This just goes to show what happens when someone acts without knowing all the facts. It’s a shame Lindorille had to go through all this. It’s good to know she won’t remember the trial. The Valar were most gracious in their handling of this situation.
Tari
Author's reply
It helps to have all the facts and also an understanding of your subject. Lisselindë has had little real contact with the Elves who come to Lórien and she's misjudged gravely in this instance. Hopefully she will have learned her lesson.
And as Námo tells Finrod, the Valar aren't callous and have done all they could to lessen the shock on Lindorillë of the trial and being called as a witness.
artistic sprite
· 23 October 2008
· Chapter 28: Judgment
I guess Lisselinde deserves it. " I am afraid thou and I are stuck with one another once again." The way he said is just hilarious! Good to see Olorin have a sense of humour in such a grim trial!:D
Author's reply
It always helps to have a sense of humor in any situation. *grin*
Independence1776
· 23 October 2008
· Chapter 28: Judgment
Mae govannen, Fiondil.
I've been lurking for a while, and finally decided to get an account here.
I love your stories, especially EI. These last four chapters are my absolute favorites of the ones you've posted so far. I've been anxiously awaiting the updates.
My favorite lines so far are: "They are both getting too dangerous to be allowed to remain together" and "My brother and I merely wished to keep you in our sights. You are much too dangerous to be left on your own." I have to say, I wouldn't be reacting nearly as calmly as Glorfindel if I was in his situation.
One minor quibble that I've noticed you sometimes make: "it's" is the contraction for "it is" and "its" is the possesive, not vice versa.
Other than that, your works are fabulous. I read bits and pieces when I'm in a bad mood, and it usually helps cheer me up. I've even picked up a smattering of Quenya vocabulary, something I had never anticipated doing, since I plan on learning Sindarin.
Thank you for such an enjoyable read.
~ Indy
Author's reply
Hi Indy. Thanks for letting me know how much you've been enjoying my stories, especially EI.
As for the "it's vs. its" thing.... a real bad habit of mine and I need to make sure my beta catches it. It would be helpful if when people find such an obvious error that they note it and send me an email and let me know. Telling me there's an error but not telling me where does me no good to go back into the story and correct it. *grin*
Nieriel Raina
· 23 October 2008
· Chapter 28: Judgment
I really enjoyed this chapter! Thanks for sharing!
Author's reply
Glad you liked the chapter, NiRi. Thanks for letting me know.
eiluj
· 22 October 2008
· Chapter 28: Judgment
I'm guessing those strange Maiar of Námo's are usually to be found guarding the Void -- and perhaps he also uses them to intimidate the unrepentant elves who don't qualify for Rebirth? Really, they're too grim: Námo should definitely let them get out more! Picnics in sunny meadows of flowers; butterflies, petit-fours, their choice of wine, string quartets: that sort of thing. Though then they wouldn't be nearly so intimidating!
[What became of the repentant Úmayar? Sauron pretended to be (but then didn't follow through), so I assume there must have been others. And I assume the *un*repentant Úmayar ended up in the Void with Morgoth -- probably hiding from him.... *shudder*]
About Glorfindel's being present even though he's not a witness: I daresay it helped Finrod to have him there. And of course the trip to Eldamas gave the two of them the opportunity to be friends again.
So now will Glorfindel go *back* to Lórien a second time, when he'd said he wasn't going there in the first place? Hm ... what would make the Valar's lives the most interesting?
With apologies to my great-grandmother Sarah, who wrote English grammar textbooks, and her son, my grandfather, the newspaper editor (I've realized the compulsion is genetic), let me point out a problem sentence: "A smaller group, whose dress was more muted than even those worn by the Teleri, marked them as Tol Eressëan."
Here, "whose dress was more muted than even those worn by the Teleri" is a subordinate clause. "Marked them as Tol Eressëan" refers to "dress," so it's part of the subordinate clause. The main clause is supposed to be able to stand by itself as a complete sentence, but it consists solely of a subject ("a small group"); since there is no verb, what you have is an incomplete -- though very complex -- sentence.
You could do something along the lines of "A smaller group, whose dress was more muted than even those worn by the Teleri, and marked them as Tol Eressëan, stood warily next to Vána's throne." Or don't split the main clause: "A smaller group stood warily next to Vána's throne; their dress, more muted than even those worn by the Teleri, marked them as Tol Eressëan."
Technically, "dress" is singularly, while "those" is plural.
"if he findeth thou hast neaten his desk" -- Here you want the past participle "neatened" rather than the infinitive (cf. the next sentence: "he hath *left*").
Author's reply
Thanks for the grammar lesson. *grin* I've made the necessary changes.
Larner
· 22 October 2008
· Chapter 28: Judgment
Oh, Olorin--thou sly fox! Heh! And he and Namo are stuck with one another--again? I doubt Olorin minds all that much!
Nice save there, him recognizing the signature wasn't valid in Aman and that Finrod had already decided not to send it after all. And the poor Maia--caught by her own machinations!
Author's reply
I doubt Olorin (or Namo) minds that much too. *grin*
Agape4Gondor
· 22 October 2008
· Chapter 28: Judgment
I really shouldn't be laughing for it was a most difficult trial - however, Olorin and our two heroes definitely make for an 'interesting' time for all of Aman....
Really great chapter. I'm sorry that Lisselinde has to suffer like this - but I'm glad the other Elves were about to 'see' that the Valar do not take their guardianship lightly!
Very nicely done!
Author's reply
Glad you liked this chapter, Agape. No, the Valar do not take their guardianship lightly and the elves need to see this.
Radbooks
· 22 October 2008
· Chapter 28: Judgment
Very nice chapter! I liked that the Valar treated the Maiar just as they would the elves... I mean they had to to be truly just. And it was smart to have what I am assuming were 'regular' people there to witness the judgment. I was afraid that they were going to send her off into the void or something like that so I was really sort of worried for her!! :) The punishment seemed right and just for her and it made me smile about Olorin going back with Namo again... they do keep ending up together! And Glorfindel was there just to keep an eye on him, huh? That was amusing... he WOULD have caused trouble if he wouldn't have been allowed to go with them. *grin*
Author's reply
Lisselinde wasn't evil, just lacking in proper judgment so her punishment is right and just. Glorfindel... a loose cannon no matter where he is. At least in sight of the Valar he's more likely to behave. *grin*
6336
· 22 October 2008
· Chapter 28: Judgment
Yay! An update, I need something to cheer me up, just came from the dentist and I need a crown and possibly a root canal :<(and now my printer has just died! No fun!
Well at least the Valar have shown that they have the integrity to discipline their own when it comes to crimes against the Eruhini, though I think Lissalinde's 'crime' was more an error of judgement than any thing else. Why do she and Olorin seem to think that Finrod needs taking down a peg or two, he seems to be coming along well as far as I can see?
Could those strange Mair be the ones Namo has guarding the Doors of Night and Feanor and his brother's, that is, when they are not having sessions with the Dr!
Hm, I can see why they would want to keep an eye on Glorfindel but he was doing O.K. with Calaphern, at least he was gainfully occupied, but he was keeping Eonwe busy writing down his oaths, so maybe it was just as well he came with Finrod, as he had other duties to take care of, Eonwe that is, and they did make up on the way there!(Whew! That was a long sentance!)
I wonder if this is the end of it though, your plot twist are tortureous(sp) in the extreme!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Sorry to hear about your dental woes. I'm glad that I was able to bring a smile to you regardless. Lisselinde's 'crime' is indeed an error of judgment which is why her punishment is a lenient as it is. I suspect that the two Maiar just were feeling that Finrod was being too much the 'king of Nargothrond' when he no longer is. Who really knows? Perhaps we'll find out some day.
The strange Maiar.... as Namo tells Finrod and Glorfindel, they have other duties in Mandos other than watching over the fear of elves in the Halls of Waiting. Probably best not to inquire too closely as to just what those duties are. *grin*
GoldenFlower
· 22 October 2008
· Chapter 28: Judgment
Very nicely written, wonderfully long, loved it. Update soon!
GF
Author's reply
Thanks, GoldenFlower. I'm glad you enjoyed this. I will update soon, I promise.
Sunny
· 22 October 2008
· Chapter 28: Judgment
Hmmm. I noticed, when mentioning Ingwion, and Nienna needing him to help with Vorondil and Aldundil, Finrod did not mention the bit from the previous chapter about "I have the impression those two are in deep trouble and Ingwion is there to see to it that they get into even deeper trouble."
I am also curious about what Nienna will cook up for Lisselindë. I expect it will be something suitably Educational (with the last word pronounced like one one of Námo’s Dooms…)
Then: "I am afraid thou and I are stuck with one another once again." And Olórin: "And I shall endeavor to be ever obedient unto thee, my lord. May I ask how long this time?"
Loved that bit. And I made particular note of the word “endeavor”. _So_ fraught with possibilities… Makes me wonder if Olórin is a Glorfindel on steroids, making life … interesting … without even thinking about it ;-)
Author's reply
Perhaps Finrod decided not to mention that part of Ingwion's role, or maybe he just forgot.
Whether we will see Nienna and Lisselinde interacting remains to be seen.
"Endeavor" is indeed fraught with many possibilities and shades of meaning. I'm sure both Namo and Olorin are aware of them all. *grin*
Kaylee
· 22 October 2008
· Chapter 28: Judgment
"Lisselindë of the People of Irmo, in thine arrogance thou didst abrogate to thyself a right that is not thine, indeed is not the right of any of us who have been set in Arda as Guardians and Protectors of the Eruhíni. And this deed was unlawful whether of Aman or not of Aman. Therefore this doom is now made: it is the will of the Valar that thou shalt no longer be counted amongst the People of Irmo and Estë but will be given unto Lady Nienna and will give unto her thine allegiance until such time as the Valar decide that thou mayest return to thy proper place. In that take counsel with thyself, and remember who and what thou art."
Lisselindë fell to her knees, hiding her face in her hands. Olórin placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Námo, meanwhile, addressed him.
"Olórin of the People of Manwë...." he began then paused, giving the Maia a rueful look, the first hint of emotion he had displayed during the entire proceeding. "I am afraid thou and I are stuck with one another once again."
Olórin bowed, giving the Vala a brief smile. "And I shall endeavor to be ever obedient unto thee, my lord. May I ask how long this time?"
Námo turned to Irmo and then looked at Manwë before returning his gaze upon the waiting Maia. "We’ll work out the details later," he said somewhat drolly and Olórin bowed, accepting the Valar’s judgment.
Well, well. *wry grin* Stuck with each other once again, are they? LOL.
I'm sorry I haven't been reviewing, meldonya. I've still been following along...on Wars, Tapestry, and here...and I'm still adoring each and every chapter!
~Kaylee!
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I'm glad you're still reading my stories. Thanks for letting me know how much you are enjoying them. Review when you can.
Rhyselle
· 22 October 2008
· Chapter 28: Judgment
I'll need to read this again, as it deserves a much fuller consideration than a mere 15 minute coffee break can allow, but I had to say how much I enjoyed reading it. Initial impressions: The conversation between the kings about the last time they'd stood in the Ring of Doom for a trial really grabbed me, particularly the Teleri response. Lindorille's testimony was nicely handled. I like how Manwe arranged it to be as least traumatic as possible for her. Finrod's testimony--the signature thing was inspired! And the reason for Glorfindel's presence was giggle-worthy. :)
So Lisselindë will be under Nienna's purview for the foreseeable future, and Olorin is back with Namo once more. I sometimes wonder whether Nienna gets tired of being the Valie of Last Resort when people do things they oughtn't. I can envision her giving Manwe and Namo and the rest an ascerbic "You're turning my home into a halfway house, you know!" *grin*
May I hope that you give us a chapter or two with Ingwion and Aldundil and Vorondil soon? Pretty please?
Good luck on your training course... I hope that you successfully complete it with flying colors!
Author's reply
There is a lot going on here and there is a lot of undercurrents as well. I suspect Nienna (out of sight of the elves) raised her hands in defeat, rolled her eyes, and muttered something about having to add another wing to her house. *grin*
We will be seeing what's been happening to Vorondil and Aldundil very soon.
Thanks for your encouragement. I only have one more week to go. At this point I just want to pass with or without flying colors. *grin*
naine
· 22 October 2008
· Chapter 28: Judgment
Thank you for feeding an adict.
Lenka
Author's reply
You're welcome (I think). *grin*
Nieriel Raina
· 15 October 2008
· Chapter 27: Onward Towards Judgment
And I missed this too? *headdeskthud* I'm glad Glorfindel and Finrod have made up. I do worry about Glorfindel. He's truly had way too much stress lately. And I'm as curious as the others about the judgment. This should be interesting. Great chapter!
Author's reply
Hi NiRi... you didn't miss is since it's the most recent chapter. *grin* Glorfindel has had a lot of stress thrown his way but I think he will be able to handle it for the most part. We'll have to see. *grin* Thanks for reviewing and lettng me know what you think of the chapter.
Hel
· 15 October 2008
· Chapter 27: Onward Towards Judgment
Good. Finrod and Glorfindel are friends again. But the bond between them is to strong to be broken by a single quarrel.
Great chapter. I can´t wait to read the next chapter and get the reasons behind Lisselinde´s behaviour. I think she strongly miscalculated the reactions of the elves.
Author's reply
Thanks, Hel. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. You're right. Finrod and Glorfindel's bond is too strong to be broken by a single quarrel, though I think it might take a little longer to be comfortable with each other again.
And we will learn in the next chapter just how much Lisselinde miscalculated.
artistic sprite
· 14 October 2008
· Chapter 27: Onward Towards Judgment
Lisselinde wasn't really expecting things to go so serious, did she? Looking forward to the next chapt!
Author's reply
No. I don't think she thought things would go quite the way they did. She seriously miscalculated the reactons of the Elves in all this.
Agape4Gondor
· 13 October 2008
· Chapter 27: Onward Towards Judgment
Another great chapter - though I think I'm still shaking from the last one!
I'm very glad that 'our' two favorite Elves are speaking again. It's been a tumultuous time lately, hasn't it?
And the kings invited too - I don't think I want to be Lisselindë!!!
Author's reply
Finrod and Glorfndel have had quite a time lately and this recent blow-out hasn't helped but they are at least talking to one another which can only be a good thing.
Agape4Gondor
· 13 October 2008
· Chapter 26: Waiting for Judgment
I hate it when I miss one of these.
Excellent chapter. My skin crawls at the thought of what is to come.
Keep up the good work, my friend, it is a delightful and harrowing read - as always!
Author's reply
Thanks, Agape. I'm glad you're enjoying the story.
eiluj
· 13 October 2008
· Chapter 27: Onward Towards Judgment
"It’s all right, Glorfindel," the Maia said soothingly, not attempting to go to the ellon for fear he would do something precipitous -- Ooh, given Glorfindel's location at that moment, "precipitous" is certainly the word....
Well, it will be interesting to see what happens at the trial. I'm hoping that G and F, in their current condition, aren't too freaked out by the location.
Author's reply
We will see in the next chapter how our two heroes handle being back in the Ring of Doom, though I don't think we have to worry too much. They've been through the fire, so to speak, and have come out on the other side.
Larner
· 13 October 2008
· Chapter 27: Onward Towards Judgment
Aha--we get closer now to the truth, and now Finrod was being manipulated for some reason. Now, to find out why!
And love the increasingly inventive curses and oaths! Heh! Eonwe must be having loads of fun!
Author's reply
I think eventually Eonwe will need a book just for Glorfindel. *grin* The truth of the whys and wherefores of recent events in Lorien will be revealed in the next chapter.
GoldenFlower
· 13 October 2008
· Chapter 27: Onward Towards Judgment
Hahaha. I love Eonwe and his book. He's got to be my favorite maia- him or Sauron. (Yes, I like Sauron. He makes me laugh, except for the whole killing Finrod thing. That just makes me angry.) xD Wonderful chapter, as per usual and I can't wait for more. Oh yes- I got interesting mental pictures of Sador and Beleg huddled in a corner, whispering furiously about taking over kingdoms. I sniggered aloud and got odd looks from my mother. Really, she ought to be used to it by now! xD.
~GF
Author's reply
Thanks, GoldenFlower. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. The image of Beleg and Sador plotting is quite funny, isn't it? *grin*
6336
· 13 October 2008
· Chapter 27: Onward Towards Judgment
Hm, seems Glorfindel still has a ways to go emotionally, maybe he needs to spend a little more time in Lorien.
Looks like Manwe is pulling out all the stops on this judgement.
Loved the Ostlers comment, "Kings, lots of the!" just how many kings are there in Valinor, incarnate that is? I make it 4 counting Finrod!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, the recent events have taken their toll on Glorfindel's emotional state so it's not surprising that he would react the way he does.
I think the ostler isn't used to having ALL the (incarnate) kings showing up at the inn all at the same time. *grin* Just wait until all the other kings are released from Mandos. Then he'll have something to complain about.
Radbooks
· 13 October 2008
· Chapter 27: Onward Towards Judgment
Ah, I'm glad to see Glorfindel and Finrod talking to each other at least... it's been hard to see them at odds. I know they'll eventually come through this, their friendship is too important to them. I'm intrigued by Glorfindel's reaction when Eonwe's showed up, I know it all plays into what is going on and I'm anxious to see how all of the dots are connected together. :)
by the way, I didn't get an email notification that you had updated this story, I was just checking out the site when I saw it was posted. It may come in later, but I thought I'd let you know...
Author's reply
Glorfindel still has a way to go emotionally so his reaction to Eonwe showing up as he did unnerved him. His friendship with Finrod is not only important to them both but also crucial so this temporary break needs to be mended sooner than later. The Valar just gave them a 'cooling off' period before letting them talk to one another.
Thanks for letting me know about the email notificaton. Hopefully the system was just being slow.
Kitty
· 13 October 2008
· Chapter 27: Onward Towards Judgment
Really, I feel bad for Finrod and the elflings - it's so obvious they want to return to him and he feels bad for not being allowed to take them back. And I doubt he would ever attack them or do them any harm, so I hope he'll be able to take care of them again when he returns from the Máhanaxar.
Ah, at least something in that Glorfindel isn't much better than I am *grin* Seems even the Herold of Manwë can learn new expressions once in a while ;-)
But poor guy, his reaction to the appearance of Eönwë is a bit worrying. Glorfindel will need a while to come to terms with all this stress, I fear. It makes me worried about the trial.
Hm, Finrod and Glorfindel may take a while to find back to their former easy friendship, but I think they will come around, now that they've released some of the stress. For the moment things seem to go rather well.
"I have the impression those two are in deep trouble and Ingwion is there to see to it that they get into even deeper trouble." *lol* Somehow I have the feeling Finrod is more correct than he himself knows ;-)
I'm not really sure if I look forward to the trial or am too worried and feel a bit uncomfortable, but I look forward to learn more about what was behind all that.
Author's reply
It's been tough on all of them but I think the Valar will be letting Finrod and the elflings go back together soon. I think the Valar kept Finrod from the elflings as a punishment for his lost of temper and Finrod realizes that had the elflings been there at the time they could've been seriously hurt.
We will see shortly what role Ingwion will be playing with Vorondil and Aldundil.