hawkeye
· 29 July 2014
· Chapter 12: Basket Weaving and Other Princely Pursuits
It's sad that Finrod has to deal with the fallout from the kinslaying. That may well be one of the most hurtful things in his new life, though I have a feeling it will not be the last. The insights into Finrod's participation in the Exile really help. Unfortunately, from the perspective of those who remained in Aman, he gets grouped along with everyone else. While sad, I think it's quite true to life.
While he shouldn't have said what he did, I really respect Eärnur for his response to Finrod's retaliation. He's been a wonderful friend, and I hope that the two of them can work things through. While Eärnur's comments were hurtful, I think Finrod also has some maturing to do in this area. Hopefully Eärnur doesn't get into too much trouble with Lord Irmo either, though it doesn't seem like he's overly upset.
The basket weaving was brilliant, even if Finrod is inordinately stubborn. I'm glad he's beginning to see he can enjoy things again. And I'm quite interested to see where things to with Lord Aulë.
Author's reply
It's very sad, Hawkeye, but there you have it. And people are always being tarred with someone else's feathers, so this is no different. I'm sure the two will work out their differences and remain friends. Finrod isn't that capricious or vindictive. In "Elf, Interrupted" Finrod mentions learning to basketweave and so it had to be shown here. I thought it was a fun craft for a prince of Eldamar to learn. *grin*
Thanks for taking the time to review. I appreciate it.
hawkeye
· 29 July 2014
· Chapter 11: On Trust and Innocence
So there is more to Eärnur than meets the eye :) He may be an apprentice, but I sense a maturity, or perhaps a wisdom, about him that Míriel lacked. While he is young, at least he knows this. It must be hard for Finrod, with all his memories, to be having to always follow directions. As far as Eärnur is concerned, I think being with Finrod is a wonderful education for him. I think they will both learn a lot from each other.
Another thing that I noticed in this chapter was Finrod's natural tendency to protect. He seems to be starting to look out at others around him, rather than being solely focused on his own world. Irmo's response was interesting in this respect too, especially when Finrod took things too far.
At first I was thinking that Lady Vána was going to be the teacher. I suppose Finrod could look on the right side, as things could be worse... or would that be better? ;)
Author's reply
Eärnur has depths to him that aren't immediately obvious. Irmo chose well in having him deal with Finrod. Finrod's protective tendencies arises from his kingship, whether he realizes this or not. He sees certain people, such as Eärnur and those who share his pavilion as under his protection, but like most adolescents, he does take things further than he should, so Irmo was right to call him on it.
And it makes sense to have one of the Valië's Maiar act as a teacher. They are servants, after all, and that's what they were made for.
Thanks for leaving a reviewin, Hawkeye. I appreciate it.
hawkeye
· 29 July 2014
· Chapter 10: A New Friend
Very sneaky of Lord Aulë ;) I suspect he enjoyed both helping Finrod and making Irmo worried. Just a hunch though. At least the stable elves were nicer.
Finrod seems to be coming into his own a bit more, especially with putting his foot down regarding what he's willing to put up with. I have to wonder though if there's a point where he doesn't get a choice in the matter. He still seems to be quite young in a lot of ways.
Eärnur is going to be fun. Is it wrong to hope they find lots of trouble to get into? I am curious too about some of the differences between the Noldor and the Teleri. Aside from Calálcarë, it seems like a lot of the Noldor have been less... accepting?... than their other elven counterparts (Sindar, Teleri). Granted, I haven't read as much, but it was something I noticed and now I'm curious about.
Anyway, thank you for another fun read. I'm really enjoying your story :)
Author's reply
Lord Aulë is very sneaky. Finrod is beginning to be more assured about himself and what he wants and is seeking independence, which is a good thing. Eärnur becomes a good friend to Finrod as we will see later in the story and luckily isn't impressed by titles so he treats Finrod the way one would treat a friend or younger brother, I think.
Thanks for reviewing. I very glad you're enjoying the story.
hawkeye
· 29 July 2014
· Chapter 9: Horseshoes, Not Swords
Interesting dynamic with the Lóriennildi and Míriel. It's hard to fathom a healer behaving the way Míriel did, but I know that it does happen. It's also sad for her too, because she's missing out on knowing a wonderful person (not that I'm biased :).
I have to agree with Finrod on the art classes though. I mean, I love art, but classes are not my cup of tea either. Poor Finrod having to apologize, but I enjoyed seeing him try to act like a king a bit, even if unsuccessful.
Malantur scared me too. I totally didn't see where that was headed, but really enjoyed the surprise. You have a wonderful way of writing. Thanks for sharing!
Author's reply
Hi Hawkeye. The situation with the Lóriennildi does not get resolved until we get to "Elf, Interrupted", so you'll have to read that to see what Irmo does about the situation. A lot of the Reborn hate the art classes, but they are important as therapy.
The whole situation with Malantur was pretty weird even as I was writing the scene, one that I'd "seen" in my imagination in a variety of scenarios and I decided I wanted to include it in this story. I'm glad you like my writing style. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
hawkeye
· 29 July 2014
· Chapter 8: First Day in Lórien
As I read this chapter I kept wanting to give Finrod a hug, in the beginning because I really felt for him and at the end because he is just so amazing. I hope that Námo and Irmo are proud of him too. Finrod's maturity really surprised me, especially given the strangeness of the situation he was walking into. He is wise, I think, though he may not realize it yet.
I'm really happy he has some new friends, and especially that they are Sindar elves. I'm not sure why that made me so happy, but it did :)
Author's reply
Finrod deserves a hug for whatever reason. We see a hint of the king he once was. And he was always friends with the Sindar so it stands to reason he would have Sindarin friends here. I'm glad this fact made you happy. Thanks for leaving a review, Hawkeye. It's very much appreciated.
hawkeye
· 29 July 2014
· Chapter 7: Departure and Arrival
So Finrod's character doesn't seem to have changed much. While I suspected this, I'm really happy about it. It's wonderful to see him rediscovering himself, seeing that what essentially made him who he was is still there. I really enjoyed Irmo's little test and how you tied it in with Finrod's previous life decisions. It's those parts of him that made him a great leader.
While a part of me was sad to see him leave, it's also fun to see him move on. After seeing a bit of Námo and Yavanna, I'm really curious to see more of Irmo. Hopefully he will stick around for this second phase the way his brother has in the first. Thanks for another fun chapter!
Author's reply
Character is character and it's pretty much set in by the time someone reaches adulthood so it stands to reason that Finrod would still be Finrod regardless. And we'll see Irmo off and on while we're in Lórien.
Thanks for reviewing, hawkeye. I appreciate it.
hawkeye
· 28 July 2014
· Chapter 6: After the Storm
So, I got my reviews mixed up so some of last review was intended for this chapter *dies of embarrassment* But, on with the review.
I loved Yavanna, especially the way she was able to draw Finrod out. I think, hope, that the knowledge that his death was not in vain will help Finrod to work through some of his own hurts. It's interesting to me that some of these hurts are still there, even after dying and coming to life again. But on the other hand, I think that in the long run Finrod's ability to draw on the experiences of his previous life will really help him. Oh, and I loved the scene at the end with Námo and Yavanna. The reminder that even the Valar can be awed by an elf was lovely.
Author's reply
Don't worry about it, Hawkeye. It happens.
I'm glad you like Yavanna and how she draws Finrod out. Finrod still has a way to go before he can accept that he did not die in vain and that he has much to offer in his new life.
And since the Valar had no hand in creating Elves (or Men), then they are often in awe of them and what they can do. They are a continuing source of surprise and delight for the Valar and the Maiar.
Thanks for leaving a review. It's very much appreciated.
hawkeye
· 28 July 2014
· Chapter 5: Trouble Brewing
This was a very thought provoking chapter. Arda's Marring has so many implications, beyond the obvious orcs and such. What was especially poignant for me was the conversation between Olórin and Tindomerel, and I couldn't help wondering if they ever become weary or sad seeing these wonderful reborn creatures experience marring all over again.
Námo's intervention will be very interesting. I really enjoyed the interaction between him and the other Valar. The little bit I saw here has me excited to read more about them. Again, their love and care really endears them to me. It sounds sappy, but I really enjoy reading about them in ways that don't make them seem self obsessed or capricious.
I think Finrod is going to learn a lot of things both from the Valar and Maiar if this chapter are anything to go by. Guilt is a horrible emotion, and it was sad seeing Finrod suffer with it. Hopefully he can learn to accept things as the memories come.
Thanks for another fun read!
Author's reply
In all my stories where the Valar are involved I've tried to show them as loving and caring beings, who, even though they are far more powerful than the incarnates, they are still created beings and are not perfect. I think it's their imperfections that make them endearing and more approachable for the reader.
And as painful as it is to watch the Reborn become marred again in some ways, it is just the nature of things in a fallen universe and the Maiar understand this and keep estel in their hearts that all will be made whole in the end.
Thanks for reviewing, Hawkeye. I appreciate it.
hawkeye
· 28 July 2014
· Chapter 4: Facing the Darkness
Wow. I was really impressed with Námo in this chapter. His reputation is cold, and in the very beginning of the chapter, I wasn't sure where he was headed. I liked that he seemed to both be able to give Finrod what he needed and to a certain degree what he wanted as well.
I enjoyed Finrod's attitude in this chapter as well. Apparently his benaviour is a bit elflingish as well. Now that he's moving around this could be interesting for his lovely maiar caregivers :)
Author's reply
Námo is impressive and his reputation, especially among the Noldor, is unfounded. And Finrod is still in an elfling-like state and his emotional maturity will take decades, so we'll see a lot of elflingish behavior from him even as we see him trying to reclaim his previous level of maturity.
Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it.
hawkeye
· 28 July 2014
· Chapter 3: Star of Hope
Despite how frustrating the situation might be, Finrod is quite endearing in this state of... elflingness? I think that it's interesting that part of his seems to remember while his consciousness doesn't. That in itself would be frightening, I think, for anyone... much less someone who has so many years of previous memory. I'm interested to see how much of his time in Mandos he remembers, or if that is just a time when he "slept" (for lack of a better word). Surprisingly, I'm really fascinated by Lord Námo. I like how you've made him so much more than a sort of grim reaper character. I'm looking forward to him too.
Lastly, I really found the ending of this chapter poignant. Love is so important to the fabric of our being, and particularly here, that's really apparent. More than anything, I think that Finrod needs to be loved unconditionally. Hopefully that love can pull him through what is to come.
Author's reply
Hi Hawkeye. Lord Námo figures in most if not all of my stories as he's one of my favorite characters and he's actually a lot of fun to write. His "Grim Reaper" persona is more for show than anything and as a Vala who once stood before the throne of Ilúvatar, he is a Being of Light and Goodness and therefore not as grim as he pretends to be.
And Finrod is loved unconditionally, by the Valar and Eru, though he doesn't yet understand this, but it's a truth that underlies everything that he does and everything that happens to him, as it is true for us all.
Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
hawkeye
· 28 July 2014
· Chapter 2: The Beauty of the Night
Porridge! I both laughed and grimaced at this. I suppose after over 500 years of not eating anything would taste good. But then again, I suppose that where elves are concerned, even porridge must be better.
I really felt sorry for Finrod in this chapter, though I suspect I may be saying that a lot as I read this story. But, he has gone from being a king to being like an infant, though I'm not sure he fully realizes that yet. You do a really good job of communicating both his joy and his frustration at his circumstances. The night scene was interesting, particularly in that he apparently can still have nightmares.
I quite enjoyed seeing Olórin. This is the first time I've really read anything with him not being Gandalf, so it is a really fascinating adventure to read about him in another context. I can't wait to read more. Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
Am finally finding time to begin responding to your reviews, Hawkeye, though it'll take me a while to catch up.
I happen to like oatmeal, myself, so I decided Finrod would like it this time around, though if you eventually read "Elf, Interrupted" you will learn that he definitely did not like it in his first life and everyone knew it.
I have imagined the newly Reborn to be somewhat like stroke victims who need to relearn basic things like talking and the like as their fëar learn to reconnect with a physical body again.
And I write about Olórin the Maia in my stories a lot, and of course, at this time, his stint as Gandalf the Wizard is thousands and thousand years away.
Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.
hawkeye
· 28 July 2014
· Chapter 1: Death Is but the Beginning
Finrod is high on the list of my favorite Tolkien characters, so I know I'm going to like this story already. Coming back to a body as an adult must be terribly confusing. I thought it was interesting that some parts of Finrod's consciousness seemed intact while others did not. It will create some interesting circumstances for him though, particularly as he tries to do things that he knows he should be able to do but can't. Tindomerel is interesting. I hope to see more of her :)
Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
Hello Hawkeye. Finrod is high on my list as well, along with Glorfindel. I hope you enjoy reading this story about Finrod relearning to live again. This is a companion piece to my "Elf, Interrupted" series, so if you haven't read that one, please do when you get the chance. Tindomerel will be with us through the first few chapters. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Eruherdiriel
· 20 July 2014
· Chapter 37: The Final Summons
I enjoyed this. Poor Finrod. But I enjoyed reading about characters from Elf, Interrupted.
~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this, Eruherdiriel. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Anonymous
· 30 January 2014
· Chapter 38: Character List
It can't end there! Please let there be a sequel!!!
Author's reply
The sequel, if you want to call it that, is Elf, Interrupted: Book One, since the last chapter of this story coincides with chapter 13 of that story.
ekaterin
· 6 June 2012
· Chapter 38: Character List
This is a good story. Thank you for writing it.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Ekaterin. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Glory Bee
· 15 March 2012
· Chapter 38: Character List
Hi Fiondil,
I made the mistake of reading the series in the wrong order which was unfortunate in a way but it still had a great emotional impact on me, thanks for sharing your gift and love of Tolkien's world. :)
Author's reply
Hi Glory Bee. Just as long as you enjoyed the stories, that's all that matters, isn't it? Thanks for letting me know, I appreciate it very much.
Mirach
· 18 February 2012
· Chapter 18: Home Again
I'm sorry I don't review much, but I really love to read your stories. I have draw an illustration for this chapter: http://mirachravaia.deviantart.com/art/Nightmare-285755866
Author's reply
Wow! This is the first time anyone's illustrated a scene inspired by one of my stories. Thank you very much, Mirach. I appreciate you sharing this with me and others and I appreciate you letting me know how much you love my stories.
Agape4Gondor
· 29 September 2011
· Chapter 37: The Final Summons
I know I have read this in its entirety before butter am chagrined that I did not post a final review.
Mr favorite tale is the Boromir with Namo. -- for obvious reasons. :)
But this tale is exquisite!
Author's reply
Gosh, Agape. I never realized I'd not responded to this review. I just finished re-reading this story. I'm so glad you enjoyed this story. Thanks for letting me know and I apologize for the late (very late!) response.
Ninquetari
· 4 September 2011
· Chapter 37: The Final Summons
Well, that was an abrupt ending... Is there a sequel?
I enjoy your writing and your sense of humor (especially when it includes the Valar). The characters are skillfully portrayed, and you succeeded in creating an atmosphere following Findarato's moods and maturing.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful story!
Author's reply
Hello, Ninquetari. This is actually a companion piece to my epic, "Elf, Interrupted", which begins with Glorfindel dying and joining Finrod in Mandos where they become friends and then follows Glorfindel's journey from Mandos to Lórien and then being reunited with Finrod. About a century separates the time between Finrod being re-embodied and Glorindel is Reborn and that is the time-frame for this story. Those who have read "Elf, Interrupted" first recgonize the last scene in this chapter, as it appears in "Elf, Interrupted". So, if you want to find out what happened next, I encourage you to read "Elf,Interrupted", beginning with Book 1.
I'm glad you enjoyed this and enjoy my writing and sense of humor and character development. I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know. Thanks. I think if you enjoyed this story you'll enjoy "Elf, Interrupted" as well.
Tkid
· 23 August 2011
· Chapter 17: Crossing Eldamar
@@@ "Where are we?" he said, for it was now dark out and that surprised him, for he did not think he had slept so long. He was alone in the carriage with his atar, who still held him in his embrace.
"Come," Arafinwë said. "We’ll show you." With that, he opened the carriage door and stepped out. Finrod followed him and found, not the expected city, but an encampment of several pavilions all lit up. He gazed about in wonder. Arafinwë smiled at him. "The road to Tirion is quite long," he said, "so we will spend the night here. Are you hungry? I see supper is ready." @@@
I'm rereading some of the stories since I started Darkness and missed this the first time. This is an awful long time to remain in one position. Poor Arafinwe has been bereft of his family for a very long time.
Author's reply
Hi Tkid. I'm sure Arafinwë shifted his position once in a while during the trip. *grin* But, then again, he may have felt that any discomfort he was experiencing was worth it to have his firstborn sleeping beside him once again.
Thanks for taking te time to re-read some of my earlier stories and leave a comment or two along the way. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 30 December 2010
· Chapter 37: The Final Summons
Another great story. I really get into this Reborn business and the implications. I cheered for Finrod, but I could see how hard it was for his parents and especially Amarie. Poor Amarie. It must have been hard to wait so long for your love only to realize he doesn't remember you. And he is not what you expected when you heard he is reborn. But she reacts a bit like a spoiled child herself. She has some growing up to do on her own. Finrod is finally growing up again. But Amarie still has a long wait ahead of her. I now have to find the place in Elf Interrupted where Glorfindel enters the scene.
Author's reply
Hi, obsidianj. Glad you enjoyed this story. It was fun to write. Amarië had certain (unrealistic) expectations concerning herself and Finrod and of course when your expectations don't match up with reality it is rather difficult to switch gears, so to speak. Luckily, her upcoming chat with Námo will put her on the right path. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate you taking the time to do so. Happy New Year!
6336
· 15 December 2010
· Chapter 17: Crossing Eldamar
Re reading this and thinking that Finrod is just like a six year old in an adult body. Arafinwe and Earwen need to realise this and remember how they coped with Finrod when he was 6! Somebody, maybe Namo, needs to take Amarie aside and explain the facts of life to her, no, not those facts of life, just that Finrod is still very new to life and will act out just like a very young child. Yes, I know Namo does have a talk with her but not for close on another 100 years or more, she needs one now!
Still think the Reborn should come with a book explaining their care and feeding, maybe Earwen should write one!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi, Lynda. Well, unfortunately, I'd already written the relevant parts of Elf, Interrupted, so I couldn't change things. I suspect the Valar were hoping Amarië would come around on her own but when she didn't, they took over her... er... education. *grin*
I'm sure some kind of book was written by someone or at least notes were taken and passed along to the next harried Elf having to deal with a recently released Reborn. *grin*
Glad you are enjoying this the second (or third or fourth?) time around. It's always nice to see new reviews of older stories and know people are still enjoying them. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. I appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor
· 15 July 2010
· Chapter 19: Confronting the Past
I have always wondered at the love between Finrod and Men. It was a beautiful thing... This is a great chapter.
Author's reply
Glad you liked this chapter, Agape. Thanks for letting me know.
Agape4Gondor
· 15 July 2010
· Chapter 18: Home Again
"Do you think if I wrote to Lord Námo for a set of instructions on the care and feeding of Reborn, I would get a reply?" he asked.
I thought the same thing. I think it would be an instant best seller!
As for Amarie - honestly - if she had gone to 'pick up' Finrod, I think they would have killed each other! Good thing the parents are always there to run interference. *chuckles*
Author's reply
I'm sure every parent of a Reborn is wishing theirs came with an instruction manual. *grin* Amarie has a lot of growing up to do herself and we know it takes almost as long as it takes Finrod to mature emotionally. *teehee*
Thanks for reviewing, Agape. I appreciate it and I am glad you are enjoying this story.
Agape4Gondor
· 14 July 2010
· Chapter 17: Crossing Eldamar
Well, I feel like I'm finally back from Mandos. So good to be reading this again. It's fun to read something that is now complete. I don't have to sit and bite my nails anymore!
"And now we get to see if we got it right all over again."
Well - IMHO - they did a fine job. As did you in writing his story and this chapter... Oh - and his betrothed is a pip, isn't she! *giggles*
Author's reply
Hi Agape. I'm glad you are finally able to finish reading this story. It is nice when a story is complete and you can just read one chapter after another, isn't it? *grin* Anyway, I think Finrod's parents did a fine job, too, and yes, his betrothed is a pip. *grin*
Thanks for reading and letting me know how much you enjoyed this chapter (and story). I appreciate it.