Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux by Fiondil
vampfan30 · 25 March 2007 · Chapter 61: Family Ties
Yay, Sador has found some family. That's great news for him, he was so lonely without a blood tie. Can't wait to see what is going on with Glory.....
Author's reply
Yes, Sador has a great "family" but it's still not the same thing as having real family with whom you can relate, so it's good to see that someone he knows and loves is really his family.
shidghedancer · 25 March 2007 · Chapter 61: Family Ties
Hi Fiondil, I have been reading your elf intrerupted series. I wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed your work. It is very well writen and you have a wonderful way of drawing the reader in. I can't wait to see what happens next. Finrod is going to be so mad when they find Glorfindel's kidnppers. Keep up the wonderful story I'm ready for the next postings. Nancy
Author's reply
Hi Nancy, thanks for taking the time to let me know how much you've been enjoying this story and thank you for your wonderful compliment. I appreciate it very much. And as for Finrod: he's going to be very mad indeed. *grin*
Rhyselle · 25 March 2007 · Chapter 60: Sador on Tol Eressëa
Oh it is so good to see Sador again. :) His reaction to the sights of Tol Eressëa was so amusing, and it was good to see how relaxed he was with Netilmirë, not panicking about her comment about him making her dizzy, as he might have done back when he first became her apprentice. It is too easy to forget that he is still very young in experience even when one considers both of his lives. We are reminded of that when he receives the gift from Atar Arafinwë. Both the note and the stuffed toy were so sweet, and I thought it lovely that Arafinwë bothered to write the note in the language and mode that Sador would have used in his first life. It was sad to see that the Guild Masters and the ordinary people of Tol Eressëa hold the same kind of prejudice against the Amaneldi as the Amaneldi hold against the Sindar and Exiled Noldor and the Nandor. I was thinking about the size of the island, and when all is said and done it is a large place and ought to be able to hold a lot of Eldar--but there is the issue of how many it can safely sustain, and the fact that various of those coming from Middle-earth want to live in particular environments which, if available on the isle, are limited in size and scope, and therefore not able to absorb all who would want to live there. I'm certain that the Valar are not intending that Tol Eressëa become a ghetto of the Eldar from Middle Earth, Sindar, Noldor, or Nandor. But so far, we do not know what they intend to arrange. This separation oNetilmirëf Eldar from Eldar is a sad thing, and I truly hope that by the time Glorfindel, Finrod and Sador do what they are intended to do Aman will be a unified place. His letter "home to atar" was very well done. His observations about the attitudes of the Sindar and Exiled Noldor and Nandor were sharp, and I thought that his being sad about the way the Noldor there are haunted by guilt was very generous. These people need healing, and in some ways I think the Reborn are better off then the returned exiles because the Reborn have been forgiven and no longer experience the guilt of their former actions. And yet, even the Reborn do not feel the joy in life that they were intended to feel because they have a sense of inferiority to those who lived. As he said, it is very heartbreaking. The description of the meetings that were frustrating Netilmirë and the other guild representatives from Aman made me feel frustrated on their behalf. Taking Sador in was a good idea, but obviously the Tol Eressëa guild people are just to determined to hate anything of Aman, they still won't listen. *sigh* And I didn't see that Sador lied. He chose his words carefully, and if the listeners heard something other than what he actually told them, that's their problem. *Grin* [quote]"I was a potter long before I was a warrior, mistress. The destruction of Doriath forced me to put aside the potter and become the warrior."[end quote] and [quote]"Now that I have been Reborn," he continued, "I can once again take up the potter’s wheel rather than the sword, but I will not forget what these braids cost me, and so I continue to wear them. [end quote] Everything he said is true. :)
Author's reply
I'm glad you're glad to see Sador again. Everyone else keeps whining about Glorfindel (Background chorus: "We NEVER whine!") *grin*. Sador is, of course, extremely young, having only been 18 years past his majority when he was killed, and now, as a Reborn he has to start all over again, at least on an emotional level, which just makes him younger than his chronological age would indicate. Still, he is maturing rapidly and his observations about the situation on Tol Eressëa and his conduct during the meeting with the guild masters shows this very well, I think. Having had less "baggage" to deal with from his first life, Sador is able to embrace his new life more completely than someone like Glorfindel or Finrod, both of whom also have to deal with their lives "Before the Darkening" and "After the Darkening" and the consequences of their decisions to follow Fëanor to Middle-earth, whatever their personal motivations for doing so might have been. Sador doesn't have all of that to deal with. And you're right, he didn't lie... he just didn't tell them the whole truth. *grin* Not that they deserved it anyway.
Calenlass Greenleaf · 25 March 2007 · Chapter 61: Family Ties
Sador's reunited with some of his kin. That's good. I liked it him. More, please. *grin* I know, I know. Patience is a virtue.
Author's reply
I'm glad you like Sador and am happy he is finally reunited with some of his kin. I'm sure many readers feel the same way. And yes... patience is a virtue, but I never liked it myself, so I know how you feel. *grin*
Rhyselle · 25 March 2007 · Chapter 59: Storm Clouds Gathering
I love how Finrod handled Mithlas' asking about Glassiel in Mandos, and how he told the Sinda that it was wise of Glassiel to have forbidden Mithlas to follow her. "Because otherwise you and I could not have become friends, and I value our friendship very much." Oh, I wish that I could be among those that Finrod counts as friends. Not because he is a King, or an apprentice to Lords Irmo and Namo, but because he is such a wonderful person. I know it sounds silly to say that about a fictional character, but to have a friend like him--well, one would never go through life feeling unloved and lonely. :) I was so pleased to see Laurendil express his hope to be Lord Irmo's apprentice. Seeing him come to be at peace with his destiny is a wonderful thing. And he, too, is learning that he does not have to give up who he is in order to become what Eru intended him to be. Could you remind me what vorondonya means? You don't give the translation at the end of the chapter. I don't remember it specifically, although I assume that the 'vorond' part refers to faithfullness. 'Faithful friend'? The whole issue of Finrod coming to grips with being an oath giver was utterly fascinating. Most of us end up being in positions of authority after being in subordinate positions and have the opposite problem to deal with. The change from oathkeeper/oathgiver to lover/beloved was so poignant, and it made the whole thing so much easier to understand from an emotional perspective. The revelation that Námos phrase 'best beloved' had a deeper meaning was lovely too. :) And then comes the 'nightmares'. Obviously the first wake up was when Glorfindel's feä ran away to Lorien when he was in Námo's mansion right before they celebrated his begetting day. I'm assuming the second time was when Glorfindel was attacked and abducted. I like how the Valar never lie--but use their words carefully. If the Eldar choose to interpret them differently than they are actually meant... well... *grin* I like the mental image of Laurendil and Finrod bent over a draughts board, and Eärnur and Mithlas having the language lesson speaking each other's birth tongue. I thought it sweet that Finrod hoped that the message would have been from Amarië or his father. I do hope that she does write to him at some point. It would be a comfort to him, I'm sure. He just totally snapped into King-mode--I can see anyone between him and Lord Irmo just melting from his path. I would have loved to have been able to witness his conversation with the Vala, but jumping right to their riding to Valmar really emphasized the urgency of the situation and just how important this is for them to get to where they can actively rescue Glorfindel. (It occurs to me that Glorfindel must be getting REALLY tired of being the focus of so much chaos by now. *grin*) The last line just got me. Finrod is a good king in times of peace, but in times of war, he becomes a great leader and warrior. The bad guys don't have a prayer.
Author's reply
"Vorondonya" means "my vassal" and is the Quenya equivalent of the Sindarin "Bôr nîn". I defined it in the previous chapter. The whole discussion about oathkeeper/oathgiver and lover/beloved is, for me, an analogy of our relationship with God on one specific level: God as Lover pursuing His Beloved (us). Yet the roles are recipricol and are not exclusive. We are at once the lover and beloved even as God is and we are as much the oathkeepers of God's promises to us as we are the givers of oaths to God when we dedicate ourselves to him and his cause. I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall for the conversation between Finrod and Irmo, myself, but was not privy to it. *sigh* I imagine, though, that Irmo knew what was coming and half-expected Finrod to show up in full battle-mode, so wasn't taken by surprise. He probably already knew that both Finrod and Laurendil would be needed on the Hunt and so let them go without any protest. And like you, I wish I, too, could be among those whom Finrod counts as friends, and for the same reason. With someone like Finrod by your side, encouraging you, you could never doubt yourself or consider yourself worthless.
Rhyselle · 25 March 2007 · Chapter 58: Friends in High Places
Finally I have time and ability to review again. :) "Well, nothing we can do about it," Laurendil said with a diffident shrug that did not fool Finrod. "Honestly, gwador nîn, when did that ever stop us?" Finrod said, feigning surprise. This was another great exchange that points out Finrod and Laurendil's personalities. :) And I love it that it was Melian to whom Finrod went to get his "reinforcements" to go salvage the situation that poor Mithlas was experiencing. It occurs to me that being immortal, while it gives the Eldar the opportunity to learn things that mortals would simply never have time to learn in their short lives, also gives them the opportunity to become entrenched in ways of thinking that are not necessarily good. The question of whether it is insensitivity or arrogance that keeps the masters ignoring the commonsense that the Sindar need help in their own language and understanding of the traumas they experienced is a good one. I don't think it is one or the other... I think there are elements of both in it. The Amaneldi clearly look down on those who went to Middle-earth, and that will colour all of their interactions with them. Their positions as Masters in Lorien probably add to their arrogance because of how long they've been doing their jobs, and their status in their society. One would think that those working directly with the Valar would tend to remain humble, but I suppose that it is a case of familiarity breeds contempt. The battle-meld that you refer to between Finrod and Laurendil is an awesome idea that I definitely would like to see explored--perhaps in a fic of their time together fighting against Morgoth (but please finish this one first! LOL!). I was not expecting it to be Melian that he was going to get, but when I read it, I said "Of course!" and just grinned. I had just finished reading about the Fall of Doriath and so I'd had her on my mind, but you still managed to surprise me here. And I like the idea of her caring for roses. :) When she told Finrod "Tell me" after he told her "...enemies abound." I got goosebumps. Sometimes it becomes easy to forget just how powerful that the Maiar are... I loved it that Finrod went to Mithlas' pavilion in his role as King of Nargothrond. The dual hat he wears is definitely coming in handy! Eärnur was so sweet. He was trying so hard and just couldn't remember the right words. But he kept trying despite that. I'm proud of him. I wanted to swat those masters. And I felt a lot sorry for the other journeyman. It's tough to be in a position where you have to follow orders and you do it and then find out afterwards that the orders were wrong. Melian was so awesome! In both the true sense of the word and also in the slang sense that folks use today. That phrase "bearing down on them like the wrath of Mandos" made a very vivid picture in my mind as I thought about the scene in Mithlas' pavilion. I would definitely NOT want to be either of those two masters! Reading about Mithlas' history and seeing him admit outloud that he had wanted to follow his beloved into Mandos made me quite weepy. I wonder if he'd ever admitted that outloud before? I loved how Melian comforted him, and how Finrod reinforced it. It occurred to me that the master healers (at least all of the ones that we've seen so far) have lost sight of their true purpose. Which is a shame. Their talents are still there, but they aren't anywhere as effective as they should be because the masters have lost any empathy they may have had for those who have been entrusted to their care. I'm certain that Irmo will be reminding these two of that empathy and that in the end, they will be far better healers than they were when they left the pavilion in his company. I think I know how Eärnur must feel when Melian compliments him on his performance as a journeyman healer--Friday, the Dean of the university where I just started working complimented my actions when he was talking to the visiting president of another university. If I'd had earpoints, they'd certainly have gone pink from my blushing! I like Eärnur very much and I hope we see more of him in this fic in the future as one of Finrod's friends and companions. Well done!
Author's reply
Being immortal, especially if your an elf, is no guarantee that you will avoid being stupid about some things and the Lóriennildi masters (at least the ones we've seen to date) have shown that to be true. They have become entrenched in their thinking and the situation with the Reborn and those coming from Middle-earth is a relatively new phenomenon for them so they haven't had time to adjust to the "New World Order", so to speak. Even I wasn't expecting Finrod to go to Melian, but when he entered the grove and addressed her I knew she was the right person for him to go to. As someone who lived in Middle-earth, she would be sympathetic towards Mithlas, even if he hadn't been originally from Doriath himself. And we do tend to forget that the Maiar are powerful in their own right, even if that power does not manifest itself the same way as the power manifested by their Valar masters. They are still way above even the most powerful elf and Melian shows this in this chapter. Anyone who's studied a foreign language can sympathize with Eärnur here and however ineffectual his attempts at communication are, at least he's trying, which is more than can be said about the masters who just stand there looking on in disdain. I imagine Irmo has just about had it with the lot of them! *grin* Believe it or not, but I already have a story on the backburner about Laurendil and Finrod in Middle-earth that is patiently waiting for this story to finish (and the one about Aragorn). The first chapter is written and hopefully sometime soon I will begin writing that story in earnest.
MithLuin · 25 March 2007 · Chapter 61: Family Ties
I knew it! I thought there was a family tie there, but I wasn't sure how that would work. I thought....well, I thought her daughter had died, so I figured she didn't have descendants. But I just knew that Sador was going to be her long lost family somehow *grin* I am glad they 'found' each other, and I grinned at Sador's easy relationship with Namo sitting at the end of his bed. I imagine any elf (who was not of the Reborn) would be terrified by his appearance in their bedroom! But instead, Sador chats happily and easily with him... It was also a nice contrast to Netilmirë's much more formal conversation with Aulë and Yavanna.
Author's reply
I'm sure most of my readers figured there was some sort of relationship between Netilmirë and Sador without knowing the precise relationship, so that part, hopefully, comes as a surprise. The contrast between the two different conversations is deliberate, of course, but also points to the way the Reborn interact with Námo compared to the way other elves might. Plus the fact that Sador is just young enough emotionally that he is likely to see Námo more in the role of a favorite uncle than anything else right now, especially since up to now his "family" has consisted of people not related to him by blood.
Kitty · 25 March 2007 · Chapter 61: Family Ties
Hm ... somehow I’m not too surprised about the newest revelation. When Sador became Netilmirës apprentice, she thought of Ezelmiril, after all, and I wondered if that meant he had at least a bit of resemblance to her, because he is a relative. But I am very pleased with this – it will do both of them good to have a bit of family. And maybe it will help to build bridges. Just now I’m wondering how many other Amaneldi may have kin among the elves from Endórë without knowing it. Would they be as condescending and even disdainful if they discovered grandchildren and the like among them, I wonder? And as Sador’s grandparents were in service to Galadriel and Celeborn, it seems so fitting that he now ended up at the Court of Galadriel’s father and as gwador to her brother. Can't wait for more - and I was very pleased to know there is plenty more to come :-)
Author's reply
I'm sure most readers who have been paying attention will not be too surprised at this revelation, still I hope they will enjoy seeing how the two of them find out and what their reactions are. And you are right: it is fitting that Sador ends up at Arafinwë's Court and is Finrod's gwador. I'm sure that when Galadriel finally returns she will be very pleased with the situation.
Kitty · 25 March 2007 · Chapter 60: Sador on Tol Eressëa
That doesn’t sound good at all. It seems the Amaneldi have managed to embitter the elves from Tol Eressëa beyond reason, even maybe some of it was only imagined. I fear Sador is right – there is an explosion brewing. I can only pray the friends are able to prevent the worst. As for Sador himself, that was not the uncertain young elf from earlier – he has learned and matured a lot since he came to the Court of Arafinwë. Truly impressive to watch him with the guild masters.
Author's reply
No, Sador is definitely not the uncertain young elf from earlier anymore, he's learned and matured and is able to hold his own against those who think they are better than he is, for whatever reason. He's becoming a "major player", as it were, in the affairs of Aman, which is only to be expected when you are a ward of the Noldóran and a sworn brother to his son.
vaske · 25 March 2007 · Chapter 61: Family Ties
I'm so glad Sador's found some family to love, but it almost seems that Netilmirë needs the family more than Sador! I hope they're happy together.
Author's reply
Sador at least has Arafinwë, Eärwen and Finrod (not to mention Glorfindel) as family, but now he has someone who is an actual blood relative and that makes a great deal of difference. Still, you are probably right that Netilmirë needs the family more than sador now that she knows her daughter's fate.
vaske · 25 March 2007 · Chapter 60: Sador on Tol Eressëa
That was so sweet of Sador's 'Ada' to pack him a stuffed animal. But Sador's really growing up. He was impressive putting the guild masters in their place, even if he was adding a few falsehoods!
Author's reply
Yes, Sador is growing up and his encounter with the guild masters shows this, but he's still an elfling in spirit if not in body so 'Ada's' gift was appropriate and appreciated.
Bodkin · 25 March 2007 · Chapter 61: Family Ties
Yay! I thought Netilmirë was Sador's grandmother rather than his great-grandmother, but there's not a lot of difference if you're an elf! And it will do both of them good to learn about the other - and might help Netilmirë build bridges with the elves of the Island. A lovely happy chapter. With crisis to follow, I expect!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked this chapter, Bodkin. And you are right that with the connection between Netilmirë and Sador some bridges are bound to be built with the Tol Eressëan elves, at least, one can only hope.
Bodkin · 25 March 2007 · Chapter 60: Sador on Tol Eressëa
Sador is such a sweet elf! And he is listening well - I can see the frustrations of the returned Exiles / Sindar / Silvan so clearly - after all, why should they not resent higher prices and what feels like patronage? And overcrowding is always something that panics people about immigration. The Islanders need to see that the mainlanders accept them ... but then, they don't. Or, at least, not all of them do. Problem waiting to happen. They will all do well to avoid confrontations between kindreds / once and twice born / the returned and the never-left. Good thing the Valar have an eye on it. Probably.
Author's reply
Sador is very sensitive and open to other people's sorrows, for he has had too many of his own in his short (for an elf) life. We will see in future chapters how much of an eye the Valar have on the problem that is Tol Eressëa.
Edlyn · 24 March 2007 · Chapter 13: iAndondi Entulessëo
Well, I finally have time to begin reviewing again. I enjoyed seeing Finrod go from being an adult to an elfling again in his reactions to the message from Lord Námo. His caroling "He's coming, he's coming, he's coming" as he burst into his father's study just made me smile. I truly felt for Finrod when Pelendur was making his snarky comments. And his reaction to the prejudice and bigotry of the other advisor against the Sinda brings back memories of hearing my grandfather make similar comments about persons of certain ethnicity back when I was a little girl. I was just as stunned by it as Finrod seems to be here. Luckily, over time my grandfather lost his prejudices and even apologized for them. But Arafinwë's advisors don't seem to the be type to let their prejudices go. What's very unfortunate is that even today in our world there are people who believe that people of different ethnicity, race or abilities are inferior to themselves and therefore don't deserve respect. That kind of thinking just makes my blood boil! Arafinwë earned even more respect from me with his offer to accompany Finrod to meet Glorfindel. But as far as Amarië goes, I can only shake my head and hope that she opens her eyes and grows up eventually. Do you remember back when they would let you meet someone who traveled by airplane at the gates? Finrod's worry and impatience as he waits for Glorfindel reminded me of standing in the waiting area staring at the door to the boarding tunnel wanting my Dad to come through from the plane after he'd been gone on a business trip. Waiting for someone to come past the TSA checkpoint just doesn't seem to have the same emotional effect. But all I mean to say by this is that I could very easily identify with Finrod's feelings and actions. He's obviously feeling very young again. Oh, I would have liked to witness Finrod and Glorfindel's reunion in person. I wouldn't have been nonplussed at all. I've doen my share of such greetings myself. Finrod's introduction of his father to Glorfindel is so very funny. It is obvious that he is still in elfling mode. So much for protocol! Arafinwë's reaction to the offhand introduction was wonderful. He's very understanding and it's more than obvious he has a well-developed sense of humor. Finrod's immediate acceptance of Sador was wonderful. What a relief it must have been for the Reborn potter to not be facing his new life entirely on his own. Hopefully Amarië's attitude will change. At he very least, she's being incredibly rude. I thought I was going to fall out of my chair laughing at Lord Námo's impression of a whiny Glorfindel. It was so very funny. I was glad to see that Námo was there to bid his favourite balrog-slayer farewell. So our Reborn elves are on their way to begin their new lives. Why do I get the feeling that life is going to become very interesting for the royal family very shortly? Well written and an enjoyable read, mellon-nin! I'll try to get some more reviewing done tomorrow. May you lived blessed, Edlyn
Author's reply
I'm sure many of us have had the experience of waiting impatiently for someone's arrival and seeing all the other passengers arrive with no friend or family member in sight and wondering if they missed their connection or something, and then, suddenly you see them and the entire world seems that much brighter for you at that moment. That's pretty much how Finrod feels at this point. Arafinwë shows throughout this story that he doesn't take himself too seriously. I know any number of people in our world who could learn from Arafinwë's example, though I know they wouldn't. Námo's imitation of Glorfindel is quite funny and right on, but he isn't malicious about it and I think Glorfindel realizes it and so doesn't take objection to it. And I'm pretty sure that the other Once-born elves listening to the by-play between Námo and Glorfindel and Finrod were wondering if this was the same Lord of Mandos they were supposed to be afraid of. *grin*
Bodkin · 24 March 2007 · Chapter 59: Storm Clouds Gathering
Oh my. Finrod and Laurendil are joining the Hunt! Storm clouds are gathering indeed - and I wouldn't want to be one of those whom the lightning will strike!
Author's reply
No, with Finrod and Laurendil in the fray, their enemies had better watch out! The elves involved in Glorfindel's kidnapping are not reckoning with the fact that Glorfindel has friends who spend hundreds of years hunting down Morgoth's own minions as a career. Hunting down elves wouldn't even raise a sweat between them.
Bodkin · 24 March 2007 · Chapter 58: Friends in High Places
Oooh, Melian! What a good moment to remember that your useful relatives include a Maia! And Mithlas will have good cause to be grateful to her. Do these healers have some objection to listening? Have they failed to spot that the Valar aren't all that impressed with their attitude towards the reborn? Whatever Irmo has to say to them, they merit it! And Mithlas will be a lot better with Laurendil and Finrod to keep an eye on him. And his queen nearby.
Author's reply
Yes, having a Maia for a relative would definitely help. *grin* I think the situation between the Lóriennildi and the Reborn is coming to a head. Irmo has been very patient with it all, but needed to wait until Finrod and Laurendil were ready to take on the task of "cleaning house" so to speak.
Bodkin · 24 March 2007 · Chapter 57: Those Who Guard
Relationships are all pretty tangled, really - with all sorts of hierarchies existing within the same people. But a bit of boy down-time between Laurendil and Finrod will do them both good. "I’ll get him uproariously drunk and then we’ll spend the rest of the night singing bawdy songs at the top of our lungs and showing each other our battle scars...or..." he paused, thinking about it, "he can show me his new ones since I don’t seem to have any anymore. Although I think if Varda does turn up to enjoy verse 31, there will be two very embarrassed ellyn!
Author's reply
"Boys' night out" takes on a whole different meaning when one of the Valar shows up to join in, doesn't it? And when the Vala in question is a Valië, that makes it even worse! *lol*
Bodkin · 24 March 2007 · Chapter 56: Repercussions
Finrod is growing up! And dealing remarkably well with those around him who would rather treat him as a simple apprentice - or a king. He's really pretty good at being all things at the same time. And Manwen is growing in to her new relationship with him, too. While his choice of jewellery seems very apt! Still, Manwen will probably be better with Nienna for a while. (And it will give Laurendil more leeway for getting up to ... mischief with Finrod!!)
Author's reply
Finrod is definitely growing up. In fact, he's probably already there for the most part, having been released earlier than Glorfindel and Sador (how much earlier, I've left purposely vague). It will take Manwen some time to reconcile herself to her new relationship with Finrod, but she will accept it eventually and Nienna will be a great help to her in that regard. It also helps when your husband has a similar relationship and can help you with it as well.
hanci · 24 March 2007 · Chapter 59: Storm Clouds Gathering
Finrod, Laurendil and Manwen working together, what a threesome they will be! Was the first nightmare when Glorfindel "visited"? Or was that before and Finrod doesn't remember? Everything is as it should be... Laurendil is right to be concerned, those words are not very reassuring. The Hunt, that sounds ominous, with that capital... I like Sador, but the idea that you will probably first describe his part before moving on to the present and the Hunt makes me really impatient.
Author's reply
Yes, the first nightmare is the one where Glorfindel 'visited'. The Valar couldn't entirely erase the memory from his mind without doing serious damage to Finrod's fëa, so the best they could do was to relegate the memory to a nightmare that he can't remember (and how many of us have had that experience? We have no memory of the actual nightmare, only of its aftereffects). The second nightmare where he wakes up screaming is when Glorfindel is attacked and beaten. The Hunt is indeed ominous and holds danger for all concerned, Hunter and Hunted alike. I know you're impatient, but as the Valar are fond of saying (at least in my story), everything happens for a reason and in its proper time. Sador's story is important, no less than Finrod's or Glorfindel's. Nonetheless, I do appreciate you sticking it through. We'll be getting back to Glorfindel soon enough, I promise.
hanci · 24 March 2007 · Chapter 58: Friends in High Places
Finrod and Laurendil were awesome, I could just see them on their way to the grove. And when you add Melian, it's better to be somewhere else. (It never occured to me that Melian would be there. Silly me.) Eärnur only remembering that one sentence, that was straight from life. When you really need to say something in foreign language, you can't remember a thing. And I liked Mithlas asking about it. :o)
Author's reply
Finrod and Laurendil do make an awesome pair, don't they? *grin* Maybe someday I will write about their exploits in Middle-earth. I think it would be interesting to see them fighting together against Morgoth's minions. Until Finrod entered the grove and started speaking in Sindarin, I had no idea whom he was going to see. Melian came as much as surprise to me as to anyone, I think. Like Eärnur, I've been in situations where the only sentence in a foreign langauge that comes to mind is one that has nothing to do with the situtaion at hand. But, at least, even in the throes of nightmare, Mithlas heard Eärnur speaking to him and attempting to communicate with him. The power of sincere words, however inappropriate to the situation, should not be dismissed, otherwise, I don't think Mithlas would have even heard the words in the first place.
hanci · 24 March 2007 · Chapter 57: Those Who Guard
I liked the discussion between Irmo and Finrod, very enlightening. And he got back his ring! And the verse thirty-one again in action! Poor Finrod, he probably never thought Valar, and Varda especially, would enjoy such songs...
Author's reply
Finrod fell into the same trap as most of us do — believing that the Authorities have no sense of humor or can't delight in earthy things like vulgar songs and off-colored jokes, just as we do. He's probably never going to look at Varda quite the same way again after this. *lol*
hanci · 24 March 2007 · Chapter 56: Repercussions
"Laurendil, for his part, found that being an apprentice was not as onerous as he had thought, or hoped." - that's a good formulation. Good to see he's changed his opinion. I think he can help much, he knows what the Reborn elves have gone through - not the dying part, of course, but the living. He can understand them better than Amaneldi. And Finrod, of course, is a king again. What a shock for the Lóriennildi. It can be a motivation for them, to see an elf who was in their care fare this well, a healed patient, if you will. Sauron said the same thing - what, "You’ve been nothing but trouble since you arrived" ? :o) Sorry. I admire Finrod for his apology, not everyone would do that.
Author's reply
Yes, Laurendil is finally beginning to claim a part of himself that he's been denying for centuries. Now that he's stopped running, he's able to fulfill his destiny — to succor the Reborn and the elves of Middle-earth because he's been there and done that (at least the living part). And Finrod is also coming into his own as he was meant to — to show that Reborn are not to be despised and that their former lives had meaning. Having been a king, and the kind of king he was, he could not do anything else but apologize the way he did. He's also not above making caustic remarks that leave a trail of blood, either. *grin*
Ellie · 21 March 2007 · Chapter 59: Storm Clouds Gathering
Love the whole light of battle thing. This is such an amazing tale! Love the way Ingwe's son has called to Finrod for help and in warning and Finrod's right hand man has taken to his job as both apprentice and vassal to very well. Can't wait to read more!
Author's reply
Yes, Laurendil is finally coming into his own, I think, both as Finrod's vassal and as Irmo's apprentice. When his training is complete, I think Laurendil will be a force to be reckoned with, especially with Finrod by his side.
Ellie · 21 March 2007 · Chapter 58: Friends in High Places
Loved this chapter! Friends in high places indeed! I think the masters will be reeling for a while and won't be at all pleased and still won't fully understand what has hit them with Finrod having come to apprentice there. I love it!
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed this chapter, ellie. It was fun bringing Melian into the picture. When Finrod looks for reinforcements, he doesn't fool around, does he? *lol*
Kitty · 21 March 2007 · Chapter 59: Storm Clouds Gathering
The more I read about him, the more I love Mithlas and hope, he is soon reunited with his beloved Glassiel – it would do much for his healing, I think. And I am pleased they’re becoming friends with Eärnur as well. He’s the only one of the journeymen and masters who made a good impression on me. And Laurendil as one of the Loriennildi is a good idea. They need there someone who truly *knows* what their charges have suffered, that much has already been proven. Glad to know Finrod is getting to grip with his new status. Knowing Melian from Endóre seems to help him a bit. But it was interesting how disturbed he was at last in Lórien. Somehow he seems to have sensed that something was not right with Glorfindel. And of course Laurendil was right about the wording of the Valar. I only hope Sador isn’t in trouble, too. And now Finrod to the rescue! Though I doubt there will be serious fighting (they will not start another kinslaying!?), I still suppose the conspirators will get a nasty surprise. They have seriously underestimated the elves they have chosen to pick on. Even without weapons the war-honed elves from Endóre should be able to make short work of these spoiled (and rather stupid) brats. Who of them could face an irate Finrod, after all? Can’t wait for how that is going to turn out, though I suppose you’ll now turn to Sador first before bringing all of them together again. The story sounds more and more promising *rubs hands in anticipation*
Author's reply
We may see more of Mithlas later. Eärnur, I think, will be receiving his mastership sooner than he expects, as well. Between him and Laurendil and Manwen, the plight of the Sindar should be eased somewhat. As for Finrod: don't forget that the first "nightmare" was actually the time Glorfindel's fëa showed up in Finrod's pavillion. Even though Irmo was able to ease the memory, the terror still remained and that probably helped Finrod to pick up on Glorfindel's encounter with his kidnappers, which manifests itself in the second "nightmare". Once Finrod joins Ingwion in the Hunt, EVERYBODY had better get out of the way! *grin* And yes, as you guessed, we will be turning to Sador next before bringing them all together again. I'm glad you are enjoying the story and looking forward to more, because there is plenty more to come.