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In Darkness Bound by Fiondil	6 Review(s)
obsidianj	Reviewed Chapter: 87 on 7/3/2011
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 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.

Shemyaza	Reviewed Chapter: 87 on 7/2/2011
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 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	Reviewed Chapter: 87 on 7/1/2011
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 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	Reviewed Chapter: 87 on 7/1/2011
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 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	Reviewed Chapter: 87 on 7/1/2011
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 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	Reviewed Chapter: 87 on 7/1/2011
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 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.

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