hanci
· 24 January 2007
· Chapter 29: Travel Plans
Arafinwë gets to experience all aspects of being a father...
The elves of Aman will be surprised to see the others' craft and skills. Influenced by different environment, lifestyle, experiences, other races... Yes, I think it will be very educational and eye-opening experience. (Have you read Oak and Willow by Marnie?) They should have mingled long ago.
Irmo was eavesdropping! :o)
Author's reply
Well, the elves of Aman might be willing to learn from the Tol Eressëan elves, but the reverse might not be true (we'll have to see). "Oak and Willow" is one of my favorite stories. I ought to re-read it someday. I tried to show in my own story "Elladan and Elrohir's Not So Excellent Adventure" that Celeborn is a force to be reckoned with. Marnie's stories about him helped inspire me.
hanci
· 24 January 2007
· Chapter 28: Judgment Passed
It seems Glorfindel isn't the only one with possessive feelings... Poor Finrod.
The elves judge themselves? No wonder it's such a harsh experience.
The stuffed toy is from Námo? That's great!
Author's reply
I think that we ultimately judge ourselves and we are usually far harsher than we need to be. That's where Eru's unconditional love and forgiveness comes in handy.
hanci
· 24 January 2007
· Chapter 27: Judgment Recalled
I can't help but notice the differences between Glorfindel and Finrod's experience. The Valar would see his life as he experiences the judgment, won't they? So why the questions? It seems they wanted to know how Finrod remembered his actions and felt about them, before letting him see it again; to see who he is...
It's a good thing Námo cares for his Reborn elves.
Author's reply
I purposely made Finrod's experience in the Ring of Doom different from Glorfindel's to show that each judgment is unique and tailored to the individual elf. As Finrod was one of the leaders of the Rebellion, his judgment would be on a different level than that of Glorfindel who was simply a follower of Turgon.
MithLuin
· 22 January 2007
· Chapter 30: Departures
I have just spent most of today reading this story, and I don't know what to say. It is very...moving. I have had a funny smile on my face that I find it hard to wipe away. I'm starting to suspect that I have a crush on your elves! But not really. There is something...wonderful...about this story, though. It is fresh and cleansing, soft but never easy. At first, I was surprised by Namo - I didn't think he could be so gentle, or know pity. But then I realized that you haven't softened him, his will is just as hard...only now, we can see his love as well. Breathtaking.
I do wish they'd learn to keep their clothes on, though!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you found this story and that it brings a smile on your face, funny or otherwise. Our perception of Namo is based, I think, on the experienccs of the Exilic Noldor who obviously don't have too many fond memories of the Doomsman of Arda. They have a rather jaundiced view. But it makes sense that Namo would express love since he has stood before the Throne of Love in the Timeless Halls. No one, unless they are fallen, could be anything but full of love and joy if they have stood before Eru Iluvatar. We do, of course, speak of "tough love" and I think that is what Namo exhibits, especially towards his charges, the Reborn.
As for learning to keep their clothes on... well, I think they've moved past that stage. *grin*
Bodkin
· 20 January 2007
· Chapter 30: Departures
It must be very disconcerting to have the Valar just popping into existence in your dining room as you are sitting down to dinner. Finarfin deals with it surprisingly well. But then, he deals with the trio of reborn elves remarkably well too!
I wonder why Olorin told Glorfindel not to go to Taniquetl alone!! And why Glorfindel didn't pass that piece of information on to Finarfin straight away! It might have spared him the company of that sanctimonious besom, Lady Tinwetariel. Now, if Manwe was looking for someone to send to a very unpleasant part of the Hither Lands to bring the elves to an awareness of their own inferiority, I can think of a suitable candidate for the post ......
Poor Glorfindel. He's not a happy bunny. Not a happy bunny at all.
Author's reply
Arafinwë is in his element with the trio of reborn elves and being the King of the Noldor, he probably has the Valar (or at least their Maiar servants) popping in and out all the time.
When my beta reader read the chapter where Olórin tells Glorfindel that if he goes to Taniquetil, not to go alone, she said it was a typical "Gandalf saying". I'm sure there's a reason, I just haven't been told it.
Lady Tinwetariel is typical of some of the elves who feel the Exiled Noldor got off too easily and resent the fact that they are being re-embodied when innocent Vanyar and Teleri who died because of the Noldor, either at Alqualondë or during the War of Wrath, are still "languishing" in Mandos.
And no, Glorfindel is definitely not a happy bunny at all.
Bodkin
· 20 January 2007
· Chapter 28: Judgment Passed
It's a tough business, facing what you are and what you have done - and beginning again. It's not surprising the reborn have a special purity to them. Although it's probably a good thing that the Valar are likely to be able to be in more than one place at a time - or at least that they don't have transport difficulties - because they are likely to be spending a lot of time trying to help their nurselings through this process.
Finrod is beginning to remember and deal with even more uncomfortable ideas - and I suppose it is important to come to terms with all his past. And he has the time. That's one thing the elves have to spare.
Author's reply
Yes, that's one thing the elves have over us — time to spare. It's very difficult for anyone to face what they are (truly are) and what they have done (truly done) and then begin again. Having the Valar around, especially someone like Lord Námo, would be a great help in coming to terms with all this.
hanci
· 18 January 2007
· Chapter 26: The Cost of Kingship
I really like those little snippets of their past, from Mandos Halls and before...
Elrond is already such an important healer?
Author's reply
By now, we are well into the Second Age, though I do not specify the exact time, so yes, Elrond is a healer of no little repute, young though he still is by Elvish standards.
hanci
· 18 January 2007
· Chapter 25: Feasts and Follies
Really mood-lifting chapter. That was a feast to remember. Even Amarië got something out of it, despite the beginning. I love her thoughts on the events and everything.
I completely forgot about the bet...
Author's reply
I imagine many readers forgot about the bet until the end and after the more serious chapters, especially the last two, one needs a mood-lifter.
J
· 17 January 2007
· Chapter 25: Feasts and Follies
I liked the last part of this chapter very much, espcially when Varda states that she likes verse thirty-one! I cannot imagine Varda as such...that was amusing!
Author's reply
The Valar are not as straight-laced and overly serious as most people like to think. As sentient beings, like ourselves, they necessarily have a sense of play about them and I try to convey that with scenes such as this one or showing Námo taking bets with Irmo or Manwë (and usually winning).
JastaElf
· 16 January 2007
· Chapter 26: The Cost of Kingship
I don't remember if I've ever taken the time to review this story... if I have not, please forgive me! I do so love this tale. It is a delight, so positively Elvish, and just wonderful on so many levels! The characterizations are charming and so realistic; the situations are heart-warming even when they are sad, and you write beautifully. Thank you so much!
Author's reply
Thank you for taking the time to review. I'm glad to know you are enjoying the story to date and find the characters both charming and realistic. I've tried to make them as real as possible. Most of our perceptions of the elves are through the eyes of other mortals. I've tried to portray them from their perspective as themselves. Not any easy thing to do, so I'm glad you find them believable.
hanci
· 16 January 2007
· Chapter 24: The Embassy from Tol Eressëa
Oh, poor elves from Aman. The Finrod they know behaves sometimes like an elfling and runs naked, and now there is this kingly elf and Laurendil and his delegation show him so much respect... Add to it the ceremony they know nothing about, it's quite a lot to take in.
Well, others have also much to take in, seeing their king again. After all, seeing is believing...
Finrod met elves from his past; will Glorfindel meet Ëarendil, and Tuor and Idril? Or not, till the Fourth Age?
Author's reply
Yes, the Elves of Tirion have much to consider concerning their prince and hopefully are beginning to see him as more than just a Reborn elf with the emotions of an elfling. As for Glorfindel, only time will tell who, if anyone, from his past he will meet.
hanci
· 16 January 2007
· Chapter 23: Initiation
With descriptions so detailed -yet not boring- you may well receive pictures inspired by this story from some artistic reader...
At the beginning, I thought "magpies" when they put all those sparkling stones in their hair, but of course such an important occasion requires adequate appearance.
The ceremony was really touching, and grand, with all those elves gathered there. Sador deserves that.
I'm glad you mentioned Thorondor.
Author's reply
It would be interesting to see such pictures. I'm not an artist in the visual sense, so my "paintings" are done in words. I'm glad that you find such descriptions interesting and not boring. And being a lover of eagles, I just had to mention Thorondor at least once.
Laureleaf
· 15 January 2007
· Chapter 26: The Cost of Kingship
There is much for them all to think about after this one...I look forward to seeing where this discussion leads them all.
Author's reply
Yes, there will be many changes ahead for them all because of this embassy, but. of course, you will just have to wait to see how things develop for Glorfindel, Finrod and Sador. *grin*
Laureleaf
· 15 January 2007
· Chapter 25: Feasts and Follies
I quite emjoyed this one - you were able to show how each of then continue to grow, yet still hold onto that mischevious elfling deep inside. And the valar's take was just plain fun.
Author's reply
Yes, they are all maturing, even some of the 'once-born', like Amarïë. And the Valar are just full of surprises, aren't they?
Selene Aduial
· 14 January 2007
· Chapter 25: Feasts and Follies
Now you really have me curious for that verse thirty-one. Care to enlighten us all??? *grin*
Author's reply
Sorry, you'll just have to use your imagination. *grin*
Bodkin
· 14 January 2007
· Chapter 26: The Cost of Kingship
Finrod Felagund! Well - that's a big step forward! (And so is kissing him when he is incorrectly dressed ...)
Finrod is right when he tells Laurendil that he isn't ready to resume adult responsibilities, though. But it will have done the elves of Tirion a lot of good ... well, given them something to think about, anyway ... when they see the honour in which their prince is held - and pieces of the king he was are shining through.
Fascinating developments. And most interesting how the mention of Elrond affected Glorfindel.
Author's reply
Yes, Finrod, having been re-embodied earlier than either Glorfindel or Sador, is maturing sooner and is beginning to reclaim that part of himself that was King of Nargothrond. You will see that happening more often in later chapters, especially with Laurendil.
melinda1121
· 14 January 2007
· Chapter 26: The Cost of Kingship
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS STORY. THE CHARACTERS ARE VERY WELLED DEVELOPED AND THE STORY FLOWS SMOOTHLY. I LAUGH AT THE ANTICS OF THE REBORN AND I WANT TO CRY FOR THEIR DIFFICULTY IN ADJUSTING. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WRITING THIS STORY AND ESPECIALLY FOR NOT UPDATING EVERY *3* MONTHS. YOU SEEM DEDICATED TO THIS WORK AND I REALLY APPRECIATE IT. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!
MELINDA
PS...I'LL SEND AN OFFERING TO YOUR MUSES!!!!!
Author's reply
Thank you Melinda for your wonderful review. I'm glad you are enjoying this story so much. I have been having loads of fun writing it. I never could understand why someone would wait so long before updating their story. Half the time, I forget I was even reading it! Anyway, my muses and I appreciate your offering *grin*. Please continue reviewing; it means a lot to me.
Laureleaf
· 10 January 2007
· Chapter 24: The Embassy from Tol Eressëa
I found your story only this afternoon (much to my hubby's dismay) and promptly read it all the way through. I love how you have created such a loving relationship with not just the elves, but the Valar as well! I believe you have captured their new joys, trials, and fears in such an enchanting manner...and cannot wait to continue reading.
Author's reply
I'm glad you found the story (inspite of hubby?) and am gratified that you enjoyed it so much that you read it all the way through to the most recently posted chapter. I will be updating at least once a week and probably twice a week so keep your eye out.
Ellie
· 8 January 2007
· Chapter 24: The Embassy from Tol Eressëa
These last two chapters are my favorites so far. I loved the tradition and the ceremony and the honor and respect showed to the three reborn. It was wonderful to see Finrod given the respect he deserves and for his father ( his own folk) to finally come to undertsand him so much better. This is such a great tale! Well done! I can't wait for more!
Author's reply
I had a lot of fun writing these last two chapters as well, especially coming up with the warrior initiation ceremony with the Elvish phrases and ritual. I think Arafinwë is finally beginning to understand his Reborn son a little better. Finrod is not the same person his father remembers from before the Rebellion and he's finally coming to terms with that. Whether the other elves ever do, is another thing.
Bodkin
· 8 January 2007
· Chapter 24: The Embassy from Tol Eressëa
Somehow, I think the reaction of the elves of Tol Eressea to Finrod and Glorfindel - and their respect for Sador and his gallant efforts - will ... or should ... be very illuminating for those who would really like to adopt the new fashion for warrior braids. Together with the idea that some styles have to be earned rather than bought.
I'm glad to see Sador absorbed still further into their brotherhood. It'll be good for him.
And I think that between Finrod and his father, the once-born are going to learn more than they expected.
Author's reply
Yes, I thought it would be interesting to show that the front elf-braids have a specific meaning for the elves of Middle-earth, both Sindar and Noldor, and that they were not the fashion in Aman. I liken them to military medals or medals of honor given to civilians for exemplary actions. You can't just don them, you have to earn them.
I also think that the reaction of the Tol Eressëan elves to the Reborn will prove illuminating for the Amaneldi and that the elves of Aman will be getting a wake-up call very soon.
Aglarendis
· 8 January 2007
· Chapter 7: Trouble in Paradise
Awwww! Poor Glorfindel! And I agree with Namo, he should not have made that threat about Finrod. And that was quite cute with the tree not wanting Glorfindel to have to leave it at first. I agree completely with Yavanna, there are more than just earthly gardens which want tending.
Author's reply
Yes, sometimes even the Valar can make slight errors in judgment. The difference being that Námo was quite willing to carry out his threat if necessary, which makes it all the more terrifying from our POV, doesn't it? And I'm sure that particular tree has had any number of Reborn elves taking refuge in its branches so that it has almost a proprietary feel towards them. Yavanna's comment of course directly links "garden" with "soul", the former being a metaphor for the latter.
hanci
· 8 January 2007
· Chapter 22: Bathtime and Bedtime Stories
Yavanna really has nice bath. :o)
And if Netilmirë has been alone all this time from Alqualondë, all this must be even more powerful.
Is Sador related to her somehow?
-sorry for this somewhat disjointed review; I usually mark my thoughts on second reading and then give them some form, but today the second part seems to be missing...
Author's reply
That's all right. Any kind of review is welcome, disjointed or not. As to Netilmiré and Sador's relationship, if any, only time and the Valar will tell...
hanci
· 8 January 2007
· Chapter 21: Netilmírë
Well, no wonder the Valar sent Olórin on Arda, he's really crafty. (I can just see Gandalf's eyes, twinkling and kind and expressive. - But it's hard to do so without the beard, which of course he wouldn't have by now...)
It should be easier to forgive dying than leaving for middle-earth...
Author's reply
Yes, Olórin is rather sneaky, but then he's learned from the best, hasn't he?
"It should be easier to forgive dying than leaving for middle-earth..."
Perhaps, or perhaps not. Netlimirë seems to have had to deal with both situations and that combination might have made it difficult to resolve her feelings about either.
Bodkin
· 4 January 2007
· Chapter 22: Bathtime and Bedtime Stories
It does everybody good to be cossetted now and then - and Netilmire is definitely better for it!
Author's reply
Yes, we all need cossetting every now and then, even if that cossetting is done by our own selves rather than by others who care for us and love us. A little TLC definitely goes a long way.
Bodkin
· 4 January 2007
· Chapter 21: Netilmírë
I'm glad to see Netilmire recovering. Although I don't blame those left behind by the exiles for resenting their abandonment, it doesn't seem as if those who were killed could exactly have helped it. I'm wondering if there might be a connection between Netilmire and Sador that is deeper than a shared interest in pottery.
Author's reply
Netlimirë's resentment would be typical of many of the elves who remained in Aman and when those Exiles who returned via Mandos are being released before the innocent victims of their rebellion, that resentment can easily deepen. As for any deeper connection between Neltimirë and Sador, well....