Aiwen
· 23 May 2010
· Chapter 124: The First Session: Afternoon
The timeline notes were useful, and this chapter tied many loose ends together in interesting patterns.
Author's reply
Hi Aiwen. I'm glad you found the timeline notes useful. I know that not everyone has a firm idea of the chronology of events during the First Age since the Silmarillion does not give any specific dates, though Tolkien did work out chronologies for all the major events during that time period which can be found in the Histories. And I wanted also to put Laurendil's story in context, since I know many readers are curious to know what he was doing during this time after Finrod died. Someday I hope to tell the whole story about Laurendil and Finrod and how Laurendil met Manwen. Someday....
Hel
· 23 May 2010
· Chapter 124: The First Session: Afternoon
The peace didn´t last long. But that a Teleri would be the first was surprising.
And once more I wonder how Galadhwen and Morcocáno get the heads of their respective delegations. Did they blackmail or bribe someone?
I really loved Brethorn´s curtain-lecture and guess that no-one there expected something like that. But it is also a little bit condescending. I mean the Reborn had the chance of a real restart. They had the time in Mandos and Lorien to, if not forget, but to forgive their former enemies. They have the experiences of a first live and the time being dead to aid them in their new live. The other elves, who survived, had to live with the memories without the aid of Maia or Valar helping to deal with them. They had to tell the families that their loved ones had died respectively live with the death of family members and they had to pick up the shards of their lives and go on. What Brethorn calls their "petty games" is a part of this going-on and giving life a semblance of normality. It is not a good solution or a constructive one and you somehow expect something more, but I guess wanting revenge is a normal reaction even for elves. And I don´t think that the Reborn can really understand that, because the time in Mandos gives them a distance to the past and the feelings connected to it and that helps them to deal with it better. In other words the wounds of the Reborn, body, mind and soul are healed that of the Once-born are not.
And I want to know more about Falmaron and Olwe and what happende between them not to mention the secret which surrounds Ingwion and the time of the darkening.
Author's reply
Yet, the fact that it is a Teler who breaks the peace shouldn't be all that surprising, considering Elvish history.
You are correct, Hel, that Brethorn is being somewhat condescending. Much of that is out of frustration at the way the Once-born have dismissed him and the other Reborn as having nothing important to say about anything. So, he's being a bit harsh here. Yet, that does not negate the validity of his argument.
We will actually learn more about Falmaron shortly, but you'll have to wait to learn about Ingwion's secret a while longer.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Hel. I appreciate it very much.
Rhyselle
· 22 May 2010
· Chapter 124: The First Session: Afternoon
Now I think I understand why Olwe reacted to Beleg the way he did when the latter was discovered at the tournament... :) I love learning more about the Teleri in your stories.
Is Falmaron older or younger than Earwen? or hasn't the muse told you that?
I found the "fireworks" very believeable and realistic. Like having a baby, there's going to be a lot of pain and effort before the desired good end result of a viable solution to the governance of Tol Eressea. I do like the thought of an impartial leader who can have the final word over a ruling council. As to who it might be, I've got a possibility in mind but I'm not going to give a name here. *grin* It will be fun to see eventually if I've guessed correctly.
I think the one point that really grabbed me was when it was pointed out that the children and subsequent generations who are innocent of the crimes of their parents and grandparents have been painted with the same brush. Someone once said that people will live down to expectations. If you treat someone like they are a thief or murderer, they just might be inclined to take up the practice.
I do hope that our wonderful council of the Reborn continue to make their wake-up calls on the rest. Being the truly innocent ones at the table, they really are the perfect ones to make people admit to the actions and feelings and prejudices they refused to admit to themselves much less out loud. Looking at this, I have a feeling that the only truly impartial ones at the table ARE the Reborn.
I really look forward to next week's chapters. As always, WELL DONE!
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. Falmaron is younger than Eärwen and Lindarion but older than Olwen and Salmar, so he's a middle child. *grin*
What you say about living down to expectations is correct and too many of us are victims of that sort of thing in our own lives.
I'm glad you found the 'fireworks' believeable and realistic and that you liked the Reborn in this (or at least Brethorn). They are in a better position than the others to see things in a clearer light and that will be important for them all. Whether they are truly impartial remains to be seen, but certainly they have their own agenda which doesn't necessarily coincide with the agendas of the other Tol Eressëans. Manwë was smart to insist that they come as their own delegation. Their presence is a powerful statement of things the others would prefer to forget or ignore.
Thanks for reviewing, Rhyselle. I really appreciate it.
Fantasia
· 21 May 2010
· Chapter 124: The First Session: Afternoon
Wow, what a council! I mean, it was intense, no one is free of guilt here, no even the Valars. They really need all the help that they can use, because it is a mess. I guees that will be easier to have all of them becoming reborn and start all over again...but that means a very busy Namo...
I want to know what is Ingwion's problem. You made reference to it in other chapters, but keep the secret.
I'm missing Glorfindel.
BTW, love Namo, I'm going to re-read now his story...the one that you wrote, of course.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Glad you liked this chapter. Yes, it was pretty intense on many levels. I'm sure Námo would be just as happy if they did all end up in Mandos right now. Just think of the paperwork involved. *LOL*
We will learn about what Ingwion's problem is in my upcoming Darkening story which I plan to start posting sometime this summer.
Glorfindel will be showing up soon enough, never fear. Just be patient.
Glad you love Námo (so do I). Have fun re-reading "Wars of the Valar", which is what I am assuming you mean by 'his story'. Thanks for reviewing, Fantasia. I appreciate it.
Sunny
· 21 May 2010
· Chapter 124: The First Session: Afternoon
The afternoon session certainly made up for the quiet morning. It was like a string of firecrackers going off!
The first item was innocuous enough, but then I have been hoping for the full story of the meeting between Manwen and Laurendil since Manwen’s little comment of “have you conveniently forgotten that it was I who skewered that orc that almost got you?" It woud certainly have been an interesting way to start a courtship! So has the Muse seen fit to provide you with more details?
What the representative of the despised outcasts Angrobel wanted was simple enough: to be left alone, and fair trading. And he certainly had a very valid point about having a leader who is an outsider. Galadhwen’s snotty expectation that Kortirion should be the capital of Tol Eressëa and she as leader of the Kortirion council should be the de facto Queen of the island only serves to accentuate the need for someone who stands outside all those factions.
I suppose Morcocáno might have served up as snotty an expectation as Galadhwen’s of Avallone being the capital and he the ruler if he had not been so deeply insulted by Uinendilmë. I hope Lindarion will be able to handle the Telerin delegates. But I am sure Uinendilmë – and any other Teleri who attempt to derail or sabotage the conference – are going to regret it when they get back home. Olwë seems determined to stomp out such attitudes!
Then came the real surprise: The sweet, innocent, childlike, gentle, cute and fluffy Reborn delegates turn out to be a pride of dangerous lions with long, sharp and deadly fangs and claws!! The lecture Brethorn delivered found its targets everywhere – except among the Valar and possibly the despised outcasts of Angrobel. And the dart aimed specificially at Olwë’s family makes me suspect that even they – who perhaps right now are among the Teleri who are least prejudiced against the Noldor – still may resent them.
I expect Brethorn’s lecture will provide both food for thought as well as anger. Hopefully more of the first than the second!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I'm not sure if I will ever have an opportunity to tell the entire story about Laurendil and Manwen, although it's sitting there on the backburner. I have long wanted to tell the story of Laurendil's relationship with Finrod in Beleriand but other stories have interevened. The synopsis of Laurendil's life after Finrod's death that I give in the Author's Note is just a hint of what happened to him. Maybe someday if life and the Muse are kind I will be able to devote time to their story. For now, you'll just have to be content with the snippets that are offered.
Yes, the Reborn are not as sweet, innocent, childlike, gentle, cute and fluffy delegates as everyone believed. That's obvious a very good camouflage on their part. *grin* Brethorn's attack on them was defintely an eye-opener and hopefully some people will come away with a new respect for the Reborn.
As for Olwë and his Reborn son and their relationship...we'll learn more about all that soon enough.
Thanks for reviewing, Sunny. As always, I really appreciate it.
6336
· 21 May 2010
· Chapter 124: The First Session: Afternoon
Crawls out from under desk, "Is it safe to come out now?"
Wow, that was intense, but in a way I should heve been expecting it,this is the first time a lot of the Amanians have met the Tol Erressaeans, so it should be expected that a lot of anger and resentment would have come bubbling up. I think the Miners have the right idea, they need to have an impartial head to an island wide council, there are too many factions on the island to go any other way.
I think everybody has to realise that things cannot go on the way they have been, otherwise Namo is going to be very busy and extremely put out when Tol Erressea explodes!
Good one Fiondil,
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Well, you knew there had to be fireworks eventually, Lynda. *grin* I'm sure they are finally beginning to realize that a solution does need to be found and that they can't go on the way they have. We'll see how this resolves itself eventually. Glad you liked this. Thanks for letting me know.
Mr.Namo
· 21 May 2010
· Chapter 124: The First Session: Afternoon
Hmm. Olwe has another son. Never even considered it. Will he be in your Darkening story that you mentioned?
I especially liked Brethorn's speech. Finally someone was speaking up for the reborn. Salmar smelling like fresh peaches made me laugh. I thought he'd smell like the sea or dead fish or something. :D
Very interesting chapter.
Mr.Namo
BTW. Is Glorfindel getting updates on all that is happening or is he too busy having broken bones healed by maiar? :P
Author's reply
Yes, Falmaron will be in my Darkening story, though he has a very small part and I'm sure you can guess what part that might be. *grin*
Brethorn's telling it like it is and it's a wake-up call for many listening to him. Unfortunately, the one person who needed to hear it (Morcocáno) isn't there.
Salmar smelling of fresh peaches is what I get. With other Maiar I usually get a mix of two or maybe three different scents but Salmar is content with the single scent. Probably Ossë smells of dead fish. *grin*
We will actually be hearing from Glorfindel soon enough and yes, he and his friends are being kept up-to-date about what is happening elsewhere in Aman, though their information is general in nature rather than specific, i.e. they know the Council is in session but have not heard any real details.
Tari
· 19 May 2010
· Chapter 123: The First Session: Morning
Things seem to be progressing quite nicely, even if those listening are bored to the point of almost falling asleep. It remains to be seen if the afternoon session moves along as peacefully. "grins"
Author's reply
Very nicely put, Tari. It does indeed remain to be seen if the afternoon session proceeds as bor... er... peacefully as the morning session. *grin*
Larner
· 19 May 2010
· Chapter 123: The First Session: Morning
What is said and left unsaid by each delegation tells much of its makeup and priorities. Most interesting.
Author's reply
Very true, Larner, and very perceptive of you. I wasn't easy to get into the minds of some of the delegates and find out what was important to them. I'm glad I was successful. And we haven't heard from everyone yet.
Larner
· 19 May 2010
· Chapter 122: The Winter Solstice Council Opens
It would appear that all goes well for this first important meeting of this council, and love the symbolism of the reborn's tabards. Also love the Valar's concerns expressed--a worthwhile reminder that these are above the interests of mere people at times.
Author's reply
Glad you liked the symbolism of the Reborn's tabards, Larner. I thought it was a nice touch and I'm sure it made some of the other delegates think. And it was very important for the Elves, especially those from Tol Eressëa, to realize just who the Valar truly were and what their mandate was and under whose authority. I think even those Elves of Aman needed this little reminder as well. As they say, familiarity breeds contempt and why should the Elves be immuned to such a maladay?
Sunny
· 18 May 2010
· Chapter 123: The First Session: Morning
It wouldn’t surprise me to hear about Vondo trying to sneak out of Lórien. Though I don’t think he will be able to get past Irmo’s Maiar ;-)
The morning’s session went well – nobody insulted anybody or tried to lord it over the other delegates. Yet. But then neither Morcocáno nor Galadhwen have had their turn speaking. Or perhaps sitting next to Manwë has kept them quiet and on their good behaviour.
Talking about people behaving – I really wonder if Salamacas is going to do so. Well, if he won’t – he has been warned about the consequences!
It was a good thing that Finrod nipped the “non-Amanians are poor cousins” attitude of Berethiel’s in the bud. There are differences in attitudes, customs tastes and so on between the different groups of elves, but different doesn’t mean lesser!
Are the delegates that are not familiar with the Valar and the Maiar (which would be most of them) going to get an earful about their fondness for betting on the Elves’ action? It does seem to be something it would be fun to gossip about! ;-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Well, as to Vondo... we'll see what the ellon is up to soon enough.
As for those at the Council... it's still early days yet and they have plenty of time to get into all sorts of trouble. *grin*
The Tol Eressëans do have an inferiority complex which doesn't help when many of the Amanians have a superiority complex. Hopefully, people like Finrod, who lives or has lived in both worlds, will show that neither party has anything to lord over or be ashamed of with respect to the other party.
As for the betting procilivities of the Valar... that remains to be seen. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much and I'm glad you are enjoying the Council.
6336
· 17 May 2010
· Chapter 123: The First Session: Morning
Is there anything the Valar will not bet on?
I am waiting for Morcocano and Gladwhen's speeches myself, I have a feeling they will be some what inflamatory knowing those two!
Lynda
Author's reply
Apparently not, Lynda. I guess when you're immortal, you need to do something to while away the time. *grin* Luckily, you won't have to wait too long to find out what, if anything, happens during the afternoon session.
Tari
· 17 May 2010
· Chapter 122: The Winter Solstice Council Opens
The Reborn are proof of the fact that we should never loose the child in us. I know I haven’t... Meril is the perfect foil for Galadhwen, who still needs a serious attitude adjustment. She seems quite able to keep Galadhwen in line.
I think the first session went very well in spite of Galadhwen’s prickly nature.
Hopefully the future sessions will be just as fruitful. The presence of the Valar was a good thing also.
Author's reply
It does help to never lose the child within us, Tari. I think that's how we stay young even as we grow old.
How the rest of the Council goes remains to be seen, but I don't think even the presence of the Valar will stop certain people from acting up. *grin*
Erulisse (one L)
· 17 May 2010
· Chapter 123: The First Session: Morning
The head of the Guild of Bards blushed slightly from the reprimand and did not offer any furtehr comment.
I am absolutely sure that furtehr was supposed to be further.
Love the fact that the Vala are once again betting - it is always interesting when Manwe and Namo bet, the stakes are fun and the payouts....well they are intriguing.
I think I would have also fallen asleep - the poor Kings, etc., having to sit through another nine presentations. But, there is bound to be one odd-out of them and that will make it all click. Can't wait for the afternoon session :-)
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Thanks for the correction, Erulissë. Not sure how it was missed.
I'm sure the afternoon session will prove more stimulating than the morning one or Ulmo won't be the only one snoring. *grin*
Hel
· 16 May 2010
· Chapter 122: The Winter Solstice Council Opens
The system of drawing lots every session for the seating-order has one very big advantage: nobody has to sit next to the Lady Galadhwen the whole time. She just has to be disagreable, hasn´t she. I have the impression she is even looking down on the Valar.
As for Manwe cheating: if he wants someone to sit at a certain place he will make shure that the elf will get this place with the neighbours he want the elf to have.
And I can just imagine how the elves get big ears when the Valar talk about business and wonder what they are talking about and what it means. I just wait for them to ask more questions about Eä and it´s workings.
Author's reply
Hi Hel. That is certainly one big advantage and maybe Galadhwen will get the point of it sooner rather than later. *grin*
I don't think Manwë could cheat even if he wanted to. It's not in his nature.
And even those Elves who are in regular contact with the Valar need a reminder now and then of just who they really are and what they are all about. That's even more so for the Tol Eressëans who will not have had the experience of dealing with the Valar directly.
Erulisse (one L)
· 14 May 2010
· Chapter 122: The Winter Solstice Council Opens
Love the references to the greater tasks of the Valar and the beginning of the interactions of the various delegations. I feel almost as giddy as a member of the Reborn delegation - time for fun and games :-)
One small dropped letter - you don't make mistakes often so I suspect it was on your list of things to do and you simply forgot. "We felt this was the fairest way to seat everyone. Even Lord Manwë as agreed to this procedure and will abide by it." I believe that Lord Manwe HAS agreed to this procedure.
The gemstones is a wonderful touch, and the listing of the various guilds of import is very illuminating. Thank you for another stimulating chapter.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Thanks Erulissë. The 'h' on my keyboard tends to stick and sometimes I don't always notice it.
Glad you loved the reference to the greater tasks of the Valar. I tend to insert such reminders in my stories because I think readers tend to forget that they are not only the Guardians of Arda but of all of Eä as well.
I thought the gemstones was a wonderful touch, too, and makes it easy to seat people without anyone arguing about it and therefore wasting everyone else's time. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing and letting me know how much you enjoyed the chapter. I really appreciate it.
Tari
· 14 May 2010
· Chapter 121: The Winter Solstice Ball
That was quite a ball; filled with a growth in understanding due to wisdom spoken by Manwë and even a little romance. Can't wait to see what happens next.
Author's reply
Glad you liked it, Tari. There was a little bit of everything in it, wasn't there? Words of wisdom, romance and laughter. I'm sure everyone had a grand time of it.
Sunny
· 14 May 2010
· Chapter 122: The Winter Solstice Council Opens
Does nobody like Lady Galadhwen? I see that two delegates commented on sitting beside her: Gilvagor with dismay at having to do so, and Manwë with (apparant) relief at not having to.
The Warrio's Guild was something of a surprise - but then it may be not so surprising at all if some warriors find it difficult to start a new career as something else.
I suppose that the idea of having to draw lots for their seats may be a useful idea for future conferences of a similar kind. So this at least may be a precedent for future arrangements. And speaking of drawing lots - I wonder if perhaps the laws of probability are going to be stretched and twisted into pretzels occasionally during the conference? Which makes it really smart that Manwë decided that the Valar would take the last seat - just to prevent rumours that they would influence things. :-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I guess Galadhwen is just one of those personalities that rub people the wrong way. She's abrasive, but as we saw in an earlier chapter that abrasiveness is a front to hide her true feelings of loneliness and fear. I think things will be better for her once her husband joins her in Life.
I think it would be natural for the warriors to band together to help one another in their new lives. And it's a smart move because they could very well take out their boredom and frustration out on the populace. This way, they are controlled and their energies redirected to more positive pursuits, such as acting as guards and such.
I have no idea if the laws of probability will be stretched and twisted occasionally. I rather doubt it. I think the Valar will just let things go as they will. No sense making a difficult situation any more difficult than it needs to be, right? *grin*
6336
· 14 May 2010
· Chapter 122: The Winter Solstice Council Opens
Well I see Gladhwen is being her sweet and adorable self, as usual! Pity Meril is not the leader of the delegation from Kortirion, things would go a lot smoother all round.
Like the idea of a round table and everybody changing places every time they meet, a bit like musical chairs!
Hope Manwe can get those two star systems to avoid each other, could be a bit messy otherwise, lots of star cores for Aule though!
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I think Meril prefers working from behind the scenes, which is why she hasn't tried to take Galadhwen's place on the city council. Glad you liked the seating arrangements. I'm sure the Valar will be able to fix the stellar problem without too much trouble. Aulë will have to find is star cores somewhere else, though. *grin*
Mr.Namo
· 12 May 2010
· Chapter 85: On the Way to Angobel
Rereading this chapter I liked it so much. Finally, we get to see Ingwion's ring. One question. Isn't his ring suppose to go dark when danger is near? It seems to be glowing in this chapter.
History to the roof. Haha great line. :D
Keep writing
Mr.Namo
Author's reply
You're absolutely right about that. Grr! *headdesk* Anyway, I went in and made the necessary corrections in the text. Thanks for pointing this out to me. And I'm glad you like the chapter so much in spite of my faux pas. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it. It's one of my favorite chapters, too.
6336
· 12 May 2010
· Chapter 121: The Winter Solstice Ball
Loved the opening ceremony, very simple and elegant, yet reminding every one of why they are there and a warning to keep an open mind.
Bit surprised that Manwe did not automatically lead the first Pavane, he who danced before the throne of Illuvitar in the time before time. This is the first time the Valae have hosted a ball so there were bound to be a few hiccups, maybe they should have consulted with Axantur, Arafinwe's Head of Protocol!
Liked how Finrod went into big brother mode when he went after Sador and Alassiel, ah, the first pangs of true lust, err, love!
Wonder why Lindarionis so disturbed by staying in the Royal Townhouse, what happened to him there?
Lynda
Author's reply
And here's another that I missed the first time round, Lynda. *sigh* I think Manwë was curious to see what the Elves would do when he didn't quite follow protocol. He does have a sly streak to him and every once in a while it shines through. And, of course, by now you know the answer to your question about Lindarion. Sorry for taking so long to respond. I really don't know how I managed to miss these reviews.
MJ
· 10 May 2010
· Chapter 121: The Winter Solstice Ball
Just out of curiosity, did Ulmo dance with Nienna?
Good read, so far, though I wonder sometimes if the title should mention Glorfindel so specifically, since the story is as much about Finrod and the other Reborn (if one goes into a page count comparison). Just a thought...
Author's reply
Hi MJ. Yes, Ulmo would have partnered with Nienna since they were the only Valar who were going stag. *grin*
While it is true that Glorfindel isn't always in the picture, "Elf, Interrupted" as a whole begins and ends with Glorfindel and his quest is a microcosm of the quests of the other Reborn to find acceptance and a purpose in their new lives. And frankly, I think it's a little too late to change the title now, don't you? *grin*
Thanks for reviewing, though, MJ. I appreciate you taking the time and letting me know that you are still enjoying the story.
Sunny
· 10 May 2010
· Chapter 121: The Winter Solstice Ball
How come nobody in the royal families like to stay at the royal townhouse? It can hardly be haunted – Namo would never tolerate that – and the elves wouldn’t want to build an ugly building. Can it be some sort of bad associations from earlier times?
When I read this chapter, I was reminded of one of Shiva’s alternate identities, Nataraja, or the Lord of the Dance. Which of course has nothing to do with this story...
Author's reply
I think it's just Lindarion who's not too keen to stay at the townhouse, but just why hasn't been revealed to me. Perhaps something happened there in the past that was upsetting and the memory of it still haunts the ellon.
Well, of course, there is more than one "Lord of the Dance", Sunny, and I didn't have Shiva in mind when I wrote this chapter. *grin* I was thinking more of the archetypal manifestation of "Dance" in all its aspects which the Valar embodied. I think in many ways they are the Archetypes from which all other forms are derived, so in that case they are less 'angels' in the traditional sense of the word, though they are ultimately 'messengers' of the divine in a broader sense than is usually associated with the purpose of angels in theological circles.
Larner
· 10 May 2010
· Chapter 121: The Winter Solstice Ball
A most delightful ball, I must say. Wish I could have been there! And love the message of the initial ceremony, one all present will need to keep in mind as the council progresses.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. I think the message of the initial ceremony is one that is applicable in our own world where too often people are despised and dismissed because they are different in some way and therefore considered by others to be less rather than more.
Tari
· 10 May 2010
· Chapter 120: At the Reception in Tirion
Morcocáno may be trouble, but I think Nelluin will keep a tight reign on him. This is one ellon who should be henpecked. It won't hurt for Arafinwe to be a back up for her either. I fear he will need a lot of watching. (Of course the Maia will be watching him too.) He might as well give up and learn to get along the the Slaves, but I know he won't, not yet at least.
Author's reply
I'm sure Nelluin will keep Morcocáno in line, too, Tari, and I'm sure Arafinwë will back her up if needed. Of course, what further trouble the ellon might cause remains to be seen. The Council hasn't even begun yet. *grin*