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The Findaráto Diaries  by Fiondil 15 Review(s)
hawkeyeReviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/28/2014
This was a very thought provoking chapter. Arda's Marring has so many implications, beyond the obvious orcs and such. What was especially poignant for me was the conversation between Olórin and Tindomerel, and I couldn't help wondering if they ever become weary or sad seeing these wonderful reborn creatures experience marring all over again.

Námo's intervention will be very interesting. I really enjoyed the interaction between him and the other Valar. The little bit I saw here has me excited to read more about them. Again, their love and care really endears them to me. It sounds sappy, but I really enjoy reading about them in ways that don't make them seem self obsessed or capricious.

I think Finrod is going to learn a lot of things both from the Valar and Maiar if this chapter are anything to go by. Guilt is a horrible emotion, and it was sad seeing Finrod suffer with it. Hopefully he can learn to accept things as the memories come.

Thanks for another fun read!

Author Reply: In all my stories where the Valar are involved I've tried to show them as loving and caring beings, who, even though they are far more powerful than the incarnates, they are still created beings and are not perfect. I think it's their imperfections that make them endearing and more approachable for the reader.

And as painful as it is to watch the Reborn become marred again in some ways, it is just the nature of things in a fallen universe and the Maiar understand this and keep estel in their hearts that all will be made whole in the end.

Thanks for reviewing, Hawkeye. I appreciate it.

TariReviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/15/2009
Our poor little elf is having quite a time trying to get his thoughts together. Guilt can be blown out of proportion which Finda in his "childhood" is doing. It's hard for him to understand that rebirth is in the hands of Eru and the Valar. He can do nothing about it.

(I just got back from vacation and have a lot of catching up to do.)



Author Reply: Hi Tari. You are right about Finrod. He has yet to understand that his rebirth was out of his hands. Eventually, though, he will understand. I hope you had a good time on your vacation.

Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/8/2009
Nicely done....

Author Reply: Thanks, Agape. I appreciate you letting me know you liked this chapter.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/6/2009
Ah--he returns to a more restful, proper sleep after the fitful hiding from the memories and nightmares he's known. Poor child indeed that he is at the time.

Author Reply: Poor child indeed, Larner. At least Námo was able to soothe him somewhat and ease some of the turmoil in his soul, though it will take time for him to come to terms with all that he is remembering.

trajar mandamarReviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/2/2009
It seems to me that maybe Finrod's caregivers should've expected the Valar to take special intrest in this case.He is not only close kin to all 3 kings he is the first of the rebel Noldor to be reborn.I would think even though there are many reborn his would require extra-special care in his case.I think for the Valar this is a bit of a trial run on how to deal with a high ranking elf being reborn.I think Finrod is lucky to get such attention.

Author Reply: Hello! Yes, you are correct. While Finrod isn't the first of the Noldor rebels to be reborn, he is the first of the kings to be reborn and so he is indeed a special case, one might even say a 'test case' for the Valar and needs extra-special care. I think Finrod is lucky to get such attention, too, though perhaps he doesn't think so. *grin*

Thank you for giving us your thoughts on this. I really appreciate you taking the time to do so.

6336Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/1/2009
Poor Finda, he's not having a very easy time of it is he. First memories of his death, and now his brothers, I think I would be a little upset, I would be more inclined to throw things though and cuss people out!Namo would make a good father, look at all the practice he is getting!
I think Tindimorel couold have been a little more sympathetic(sp?), an "I'm sorry." wouldn't have hurt and might have saved the roses.
The reborn are like little children, they have very little control over their emotions, every thing is very 'now', very in the moment as it were, they become less passionate as they mature. A little loving guidance never hurts though.
Hope Yvanna is not too hard on poor Finda, the roses were in the wrong place at the wrong time!
The other Vala's ideas on how to get Finda's attention were quite revealing!
This is a bit rambly, went in to get my teeth cleaned today and ended up having to have a cavity filled, think the anesthetic has spread to the brain, no fun!
more please,
Lynda

Author Reply: Hi, Lynda. Yes, Finrod is definitely in a bad place right now emotionally, but it's a necessary step towards integrating his past life with his present one. Perhaps Tindomerel could have approached the situation differently, but Finrod asked a point-blank question about his brothers and she responded to that. Finrod was looking for answers at that moment, not sympathy, something he would have dismissed in his emotional state. And let's face it, Finrod storming out of the cottage made it clear to the Maia that he was in no mood for honest sympathy from anyone.

Anyway, Yavanna won't be too hard on him, though she will offer him a lesson to take with him into his new life. The other Valar's suggestions about how to get Finda's attention were made more in jest than to be taken too seriously, I think, though Varda's suggestion proved helpful.

Hope the anesthetic has worn off enough to get your brain going again. I know what you mean. It's no fun at all. Thanks for taking the time to review, though. It isn't quite as rambling as you feared and I appreciate it.

njomoReviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/1/2009
Hi Fiondil,

I also was thinking about Glorfindel's gardening in contrast to this episode in Finrod's recovery. As Lord Námo keeps reminding everyone, the case of each reborn is different. But the contrast between these two had me chuckling-the contrast between an angry Finrod pulling up rose bushes and a sobbing Glorfindel deadheading roses.*grin* Perhaps it is a good thing that Finrod was outside in the garden and not inside-although it is unfortunate about the plants.

At least Námo seemed to know the right way to get through to Finrod. And now onward to another day-and punishment. Can't wait to see what's in store for Finrod!

Thanks Fiondil!

Joanne

Author Reply: There is quite a contrast between these two 'gardeners'. *grin* Glorfindel's pulling up the asëa aranion was not a deliberate act of malice, whereas Finrod knew exactly what he was doing, poor ellon. And, of course, the image of the great Balrog-slayer sobbing as he's deadheading roses is too funny.

Námo knows his elflings well, and knows just what to say (usually) to get through to them, as he does here with Finrod. Next chapter will see how Yavanna handles all this.

ellieReviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/1/2009
I felt so sorry for Finrod with what he was remembering. I think the maiar could have been a bit more compassionate than they were. I think it is interesting that special interest is being taken in Finrod rehab and reintegration into society. It does make sense. Finrod needs some warm fuzzies to make him feel better and some nice sweets, too.
Hope the next chapter is happier for him!

Author Reply: Hi, Ellie. Well, the Maiar were as compassionate as they could be. There does come a time when you have to let the 'child' go his own way and not interfere as much as you would like to. Olórin and Tindomerel are doing just that, and Finrod isn't the first Reborn they've dealt with.

Finrod, of course, is not just any Reborn, or any ellon. He is the first of the Kings of Beleriand to be re-embodied and he is the heir to the crown of the Noldóran. That makes him very special indeed and of course we know from Elf, Interrupted that the Valar have plans for him.

Next chapter will not be so angsty, I promise.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/1/2009
Ouch. Finrod was rather badly affected by this particular memory and threw quite a temper tantrum! To damage the garden in that manner wasn’t right, of course. Though I feel sorry for Finrod himself; to have to deal with these feelings of guilt so early after his rebirth, emotional unstable as he is, has to be quite difficult. And being held to a higher standard than others as the firstborn son of the Noldóran can’t make it easier, either.

The other Valar were quite ... um ... helpful with their suggestions how to wake Finrod up *grin*

All in all, Námo was rather gentle with Finrod so far, for which I am glad. Though I doubt his explanation why Finrod was the first of Arafinwë’s sons to be released was the whole truth, I think it was the only one Finrod could have handled at this point in time. Telling him they have special plans for him or the like (which I guess is nearer the truth) would probably have caused even worse consequences.

Author Reply: Hah! The first to even comment on the other Valar! Thank you, Kitty. *lol* Anyway, what you say about Námo not giving Finrod the whole truth (does any Vala?) is probably a good bet. Finrod is only able to handle certain truths at this time and the reason Námo gives is true enough for Finrod to accept. And being the firstborn son of the Noldóran doesn't make it any easier, although at this time, he's not totally aware of the implications of what that means.

rickReviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/1/2009
So Finrod caused as much trouble as Glorfindel, or almost anyway! Surprise! (not). I'm really liking this whole sequence so far. I can sympathize with the rose-thorns bit - my forearms look like I've been slicing on myself above where the gloves stopped, after pruning my rosebushes this past weekend. Funny thing is, it doesn't actually hurt until later.
Keep it up, I can't wait for the next one.


Author Reply: Hi, Rick. I'm so glad you are enjoying this story. I've tried not to make it a carbon-copy of Glorfindel's story, at least as regards his experiences in the Garden of the Reborn and eventually in Lórien, though there are obvious similarities that are commone with all Reborn.

Too bad you can't get Lady Estë to come and heal your rose-thorn scratches. If I had the power I would send her your way. I guess you'll just have to do with lanacane instead. *grin*

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