Sunny
· 28 September 2009
· Chapter 18: Home Again
What a question for Eärwen to be confronted with, as she and Arafinwë bring their newly reborn son home: “Do you hate me?”
Some of Finrod’s reactions are still back in Beleriand: his first reaction on seeing Tition again was to assess its defensibility!! And the “We should not deny others the joy of serving and fulfilling their duty to us:” clearly takes him back to the time when he was King of Nargothrond.
I like the book of rules that Finrod got from Eärnur. It has a bit of the flavour of the Murphy’s Laws website: http://www.murphys-laws.com/ Warning: Do not eat or drink while browsing that site!!! Unless you _want_ to clean your screen and keyboard!
BTW, did you make a slip here, since you did _not_ post a translation of the title of the book? “Book of rules for the Reborn”, is that a reasonable translation? (It is amazing how much Elvish I have picked up just from reading LOTR Fanfic!!)
In addition there are a number of spaces between words that are missing. Perhaps an updated and polished version of this chapter might be posted?
Hm. “I died in the dark.” Finrod leaves out a lot, doesn’t he? Although he may not yet remember the worst details yet, what he _does_ remember is bad enough.
*giggles* “Instructions on the care and Feeding of Reborn, by Námo”. An nice title for a book. And one that likely would introduce the Elves to the concept of the Bestseller! ;-) Though Arafinwë may get a few hints if Finrod allows him a peek at the gift from Eärnur.
I must say I don’t much like Amarië here, though I do in EI I and II. Perhaps there is a little talk with Námo (or one of the other Valar) coming up? Or one with Arafinwë and/or Eärwen if they catch her behaving like a particularly nasty b*tch? She certainly has a lot of growing up to do!!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. The spacing errors were website-related, because when I checked my WORD doc they were fine. Not sure why there was such a glitch all at once. Oh well... they are all fixed now. The same is true for the translation. I had it but it did not copy over for some reason, though it´s there now. Your translation is quite correct. Congratulations! See, you really didn´t need me to translate. *grin*
No talk from Namo for Amarie during this time. We will see how Arafinwe handles her though.
Tari
· 28 September 2009
· Chapter 18: Home Again
What Finrod is going through is almost the same as someone recovering from amnesia. He has been blessed with parents who are understanding and helpful and always let him know how much he is loved. This is crucial to his continuing recovery. His betrothed is another story. Little does she know it but she is acting like a spoiled brat and is a bit immature herself.
Author's reply
Very aptly put, Tari, on all points. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ellie
· 24 September 2009
· Chapter 17: Crossing Eldamar
I'm about ready to slap Amarie for Finrod. poor guy! I love the way Arafinwe is handling everything, so patientlya nd so lovingly. He and Earwen are so laid back and comapssionate about everything with their confused son. Enjoying this story immensely!
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. I am glad you are still enjoying this story. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
njomo
· 22 September 2009
· Chapter 17: Crossing Eldamar
Hi Fiondil,
What a beautiful picture you give us in the middle of this chapter: Arafinwë and Finrod sitting together gazing at the stars. I love it when Finrod says, "Would you like me to tell you their names?" I've said it before, but Finrod is really lucky to have Arafinwë as his atar.
And it's very telling, I think, what Finrod says about the stars. "They never disappointed and they never judged."
I really felt for Finrod during Amarie's comments about his clothing. And I like what Arafinwë said about the difference between hating and not liking someone.
Thanks Fiondil!
Joanne
Author's reply
Hi Joanne. I love that scene as well. Finrod is trying to make some kind of connection with this stranger who is his atar and luckily Arafinwe does not reject his offer or ridicule him, recognizing that his son is very much the elfling here. The stars, of course, were Finrod´s first "friends" and so he tends to compare others by the "standards" of his friendship with the stars. A juvenile attitude, but one that is very real even among us humans at times.
Larner
· 22 September 2009
· Chapter 16: At the Great Gates of Return
She thinks he has loved another since he was gone, and needs reassurance that this was not so. I suppose she will be surprised to know he was speaking of Artanis Nerwen.
Author's reply
No doubt and also embarrassed. *grin*
Larner
· 22 September 2009
· Chapter 17: Crossing Eldamar
This must be wonderful and but a step beyond unendurable at the same time! Poor folk--trying desperately to understand!
Author's reply
Indeed it must be, Larner, for both Finrod and his parents. And, of course, with every family welcoming back a Reborn
6336
· 20 September 2009
· Chapter 16: At the Great Gates of Return
So Finrod is finally reunited with his parents and Amarie, though I don't think things went quite as well aa expected! They all have a lot to learn from each other.
Hope Amarie gets over her pique when she finds out who 'Aladrial' is! She is being a bit of a brat!
Lynda
Author's reply
Well, we know it takes Amarie some time to "come around" *lol* We will see in subsequent chapters how things work out (or don´t) between Finrod, his parents and Amarie. And thanks for the heads-up on the grammar error. I appreciate you pointng it out to me.
njomo
· 18 September 2009
· Chapter 16: At the Great Gates of Return
Hi Fiondil,
Oh my. I have that last picture you left us with stuck in my head now. Seems even Arafinwë is a bit nonplused. And it must all be unnerving to Finrod, not just Amarië's reaction. No wonder Finrod ends up being such a nuisance about Glorfindel's release! But seriously, that was just a sad, sad ending. The bewilderment of all four is quite apparent. Well done!
Thanks Fiondil.
Joanne
Author's reply
Hi Joanne. It has to be very confusing for everyone involved, not just for the Reborn. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Sitara
· 17 September 2009
· Chapter 16: At the Great Gates of Return
What? So little of a farewell speech? You disappointed me, Irmo. "pouts" At least you could have told the poor ellon that a crazy elleth, formerly known as the love of his life, is awaiting him beyond the gates. Or...were you so anxious to get rid of Finrod as your older brother has been in Glorfindel's case? Bad, bad Irmo. "lol"
Amarië, well..How could I forget one of the most delightful moments of EI: Book One? One involving the Lord of Mandos and a rather sore cheek. Hm..maybe she'd have the idea to "politely ask" the Lord of Lorien about that Aladril person? "roaring with laughter" I want a seat in the front row!
Now, changing the tune in a matter of speaking, to go and live with two or three strangers, who you're supposed to love and respect for being your parents and fiancee, is giving me creeps, really.
Author's reply
Not sure if it´s creepy, but it certainly is unusual having to relearn to love someone all over again when they remember you and you´re just beginning to remember them.
And I think Irmo was just being sensible. No use confusing Finrod with extraneous information at this stage. He´s confused enough as it is! *grin*
Tari
· 15 September 2009
· Chapter 16: At the Great Gates of Return
I fear they will be walking on egg shells for a while. Finrod will need time and lots of love and patience before he feels comfortable and at home with them.
Author's reply
Very true, Tari. It is a strange situation for them all and there will be adjustments on both sides.
Jancy
· 14 September 2009
· Chapter 16: At the Great Gates of Return
Hi Jancy back again. :-)
It’s been too long since the time that I have read this story. I loved reading about Finrod’s time in Lorien and how he interacts with the others. And this most recently written chapter---every chapter gets better!
I never thought that Amarie would be so unthoughtful. I remember in Elf Interrupted how she didn’t understand him at first. Seeing this again brings back sad memories. Poor Finrod needs a hug.
Thank you for writing this story. Every time I come back to it you are more amazing!
Author's reply
Thanks, Jancy. I am glad you are enjoying this story and thanks for the compliments. I really appreciate them. At least we know that Amarie´s character improves but it will take a while.
Agape4Gondor
· 14 September 2009
· Chapter 16: At the Great Gates of Return
Great chapter! Loved poor Amarie... Shees! She's a jealous one - but I would be too - with someone like Finrod!
Again - loved the chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks, Agape. I´m glad you enjoyed this. Poor Amarie indeed! But her confusion is honestly come by under the circumstances. *grin*
Agape4Gondor
· 14 September 2009
· Chapter 15: The Healing Hands of the Harpist
A very bittersweet chapter.... my heart truly goes out to him.... Lovely writing.
PS - I am traveling and borrowing a computer... hence, I cannot remain on it long. Tonight, they went out... so I get to read to my heart's content. And it is now content since I see new chapters of both your tales. Hooray!
Author's reply
Thanks, Agape. I appreciate you letting me know your thoughts about this chapter.
Larner
· 8 September 2009
· Chapter 15: The Healing Hands of the Harpist
What a quandry to face at this time in his life! Poor child, in a way, seeking a new purpose and uncertain what much of anything truly portends. But at least he's learning to finish projects started even when he'd rather do something else.
Author's reply
We know, of course, what happens to him in the future, but at the moment the future is dark to him and he is faced with much uncertainty as to what his purpose should be in this new life of his. But, as you point out, he is learning to finish projects and that is a step in the right direction. *grin*
Tari
· 8 September 2009
· Chapter 15: The Healing Hands of the Harpist
The harp is probably the most beautiful instrument ever created. While I love the organ, I don't think its sound is as soothing. There are all kinds of ways to heal people. This is a perfect way for Finrod to do so.
Author's reply
I always have enjoyed harp music and find it very soothing. And we know that Finrod is known for his harp playing so it makes sense that his healing abilities would manifest through the harp rather than through some other medium.
Sitara
· 5 September 2009
· Chapter 14: Man Sad Dorthathon?
Commenting in my usual crude style, I'd say that the thoughts of the father of Finrod in respect to his son would have been rather something like "Where am I supposed to find the courage I need to face my son again?" , than "I don't want back a rebel son". Huh. Family dynamics, I suppose.
Liked to see Finrod and Earnur bonding further and absolutely adored the moment involving Martaniel. Well, I guess I'm a sucker for this kind of things. And she was a Noldo, perhaps even one of the Exiled and under the Doom of Mandos; yet she was treated with love and kindness "melting into a puddle". You're making me to drool again, Fiondil. "grin".
On the other hand, Finrod's position is far to be pleasant, for the moment. It takes a great deal to built for yourself a brand new life and a friend's aid like Glorfindel would be invaluable to him. Even if..hm..our dear Finrod Felagund does have a penchant to befriend people who had always managed to get him into trouble. "snicker" However, this time I trust to look forward at the "troubles" caused by Finrod and his gwador around Aman.
Now, which one of those two lazy beings who call themselves "The Feanturi" 'rolling her eyes' would care at the long last to make an appearance and comfort the poor ellon? "lol"
Again, nice job, Fiondil. Excellent way to introduce the Sea-longing in this story. And so moving...
Author's reply
Thanks, Sitara. I am glad you liked how I introduced the Sea-longing and that you found it so moving. Some people my not agree with my slant on it but I thought it reasonable that only after the War of Wrath would it begin to manifest itself and that it was not something for which the Valar was responible (they are blamed for some much else! *grin*).
Finrod´s predicatment is but a microcosm of what all the Reborn go through, with the added problem that he is not just any ellon who died, but the heir to the throne of the Noldor and that makes his position more difficult. And I think your analysis of Arafinwe´s thoughts are very true even though Finrod thinks differently.
njomo
· 3 September 2009
· Chapter 14: Man Sad Dorthathon?
Hi Fiondil,
It does not surprise me that Finrod misunderstood Ingil's comment. He is really rather "young" and has not gained enough confidence to be sure about his welcome from the family he has not seen in hundreds of years or to sure about the future in general. I was just thinking about how Glorfindel and Finrod interacted after Glorfindel's release from Lórien, and this part of Finrod's story makes sense in light of that. Glorfindel seemed to be quite a steadying influence in those early days.
And it was nice to see Finrod and Eärnur working together on the sigil e-hereg. Interesting that Finrod did not seem to want to explain the significance of the knife to Eärnur.
Now to figure out "which" others overheard Finrod's plea!
Thanks Fiondil.
Joanne
Author's reply
Hi Joanne. Glorfindel I think is the other half of Finrod´s soul. They are true brothers in spirit if not in flesh. This story sort of fills in the gap of what little we are told in "Elf, Interrupted" about Finrod´s experiences of being Reborn and waiting for his gwador to join him, so it is not surprising that you are seeing the EI chapters in a new way. That is one of the intentions of writing this story.
I think Finrod did not try to explain the significance of the knife to Earnur simply because the Teler would not have the requisite cultural background to understand its significance, or maybe he just felt that it would not be something spoken about to a non-warrior.
Kitty
· 3 September 2009
· Chapter 14: Man Sad Dorthathon?
Of course Finrod had to take Ingil's words the wrong way *sigh* Must feel terrible to think he's not welcome anywhere, poor guy.
Ah, had wondered when the making of the sigil would come up! Yes, Finrod didn't know it yet, but there was a need for it later ...
And I can see why he thought about being a Loriennildo after watching Martaniel suffer. Even if he in the end chose a slightly different path, I think Finrod would have been better in that job than some certain others, being more understanding for what the Reborn and Returnees had suffered and understanding Sindarin.
Author's reply
Very true, Kitty, on all points, and of course we know from "Elf, Interrupted" that Finrod had thought to become a healer, thinking that would be as good a way of serving his people as any. In the end, he does become a healer, just not in the way he thinks at this point in time.
Kitty
· 3 September 2009
· Chapter 13: Glorfindel
Calamírë very obviously doesn't understand that the Reborn need to know what became of their former home – and that 'it doesn't exist any longer' isn't enough *sigh* Really wish some of the Loriennildo were a bit more compassionate and understanding. Was really glad when Ingil came to the rescue.
Poor Finrod. Now that he finally remembers Glorfindel, he will miss him terribly, and we know how long he has to wait to be reunited with his gwador.
"To say the least," Ingil replied with a wide smile, "or so I’ve been told. I doubt Lord Námo will keep Glorfindel in Mandos any longer than necessary. Even without you there to lead him astray, he’s still somewhat... troublesome." *snicker* Ingil is *so* right! I am still convinced that Námo threw huge parties the moment Finrod and later Glorfindel had left!
Author's reply
I think you are right, Kitty, about Namo throwing a Valmar-wide party as soon as he kicked Glorfindel out the door. There must have been many sighs of relief among Namo´s Maiar when they saw Glorfindel leave for Lorien. *lol*
Larner
· 2 September 2009
· Chapter 14: Man Sad Dorthathon?
I can certainly appreciate how his thoughts would come to this? And I suspect there is good reason for the blood knife's manufacture--too good of a reason!
Author's reply
Well, the blood knife plays an important role in the "Elf, Interrupted" story when it is used to initiate Sador into the warrior society, only Finrod does not realize this yet. A case of his foresight at work even if he is not consciously aware of it, or perhaps, a case of "inspiration" from one of the Valar? Whatever, the result is the same.
trajar mandamar
· 1 September 2009
· Chapter 14: Man Sad Dorthathon?
It seems that Finrod is suffering from a severe case of self-doubt.I feel sorry for the ellon as he dosen't yet know of his family's need for him.It is very illuminating to see how low Finrod was right before he was released from Lorien.It'll be great to see the effect his being released will have on Arafinwe and Earwen as it will be unlooked-for.
Author's reply
Very true, TM. It will be a few more chapters before we see him reunited with his family. There will be major adjustments on everyone´s part when that happens.
Agape4Gondor
· 31 August 2009
· Chapter 14: Man Sad Dorthathon?
Dear Finrod Felagund.... My heart went out to him when he wondered if his family would want him back...
But I truly wondered, lover of men that he was, when he was told of Numenor - that he didn't ask who was there - of course, descendants of those who he fought with would be of interest to him???
Lovely chapter... and the 'blood knife' - Yikes!
Author's reply
I think at this point in his life Finrod has not made the emotional connection between his love for the Edain and wanting to know what happened to them. At this point, it is simply a fact that he has been given, among all the other facts that he is collecting concerning his new life. The rest will come later, though we know from Elf, Interrupted that he has no wish to go to Numenor as other elves have done.
Glad you loved the chapter, Agape. Thanks for letting me know.
Tari
· 31 August 2009
· Chapter 14: Man Sad Dorthathon?
Boy, can I relate to Findrod. I don't know what I want to be when I grow up either.
Author's reply
I do not think anyone does, Tari. I certainly don´t. *lol*
njomo
· 29 August 2009
· Chapter 13: Glorfindel
Hi Fiondil,
As we have read more than once in EI, each reborn matures and regains their memories at different times and sometimes in different ways. It seems that Finrod has issues with the classes offered by the Lóriennildi that Glorfindel never had. Even so, Glorfindel had his own issues with the attitude of the Lóriennildi. I think the whole situation is unfortunate for both "sides" and they all have a lot to learn (and a lot they need to learn) from each other, although they seem to need lots of help to realize it.
It must be quite unnerving to have memories return in such a manner. And yes, what better way to lift the mood than to share stories about those one is missing.
Thanks Fiondil.
Joanne
Author's reply
You are welcome, Joanne. I am glad you liked this chapter. Sharing stories about our loved ones is a great way to ease the hurts their memories bring to us. That is why wakes are so important (at least in America). They offer people the opportunity to share their stories of the deceased with others, thereby making the sadness more bearable.
trajar mandamar
· 28 August 2009
· Chapter 13: Glorfindel
It seems to me that Irmo needs to do some cleaning up of his own people.No matter what the elf did or who the elf is,that elf has been forgiven when has been re-born.The improvement between Finrod's time in Lorien and Gloirfindel"s time in Lorien was significant.I wonder how much better Irmo's people will be by the time another high-ranking elf is released.It should prove interesting.
Author's reply
It is taking time, but the conditions are improving. Hopefully by the time Gil-galad shows up, things will be very much better. *grin*