Larner
· 17 June 2007
· Chapter 4: On Sand of Pearls
True mercy is far more difficult to deal with than true justice. We can understand justice; but Mercy exists at a much deeper level, and must be coupled with understanding and empathy and a desire for joy that is beyond justice's reach.
A wonderful look at this process, and love seeing Finrod coming to more fully appreciate all he left behind when he would walk away from the mercy offered before.
Author's reply
Tough, isn't it! For the elves of Aman to realise that their lost ones won't return to them unless they can free themselves of the bitterness they believe themselves entitled to feel. And of course it will never be perfect - because a bunch of fallible people are striving to achieve something beyond their reach. But the striving is important.
Thank you, Larner. Sorry to be so bad about replying and reviewing just recently. There's just too much to do!
Nariel
· 17 June 2007
· Chapter 4: On Sand of Pearls
Thank you very much! I am glad to find it was long. I really do like to read long, WONDERFUL stories.
I especially enjoyed how you made Earwen strong and not a meek, obedient child. In many stories i have read, Earwen always usually in some way begs for forgiveness for the Kinslaying to her father.
Another thing that came as a suprise to me (a good one!) was that Olwe didn't sound very forgiving to his grandson. Now that has made this story unique from others. If you search the net for Finrod returns to Valinor stories, Bodkin , you will find that all of them always have Olwe automatically giving his forgiveness on the spot!
Terrific, stupendous story so far! Hope to see the story finished!
Namarie!
Author's reply
Thank you, Nariel. I'm afraid prodding won't elicit the next chapter because it's only part-written - and I'm drowning in paperwork at the moment. Glug, glug, glug. But soon, hopefully, I'll manage to clear the backlog a bit and manage to get some more writing done.
I reckon Olwe has come to terms with events - if only because he has had to - but this is a political move as much as a personal one and there is more at stake than simply his forgiveness of his grandson (who didn't, after all, kill anyone). Finrod would need, I think, to earn the trust of his mother's kin - and I imagine he is prepared to work for it.
I'm glad you're enjoying the story, Nariel, and will try to move the writing on a bit more quickly.
How have I missed this before? This is very good. I'm coming to truly like Finrod. Thank you for adding to filling out the character. Every story adds a little more, and this one is really well done.
NiRi
Author's reply
Thank you, Nieriel Raina! I'm pleased you enjoyed it. Finrod is a rather splendid elf - and one whose returned is actually a matter of record! I enjoy reading - and writing - about him.
daw the minstrel
· 17 June 2007
· Chapter 4: On Sand of Pearls
I like what you show of Finrod's wisdom and restored innocence, stemming from his time in the Halls of Waiting. It's like he's learned to weigh his own actions and be a better person.
The factionalism and much-hoarded resentment you show is really interesting. It does seem as if sometimes people can't let go of old hatreds, like they've become part of who the people are.
Author's reply
Finrod was, I think, a pretty good bloke all along - but his time in the Halls must have refined him as well as restoring his innocence. And one of the things that seems to me part of being reborn is the acceptance of responsibility - for actions both past and future.
Elves are complex, long-lived, contentious people - I cannot imagine the Blessed Realm being a place of placid contentment. And perfect memory would be a prime ingredient for perpetual resentment and the fuelling of old hatreds. Not in everyone, of course. But enough to make it hard for elves to return from Namo's care.
Thank you, daw. Sorry about the slow response.
Nariel
· 17 June 2007
· Chapter 3: Out of the Timeless Halls
I really enjoyed the chapters you've written so far. Will you PLEASE, Por favor, write more chapters.
I've seen so many good stories turn bad because they are/were 'Work in Progresses.' In other words will you please continue the story and hopefully finish it?
Author's reply
I've been sidetracked! Apologies. I do have another chapter done, but the one after that has slowed down terribly. Still - I should have rather more time shortly and perhaps get back to a better schedule.
But, since you're interested, I'll post the next chapter now.
Fiondil
· 16 May 2007
· Chapter 3: Out of the Timeless Halls
Hi Bodkin,
Finally got around to reading what you've written of this story to date. You are obviously taking a much more serious look at the problems of the Reborn than I have. *grin* I think my "Elf Interrupted" is something like a Galliard to your Pavane. *lol* You have treated Amarië far kinder than I did, but your portrayals of Finarfin and Finrod are very close to my heart, for that is how I see them. Of course, I did not explore what Finrod experienced once he left Mandos, only describing the effect of his return on others, especially on his family. So this is a nice look at what our favorite First-Age elf was experiencing while our favorite Balrog-slayer was still languishing in Mandos.
Indis is proving to be an intriguing character and I look forward to seeing how she handles her new-found duties as "mother superior" of the (dare I say it?) "Lóriennildi" who will be charged with caring for the Reborn.
I look forward to reading more about Finrod's integration into Amanian society and the plight of the Reborn. I also hope that we will see more of the Valar, especially Námo, Manwë and Irmo, as they struggle to come to a solution to this problem that will actually work.
Author's reply
Umm, not that serious! This story is developing very slowly - I seem to have been distracted of late. Amarie started as the central focus, so I would be kinder to her - but now I'm having to remind myself to return to her ... I don't think Glorfindel will be turning up here at all - there seems to be enough going on without introducing that scene stealer!!
Indis would make a good person to guide towards working on business end of arranging the care of those who have begun to return - after all, she's not going to get Finwe back, so a task that will give her purpose is definitely needed.
I don't think the Valar are going to make that much of an appearance - they turn up very occasionally in my tales of the Blessed Realm, but I prefer them to keep their mystique!
Thank you, Fiondil - I'm sorry to be so long replying.
French Pony
· 24 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Out of the Timeless Halls
Why am I not surprised that Namo has an overcrowding problem . . . ?
There's something very human about the Valar, having seen one fairly successful re-integration, deciding to spring dozens of dead Elves at once, leaving Indis and her loyal gang to pick up the pieces. Especially since Finrod's rehabilitation is only working because Finarfin is taking things slowly and parentally, and this whole industrial-strength approach the Valar seem to be planning is flying in the face of that success.
Author's reply
Good thing fear don't take up much room, or Namo wouldn't be able to turn round!
The thing is ... well, sort of ... that, if it takes loving family and time for elves to return, then there are lots of elves that never will - since their kin are either in Mandos with them, or east of the Sundering Sea. There has to be an alternative - and Indis's gang is intended to take up the slack. I think Namo will start by releasing a trickle of the returned. Probably those who are more straightforward cases and then build on that.
And, while I would hope that the Valar would bear in mind the reaction of those who will be receiving the returned into the society of Aman, sooner or later they will be releasing someone controversial. They all have to know that everyone will cope.
Redheredh
· 15 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Out of the Timeless Halls
I wondered from the end of the last chapter just what Finarfin and his son were going to discover in order for Finrod to recover! The answer was very intriguing! The returnee is not the only one who needs to be ready to leave Mandos. Those who would receive the reborn have to be ready as well. Brilliant idea about who actually chooses when a fea may return to life. Just like with the first time being born, the second time take not one but two. And your examples also follow the parent-child relationship as well. ;)
It is almost a catch-22 of circumstance. Especially when forgiveness is involved.
The ladies' conference in the garden was interesting enough, but your description of the air and plants in the garden participating in their own way set a very elfy scene. Loved it.
"Finrod might walk beside his atar under the trees..." Ha! I am so happy you got that in!
I also loved Ingwe's advice to Indis. ;) Delegate! Now, that is the best skill of a true leader! Ask for help! His advise is even better than the Valar's. Patience! Do not try to do it all at once. The wise see the long view.
Well, like Finarfin, I cannot wait to become better acquainted with their new friend with whom they have so much in common. You indicated in last chapter's replies that there were other returnees before Finrod. I for one am interested how these reborn flew so far under the radar. I get the impression that the coppersmith and his wife 'got the message' to go more west in order to greet their son. The king is right to wonder at the event, but being treated differently?
So, looks like Finarfin has realized the same as Este and the ladies. Something has to be done or society will break.
I am very glad to see you back on this story!
Author's reply
Well - Finarfin and Earwen also received a 'message' to go and greet their son. They are just much higher profile. I think those who returned before him are probably those who were very innocent in their lives and unfortunate in their deaths. Not probably Exiles, battle victims, the tortured, the guilty. And, of course, those with people to greet them, to love them, to lead them patiently through the period of adjustment.
And wouldn't it be frustrating for Namo to have all these fear ready to be released to start their lives again, and feel that he couldn't do it because they would not be welcomed and nurtured as they should be! Finrod would be an excellent test case - one whose kin could actually do something about it all!
Mind you, any time you start a bureaucracy, you're setting up a rod for your own back! But Ingwe, if anyone, should have some pretty good ideas about how to do it while still giving yourself enough time to breathe. And something does have to be done. I would think that, in an immortal society, you would have to crack up the pack ice every now and then and let the icebergs move around a bit - or you would stand in danger of massive trouble in the end!
I am working on this - but it's going tediously slowly. Sorry to be so long replying. Brain on hold.
Larner
· 15 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Out of the Timeless Halls
And so returned comes to know returned. How wonderful, and how frightening as all find themselves needing to sound the depths of the means of returning? At least both sides know they are not alone, and are ready to talk and share experiences....
And the time comes for the Lost to come forth, slowly, tentatively at first, until more surety comes to all.
How wonderful!
Author's reply
I think it will help Finrod to know that he is not the only returned elf, even if he has, as yet, little former-life experience in common with the returned. Of course, the post-first-life experience is special to all of them! (Although probably Finrod had more for which to atone than most of those who have come back to their family's care.)
It can't be easy to establish a state of mind among those in Aman that will induce Namo to widen the crack in the doors of his halls - slow moves, lots of talking and much education probably. But, if there is one thing that elves have in plenty, it is time.
perelleth
· 15 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Out of the Timeless Halls
Of course you know that I almost cheeered at Finarfin's explanation of his return! :-)
I was missing this tale of slow and careful healing. I like it how a single event, an exile returning from Mandos has such rippling effect in whole Amamn, or at least in the way the King and his family saw their own lives.
Indis and Elenwe, Nerdanel's pain, the Teleri still mourning those who would not be returned... The fact that perhaps their return depended on their familiy and friends being ready made me think. Very apt I believe.
But much as I love FInrod's character, it is FInarfin who is shining so birghtly through this wonderful. Glad that it still has your attention.
Author's reply
I think it's easy to overlook Finarfin - and perhaps to think that giving in and returning showed weakness. But the more you think about it, his action showed a tremendous courage - the sort of courage that admits to being wrong and stepping away from those you love who are refusing to see that. And the Aman to which he returned - my goodness, he was dedicating himself to a pretty difficult task.
It's more than the returner who needs to mend, I think. Mostly it's on a much smaller scale, but, Finrod being Finrod, his return would affect Vanyar, Teleri and Noldor.
Maybe Finarfin is better placed than most to understand that those who dwell in Aman still need healing to be ready to accept those released by Namo....
This is going to be a slow production, unfortunately. It's moving, but not throwing itself at me! It will probably end up far too contemplative and dull!
Beruthiels Cat
· 14 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Out of the Timeless Halls
I'm so glad you posted this, Bodkin! I've been intrigued by the idea ever since you told me you were writing it... Excellent!!!! I love the way you've portrayed the elves, (with the amazing depth we've come to expect from you!)and have given so much attention to the relationships between Finrod and those he left behind. The appearance of other reborn is a nice twist-am I correct in assuming that Finrod only *thought* he was the first one?
BC
Author's reply
Yes, I think the Valar might have been wrestling with the problem of returning elves for a long time. After all, elves had been arriving in Namo's halls since Cuivienen and he must have been working on what to do with healed fear. While the elf-twisted-to-orc problem has been intriguing me for a long time! And the possibility of their rebirth in Aman. (I liked seeing that element come up in your story!)
This is developing quite slowly - there's another chapter and a bit sort-of written, but it's not flowing as freely as some other things. I'm glad you liked this, though. Sorry to be so long responding, but my brain has been elsewhere!
daw the minstrel
· 14 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Out of the Timeless Halls
You're pondering tough questions here, Bodkin. I wonder if Tolkien had this all worked out or just did the first pass and was content to let other people worry about it. After all, he had this huge sweep of history, language, philosophy, religion, and culture he was trying to work out. There must have been some contraints of time!
Author's reply
I think it's one of the things I really like about Middle-earth - there are so many areas that spark complex thoughts. Signposted, but not explained. For example, on a more frivolous level - teeth. Now, how could the immortal elves survive with a mere two sets? Surely after a century or two their adult set would have been worn out! Cavities might not have been too much of a problem - they had a fairly healthy diet - but surely warriors would have lost teeth when fighting ... and dentally-challenged elves are hard to imagine. So, I conclude triumphantly, like sharks, they must replace missing or damaged teeth by growing more. End of entirely disconnected reply.
Imhiriel
· 12 January 2007
· Chapter 2: Wonder and Disquiet
As ever, your prose is exquisite and your characterisations and their interactions so very moving.
What a fascinating idea to use the rebirth of Finrod to explore how the Valar and the Elves of Aman learned how to deal with others that should follow! The idea of some system or other being in place for this issue is something found frequently in fanfiction, but I don't think I have ever read the beginning, or how the Valar themselves might be challenged to come up with the right way.
That Finrod would be the first strikes me as so very fitting for his exploring, curious mind; and having Indis in charge of developing a procedure seems like a good idea. I admit, at first I thought like she did that it was merely to give her something to do, but Estë's arguments convinced me that it was more than that, that it might indeed be good for her, and "having a purpose" is indeed something more positive than just "having something to while away the time".
I loved the discussion about Celeborn - it meshed so well with my own thoughts of how Finarfin (and Finrod) would see him, I had to chuckle...
Author's reply
Thank you. I've kind of stalled on this, sadly, as I'm enjoying reading, but don't want to be too influenced by, Fiondil's Elf Interrupted! But I know more or less how I want the rebirth side of it all to go and have written chunks of another couple of chapters - but it's just taking me a while to get further.
I think the Valar might have imagined that recovering a body would be quite straightforward - until they tried it on a few elves and discovered that although shrugging a hroa on and off was quite natural to them, it was all rather more traumatic for elves. As for who returned first - as far as I know the Silmarillion talks of Finrod's and doesn't specify anybody else! In some ways I relate return to trauma and guilt and responsibility - and, to a degree, an elf's view of guilt rather than culpability. Finrod just seems an ideal candidate - open, curious, generous - one who was killed for another.
I love Celeborn - a very brave elf! - who married into a very ... powerful family. (Came from one, too ... which is, I imagine how he managed to cope with it with such grace!)
The story is building. Slowly, but it is continuing to grow!
Larner
· 5 December 2006
· Chapter 2: Wonder and Disquiet
The first to return, the first to test the boundaries of his renewed body and understanding of what he'd been through before.
The mist-grey robes were a wonder and delight to me, seeing I also imagine the healing Frodo to wear such things. Both had to relearn how to live, and how to express their love once more.
Yes, the purity of his returned spirit would shine out, I'm certain.
So glad you have at last updated.
Author's reply
I think it would be difficult to put fea and hroa back together - and the sensation of the body must be almost incapacitating at first. Especially when combined with the presence of the one he loves!
So many shades of grey - and textures - (all very multi-sensory really). I wouldn't be surprised to find that they were chosen because greys are gentle and calming to those who are very aware of colour ...
This story isn't progressing terribly fast, I'm afraid. But it is progressing!
Thank you - I'm glad you liked it.
perelleth
· 5 December 2006
· Chapter 2: Wonder and Disquiet
Yay! for Estë! I loved that detail, weaving threads together! ;-)
It seems that time for meditation suited Finrod well, he's almost himself, and now he's for a long walk under the trees, some male bonding with his father, surely they have several things thuy need to settle betwen them.
I liked very much that detail of poor Amárië breaking down in the end at seeing him walk away again. It rang very true. It is good to have this tale back! ;-)
Author's reply
I enjoyed the thought of Este weaving the threads together. (Someone has to know what's going on ... in a way ...) Finrod has moments, I think, of drifting beyond the world round him. He loves the world too much to be content in endless meditation, though - and the stirrings of his feelings for Amarie are bound to anchor him in something rather more earthy.
I suspect - well, I know - that Finarfin and Finrod are going to be talking about rather a lot of uncomfortable First Age topics. They haven't had a chance to reconcile after their last parting - and it's bound to come up - and then Finrod of Nargothrond isn't exactly the son who left to follow his uncle across the Helcaraxe.
But I think it must hurt Amarie terribly to see Finrod walk away. At least until it has happened often enough for her to know that he will come back.
Hopefully the next chapter will proceed a little more swiftly. But no guarantees, I'm afraid!
Redheredh
· 4 December 2006
· Chapter 2: Wonder and Disquiet
Of course, you know that the thing I must remark upon first is Este's annunciation of Indis' mission. Very nice marking a starting place for the future care of all those - with family and without - waiting in Mandos. The thought that the Valar cannot quite understand enough to handle it themselves sounds so reasonable the way you explain it. And you show why, not only with Finrod but with Finarfin etc, time is needed to come back to life. The way an elf must reintegrate both hroa and fea and face the past before going on to his future.
Cool using the greatly deserving Finrod as the first returnee. Although, you have waited until after the War where I loose the first returnee before that. Who could be a better example and promise for other eldar hoping to see their loved ones again? Or reconciling to that unlikely-hood, considering past acts.
Ah, romance! I am so grateful you convince us to enjoy seeing Amarie and Finrod together rather than get all angsty over their reunion.
And you still take time for a gratuitous reference to Celeborn! :) It is my opinion that Finarfin tried his absolute darnest to get Galadriel to sail home. Perhaps, even indulging in a little deception to accomplish that. I like the ambiguity you lend to her staying behind until her role was played out. Just like Tolkien.
Lastly, the need for forgiveness and penance for one's mistakes. I really like your examination of that in regards to Finrod's personality. He is a good and responsible prince; someone who would want to set things right between himself and those who trusted his decisions.
A creative and educative chapter. And if this is to help set up what comes next, your readers are ready for it. So, please bring it!
Author's reply
Indis seemed just such a good person to take up this kind of mission (quest ... thingy) - since Finwe will doubtless remain with Feanor until the end of time. (Pointlessly, too. I don't think Feanor has any idea how disruptive he is to the rest of his family. Even in death. And then there's Miriel ... Poor Indis.) I do think returning to life must be harder than first thought would have it.
Logic suggests that the first returnees must have predated Finrod - elves were being lost right from the start - but Finrod's return is sort of stressed. And it is convenient! Then there's why some come back and others don't and what holds some back ... Finrod's sacrifice - in the interests of the Big Plan for Beren and Luthien - might well make him a good candidate. But it will be hard beyond the shelter of the Gardens. Not everybody will be glad to see the return of an Exile - one associated with the Kinslayers, if not one himself.
Finarfin would have wanted his daughter to come home. His last living child - how could he not? But I think he would have recognised the bond between her and Celeborn ... and accepted the inevitable rather than parting from her in anger.
H'mm - the next chapter. This is, I am afraid, moving rather slowly. Too much work at the moment and the story isn't being that demanding. Anything to stir the desire to write on welcomed!
Inglor
· 4 December 2006
· Chapter 2: Wonder and Disquiet
wow...
One (amoung many) thing that I enjoy about this is your description of Finrod's reactions. ("Bathing in her laughter" is a line I hope you don't mind if I use one day). Your descriptions are so precise, I feel them myself.
And all the subtle and not so subtle hints about what is to come.
Sometimes I forget this is fanfic.
Wow. That sums it up nicely.
Author's reply
Thank you so much - sorry to be so long in responding! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and I'm very flattered that you sometimes forget it's fanfic. But I might need to go back and check what I've been hinting - I've had so much on the last few weeks that I've sort of lost track!
Feel free to use whatever you want! It's one of the joys of playing in the same world.
French Pony
· 3 December 2006
· Chapter 2: Wonder and Disquiet
I like the idea that everyone is making it up as they go along. If Finrod has to learn how to deal with sensation in an adult body with an adult consciousness for the first time, no one else seems to have much more of a clue. Even the Valar, which is the most interesting part of all. I've always suspected that the Valar lacked a certain creativity that would allow them to deal with the situations that Men and Elves came up with, which makes for a wild and occasionally frightening ride when you realize that, occasionlly, no one is really in charge in Arda.
Author's reply
The Valar are good at the big picture ... maybe ... but I think they might find it much harder to deal with smaller things - like individuals, and emotions, and ... and things they can't control. Bemused, perhaps. Well-meaning, though. A bit like parents suddenly presented with gigatuplets.
It does sound as if Finrod might have been their first cautious attempt to reunite fea and hroa - and I suspect they would have been learning as they go. And probably making up the rules according to his response - which would, of course, have created amazing difficulties when their next trial proved to be entirely different. I think Finrod might have vacillated a bit between mature responses and occasional reversion to extreme youth.
He might well find that getting away from too much careful inspection will do him a power of good. I hope so, anyway!
daw the minstrel
· 3 December 2006
· Chapter 2: Wonder and Disquiet
Adjusting to a body, learning what he missed, all kinds of things to do. I was interested in his satisfaction in being with his father, a masculine presence, which seems necessary to bring him to manhood again. Lovely details, as always, Bodkin. They ground even the most abstract discussions.
Author's reply
It must be tough to return to life - you must be part-way between being a child in a world that's slightly beyond your grasp and an adult trying to keep your head above rising water. Finrod needs his father, I think. And Finarfin needs Finrod. I think between them they might hammer out some solutions - in a very masculine, grunted, non-verbal kind of way. It's surprising - to me! - how they start by admiring the light on the leaves and end up by talking about Alqualonde. Or feeling somewhat sensual and conversing about why some return and others choose not to. The whole story got somewhat sidetracked by the desire to write about Boromir. And then Isildur. But Finrod is patient - and he was in Amarie's arms at the time, so he didn't object to the delay!
perelleth
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 1: Trust Unbroken
Good to see Finrod back again! As always I like the the atemporal feeling, and the way you choose to develop the story through short scenes. Amarië comes out as a delightful and resilient character. It is interesting to think that bounded couples would be able to feel each other across the sea...if even half bonded ones could. Although I am not sure whether it would make it better or worse...
When you are ready, everyone will know. You will sweep us all along in your wake, my lord, and have us all doing your will. Now that's a good description of him, I think. At least I like it very much!
Author's reply
I think - sort of - that returning to Irmo's gardens must have had a very timeless feel to it. Maybe of everything happening at the same time on different planes. Time must seem different, too, in the BR - where there is so much of it and so few things are affected by it. Amarie is soft and gentle but she has an endurance about her - Finrod would, I think, have refused to take her with him. I think he is protective ... but, at the same time, he consented to Artanis coming along. Different sort of elleth. Maybe, too, there might have been elements of foresight there and fate involved.
Finrod and Amarie were not physically bonded, but I think they were emotionally - and maybe the bond would have been enough for them to touch on the dream path. Enough for Amarie to know when it was sundered. I think it would be worse in a way than being completely separated - offering hope and despair and never allowing wounds to heal properly ...
Curious, enthusiastic, honourable, honest, loving, generous - I think Finrod contained many of the best qualities of the elves. Charismatic, too. And convincing. Amarie knows him and accepts him as he is - probably exactly what he needs right now.
meckinock
· 2 October 2006
· Chapter 1: Trust Unbroken
Whoa, Bodkin - what a powerful symphony of images and sensations you execute. From heartfelt, gentle caresses to this -
And searing into her was the echo of pain, pain indescribable, pain that clawed and chewed and ripped, stealing blood and breath and rending… A sound like a dog tearing its prey apart, hot breath on cold skin, the shredding of muscle, the wrenching of bone from bone and the stench of spilled blood and worse…
A phantom touch, a ghostly breeze brushed against her cheek, a sensation of sorrow, of apology – and he was gone.
Yowza. That has got to be one of the most gut-wrenching passages I've ever read. But with such a heartwarming reunion to follow, I suppose it was worth it for them in the end. What a beautifully written story.
Author's reply
When I was reading back over Finroddy parts of the Sil, I couldn't help focusing on his death and thinking how absolutely horrific it was. And how nice Finrod was in comparison to the sons of Feanor. (Especially the C-sons.)
Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Inglor
· 2 October 2006
· Chapter 1: Trust Unbroken
Being a devourer of all things Finrod, opening my email and seeing this in my box was like finding the Daisy Red Rider BB gun on Christmas morning.
As much as I have liked the glimpses of Finrod in your other stories, I am now hooked by Amarie. Though I'm not surprised, you do have a knack for writing female characters that have a subtle gravity that a reader can't escape. All your female characters are admirable.
Simply can not wait for more of this and will do anything to feed the muse.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked it! And I do like building up female characters to be more than wallpaper. Amarie is (I think) part of what makes Finrod such an admirable character. As are Earwen and Indis! (And the absence of Miriel is possibly a large element of what made Feanor such an unbalanced elf.)
You are feeding the muse! (Although said muse isn't all that hungry at the moment - or rather, I've been rather too busy to spend as much time as I would like encouraging it!) There will be more. Soon-ish.
Redheredh
· 2 October 2006
· Chapter 1: Trust Unbroken
Just like with Arwen's story, I think you are going to reveal something about Amarie that was never understood or hitherto unknowable. What more can I say? I love your writing and your insight into the nature of elves.
Amarie's connection is a miraculous thing when one thinks about it. How events around Finrod's death *seemed* to proceed, I will chalk up to her *very* distant connection with him... Her seeking out Indis was a brilliant note nicely echoed in Finrod seeking out her.
Finrod's return was really well done. Not just the myriad discussions, but how Finarfin and Earwen were summoned and their anxious reactions. His worry that his mother was following in Miriel's footsteps was another brilliant note - that illumnated the next paragraph about how two "could endure what would have broken one alone". Personal hurts had not overwhelmed any of them, but were not forgotten as if they had never happened either.
I found Finfarfin's worried questions about being reborn very interesting and familiar. ;)
But, Finrod and Amarie's reunion was so utterly romatic - and I mean that in the absolute best sense of the word. It was thrilling and touching and sweet and real. As real as elves should and can be real. Amarie's gentle feminine humility is endearing. Exactly what would have made Finrod love her and leave her safely behind when he went into the known dangers of Endor.
He's gonna make up for that good, I hope.
Author's reply
I think Finrod will do his best to make up for his dereliction! But Amarie will not try to make him change - I think she is too aware of how his need to wander and his honesty and his frank curiosity about the world are qualities that make Finrod who he is. And she likes him how he is!
A connection - however tenuous - is such a useful thing! Amarie and Finrod are committed to each other, I think, even without the formality of bonding - and it doesn't seem impossible that their dream paths should inter-connect to a degree, while intense experiences could perhaps leave an echo in the other. I do think she would seek Indis - while Anaire, probably, as a wife and mother, would perhaps have someone who would seek comfort from her rather than the other way round... Rambling. Not the time to think of other abandoned ellyth.
There are times when elven memory cannot be a blessing - Finarfin must have been emotionally strong to support the cares that piled on him, and that suggests strong bonds with those left. Earwen, certainly - but I think Indis must have been a good mother. And that her son's need probably held her more firmly to life than he realised.
And musing on death and rebirth and new lives and past experiences. Well - yes! Am I getting repetitive?
Author Reply: I think Finrod will do his best to make up for his dereliction! But Amarie will not try to make him change - I think she is too aware of how his need to wander and his honesty and his frank curiosity about the world are qualities that make Finrod who he is. And she likes him how he is!
A connection - however tenuous - is such a useful thing! Amarie and Finrod are committed to each other, I think, even without the formality of bonding - and it doesn't seem impossible that their dream paths should inter-connect to a degree, while intense experiences could perhaps leave an echo in the other. I do think she would seek Indis - while Anaire, probably, as a wife and mother, would perhaps have someone who would seek comfort from her rather than the other way round... Rambling. Not the time to think of other abandoned ellyth.
There are times when elven memory cannot be a blessing - Finarfin must have been emotionally strong to support the cares that piled on him, and that suggests strong bonds with those left. Earwen, certainly - but I think Indis must have been a good mother. And that her son's need probably held her more firmly to life than he realised.
And musing on death and rebirth and new lives and past experiences. Well - yes! Am I getting repetitive?
Author Reply: Clearly I am getting repetitive.
It pretended it hadn't posted the answer. And then it did it twice!
Kitty
· 2 October 2006
· Chapter 1: Trust Unbroken
Nice to have a story about this part of the family for a change. It will be interesting to watch Finrod readjusting to his old life in Valinor and dealing with what little of his family remains, how he is able to cope with his experiences in Middle-earth.
How sad that Finwe chose his first family in spite of all their faults instead of the second, who deserved his love and care much more. It is difficult to understand.
I am glad Amarie was there for Finrod. Even more than his parents, he needs her to adjust to nis new life, I believe, and am glad she is there for him.
Author's reply
Thank you, Kitty. Sometimes it is those who appear neediest who attract the attention. I suspect Feanor was always expert at pressing all the buttons that made Finwe feel guilty. And Feanor's mother can't have been the most rational of ellyth - refusing to live despite all the encouragement she received does make you wonder a bit about the genes she passed on to her son. Indis, on the other hand, probably remained strong and coped with all that was thrown at her - and Finwe decided she was more than capable of supporting his other two sons through their trials. (Not the first male to be short-sighted in that way!)
It won't be an easy adjustment for Finrod, I think. Especially as it sounds as if he is fairly experimental. Those in charge of the service will get better with practice. Very good thing Amarie is there - Finrod needs someone who has faith in him as an adult and doesn't want to cosset him. (Well, not in the same way, anyway.)
French Pony
· 1 October 2006
· Chapter 1: Trust Unbroken
Fascinating beginning. Love, death, rebirth, second chances. . . there is so much to explore and think about, but perhaps too much for me to contemplate today, what with the funeral and Yom Kippur beginning tonight. But I will definitely be following this.
Author's reply
Thank you, FP. The second chance thing is perhaps one of the attractions of the idea of elves returning to their kin. Although it is also a very great complication - it cannot be easy to be returned to the home of your innocence when you contain the memory of so much else. Bringing together all the experience within your head and blending yourself back to wholeness - hard. Very hard.