new bars when she got promoted! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. You're right about that, but hopefully he'll learn self-esteem eventually. And yes, now we know how the cottage got burned. We'll see in the next chapter what happens. Carpentry lessons are indeed due, but they have to catch him first. *grin* And as for me, not only can I sew a button and even do minor repair work (sew a seam back together, etc.), I can even work a sewing machine! Some of us neri aren't as helpless as we like to let on. *smirk* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Laikwalâssê · 8 July 2011 · Chapter 89: Unforging a Collar
uh-oh, Nienna will not be pleased but he´s finally thinking straight and on the right way. The collar is some kind of symbol. If he can get it off then he will be free. I´m looking forward how this will turn out. Great chapter, thank you. Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. You are correct that the collar is a kind of symbol, a very physical one. We'll see how far he gets in the next chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
obsidianj · 7 July 2011 · Chapter 88: Arafinwë at World’s End
Poor Arafinwe, his situation is finally getting to him. So, Nienna's way of teaching him is to let him grow up, to have him be responsible for himself. No more commands, no more servants. He has to feed and clothe himself without having someone telling him what to do or having someone do it for him. That will be quite an experience for this elf. Kind of like young adults moving out from their parents home. Interesting... An experience he can use when he ever gets king.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Yes, it is finally getting to him. And I think Nienna's method is the right way to go. As you say, he needs to grow up, to learn to be responsible for himself before he is ready to be responsible for an entire nation. It's much like what will happen to the Reborn. Even Finrod, though a prince, will not have anyone but himself to do for him and he will be learning skills, such as horseshoeing, that he normally would never have learned. Arafinwë needs to learn self-sufficiency before he can ever govern the Noldor. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Larner · 4 July 2011 · Chapter 88: Arafinwë at World’s End
Asking for help is the first step toward finding it, or recognising it when it comes. He does well enough now, I think. Now, to keep building on the new capabilities and confidence, and to break through that loathed skewed self-image.
Author's reply
Very true, Larner. We'll see how he fares over the next few chapters. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 4 July 2011 · Chapter 88: Arafinwë at World’s End
Oh, *Atto*...I want to cuddle Arafinwe. So, so much. I'm sure Nienna will help him, and he'll come to understand what he needs to learn. Learning to cook isn't a bad idea, either. I could probably use some of those recipes myself, lol. Happy Independence Day, by the way...and I woke up to reading about my favourite thrall of the Valar learning to be independent. Appropriate? Hmm. *huggles Arafinwe some more* I can't wait for Friday, to see what Arafinwe gets up to next! He'll fare much better with Nienna, as she treats him like an Elf, not a thing. A guess for how the cottage gets put on fire: Arafinwe forgets to bank the coals? (Somehow I'm thinking it's an accident, not something Arafinwe did in a fit of temper, though that doesn't wholly exclude accidents, look at Matanamir, poor Maia. Is he going to be all right? Will Arafinwe apologise?) Tye-melin, Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I'm sure Arafinwë would welcome a cuddle right about now. *grin* As for how the cottage gets put on fire, we will see that in the next chapter. And eventually Arafinwë and Mánatamir will meet again. Happy Independence Day, to you, as well. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
6336 · 4 July 2011 · Chapter 88: Arafinwë at World’s End
I think Arafinwe is starting to ask the right question, he needs to find himself, but he will need help. I find I like the idea of Arafinwe 'doing' for himself, it will give him a sense of selfworth and a feeling of responsibility. I am looking forward to the sewing lessons, they should be fun! One thing I wanted to mention about your stories, I have read so many stories where people eat and drink and bathe but never seem to need to take a pee, at least your elves have working kidneys! Happy Fourth of July, Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Hopefully 'doing' for himself will indeed give him a sense of self-worth, which is what he doesn't have at the moment. And I always thought it odd that in all those adventure stories(and movies), NO ONE ever had to "go baffoom". LOL! It's a natural function of all of us incarnates, after all. Glad you enjoyed this story. Thanks for reading and reviewing and Happy Fourth of July to you, as well.
Laikwalâssê · 4 July 2011 · Chapter 88: Arafinwë at World’s End
now I think he´s getting around. Hopefully he is finally grasping what they want to teach him. Self-awareness is the first step to improvement. Poor elf, but somehow I cannot really feel pity. He has brought this upon himself but hopefully he´s now getting in the right direction. It´s about time. The phrase "alone" and "on your own" made me think. Thank you for another gripping chapter. Lai
Author's reply
Hopefully so, Lai. Self-awareness is indeed the first step to improvement. And I'm glad that the phrases "alone" and "on your own" and how they are not the same has made you think. People don't often understand the difference. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Rhyselle · 4 July 2011 · Chapter 88: Arafinwë at World’s End
*sniffle* That is so heartbreaking... and yet hopeful. The first step to helping oneself is the realization that you need help. The first step to freedom is the realization that you don't want to be a slave. An excellent chapter, Fiondil, and one I've been waiting to read. I liked Nienna's differentiation between being alone and being on one's own. Arafinwe will never become the Noldoran if he can't come to it on his own. They could dress him in robes, put the crown on his head, sit him on the throne in Tirion, but until he internalizes what it is to be the king that his people need him to be, it is all just empty show. Remembering Glorfindel's time at the cottage, I look forward to seeing how Arafinwe handles the solitude and the self-responsibility he is facing over the next few months. The road is long, but he has finally--even if he doesn't realize it--taken the first important step out of the door. (BTW, I'd sure like to have Tuitalion to come teach me how to cook better! *grin*) Well done!
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. It is indeed heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. And you are correct that Arafinwë can never become Noldóran until he can come to it on his own. We'll see how things work out for him in the next chapter. (And if I ever see Tiutalion I'll send him to you. *grin*) Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
obsidianj · 3 July 2011 · Chapter 87: On the Road West
Well, the Valar wanted Arafinwe to rebel. But I don't think they had this in mind. This attack on the Maia will just put more guilt on the poor elf, since he has this penchant for blaming himself for everything. How much more can he take? Luckily, I know from your previous stories that he survives with his mind intact. The Maia also have more to learn about the "children".
Author's reply
I'm sure they didn't, obsidianj. I think Arafinwë's attack on Mánatamir took them all by surprise. As for how much more he can take, that remains to be seen, and we do know that it works out for the best. And you're right about the Maiar having more to learn about the "Children". Mánatamir has not had as much to do with them as, say, Olórin, though when we meet him in EI2, he does seem to have learned to be more compassionate. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate you taking the time to do both.
obsidianj · 2 July 2011 · Chapter 86: Arafinwë in the Chapel of Stars
Oh boy, Arafinwe is one hard nut to crack. All evidence to the contrary, he still cannot believe that he is loved and worthy of love. How did he get to have so little self-confidence? Is that all his father and half-brother doing? But at least there is the beginning of him seeing the errors of his ways. Let's hope Nienna can heal him.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. I think being the youngest son with an older half-brother who had no use for him and a father who obviously did not love him as much as he loved his first son, Arafinwë was bound to have some self-image problems. As for Nienna, we'll just have to wait and see. In many ways, that particular Valië is scarier than her two brothers combined. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
obsidianj · 2 July 2011 · Chapter 85: Rebellion
Ok, this chapter made me actually laugh. Although Arafinwe doesn't think there is anything funny about it. Having Arafinwe do all these senseless tasks to get him to rebel... If that wouldn't have worked then I think all hope would have been lost. Now I'm curious what Nienna has in store for him.
Author's reply
It was fun coming up with one stupid, mindless, senseless task after another, each more outrageous than the last. It'll take a couple of more chapters to get him to Nienna's and then we'll see how that worthy Valië works on him. Thanks for reading and reviewing, obsidianj. I appreciate it.
obsidianj · 2 July 2011 · Chapter 84: Pityahuan
It is hard to read about Arafinwe (I don't call him Pityahuanya) brought so low. I have the feeling, he is a bit insane at the moment. But at last he starts to learn something about being a king.
Author's reply
It was difficult to write this chapter and the first draft was way darker than the final one which you've read. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he wasn't a little around the bend by now. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj · 2 July 2011 · Chapter 83: Judgment
Wow! That was not what I expected. I knew Arafinwe was in for some lesson, but taking it to this level? I'm not sure I like the way the Valar act, but from judging the way Arafinwe turns out in later stories, Aranfinwe got exactly what he asked for and what he needed. Not that that is what he expected when he asked for it. As the old saying goes, be careful what you ask for, you might get it. My reaction to Arafinwe's stubborn wallowing in self-pity was that I wanted to shake him and shout at him. But the Valar obviously found a better way. Shouting and shaking would probably not have worked. Luckily, the next chapter is waiting for me.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. The Valar are only giving Arafinwë exactly what he asked for; nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else. But, of course, as you say, this is probably NOT what he was expecting. Well, we know he learned his lesson and learned it well and you're right that shouting and shaking would probably not have worked, which is why the Valar didn't go that route, though I suspect Manwë and Námo really wanted to. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Shemyaza · 2 July 2011 · Chapter 87: On the Road West
I think we puny mortals have realised what neither the Valar nor the Eldar knew... we are both light and dark. We are capable of great heroism and self sacrifice yet we are also capable of deeds so dark that we don't even want to admit them to ourselves. With that in mind I actually don't blame the Maia for being a little less than sensitive to the situation because what basis for comparison does he have in reality? He couldn't have known the emotions warring inside Arafinwe, let's not forget that he was there when Feanor incited them all to rebellion and he knew what had happened at Alqualonde which was not the Noldor's finest hour by a long chalk. Arafinwe is, quite simply, traumatised and this kind of trauma manifests itself in any number of ways. The Valar and the Maiar have never seen somebody suffering from PTSD before and as I see it, they are doing their best to help him out of it. In honesty he probably would have been better in Nienna's care from the get go because I know from experience that the tough love thing doesn't work with a PTSD victim. They have to be led gently back down the path of memory and helped to face the root cause of the trauma. You never forget it, but you can put it in a place where it is just a memory and not like some video playing over in your mind. Arafinwe's violent reaction was no surprise to me, in fact I was surprised it was such a long time coming. And how alone he must feel. His brothers are gone from Valinor, his children following on behind. He is feeling guilt over that, guilt over the actions of another family member and guilt at deserting his wife. In short the man is a bit of a basket case. Let's hope Nienna is more successful at getting him to apportion guilt where it should really be and to not heap everything on his own shoulders just because those who are equally guilty aren't around to take their share of the blame.
Author's reply
I think you are correct, Shemyaza. Certainly at this point in time, neither the Valar nor the Eldar would recognize PTSD for what it is or how to handle it. Arafinwë is definitely traumatized by all that has happened, not the least, by the Death of the Trees, from which everyone is still reeling. And he does indeed feel alone. We will see how Nienna handles him and what affect it has on his psyche in the next chapter. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it very much.
Larner · 1 July 2011 · Chapter 87: On the Road West
Well, he's still finding rebellion within himself, at least. There is hope for him. To find that proper balance of obedience and self-determination is always necessary. But the attack sounds as if it were particularly brutal. No wonder he put himself into shock--that's not the kind of person he was by nature.
Author's reply
Very true, Larner. There is hope for him. And balance, of course, is the key for all of us. And I think the attack was brutal enough. Arafinwë pretty much snaps here, so the realization of what he'd done sends him into shock. He was probably remembering the brutality of the Kinslaying at this time and comparing that with what he'd done and didn't like what he saw in himself: the darkness that lies within each of us that most refuse to acknowledge. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it very much.
6336 · 1 July 2011 · Chapter 87: On the Road West
Well, the Valar wanted him to rebel, I don't think this was quite what they had in mind! I hope Manatamer(sp?) is O.K. Onward to Nienna's! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. No, I don't think they were expecting this either. And as Manwë tells Arafinwë, Mánatamir suffered no physical hurt, as Arafinwë did not have that power, but he was disappointed and saddened. However, I think Mánatamir could have shown a bit more compassion than he did, so he only brought it on himself, as far as I am concerned. Anyway, we'll see how Arafinwë fares at Nienna's. She's a different ball game from Námo and Manwë altogether. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Laikwalâssê · 1 July 2011 · Chapter 87: On the Road West
this chapter has really moved me. At one time I feel pity for Arafinwë and the next time I want to strangle him. The attack on the Maia was bad but somehow understandable. Arafinwë is emotionally worn out. I know the Valar mean well but if their methods are so good...I´m not really content. I like how the Valar appear and dissapear, always being understanding and kind and gentle. It´s so strange to see an grown and once proud elf being reduced to act so tearful and pityful. Liked this chapter so much. Thank you. Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. Arafinwë does make you want to kill him and cuddle him at the same time here, doesn't he? LOL! And you are correct. Arafinwë is emotionally on the brink and we will see how that affects him later on. And as painful as it is to watch him at this stage we at least know that he wins through and becomes a stronger, better Elf for it. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Lai. I really appreciate it.
Rhyselle · 1 July 2011 · Chapter 87: On the Road West
I don't have time for a really long review (aren't you relieved? LOL!) but I had to tell you how much I enjoyed the last chapter and this one. Now I understand why you wouldn't answer my question from a few weeks ago about whether Arafinwe was the other elf besides Ingwion to visit the Chapel of Stars. :) I particularly liked how you pointed out that Arafinwe didn't recognize the word for "sun". :) I do hope that he remembers, when the sun first rises and they are told the name, that he'd seen the word already. In regards to this chapter, I was particularly touched by his appreciation for the clothing and how he so enjoyed the touch of the fabric, even though the garments were much more humble than those he'd worn before his insistent thralldom. When one has lost practically all, the smallest thing--like the feel of nubbly fabric--can bring joy. "Confused." Yes, that's a perfect one-word description for him. He's really been confused all along, although he probably wasn't really conscious of it before. I do hope that he will eventually apologize to Manatamir for attacking him. It might be awhile before that happens, but I would think that compassion will win out over shame and anger. Thanks for the chapter, dear friend. As I re-read EI2, I'm getting a new appreciation for the scenes in which oblique mention is given to the events of the Darkening, and I'm understanding the reactions of Arafinwe and Ingwion much better now! As always, I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Well done!
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. When I was writing the Chapel of Stars scene for this story I went to where we originally see it in "Elf, Interrupted" and realized Arafinwë wouldn't know the word _Anar_ as it hadn't been 'invented' yet. I've had to do that throughout this story, be aware of what they wouldn't necessarily know about yet, so Ingalaurë not recognizing the word _lómë_ 'night' right away. Anyway, I am glad you appreciated all the little details of Arafinwë's enjoyment of the feel of fabric against his skin, etc. As you say, wen one has practically lost all, even the smallest thing can bring joy. And we'll be seeing Mánatamir again. You can tell from his words, at least, that he has had little to do with the Elves before this, so this is a learning experience for him as well. He is certainly more compassionate when we meet him in EI2. And speaking of which, I am glad you are appreciating the oblique mentions of the Darkening in that story and why Arafinwë and Ingwion react as they do. Perhaps if I'd written these stories in chronological order it would've been better, but EI came first from the Muse and Darkness did not show up on my radar until nearly 3 years later. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
bookworm · 30 June 2011 · Chapter 85: Rebellion
And suddenly you can believe that Feanor is his big brother! Way to go, Arafinwe! He's going to need a lot of hugs after this is all over.
Author's reply
I guess so, Bookworm. And yes, he's going to need lOTS of hugs. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Tari · 30 June 2011 · Chapter 79: Ilmarin
Ingwion had a real shock; the Vala would not help him. I fear it will a little time for him to pull himself together and make plans to find everyone. I'm sure his Adar is with the othrs by now, at least I hope they are. How difficult it had to be for the Valar to withold aid, but I understand why they couldn't. Will Ingwion ever understand, I wonder?
Author's reply
Yes, he did get a great shock, Tari, and we will see how that affects him later on. As for Ingwë, we'll have to wait and see. And hopefully Ingwion will eventually come to terms with the Valar withholding aid, but it will not happen overnight. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
pnzrMkV · 29 June 2011 · Chapter 86: Arafinwë in the Chapel of Stars
Truly exceptional read,thank you. I don't know were to begin praising your story,so Ill point out a few of my favourite parts. The way you demonstrate Olwe's passion between he and his wife was moving as was his standing for reason after the Kin Slaying. I laughed out loud when Namo's wife elbowed his ribs when he said to Findarato "Back so soon" at the first feast since the exile of Feanor. Mostly I loved the way you eloquently portrayed the Kin Slaying. The footnotes,for me,were illuminating. I also enjoyed the D/s of the latest chapters. I don't know if that was intentional or not but added an interesting dimension. I'm new to this site and HoME as a whole but because of your story my understanding of The Silmarillion and The Annels of Arda are better.
Author's reply
Hello, and welcome to SoA. Thank you so much for letting me know how much you've been enjoying this story. And there is more to come and hopefully you can add to your collectioon of favorite scenes. And I'm glad to know that this story has helped you in your understanding of the Silmarillion and the Annals. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Larner · 28 June 2011 · Chapter 86: Arafinwë in the Chapel of Stars
Not an easy thing, to give over arrogance. But in his case it is definitely necessary. Lovely images here. I always love visits to the chapel.
Author's reply
No, it's not easy, Larner, but it is a necessary step towards his rehabilitation. Glad you liked the images in this chapter. The Chapel is a favorite of mine as well. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.