Larner
· 17 February 2008
· Chapter 138: The Reborn Archer's Tale
Non-canonical but still possible, as you've acknowledged. Marvelous surprise to all, and a moment of great joy for Olwe, who needs family about him, I think. And Veryandur insisting Vorondil attend is such a wonderful touch. I can see him now, pulling Vorondil toward the palace.
Author's reply
Yes, it's certainly not strictly canon but it really doesn't fly in the face of it since Tolkien gives us so little actualy description. I thought it would be fun to have him related to the royal Telerin family and the relationship will prove important in Book Two. Veryandur is such a cutie, isn't he? *grin*
Larner
· 17 February 2008
· Chapter 137: Recognition
A marvelous tribute to the love Beleg Cuthalion held for his friend among Men, to use that as his name. And I see Robin Hood had NOTHING on him! A most marvelous match! And a most marvelous return for the Elf as he finds himself not alone.
Author's reply
I sort of modeled the whole Turindil/Beleg subplot on the story of Robin Hood and the archery match at Nottingham where he goes in disguise. It was funny how many readers never caught on to who this ellon might actually be even with the name Turindil staring back at them. *grin*
Larner
· 17 February 2008
· Chapter 136: The Tournament Resumes
A most wonderful bout it was! Now, to see the last of the archery and the last bout.
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed this.
Larner
· 17 February 2008
· Chapter 135: A Brief Respite
It does appear that the oak tree has forgiven him. After all, he's now been through his judgment, and all debts are paid. Heh!
Author's reply
I'm sure the tree was happy to have any of the Firstborn sleeping in it's branches, even Finrod.
Larner
· 17 February 2008
· Chapter 134: Justice Is Not Healing
So, the healing begins, with justice that is beyond mere justice. And in the end it was not Finrod who ordered the punishments but the Valar. And the healing has its chance to come.
Now I fully appreciate why I was confused when first introduced to the young Vorondil who obviously hated the Reborn and kicked Glorfindel when he was down. And Glorfindel loves both the one not yet reborn and the nephew who perhaps ought to have been the son....
Author's reply
Vorondil's character started out very black and white and very disagreeable, but as time went on I began to see some of the hidden depths of his character and slowly, ever so slowly, the truth has come out. Justice is not healing but it is a start and hopefully Vorondil now has a chance for full healing. I'm sure Glorfindel will be the first to welcome the senior Vorondil once he's released.
Larner
· 17 February 2008
· Chapter 133: Vorondil On Trial
So, now we know--suicide by cop! Poor child.
Author's reply
Yes. Obviously the child wasn't in his right mind at the time.
Larner
· 17 February 2008
· Chapter 132: Confessions and Confrontations
Another interesting confrontation here. And a trick is in the offing?
Poor Vorondil and his father.
Author's reply
Vorondil and Aldundil both need much healing and hopefully they will obtain it, though it will not be easy or immediate.
Larner
· 17 February 2008
· Chapter 131: An Afternoon of Shame and Glory
Ah, laughter helps break tension--and hilarious that bracelets are mistaken for the windchimes! So glad he didn't hit Ingwe! And Vorondil now totally trusts Namo to offer comfort and reassurance. Poor child!
Author's reply
I'm sure Findis will be very embarrassed when she discovers she might have been the inadvertent cause of the High King's death. Vorondil is learning who truly to trust now and that will be important for him in the future.
Larner
· 17 February 2008
· Chapter 130: Turindil
Another to relearn how to live and remember. Liked the talk with Vana.
Author's reply
Turindil is a special case so the Valar are looking out for him.
Larner
· 17 February 2008
· Chapter 129: A Talk With Tulkas
It appears that Finrod has exaggerated ideas as to how omniscient and omnipotent the Valar ought to be, and now is having a bit of a reality check.
Author's reply
I'm sure he's not the only Elf in Aman (or Middle-earth) who thinks this way. At least he's offered the opportunity to have a reality check and therefoe mature in his relationship with the Valar even further.
Larner
· 16 February 2008
· Chapter 128: Disaster On Day Three
Someone needs to better understand death, I think. "Stupid enough to die"? If she only knew!
Author's reply
Calalindalë is beginning to show her true colors and we see why Vorondil is as screwed up as he is.
Larner
· 16 February 2008
· Chapter 127: Table Talk
Much as I have Aragorn washing dishes during his first visit to the Brandywine Bridge. Yes, this is proper humility.
Author's reply
I have this theme occur in some of my other stories. Those unwilling to get their hands dirty (or wet) are not worthy of following IMO.
Larner
· 16 February 2008
· Chapter 126: Interview With Elflings
Little plots--those of children indeed. Nice thought here.
Author's reply
Well children being children.... at least the adults around them sympathesize even as they nip the plots in the bud.
Larner
· 16 February 2008
· Chapter 125: Slings and Arrows
I am very proud of Haldir here. A most worthy one to follow Finrod. And the declarations of Ingwe and his queen are most illuminating.
Author's reply
Yes, Haldir is very worthy to follow Finrod. We all have reason to be proud of him.
Larner
· 15 February 2008
· Chapter 124: Day Two
Excellent resolution. Don't know if I'll be able to read more tonight, as I must get to work. Was supposed to switch to day shift, but that's not happening as yet after all. So, it's on night shift I stay for the moment, at least. We'll see how things go.
Author's reply
Well, whenever you get a chance to read and review some more... the story's not going anywhere and neither am I. *grin* And so far you have actually left a comment for every chapter you've read except one, the one entitled "Friends in High Places", so you're doing pretty well. *grin*
Larner
· 15 February 2008
· Chapter 123: Rumors Arrested
Now, to learn who's really behind it this time.
Melkor was a whiny but determined baby, you know? Too full of himself by half. And too good at bringing out the worst in those who listened to him and who continue to do so.
Author's reply
Interesting analysis of Melkor... and as Tolkien states, he so imbued himself into the fabric of Arda that all of Arda (even Aman) is his Ring. A really scary thought, that.
Larner
· 15 February 2008
· Chapter 122: Rumors Among the Eldar
Only Vorondil there to watch over them? And the injured Vanya is the one who seeks to disparage Glorfindel? I hope they don't find him only to lose the children!
Author's reply
Well, his parents are there to help, so it's not too bad. And there are all the other warriors around to keep an eye on things.
Larner
· 15 February 2008
· Chapter 121: Fateful Memories
PTSD amongst Elves--yes, it can strike about anyone. Glad they're keeping an eye on the rest of the Reborn as well.
Author's reply
A consequence of being Reborn and having memories make emotional connections that weren't there before.
Larner
· 15 February 2008
· Chapter 120: Interlude with Elflings
And the suspicions must be defeated, one Elf at a time.
Love that final image of Finrod followed by his chicks.
Author's reply
Love that final image of Finrod followed by his chicks.
I'm sure everyone in the encampment found it equally amusing.
Larner
· 15 February 2008
· Chapter 119: The First Round
Excellent match!
Author's reply
And it's only the first day, too. More to come.
Larner
· 15 February 2008
· Chapter 118: The Tournament Begins
Ah, but the Valar make a most colorful group! So--asphodel means daffodil, does it? I always loved the story of Narcissus and how he became one of the daffodil's smaller cousins.
Now, to see how the tournament played out.
(And Rhyselle has excellent taste.)
Author's reply
I'll tell Rhyselle you said so. *grin*
Larner
· 15 February 2008
· Chapter 117: All Elflings Great and Small
Interesting family dynamics here. Now, to see how the children turn out after their periods of service.
Author's reply
I'm sure the children will do well under the tutelage of Finrod and his father. They are in better hands than they or their parents know.
Larner
· 15 February 2008
· Chapter 116: The New Year's Ball
Ah, yes--a midsummer wedding will be nice, even if is twelve years away. At least they've agreed on that! And love the side bets. And poor Eonwe and his blessed books of vows! He IS kept busy, isn't he? Hehehehehe!
Author's reply
Finrod and Amarië both know he's not yet ready for marriage so this gives them both the time they really need, whethr Almáriel realizes it or not. And I'm sure Eönwë is wishing Atar had given him a different purpose in life right about now. *grin*
Tari
· 15 February 2008
· Chapter 34: A Lesson In Manners
What an ordeal for poor Glofindel. It was hideous. I always have a problem reading the Sil when I get to the part where Morgorth sends flames upon the Elves. I end up reading it with tears in my eyes. I hope the other elves learned a very important lesson.
A kiss from Glorfindel. Yummmmmmmmm. I love him being comfortable enough with the Vala to stick out his tongue. That was priceless.
Tari
Larner
· 15 February 2008
· Chapter 115: A Meeting With Parents
Yes, still another virtual elfling for all his chronological age. Nice audience here.
Author's reply
Glorfindel, I think, will always remain an elfling at heart, which is what makes him so adorable.
The audience, while difficult for all concerned, was necessary.