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| Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux by Fiondil | 15 Review(s) |
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| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 3/18/2007 |
| You let Irmo explain the problems of kingship very well. I truly wish rulers in our days would be at least a bit as responsible as Finrod! And I am glad most of Finrod’s companions have been released as well. He will surely be glad to see them again some day. Maybe that will be not so very far in the future, considering what is happening just now. Love the idea of the Valar giving Finrod a copy of the ring of Barahir! It’s a fitting gift for this purpose. It is certainly a big responsibility, but I think Finrod is the right elf for this task. (Though now I’m thinking what our dear Meneldil would say about *apprentice* Findárato being a brother of the Valar *eg* ) And I probably repeat myself, but I love your Valar and their sense of humour! Author Reply: Yes, I think Irmo explained the true meaning of kingship very well indeed and it is a pity more of our own rulers today don't bear them in mind; it might make our lives a little easier. I'm sure Meneldil would be very surprised to find out what was happening in that particular grove with that particular *apprentice*. *grin* And you can repeat yourself as often as you would like; I enjoy hearing how much readers love my portrayal of the Valar. | |
| vaske | Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 3/18/2007 |
| Lol, I love how shocked Finrod was when Manwe mentioned that ‘The Elf and the Fruit Vendor’ was Varda's favourite song. A copy of the Ring of Barahir was the perfect for Finrod. One thing I've always wondered though, there are serpents on the Ring of Barahir but I don't think I've ever read about snakes being in either Arda or Aman. Maybe it's just one of those things... Author Reply: Well, apparently the Noldor knew something about snakes since they were the one who fashioned the original ring. I guess it's just something Tolkien never got around to mentioning. I think Finrod is going to be looking at Varda in a whole new light after this. *lol* | |
| Nikara | Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 3/17/2007 |
| Lovely. Very well done, with nice attention to the little details of the personal relationships. I'm definitely enjoying going through this story and discovering a new world through it. Author Reply: Thank you. I'm glad you are enjoying the story so much. | |
| Rhyselle | Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 3/17/2007 |
| Oh most wonderful! I'm probably going to have to go back and re-read this chapter several times in order to get everything I can out of it. Just in the second read through as I write this review, new things are jumping out at me. I've kind of noticed that while Namo is the Vala who tends to interact most with Glorfindel, Irmo really seems to be Finrod's Vala. Their interactions feel 'right' and it really came through in this chapter, particularly in their discussion of the functions of kingship in general and Finrod's kingship in particular. That was just fascinating, as was the comment about how he should not seek out his companions who had been Reborn, but to let them come to him as their oaths drew them. I liked how Finrod was accepting of Irmo's explanation on how they were protecting him from the emotional impact of his own oath-taking... a much more mature response than he might have given even weeks ago. And Irmo admitting that Finrod had taken him and his brother Námo by surprise was great! And Námo's comment about the Valar's perspective of how long the Firstborn had been on Arda was a great reminder about the infiniteness of eternity on either side of the present. The gifting of the ring... what a perfect gift it was... and the comment about it being a fair copy with the original being on the hand of the current Lord of Andúnië in Númenórë gave a nice touchstone as to where in the longer history of Arda that Finrod is right now. "His life was here in Aman now, and he was content." Only months ago, Finrod would not have been able to say this and mean it. It's a simple line but it expresses his development since his release from Mandos better than almost anything else I've read. :) The Valar like using jewelry and such to be triggers don't they? *grin* The sparse description of what Finrod experienced when he put the ring on served much better than the longest, most adjective-laden prose could possibly have done. So many wonderful lines: Then Námo spoke. "Once you found yourself within the Ring of Doom and we were your Judges. Today you find yourself within a circle of friends and we are your Companions." The solemn joyfulness of their greeting him with embraces and kisses (Tulkas' bear-hug made me smile) was perfectly counterpointed with the humorous exchange at the end about needing to go cheer up Laurendil. I bet Nienna was just as merry as Varda when Finrod described the usual method. And then his backpedaling towards prudence when Manwë told him to not be surprised if Varda joined them when they sang 'The Elf and the Fruit Vendor' made me laugh harder... Felagund proposing prudence? LOL! And I could just see Námo being all solemn and then his face breaking into a wide laughing grin as he pointed out that prudence wouldn't be nearly as much fun. Terrific ending to a chapter full of intense and wonderful emotions. Well done! (And once again I give you a review that likely rivals the chapter for word count! LOL!) Author Reply: Sorry for taking so long to respond to this review, but it's been a busy work day for me and I've only just gotten back from dinner (it's now going on 10pm here in Manzhouli). Anyway, I'm pleased that found so much in this chapter to make you think. I've read and re-read these chapters many times myself and always find something new I hadn't noticed about a character (and I'm the one who wrote it!). We tend to forget, I think, that uncounted eons passed before the Valar and Maiar came to Arda and began fashioning it for the Children. Wars were fought in uncharted reaches of the universe between the Valar and Melkor before ever a single blade of grass appeared on our world. So, to the Valar, the Children (both races) have indeed only "just arrived" on the scene. And if the elves showed up last week, that means humans showed up yesterday afternoon. No wonder the Valar are sometimes clueless about us! When I was thinking about what might be an appropriate gift for Irmo and Námo to give Finrod, the Ring of Barahir (or at least a copy of it) just seemed like a natural choice. I purposely leave a lot of descriptions sparse so as to allow my readers the freedom of "filling in the blanks" themselves. I give them the framework and let them paint the canvas as it suits them, bringing into the story their own experiences. It's a way for the reader to take ownership of the characters and the story for themselves. Also, I never cared for long adjective-laden prose anyway, so try not to write any if I can help it. Then ending exchange just came naturally and it was fun to see Finrod looking everywhere BUT at Varda after Manwë's revelation and Námo's comment is, to me, even more hysterical considering *who* is saying it. | |
| Calenlass Greenleaf | Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 3/17/2007 |
| I'm beginning to love Finrod more and more.He's a pretty unique character in the Silmarillion, and I think you've brought him to life. :-) Author Reply: When I think of the elves of the First Age, Finrod comes immediately to mind before all others. He is indeed very unique and I've never quite forgiven Tolkien for killing him off when he did. On the other hand, if he hadn't, this story wouldn't be half as interesting, would it? *grin*. I'm happy to see that you like my characterization. | |