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| Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux by Fiondil | 15 Review(s) |
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| hawkeye | Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 1/26/2015 |
| I'm beginning to think that Irmo and Námo are very devious *laughs* But humour aside, I think Irmo was not just using figures of speech when he said that from the time Finrod first left Aman, they were working towards this time. I wonder if he was thinking, even then, of initiating Finrod into this order. I really like the image of the Valar welcoming Finrod as a companion. It brings home that, Valar though they may be, they are all children of Eru. While the Valar have been entrusted with the guidance and guarding of Arda, and indeed what they have made, the Children really don't belong to them. It's a picture, I think, of what Irmo explains when he talks about how the duty of a king is to guard. As a king, that was Finrod's duty to his people because, as his people, he still holds his position in trust from Eru. In the same way, I think Irmo might be trying to say a similar thing about the position of the Valar over the Children. "There was something unearthly, even by elvish standards, about the place, or perhaps, Finrod amended, more earthly than anything he had ever felt before." This actually reminded me of some descriptions from Narnia. But that aside, the closer you come to the source of something, the more "real" it feels. It's like the difference between seeing a picture of a painting, a copy and then the real thing. Nothing quite prepares you for it. Regardless, being brought to the Valar's personal sanctuary is a great honour. So Finrod's oath was also that far reaching. Interesting that he, like Manwen, didn't fully realise at the time what he was doing. It is almost frightening, in a way, but it's the good kind of fear. Perhaps awe is a better word to use. Finrod did seem to bounce back rather more quickly than Manwen did, but I wonder what the long term effects will be. And there was no blood this time. I love how you write the Valar in these more personal settings, actively caring for the Children and interacting with them. And I really enjoyed seeing Irmo and Námo together. Even though they are brothers, and quite different, it's really fun to see them in the same context. Now, I am horrible curious who the others are ;) Thank you for an amazing read :) | |
| 6336 | Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 7/7/2009 |
| Seems those oaths affect every one, Elf and Valar alike. Trying to trace the travels of the Ring of Barahir, from Beren to Dior to Elwing to Elros. I wonder why it did not stay with the 'Royal' line as the Lord of Andunie was not the king, or was he? I wonder how the ring got to Elwing as I don't think Dior would have just handed it to her as he bundled her out the back door with the Nauglamir(sp?)! Somebody must have been on the ball when it came to gathering up the Family Jewels in the midst of battle, elves must have cooler heads than us mere mortals! I really should not write these reviews late at night, I get punchy and rambly! Lynda Author Reply: Yes, giving these particular oaths is very emotionally draining for both parties. That's a good question about the Ring of Barahir. I imagine that when it seemed that all was lost Dior gave the ring to whoever was commanded to get Elwing out of Doriath. I never understood why Elwing was rescued but not her brothers, except, of course, with them out of the way, there's no chance of genealogical bloodlines being furthered muddied with additional Peredhil. *grin* | |
| Kaylee | Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 8/11/2008 |
| *As one king to another, I need not remind you that kingship is a special burden, a solemn trust, but also there is joy. Do not forget that, child. Á enyalë illúmë i-alassë. It will sustain you during the dark times that may come.* Then Manwë withdrew his mind from his, kissed him on the brow and stepped back. "You may stay here in this grove for as long as you need to, Findaráto, until you are ready to face the outer world again." "Thank you, Lord," Finrod said, then smiled ruefully. "I think, though, I should see how Laurendil is holding up. If he’s like every other husband I’ve ever known whose wife has gone away from his side for more than five minutes, he will be feeling morose and full of self-pity. I think I should go and cheer him up." There were grins all around. "And how do you propose to do that?" Varda asked with a glint of merriment in her eyes. Finrod shrugged and gave the Valië a wry grin. "Oh, in the usual manner, Lady. I’ll get him uproariously drunk and then we’ll spend the rest of the night singing bawdy songs at the top of our lungs and showing each other our battle scars...or..." he paused, thinking about it, "he can show me his new ones since I don’t seem to have any anymore." The Valar chuckled at that. "In that case," Manwë said, "don’t be surprised if my beloved shows up at your pavilion when you start singing ‘The Elf and the Fruit Vendor’." He winked at Finrod who stood there in shocked surprise. "It’s her favorite song, you know, especially verse thirty-one." Finrod reddened in embarrassment at that revelation and would not look at anyone in particular, much to their amusement. Finally he cleared his throat and said in a diffident tone, "Yes, well, perhaps it would be more prudent if we just have a quiet dinner and forget about the drinking." Námo nodded solemnly. "More prudent, no doubt... but not nearly as much fun." Now there was outright laughter and Finrod couldn’t help but join in. **** I love Finrod and the Feanturi and Manwe and Varda and just...everyone *grin* this chapter is wonderful!!!!! Haha...and now I know some of verse thirty-one!!! *grin* Some, but not all. Can't you tell me the rest over IM or something, meldonya? Please? I am, after all, of age...unlike Earnur *snicker* ~Kaylee!!!! Author Reply: Sorry, half the fun is NOT giving away all of the words to verse thirty-one. I leave the rest up to everyone else's imagination. *grin* | |
| Tari | Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 3/24/2008 |
| I thought you were talking about the ring Aragorn wore. Once again I have to thank Tolkien for leaving so many opportunities for expanding his stories. Who would guess that the Valar could be a bit naughty. I love your take on what might have happened to Finrod after he died. This chapter was a delight to read. Tari Author Reply: Yes, it's the same ring, or rather a copy of it. I'm glad Tolkien left enough gaps in the Legendarium so the rest of us could play in his universe, too. *grin* Glad you liked this chapter. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 2/13/2008 |
| So, a version of the given up has come back to him, and the weight of oaths taken and given has been felt. Now to join the true Guardians--ever a difficult but joyous task. Author Reply: Yes, Finrod has been an Oathkeeper, but now knows what it means to be an Oathgiver and the joy of it. He will indeed be a worthy Guardian of Arda once his training is complete. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 3/24/2007 |
| Relationships are all pretty tangled, really - with all sorts of hierarchies existing within the same people. But a bit of boy down-time between Laurendil and Finrod will do them both good. "I’ll get him uproariously drunk and then we’ll spend the rest of the night singing bawdy songs at the top of our lungs and showing each other our battle scars...or..." he paused, thinking about it, "he can show me his new ones since I don’t seem to have any anymore. Although I think if Varda does turn up to enjoy verse 31, there will be two very embarrassed ellyn! Author Reply: "Boys' night out" takes on a whole different meaning when one of the Valar shows up to join in, doesn't it? And when the Vala in question is a Valië, that makes it even worse! *lol* | |
| hanci | Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 3/24/2007 |
| I liked the discussion between Irmo and Finrod, very enlightening. And he got back his ring! And the verse thirty-one again in action! Poor Finrod, he probably never thought Valar, and Varda especially, would enjoy such songs... Author Reply: Finrod fell into the same trap as most of us do — believing that the Authorities have no sense of humor or can't delight in earthy things like vulgar songs and off-colored jokes, just as we do. He's probably never going to look at Varda quite the same way again after this. *lol* | |
| Ellie | Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 3/18/2007 |
| I loved the comfort which Finrod provides and in turn is provided. I'm glad that Irmo and Namo keep championing Finrod's cause and the new ancient majesty we see in Finrod is incredible. Just when I think this story can't get any better, it does. I found the discussion of king as guardian quite profound. I think the whole concept is embodied by Ingwe, really, for the Vanyar consider themselves the "Children of Ingwe". (I just wrote a story about this concept last week and was quite surprised to see you echoing the same sentiment about kings as guardians in your chapters this weekend. Made me feel like I must have done something right if a brief part of your story agreed with my sentiment :-) ) I'm thrilled that you are posting more often and that your chapters are related thematically, so the posting at the same time makes so much sense. I am in awe of how much work you have put into the character development and the multiple plot lines. One future problem I see is that Amarie won't know Finrod when he returns and I think he will be so far beyond her as to not have an interest in her any more. Who will win him then? Would he be satisfied with a mere elven woman? Interesting thing to wonder about. Can't wait for more! Author Reply: I wrote these chapters some months ago, actually. I saw your story and was excited about it but I haven't had a chance to read it yet (my teaching schedule this week is the pits) but I hope to read and comment later in the week when my time frees up. I always find it interesting when other writers say similar things to what I try to say. It makes me realize that I'm not the only one out there and I appreciate that. For some reason I find that most of my chapters are thematic and that I always have at least two chapters that are related thematically so I post them as a group. I think it helps make the story make more sense that way as well. As for Amarië and Finrod's relatioship: we'll just have to wait and see. Patience will be needed by both I think. | |
| vampfan30 | Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 3/18/2007 |
| it's been a while since i have reviewed, bum shoulder. anyhoo, i absolutely love this story. the valar are amazing & so multi-layered...glorfindel is wonderful& finrod is shaping up nicely, too. keep it up.......^_^ Author Reply: I'm glad you're still enjoying the story and find the Valar amazing. They've been fun to write about and actually one of my goals in this story is to introduce each of the Valar to one extent or another interacting with the Eldar. It's a bit of a challenge since most of the Valar are but thinly sketched by Tolkien and it's difficult to elicit personality from them, but I've done my best to make each one as unique as possible, and hopefully memorable. | |
| MithLuin | Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 3/18/2007 |
I thought it so funny that reborn-Finrod has lost his battle scars. Though, good, since I really don't want to contemplate what the werewolf did to him... I thought he got off a bit easy with his oath. So it only hits him now? Interesting... And I'm really appreciating the re-emergence of King Felagund. He seems to have regained something by actually acting as king, rather than just being called king. Looking forward to him meeting his 12 companions who died with him. I have to admit, though, that I think "Manwen" a funny name. It isn't, of course, but I always read it as "Man-woman" *grin* Author Reply: Yeah, when I originally wrote the scene I stopped and said, "Whoa, Reborn, new body, duh!" *grin* Naturally, the scene had to be slightly altered to reflect that fact. I've enjoyed watching the real Finrod Felagund begin to emerge as well. He's my favorite First Age elf, after all, and it's been fun writing about him and his struggles to regain himself after his own death as much as it's been fun writing about Glorfindel. "Manwen", of course, means "Blessed Lady", but I know what you mean about how it looks. *grin* | |