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The Findaráto Diaries by Fiondil	348 Review(s)
hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/29/2014
Hmm. Finrod has some maturing to do still, though the bit with Amarië at dinner was priceless. I'm surprised the Maiar didn't warn Finrod's parents more about what to expect. It seems like they should have had "Reborn rearing" classes first. But then again, since everyone is different, it's probably better that they find their own solutions. I have a feeling that integrating back into life is going to be harder that it seemed. Finrod is still a mix of childish and adult, though these past couple of chapters he's seemed more like an elfling. Hopefully things smooth out for him. I'm also really enjoying Arafinwë and Eärwen. They seem like they want to be good parents, especially Arafinwë. Eärwen seems accepting enough, and happy as well, but I feel like she is a bit aloof. To a lesser degree I get that from Arafinwë too. Perhaps it is just a father/son vs mother/son difference, but I hope they can warm up to each other soon. Amarië needs to grow up :) I really love how you are writing this. The characters are very unique and interesting and I'm enjoying them very much. Thanks for sharing :D Author Reply: It will take Finrod approximately a century for him to reach full maturity and he has quite some way to go yet. I'm sure Finrod's parents would've appreciated "Reborn rearing" classes but I think Námo and Irmo think it's best that they all figure it out by themselves. Finrod's elfling-like behavior here is a defense mechanism in an uncertain situation. He's still feeling his way and his memories don't always help. I'm glad you're enjoying Arafinwë and Eärwen. I think they are excellent parents. Eärwen probably doesn't know how to react to Finrod's own aloofness toward her. Arafinwë is willing to take his son as he is rather than as he would like him to be. Eventually, they'll work through all this initial confusion; it'll just take time. I'm very happy that you are enjoying how I am writing this and find the characters interesting. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 7/29/2014
Well we know where he's going now! How sad to not recognize your parents, though for them it must be heartbreaking. I've always been fascinated by Finarfin, so I'm looking forward to reading more about him. I'm not sure what to make of their welcome to Finrod though, and I wonder if Finrod is equally confused. Amarië surprised me. I'm not sure what anyone was expecting from the reunion, but she's not the only one surprised. At least Arafinwë was there to mediate. So, on to a new life :) Author Reply: Finarfin/Arafinwë is a cool character and I've written him to some extent. He figures greatly in my story "In Darkness Bound". It has to be awkward for all of them right now. Finrod barely remembers his parents so their more like strangers or distant cousins than family and he doesn't remember Amarië at all. And of course, they all remember how he was before he left for Beleriand and here he is acting strange and not greeting them joyfully as they no doubt were expecting. It'll take time for them all to adjust to the new reality. Thanks for reviewing, Hawkeye. It's much appreciated.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 7/29/2014
The knowledge that you are leaving, but not having any idea where you are going would be terrifying. Finrod's anxiety is well placed here, but he seems much more capable of handling it than he was before. I think I'd be just as rankled with someone else choosing for me, but I know Lord Irmo has their best interests at heart. Still, it would be nice to know where they are going and especially be able to tell their friends. I loved seeing Finrod's gift. I can't help but wonder if the gift from Lord Manwë did actually survive. As a musician, it is amazing how much the body remembers about playing an instrument, even after years away. For Finrod this will probably be a gift in more ways than just to heal others. Thanks for another lovely chapter! Author Reply: Finrod's matured enough to handle whatever comes. I don't specify a specific amount of time in which he's resided in Lórien, but it's been quite some time and now he's as ready as he'll ever be to face the outside world again. I don't know if the first harp survived or not. Most likely not since Nargothrond was pretty much ransacked. And yes, body memory is deeper than we usually give it credit to be. And for Finrod, having a harp again is indeed a great gift. Thanks for commenting, Hawkeye. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 7/29/2014
Despite all his lost feelings, I don't think Finrod is quite as lost as he thinks. The idea that his family wouldn't want him is just too heartbreaking to contemplate, so I'm hoping that rejection is not in his future. I love how he realizes that he is meant to serve his people. Despite his immaturity at times, he still is a leader and I think he will be a great leader again. Even Lord Irmo and Lord Námo have hinted at that. I'm really curious too about some of these stories of Glorfindel and Finrod in Mandos ;) Author Reply: In spite of his ambivalence and fears, Finrod is really a great leader and as he matures he will prove how great he truly is. If you're interested in seeing what Finrod and Glorfindel were like while in Mandos, you can read one such incident in my short story, "DISORDER: Chaos Theory" which you will find in my short story collection "Fiondil's Tapestry". I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Thanks for the review. I appreciate it very much.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 7/29/2014
Everyone's dismissal of the experiences of the Reborn is both sad and maddening, especially in this chapter. I was afraid that Finrod was going to get really angry with Calamírë, though it was satisfying when Ingil told her off a little. It would probably do her good to learn Sindarin. I'm a bit curious as to why people like Calamírë are working with the Reborn at all. If they look down on them so much, it seems like a lot of heartache could be avoided if others did the re-teaching. I'm sure Lord Irmo has his reasons though :) At first I thought that Finrod might turn down the opportunity to talk about things, but it does him a lot of credit that he made the right decision. It seems like he and Eärnur are getting on better. This experience will only help things. Author Reply: The Reborn problem is carried over into "Elf, Interrupted" where it's explored more fully along with other things, such as the dismissal of Returnees by those who never left Aman. It's all part of the whole, as you can probably see. As I said in an earlier response to one of your reviews, the situation with the healers remains unresolved until we get to "Elf, Interrupted" where Finrod and Glorfindel are instrumental in bringing the situation to a boil and it has to be dealt with. Thanks for the review, Hawkeye. I appreciate it.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 7/29/2014
It's sad that Finrod has to deal with the fallout from the kinslaying. That may well be one of the most hurtful things in his new life, though I have a feeling it will not be the last. The insights into Finrod's participation in the Exile really help. Unfortunately, from the perspective of those who remained in Aman, he gets grouped along with everyone else. While sad, I think it's quite true to life. While he shouldn't have said what he did, I really respect Eärnur for his response to Finrod's retaliation. He's been a wonderful friend, and I hope that the two of them can work things through. While Eärnur's comments were hurtful, I think Finrod also has some maturing to do in this area. Hopefully Eärnur doesn't get into too much trouble with Lord Irmo either, though it doesn't seem like he's overly upset. The basket weaving was brilliant, even if Finrod is inordinately stubborn. I'm glad he's beginning to see he can enjoy things again. And I'm quite interested to see where things to with Lord Aulë. Author Reply: It's very sad, Hawkeye, but there you have it. And people are always being tarred with someone else's feathers, so this is no different. I'm sure the two will work out their differences and remain friends. Finrod isn't that capricious or vindictive. In "Elf, Interrupted" Finrod mentions learning to basketweave and so it had to be shown here. I thought it was a fun craft for a prince of Eldamar to learn. grin Thanks for taking the time to review. I appreciate it.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 7/29/2014
So there is more to Eärnur than meets the eye :) He may be an apprentice, but I sense a maturity, or perhaps a wisdom, about him that Míriel lacked. While he is young, at least he knows this. It must be hard for Finrod, with all his memories, to be having to always follow directions. As far as Eärnur is concerned, I think being with Finrod is a wonderful education for him. I think they will both learn a lot from each other. Another thing that I noticed in this chapter was Finrod's natural tendency to protect. He seems to be starting to look out at others around him, rather than being solely focused on his own world. Irmo's response was interesting in this respect too, especially when Finrod took things too far. At first I was thinking that Lady Vána was going to be the teacher. I suppose Finrod could look on the right side, as things could be worse... or would that be better? ;) Author Reply: Eärnur has depths to him that aren't immediately obvious. Irmo chose well in having him deal with Finrod. Finrod's protective tendencies arises from his kingship, whether he realizes this or not. He sees certain people, such as Eärnur and those who share his pavilion as under his protection, but like most adolescents, he does take things further than he should, so Irmo was right to call him on it. And it makes sense to have one of the Valië's Maiar act as a teacher. They are servants, after all, and that's what they were made for. Thanks for leaving a reviewin, Hawkeye. I appreciate it.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 7/29/2014
Very sneaky of Lord Aulë ;) I suspect he enjoyed both helping Finrod and making Irmo worried. Just a hunch though. At least the stable elves were nicer. Finrod seems to be coming into his own a bit more, especially with putting his foot down regarding what he's willing to put up with. I have to wonder though if there's a point where he doesn't get a choice in the matter. He still seems to be quite young in a lot of ways. Eärnur is going to be fun. Is it wrong to hope they find lots of trouble to get into? I am curious too about some of the differences between the Noldor and the Teleri. Aside from Calálcarë, it seems like a lot of the Noldor have been less... accepting?... than their other elven counterparts (Sindar, Teleri). Granted, I haven't read as much, but it was something I noticed and now I'm curious about. Anyway, thank you for another fun read. I'm really enjoying your story :) Author Reply: Lord Aulë is very sneaky. Finrod is beginning to be more assured about himself and what he wants and is seeking independence, which is a good thing. Eärnur becomes a good friend to Finrod as we will see later in the story and luckily isn't impressed by titles so he treats Finrod the way one would treat a friend or younger brother, I think. Thanks for reviewing. I very glad you're enjoying the story.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 7/29/2014
Interesting dynamic with the Lóriennildi and Míriel. It's hard to fathom a healer behaving the way Míriel did, but I know that it does happen. It's also sad for her too, because she's missing out on knowing a wonderful person (not that I'm biased :). I have to agree with Finrod on the art classes though. I mean, I love art, but classes are not my cup of tea either. Poor Finrod having to apologize, but I enjoyed seeing him try to act like a king a bit, even if unsuccessful. Malantur scared me too. I totally didn't see where that was headed, but really enjoyed the surprise. You have a wonderful way of writing. Thanks for sharing! Author Reply: Hi Hawkeye. The situation with the Lóriennildi does not get resolved until we get to "Elf, Interrupted", so you'll have to read that to see what Irmo does about the situation. A lot of the Reborn hate the art classes, but they are important as therapy. The whole situation with Malantur was pretty weird even as I was writing the scene, one that I'd "seen" in my imagination in a variety of scenarios and I decided I wanted to include it in this story. I'm glad you like my writing style. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 7/29/2014
As I read this chapter I kept wanting to give Finrod a hug, in the beginning because I really felt for him and at the end because he is just so amazing. I hope that Námo and Irmo are proud of him too. Finrod's maturity really surprised me, especially given the strangeness of the situation he was walking into. He is wise, I think, though he may not realize it yet. I'm really happy he has some new friends, and especially that they are Sindar elves. I'm not sure why that made me so happy, but it did :) Author Reply: Finrod deserves a hug for whatever reason. We see a hint of the king he once was. And he was always friends with the Sindar so it stands to reason he would have Sindarin friends here. I'm glad this fact made you happy. Thanks for leaving a review, Hawkeye. It's very much appreciated.

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