Hopefully Finrod's explanations about Quenya and Sindarin will help these Amaneldi to understand better how the exiles felt and why they adopted the new language and identities. I think it might help them with the Reborn, too.
So that was the occasion when Finrod got his 'little talk'. Had already wondered when that will occur, and seeing how reluctant he was in taking up his duty as his father's heir, it was to be expected that it had to be around this time. But all in all, it went quite well, I think.
The end left me giggling, of course. Who is looking forward to Glorfindel's release more - Finrod or the Valar and Maiar, I wonder? *evil grin* Of course, now I want to know what Glorfi did this time ;-)
Author's reply
I'm sure that Finrod's discussion with the healers will make some of them think and be more aware of why their charges act as they do and be more understanding, though we know that for the most part that will not be the case for some time to come.
Finrod did tell Glorfindel that his "chat with Námo" was very mild compared to what others experienced. *grin* But it should have the desired effect of getting him to take up his responsibilities.
And I have no idea what Glorfindel did this time but it must have been something if it got even the unflappable Maranwë cursing in Valarin. I'm sure Námo had a time and a half getting things settled and wishing he could throw Glorfindel out of Mandos a lot earlier than planned. *grin*
Kitty
· 24 January 2010
· Chapter 33: Beneath a Star-strewn Ocean
Our dear Eärnur wouldn't be of much use as a ranger, I suppose, when he can't even find his favourite cave *grin* Oh well, at least the two ellyn appear to have had a great time at the sea. I think it was important for both of them to have this time together and away from others, to be able to talk about their experiences and all that.
Author's reply
I must have had a mental block, unable to see your reviews, much like Glorfindel not being able to see Eärendil's Star. *grin* Not sure why. Oh well....
At any rate, this was definitely a time for bonding between the two ellyn and the time was well spent as we well know from "Elf, Interrupted".
Kitty
· 24 January 2010
· Chapter 32: Haunting the Gates
On the one hand, I feel so sorry for Finrod for missing his friend so much, but on the other hand, Eärnur is right that his parents - and many others - were or are in the same situation. Oh well, maybe this experience will help Finrod to understand that he has just to have a bit more patience.
Author's reply
Somehow I keep missing your reviews, Kitty. Mea cupla. Eärnur, of course, is correct on all counts. Finrod is just being self-centered in his desire to have Glorfindel with him. He is still very immature at this point and hasn't yet realized that patience is a virtue.
Kitty
· 24 January 2010
· Chapter 31: Seeking Glorfindel
Even if he could not meet him, it must have been a certain comfort for Arafinwë to hear so much good about his son in Beleriand, to know he was a great king and his people loved him.
*sigh* Finrod is still quite oversensitive about people, about the way they question him etc., isn't he? It is quite a difference to see this relatively immature Finrod and to compare him to the one in EI2. Somehow I get the feeling the Valar aren't happy with his little outing to Lórien, but we will see ...
Author's reply
And here's another one I missed! I'm sure Arafinwë took great comfort in hearing all the good things about his son when he was in Beleriand. I think that's why he is able to deal with Finrod as he does, knowing something of what his son became before he died.
Larner
· 23 January 2010
· Chapter 34: Summons
A time to rethink and to show himself ready to do what is expected of him as haryon. And he will do well at it, I am certain!
Author's reply
Very true, Larner, and we know that he has what it takes. He just needs a little more confidence at this point in time.
ellie
· 21 January 2010
· Chapter 34: Summons
How funny about the cursing maranwe at the end.
You brought soemthing very interesting to light in this cah[ter with Finrod doubting his own wisdom and the burden of judgement placed on each "good" ruler. If Finrdo would just open up to his atar and talk to him about these things, I think he woudl be very surprised at what he learns and at how similar he and his atar still are. You would also have a really good chapter on your hands *teehee*
Can't wait to see what happens next!
Author's reply
Finrod and Arafinwë will talk after this and we will see what comes of it. Glad you found the end funny with Maranwë cursing. I am sure he will be very happy to see Glorfindel leave the 'nest' and it can't happen soon enough for him, I have no doubt. *grin*
6336
· 21 January 2010
· Chapter 34: Summons
Uh oh! Now what has Mr. Unperdictable done to get Maranwe swearing in Valarin! Eonwe is going to be busy!
Let's hope Namo's little chat helps Finrod find his place, he does need purpose in his life, being Haryon should be a full time job, one he will have to learn from the ground up as he had little or nothing to do with court life when he lived in Aman.
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi, Lynda. I have no idea what Mr. Unpredictable has done but it must have been a doozy to get Maranwë all in a twist. *grin* We will see just how helpful Námo's chat was in getting Finrod focused on his present duties in the next chapter. His memories of his life in Nargothrond should help him there.
Mr.Namo
· 21 January 2010
· Chapter 34: Summons
Great chapter. I was wondering if there was going to be an extension of that chapter from EI1 in here.
One question. Why did Varda send the missive when Namo could have just sent one him self? I didn't think that Varda was to involved with the reborn.
"....he understood that Findaráto was a special case...."
Namo, get used to special cases. Take a prep course on special reborn cases or something. Glorfindel hasn't even been released yet. :)
Really enjoyed this chapter.
Mr.Namo
Author's reply
Glad you liked the chapter. I think Námo decided that Varda should send the summons as being less upsetting than getting such a summons directly from Námo himself. Even so, we saw that Finrod jumped to some wrong conclusions that certainly did upset him. *grin* How his little chat with the Lord of Mandos works out will be shown in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing, Mr. Námo. I really appreciate it.
Sunny
· 21 January 2010
· Chapter 34: Summons
Hmmm ... That Talk, yes. Fleshed out with stuff relevant to Finrod and his role as haryon.
Maranwë swearing in Valarin? Yes, that must be Glorfindel. Whatever trouble he and his new friends is in, it _has_ to be a doozy!
Author's reply
Yes, That Talk. *LOL* We will see how it works out for Finrod in the next chapter.
Larner
· 14 January 2010
· Chapter 33: Beneath a Star-strewn Ocean
A peaceful and necessary respite. I think I enjoyed it as much as these two.
Author's reply
I'm glad you did, Larner. We all needed an angst-free chapter, I think. *LOL*
Sunny
· 14 January 2010
· Chapter 33: Beneath a Star-strewn Ocean
Something different for Finrod - it certainly improved his mood.
I liked Irmo's comment about having to lend out his maiar for all the ages of Arda ;-)
Seefood - yum. I wonder if the Teleri have invented sushi? ;-)
Author's reply
Hi Sumny. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Finrod really needed the holiday, didn't he? *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
6336
· 14 January 2010
· Chapter 33: Beneath a Star-strewn Ocean
He's getting there, slowly but surely, he is getting there!
Lynda
Author's reply
That he is, Lynda, that he is.
Tari
· 13 January 2010
· Chapter 30: The New Year Ball
Poor Finrod; trying to deal with amnesia is awful. At least some of his people support him. The rest are fools. They don’t realize that it could just as easily be them going thru this nightmare. Where is Glorfindel and could he really help?
Author's reply
It is terrible what Finrod and the other Reborn have to go through as they reclaim their memories. And, of course, it doesn't help them any when people refuse to understand. Unfortunately, Glorfindel is still residing in Mandos and it will be some time before he is released. I'm afraid Finrod will just have to muddle through on his own. *grin*
Larner
· 10 January 2010
· Chapter 32: Haunting the Gates
The longing we have for those who were so much a part of us is often overwhelming, as I know you appreciate. A sad and poignant vignette, this. But that time approaches for the reunion of these two.
Author's reply
Very sad and poignant, indeed, Larner. One cannot help but feel pity for Finrod at this point, yet we know that the time is indeed approaching for the reunion of these two, even if *they* don't know it yet. *grin*
ellie
· 8 January 2010
· Chapter 32: Haunting the Gates
I feel so sorry for Finrod in his lonliness. It seems there should be something that someone could do to ease his sorrow and lonliness. I hope he finds some healing of some kind from this trip to Lorien. Bummer...
Author's reply
We will see in the next chapter how Finrod fares. At least we have the comfort of knowing that eventually he and Glorfindel will be reunited. Just not yet.
6336
· 7 January 2010
· Chapter 32: Haunting the Gates
Both Finderato and Glorfindel have a lot of healing to do.
Just be patient Finda, Glorfi will come precisely when he is ready!
Lynda
Author's reply
And of course that's what everyone keeps telling him but he just doesn't believe it.
Tari
· 4 January 2010
· Chapter 29: Presentation of the Heir
What a beautiful ceremony. Perhaps those in attendance, who have not made Finrod feel welcome, will do so now.
His outfit sounds breathtakingly beautiful. Where do you come up with these ideas?
Author's reply
Thanks, Tari. I am glad you liked the ceremony. As for the outfit... I generally base my descriptions from garb I've seen at SCA events (I used to belong) or medieval paintings and such, plus, I have a very good imagination. *grin*
ellie
· 31 December 2009
· Chapter 31: Seeking Glorfindel
I like the insight into Arafinwe and his feelings. It seemed like Finrod was surproised by this a bit, too. I feel sorry for Finrod in his lonliness but I'm glad that the new Order is woreking well for everyone.
Author's reply
Thanks, Ellie. I think Arafinwë is sure there is more to the request than just wanting to go to Lórien to see Eärnur whom Finrod does not even mention at first, only when pressed. We'll see how it turns out over the next couple of chapters.
Larner
· 31 December 2009
· Chapter 31: Seeking Glorfindel
Poor young man! He has so much to seek, and it's natural he should wish a companion who shares many of his own experiences and appreciations. Now, to see what happens now.
Author's reply
Very natural, Larner, especially someone who's 'been there, done that' and can thoroughly understand where he's coming from. We will see how it all turns out in the next chapter.
Larner
· 31 December 2009
· Chapter 30: The New Year Ball
The reason for the memory surfacing is obvious enough. It would do well for these courtiers to remember that Finderato had himself been a king, and understands in the depths of his heart what it entails. They certainly need the example of courtesy before them!
Author's reply
Very true, Larner. Most of the courtiers, I think, don't really believe that Finrod was a king in his own right. They remember the prince only and then he was simply the oldest son of the youngest son of the Noldóran at the time, not even haryon to the Noldóran as he is now.
Kitty
· 28 December 2009
· Chapter 30: The New Year Ball
Hm ... it may be meant well, but admittedly I share Finrod's sceptism about this new Order. While the membership may be a certain reward for these who are nice to Finrod, it might cause even more of a chasm between him and the others. Though I enjoyed what Herendil said about certain others having forgotten even the most common courtesies – hope Nambarauto & Co. listened closely! *eg* Oh well, it seems at least one or two others seem to think it a good idea. I'll just let your muse surprise me how that turns out. And what Finrod is plotting now ...
What a place and time for Finrod to have such a memory triggered! Really, Finrod, you should give the poor ellon a break!
Author's reply
Hi, Kitty. Well, we will see how the new Order works out soon enough, I suppose. And I am assuming your last sentence in addressed to me and that you are not castigating Finrod for being Finrod. *LOL*
Tari
· 28 December 2009
· Chapter 28: Invitation to a Wedding
I'm glad Finrod stood his ground regarding the tunic and wore it anyway. A gift from a special friend is something to be cherished indeed, as is the friendship itself.
Author's reply
Very true, Tari, which is why Finrod wore the tunic. And as he told Rúmilion, what better way to honor the newlyweds than to wear a tunic that with every stitch was made with love?
ellie
· 25 December 2009
· Chapter 30: The New Year Ball
Nice holiday timing ont he posting of this chapter. Poor Finrod having to relive that horrible experience of having his peopole turn against him only to 'Wake up' and discover that not only does no one understand, but the poeople of the court aren't entirely on his side anyway. I hope his young friends stick by him. I also hope that the new order will turn out to be a good thing. I loved it that he and his cousins used to make up chivalric orders to keep the ellith out of their games. too funny!
Can't wait for more chapters!
Author's reply
Hi, ellie. Well, I didn't exactly plan it this way, and of course for the Elves the New Year is in March, it's just the way the chapters fell out. *grin* Anyway, I am glad you liked the chapter, especially the part about Finrod and his cousins making up chivalric orders to keep the ellith out of their games. Didn't we all? *LOL*
Shemyaza
· 24 December 2009
· Chapter 30: The New Year Ball
I read all of your stories avidly, but this one struck a personal chord with me. I suffer quite badly from PTSD as a result of seeing action in the Gulf War. Your description of Finrod's episode is very much one of a PTSD flashback during which the sufferer enacts the flashback as though it was happening in real time, which of course to the sufferer, it is. During that time the outward behaviour of the sufferer can seem bizarre and completely outlandish to those watching it. It was the mental state which, after the war in Vietnam, coined the phrase, the '1000 yard stare'. PTSD can occur days after a traumatic incident or it can occur 10, even 20 years later. The official explanation for PTSD is that it's 'a normal reaction to an abnormal situation'.
I would imagine that many Elves and indeed Maiar who fought in Middle-earth would experience such PTSD and for someone like Finrod as a reborn it would be all the more traumatic simply because the actual trauma and the events leading up to it would have culminated in his painful death.
Nobody in Aman who had not experienced war or death in that way would have little basis for comparison. I have a great deal of empathy for Finrod for obvious reasons.
Author's reply
Hello, Shemyaza. Thank you so much for this. I am so sorry that you suffer from PTSD, but I am glad that I have depicted Finrod's episode realistically. I well recall when PTSD was coined as I grew up during the Vietnam Era. And you are correct that Elves and even Maiar who fought in Middle-earth would probably have similar PTSD experiences, though I think the Maiar would be able to deal with it better. I suspect that the healers in Lórien were very busy after the War, but, as with their dealings with the Reborn, I doubt, as you say, that they would have little basis for comparison and would not understand, initially, what was happening or even how to treat it, if it is even treatable. Thank you for sharing. I truly appreciate it.
Kitty
· 20 December 2009
· Chapter 29: Presentation of the Heir
when faced with the ultimate question, the answer to which apparently would spell either doom or glory for the rest of Arda: Which gown to wear? *giggle* In that regard, Elves aren't that different from many Mortals, aren't they?
Glad to see how well Finrod and Rúmilion are getting along, and I like the latter's suggestion to just sneak out, even if it is not possible. They would have more fun outside of the court, no doubt. Oh well, at least Finrod got to chose his own clothes, and from your description, he must look gorgeous in them.
That whole 'presenting the Heir' business appears a bit pompous to me, but I guess most, if not all courts have that sort of ceremony. Aside of that, it was a nice ceremony, and I was glad to see that it was recognised so publicly how much Herendil did for Finrod.
Author's reply
No, I suppose certain Elves are not much different from the Mortal counterparts. *grin*
I think if Finrod were a little youmger emotionally than he is at this point, he might have taken Rúmilion up on his offer, but with four guards, I don't think they would have even made it out the front door. *LOL*
As for the Presentation of the Heir... perhaps it is a bit pompous, but it's a tradition that has built up over the centuries among the Elves in Aman. Generally, the royal families present their heirs to the Valar in a similar ceremony. Arafinwë and Eärwen are just adapting the ceremony for the official welcome to Finrod and formally announcing that he is the Noldóran's legal heir. A necessary ceremony given the circumstances, I think.