obsidianj
· 1 March 2014
· Chapter 17: A Conversation Overheard
Oh, boy. It seems some people (elves) will never learn. Did Helena break up with Glorfindel? I can't imagine talking about my boyfriend like that. Or was it all just Glorfindel's idea and Helena never was really interested? I think these Valinorean elves need a lesson or two or three... Just telling them that they need to work together obviously is not working. They don't seem to listen.
Poor Daeron. That is a heavy burden to carry. I wish he would tell you how Glorfindel found him... Sounds like an interesting story.
I think the elves can't start setting up a business fast enough. It would give them something to do besides gossiping and dwelling on who has the highest rank among them.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Some people, elves or otherwise, never do learn. Helena didn't break up with Glorfindel or vice versa. We will see her later on with Glorfindel, but she does have issues and she's not the only one. And trust me, the lesson is coming and in a big way.
Daeron does have a heavy burden to carry here. Perhaps someday he'll open up to me and let me know what happened. I doubt it was anything good and was probably rather horrific. Yet, he's a survivor, like all the Wiseman Elves and he is stronger for it.
They all need employment to keep them busy. I think once winter passes it will be easier for them.
Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
Dreamflower
· 28 February 2014
· Chapter 18: Setting the Bait
I think they were being almost too subtle; I didn't realize until they left that they were hinting around for help--. Still, Alex and Derek picked up on it anyway, which is the important thing.
"Marchwardens" eh? Now I'm going to have to go back and look.
I'm glad the younger Elves are getting a taste of real freedom, without the restrictions of guards and servants.
Author's reply
I think you're right about that, Dreamflower, but at least they weren't so subtle that Alex and Derek didn't pick up on it and, as you say, that's the important thing.
There was one Valinórean Elf whom I did not name as I had been debating who came and who didn't, but you can guess who the last Elf may be and we'll see evidence of that in this story.
If the younger Elves ever had to go back to Valinor, I'm sure they would not want to, knowing how restrictive their lives would be there. Once out of the cage, they wouldn't want to go back in, and who could blame them?
Thanks for leaving a review. It's very much appreciated.
Soledad
· 28 February 2014
· Chapter 18: Setting the Bait
When I read the title, I immediately got worried for Glorfindel - the poor Elf often gets to be the bait, doesn't he? But it was very mature for the Three Amigos to act the way they did. They've learned a lot, in a very short time.
Interesting details about their duties in Aman. Do I see a beautiful friendship being born between the two sailors? *g*
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. Others who are familiar with my Elf, Interrupted series probably thought the same thing when they saw the title, but not this time. The Three Amigos were being very mature here, if a bit more subtle than they needed to be. I'm sure Elennen and Derek will have many sea stories to trade between then. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Kevana
· 28 February 2014
· Chapter 18: Setting the Bait
All right, it's about time to do this. *gets out the soapbox*
(No no, don't run away!)
Some Mortal desperately needs to take the Elves from Valinor to a good history museum, or to a professional orchestra performance, or to one of the big art museums, or to a ballet, a professional ice skating competition, the X-Games, an air show with fighter jets – or better yet, ALL of the above and then some!
Show them New York, the Smithsonian, the Air and Space Museum. The architecture of D.C., the soul of New Orleans, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Heck, I'd settle for a rock concert! A big college football game! Something! Anything! And that's just being hopelessly U.S.-centric. Take them to Rome, to Paris, to Sydney, to London, to Venice!
These Elves have a horribly limited view of Mortals and Mortal society. That's not necessarily their fault or really anybody's fault. But it's got to stop. They can see the bad for themselves. All of them – from Finrod to Finda – desperately need someone to take them by the hand and show them the good.
Right now, all they're doing is looking at Mortals and sizing them up against cardboard cutouts of their own heroes – Beren and Co., i.e., those painfully few Mortals who ever lived up to the standards the Elves themselves set (forget learning to take Mortals on their own terms, Finrod not withstanding obviously).
I think the Elves who did know those people have a responsibility to stop that "those Mortals were great but who the hell are THESE people with zits and potbellies and the flu" mentality. You can't tell me Finrod never saw Beren sneeze or trip or say something hopelessly stupid. Those vaunted heroes were vaunted for a reason, but they were also human (well, ok, a little bit of angel in the mix, LOL). Finrod and Beleg and Legolas and the like need to speak up and dispel this frankly unhealthy hero-worship to help the others come to a better understanding of reality. That is, if they themselves are at a point where they could talk about their long-gone friends without those rose-colored glasses (and I bet they are).
The Elves don't understand that brave people don't just spring forth with swords in hands ready to wrest a Silmaril from Morgoth's crown. They don't see the terrible glory and fearful burden of choice that each and every person has. They're walking past Berens and Eowyns on the street every single day without even seeing them. They don't understand they're at the start of the journey, not the end. They're looking at unmined gems and comparing them to cut diamonds. They aren't able to see potential, which isn't their fault either, but it could cause a whole lot of problems.
If the Elves hang in there long enough, I have every confidence people like Alex and Derek and even those "not-warriors" like Zach and Nick are going to show them courage like nothing they've ever known, and sooner or later they'll see the truth for themselves. If they don't tear each other apart first.
In conclusion, the biggest problem isn't they're crammed together under one roof. It's not that they're currently of questionable legal status at best. It's not that they don't have jobs or something to do, not even that, as awful as it is, they feel that they don't have purpose (that's a close second though).
The biggest problem is that somewhere between Valinor and Middle-Earth, they have forgotten hope. And the greatest thing the Mortals of Wiseman could do is to help them get it back.
And that is my .02 on Elf-Mortal relations in Wiseman.
*puts away soapbox*
Great chapter as always and cannot wait to see where it goes! Lotsa good thoughts your way, Fiondil! Take care!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Whew! That's some soapbox you've got there, Kevana! LOL! Trust me, everything you say is true. It'll take time though to show them all that living in the boonies as they do. But time is on their side and I think things will happen to wake the Elves up to reality soon enough. I'm sure the Wiseman Elves are capable of telling their stories about the Mortals they've known, but telling really isn't the same as showing, is it? Anyway, we'll see how things go from here. The excitement isn't over with yet! *grin* Thanks for your .02-worth. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 28 February 2014
· Chapter 18: Setting the Bait
Hm, difficult situation, a bit we know you don't like us but we are not going to say any thing about because we are afraid it will make things worse. I think acceptance will have to come from within the group, but it will have to come from the naysayers themselves, you can't tell adults to play nice, or they will be even harder to convince of the worth of Mortals.
I don't think, some how, that Alex and Derek needing telling, I have the feeling that they already knew about the feelings of some of the Valinorean Elves, they now know however that it is not all of them.
Well we are finally getting some rain here, which is good and bad, mud slippage and all that, But we got rain! (Does happy dance!)
Stay warm and safe,
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Alex and Derek certainly didn't need to be told what was up but I think they're glad to get confirmation from a reliable source, so to speak. We'll see how things go from here shortly. Thanks for reviewing. Glad you're finally getting rain. Hugs back.
Sunny
· 28 February 2014
· Chapter 18: Setting the Bait
At least the "kids" seem to be adapting well (though I wonder what Finrod's reaction will be when Nell discovers the concept of Women's Liberation...) And they are clear-eyed enough to see that some of the others aren't doing so well. But what to do about it - they are adults, yes, but I get the feeling that since they are younger than the other Valinorean Elves, they will be ignored - or they fear they will be ignored - because of their youth. They understand that _something_ needs to be done, but are unsure of exactly what, and are reaching out to Alex and Derec as possible solutions for the problem. And they did get the message across. Alex and Derek will keep their eyes peeled, and hopefully will be available to help when the shit hits the fan.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. All that you say is true and we'll see shortly how Alex and Derek (and others) handle the situation and what happens afterwards. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
Ellie
· 28 February 2014
· Chapter 18: Setting the Bait
I bet that was an intersting lunch. It was amusing with the three being so proud ot be able to pay for the lunch themselves. I find it fascinating that the three amigos are ancient by our standards yet they are very much like children in their maturity - at least among the mortals. I wdoner if their being the youngest has made their elderd intentionally or even unintentionally try to keep them young so to speak. Their elders don't want to let go of the last of the younglings so they keep them dependent and "young". Coming to Middle-Earth is a much needed education for them all.
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. I think you're right about the older Elves treating the Three Amigos and Nell as if they were still elflings. I have the feeling these were one of the last children born in Aman and that's why they are looked up as being 'young', certainly by elvish standards. Coming to Middle-earth is indeed a much needed education for them all. It's good that the Three Amigos and Nell are integrating themselves so well into the mortal society. It should only help in the long run.
Thanks for reviewing. It's always appreciated.
Rhyselle
· 28 February 2014
· Chapter 18: Setting the Bait
Well, I FINALLY got caught up on all the chapters, and my initial response is "Wow!" (I don't have time to exhaustively review all of the prior chapters, so this is more of an overview review of the whole story so far.
I really like the idea of the internal enemy, both within oneself, and within the group as a whole. It has the potential of being just as exciting as having an external enemy actively attacking. :-)
Of course, I love the times when the chapters are written from Finrod's point of view. As much as I enjoy the way you write Glorfindel, I fell in love with your interpretation of Finrod back in Elf Interrupted, and that love has grown stronger with each tale that you have told about him and his life.
It's nice to see that the "younger generation" of Elves are adapting so well. It's so funny that the mortals want to treat Findalaure and his friends as teenagers and twenty-somethings when they're well past their elvish adolescence. But they do behave in a "young" manner when they are at ease--and their explanation to Alex and Derek about this being their first opportunity to be freed from the constraints and restrictions of being members of a royal or noble family in the Undying Lands helps me to understand why.
So many agendas out there... the "kids" are worried and scared and trying to ask for help, but being a bit too subtle about it, I think. Alex and Derek are having to find their own balance in their relationship with the Elves, and so aren't necessarily going to make the "best" decisions every time, such as their decision here to let Elves sort their own problems out for now (at least, that's my opinion so far). The "Wiseman Elves"/"Valinor Elves" divide worries me a lot. The very last thing that Arda needs is to have those assigned to get us prepared for the final showdown with Melkor end up helping the Enemy in his work.
If the rest of the tale is as intriguing as these 18 chapters, I know that I'm really going to enjoy it.
Oh, while reading this, I've been thinking about the different groups of Elves (Wiseman, Valinor, and now "the Kids"), I kept coming back to the levels of arrogance and scorn displayed for us mortals and our society. The Wiseman Elves aren't perfect by a long shot, but have had all the millennia that they've been in Middle Earth to temper their native arrogance with humility and the experience of the reality of what Man has accomplished as time has moved on.
The Valinor Elves are hobbled by memories, and then stories of what mortals were like back in the First, Second, Third and Fourth Ages. The tales they heard indicated that except for a very few exceptional mortals like Beren, Aragorn, etc., that Elves "have always been better" (even though the Elves' own history proves that isn't true). So they are going to have to learn to bend and adapt and to humble themselves to make their mission work.
Then there are "the Kids". :-) The Gwedyr and Nell all made mistakes at first, but they are flexible enough to bend and learn; and, more importantly, willing to do so.
I think that while Glorfindel is the vice-gerent for Manwe in Middle-earth now, and Finrod's job is to help heal the people of whatever race he meets, it is this "younger" generation of Elves who will be the ones who will really come to bind together Elvenkind and Mankind so that all of us will be able to stand against the Enemy in the last days. And I'm looking forward to watching them do it. :-)
As always, your chapters deserve a hearty "Well Done!" :-)
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. Long time, no see. Glad you were finally able to catch up on the chapters. The whole concept of an enemy within and the arrogance of the Elves go hand-in-hand and we will see what the fall-out will be from it. The 'Kids', as you call them, were perhaps being more subtle than they needed to be, but Alex and Derek are savvy enough to read between the lines and pick up on what they were trying to convey without actually saying anything. I think you're right that the younger generation will help lead the way where the older generation of Valinórean Elves will stumble. We'll just have to see. Enjoy the rest of the story. I promise, they will be quite intriguing and fun and everything in between. *grin* Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. You know how appreciative I am.
rikki
· 28 February 2014
· Chapter 18: Setting the Bait
Aha! Perhaps the three amigos will push the problem that the elves are having dealing with mortals and who gets to run the show. Rather subtle about it, but it stood out to me what Finda was doing and seeing Alex and Derek pick up on it gives me hope that things will work out. Alex and Derek are right though, they are not babysitters but at least now they are aware of things going on and the Wiseman Intelligence Agency is not going to be out of the picture when this whole thing boils over. Because until the elves confront each other, they are not going to work out their differences, but they also don't need to alienate the mortals and that is where I hope Alex and Derek will come in handy.
Author's reply
Hi rikki. You're right on the button with this and we'll see in the next chapter and in subsequent chapters how Alex and Derek handle the situation and how the Elves handle the situation and how everything works out or doesn't. Alex and Derek are the key to some extent, though other Mortals will also play pivotal roles in what happens next. Thanks for commenting. It's very much appreciated.
Laer
· 28 February 2014
· Chapter 18: Setting the Bait
sounds like a lot of assumptions are getting made. (Maybe the assumption is being made by me) They should just "spell it out" to each other before it becomes deeper rift :(
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Yeah, there are a lot of assumptions being made, but the Three Amigos are really not savvy enough to just spell it out. Not that they really need to. Alex and Derek aren't dummies and they seem to realize what's going on. We'll see how they deal with the information they've gotten from the three Ellyn soon enough. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Lindelea
· 27 February 2014
· Chapter 5: Discussions
Namo'd! I love it. This chapter was (as always) fun and I would have more comments if I weren't trying to do this from a phone!
Author's reply
It's a great phrase, isn't it? *grin* Glad you enjoyed the chapter, Lindelea. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Tari
· 26 February 2014
· Chapter 16: Zombie Hunter Boot Camp and Other Money Makers While Waiting for the Apocalypse
Zombies!!!! Brrrrrr! That would be enough to scare me far away. I don't watch or read anything with them in it.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. Yeah, they don't attract me either, but zombie hunter is a popular game and the Elves will be smart to take advantage of the popularity in setting up their training camp. Luckily, zombies don't really exist in this world or in Middle-earth. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Lindelea
· 25 February 2014
· Chapter 4: Into the Woods
Hah, a trickster!
(I'm glad I was wrong about the famous last words, insofar as freezing to death)
This is absolutely priceless:
“I don’t care if you have to dance naked around the fire and sacrifice a virgin to do it, but you are going to wake Derek up now or so help me you’re going to find out just what one pissed-off, highly trained and very lethal Mortal can do.”
Interesting about the bloodline. I imagine it's going to continue to be a plot point of some kind or other.
Author's reply
Hi Lindelea. You're the first person to mention that line from Alex and it's the funniest part of the entire chapter, IMO. Anyway, Alex's bloodline will be a continuing plot point in this story, though not a major one. Thanks for taking the time to review. It's much appreciated.
Larner
· 25 February 2014
· Chapter 17: A Conversation Overheard
And just when things were beginning to look like they were calming down between the two groups and they were beginning to work together....
A good idea to consult Vorondur, and an excellent decision.
Author's reply
Unfortunately, some issues can't be resolved immediately, as well you know, Larner. We'll see how things progress from here. Daeron is wise enough to know he needs help with this and knows just who to go to to find it. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Lindelea
· 24 February 2014
· Chapter 3: New Year’s Eve
*snork* Finrod calling his boss "child"
I wish I could go without sleep! I'd get so much more accomplished...
And yum, the idea of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls sounds so inviting.
Shoe repair shop... ah, it took me a minute. Hah.
The celebration is so vividly described that I can see it clearly in my mind's eye.
Um, "deep and dreamless sleep" -- in that weather? Can we say, "freezing to death", Precious?
Author's reply
Hi Lindelea. I know what you mean about being able to go without sleep. I might finally catch up on all my reading. LOL!
I'm glad you found the description of the celebration so vivid. Thank you for telling me. I appreciate it and I appreciate you leaving a review, as well.
SashaHoneypalm
· 24 February 2014
· Chapter 17: A Conversation Overheard
Does this story take place in the same continuity as "The Journey Homes"?
Author's reply
Hi Sasha. Yes, this story takes place within the same universe as "The Journey Home" as well as "In The High Kings Secret Service". Essentially, anything that has happened in Valinor in my other stories happened in the Elf Academy universe.
Soledad
· 24 February 2014
· Chapter 17: A Conversation Overheard
Oookay. I know Glorfindel was a bit of a jerk during the "horror book" episode, but the Valinórean Elves really need to be taken down several pegs. They deserve a lesson and a really hard one. I understand that they respect Finrod, and not just because of what he did in the far past but because he'd been their prince for several millennia, but are they complete idiots? What the hell does Finrod know about modern-time Earth? They need to listen to Glorfindel (and Daeron and the Twins and the other Wiseman Elves) if they want to survive!
And don't even let me start on how they spoke about Amroth! That made me look for a sharpened kitchen knife!
The Valar must have been smoking something really delirium-inducing, too, sending this bunch of snobs unprepared into a situation they have no means to master without help.
Vorondur's office sounds like a very welcoming place, though.
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. You're right about the Valinórean Elves needing to be taken down a peg or two and perhaps that will actually happen. They do need to listen to the WIseman Elves more if they want to make it in the Mortal world. And the Valar always have their own agenda, which they don't necessarily reveal to others (not even to me *grin*).
Vorondur of course strives to make his office as welcoming and nonthreatening as possible, so that his clients can not only relax but feel safe and that's vitally important in his line of work.
Thanks for leaving a comment. It's always appreciated.
6336
· 24 February 2014
· Chapter 17: A Conversation Overheard
Hm, not too surprised about the conflict, the Valinorian Elves know Finrod they do not know Glorfindel, or at least not as well or as recently.
And Glorfindel can, so, do mature when he wants too! Neah!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. You're right that some of the Valinórean Elves knew Glorfindel from before, but they know and trust Finrod even more, thus the conflict. We'll see how this pans out. And Glorfindel can so do mature when he puts his mind to it. *grin*
Thanks for reveiwing. I really appreciate it.
Ellie
· 24 February 2014
· Chapter 17: A Conversation Overheard
I wonder if the Elves of Wiseman have ever really sat down with the Elves of Valinor and told them each of their stories? Either more respect would be forthcoming from the Valinor elves or out of horror they would be all over Finrod to take control.
I think Edhellond is suffering greatly for not having Ron there to guide and support. I'm sure he has a blast whenever the Elves get together and deal with some issue among themselves, getting to analyze everyone.
I admire Daeron and pity him.
Author's reply
I don't think they really have, Ellie. The Wiseman Elves may just be reluctant to tell their stories and maybe the others for the most part aren't all that interested, but I think they really should listen to what the Wiseman Elves have to say. And I think you're right about Edhellond suffering for not having Ron in their midst, but it's probably for the best. Even Elves can suffer from burn-out.
Daeron is very admirable, enduring what he has and still able to find humor in life. Glorfindel finding him and rescuing him from whatever situation he was in was the best thing that happened to him. Maybe someday we'll actually learn what that was all about.
Thanks for taking the time leave a review. It's always appreciated.
Monalex
· 24 February 2014
· Chapter 17: A Conversation Overheard
Hello Fiondil!
And again with poor Glorfindel, it seems that this new Elves from Valinor have no appreciation of all that he has done on their behalf and are quite happy to stage a coup d'etat - when they have just arrived to Middle Earth!! - just because they can and are more numerous. Really that is the equivalent of being stabbed in the back, but I'm happy that he has the loyalty of Dearon and I'm quite sure that of the Twins, Misty and Della, at the very least.
Though I do think that Finrod and Glorfindel should make their position clear to the rest of the inhabitants of Edehellond as to who is their leader, if a leader should be had. I think that said leader is Glorfindel, since he was appointed so by Manwe himself, who named Glorfindel his Vice-Gerent to Middle Earth just as he is Vice-Gerent of Arda to Iluvatar. Also if I remember correctly Finrod said that he was told by the Valar that he should not take leadership from Glorfindel.
In conclusion I think that from now on Glorfindel and Finrod should not air their disagreements to the general public of very nasty and judgmental Elves, because of that I think that nearly everyone should leave the house and find their own accommodations, except those who lived there first and Finrod, Valandur, etc. If not, this situation will arise again, and since no one seems to understand that brothers can and will always fight or have disagreements - and will not apologize in public - that is a workable solution.
Also poor Dearon, to be forced into this situation and having to deal with this!! Now I’m curious about his past and how they found him!! But I understand his story would be too sad to be read or told. I will be happy if he finds acceptance and starts to be comfortable with it, maybe talking will help?? Or maybe not, at least not yet...
Also I'm worried by this bigotry and/or prejudice that some Valinorean Elves have towards the Wiseman Elves, this could result in something nasty in the future, so Finrod, Vorondur, Glorfindel and the others should do something about it. It is too similar to how the Noldor acted towards their Sindarin counterparts of Middle Earth, when they first arrived many thousands of years ago.
Finally I hope Glorfindel will start to keep his distance from that nasty and horrible elleth Helena. How, I wonder, could she be going out with him and think so little of him?? And to stab him on the back like that!! He will be better served keeping his distance!! Though I’m sad for him, since I’m sure he’s never had a girlfriend before, or anyone on whom he was somewhat interested in. She should be shown the error of her ways and maybe in the future – some decades from now – they will have a chance to establish a romantic relationship, when she has a chance to grow up bit.
Great chapter as always!!
Monalex
Author's reply
Hi Monalex. We will see how Finrod and Glorfindel handle the situation and what comes of it. We will see a lot of angst in this story as the various groups of Elves attempt to resolve certain issues between them, and that includes the relationship between Glorfindel and Helena. Glad you are enjoying the story. Thanks for leaving a review. It's very much appreciated.
Kevana
· 24 February 2014
· Chapter 17: A Conversation Overheard
Zach! Glad to know he's doing better and coming back. I missed seeing him in the story! Really curious as to what the others of that first class are up to now.
I can't decide whether it would be more intimidating or less intimidating to have an Elf psychiatrist.
Court, ugh. Lots of hurry up and wait. Dull as dishwater except when they're not and then everything happens at once. That's going to be a trial for Alex as well as a trial for Farrell.
Does "what happens in Edhellond, stays in Edhellond" extend to the woods, because if not then that little discussion didn't sink in! Though I think you can also say that given the content of the overheard conversation, too.
Power dynamics are a fragile thing and as hierarchical as Elves tend to be, well, this is gonna be good. By which I mean bad of course. ;) Maybe they ought to just go by what the Valar said, i.e. Glorfindel's in charge. Or I suppose they could always hold an election. "I am your king!" "Well I didn't vote for you!"
I wonder if they have realized that technically just by being in Alaska they're under Mortal jurisdiction, LOL. Might be driven home by this mayoral election? And somebody friendly to the Elves ought to see about granting Edhellond embassy status and granting the Elves, at least some of them, diplomatic immunity. Maddy, got a minute to spare?
Daeron, smart move, buddy. You obviously got that helping of wisdom you asked for. And speaking of wisdom – whatever Glorfindel's been doing it seems to be working because that was a great insight from him about Finrod and the bookstore.
Have a great week and beware strange women lying in ponds distributing swords! That never ends well.
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Zach will be back in Wiseman soon, no worries.
Apparently the "What happends in Edhellond...." doesn't seem to apply to the woods. Perhaps they consider it as part of Edhellond and so feel they can speak freely.
I don't think it's really sunk in with the Valinórean Elves that technically they are under the Mortal jurisdiction of the State of Alaska and the United States of America. Eventually, it will sink in I think.
Making Edhellond an embassy might be the way to go, but they would need recognition from the US gov't before that happens and I don't think they're in any hurry to reveal themselves to the White House. *grin*
And Glorfindel's not an idiot and he's been around, so it's not surprising that he does come up with a gem or two of wisdom along the way.
Yeah, strange women lying in ponds distributing swords... you really have to wonder at the deeper Jungian meaning behind that. LOL!
Thanks for reviewing. Have a great week yourself.
Dreamflower
· 24 February 2014
· Chapter 17: A Conversation Overheard
I see now part of why the Valinoreans came: it is to remind us that among the Elves there have always been *factions*!
Honestly it shouldn't surprise us long-time readers of the story, or anyone really who's familiar with the Silm. Yet the "Wiseman Elves" have been together for so long and worked together for so many ages that any friction between them has been easily dealt with for the most part. Their time spent in the increasingly rapidly changing world of the mortals has made them more flexible and able to understand things the Valinoreans cannot.
But ages spent in a place where nothing really changes at all would have made the Valinoreans less likely to appreciate such flexibility. And they would not have been exposed to the democratic ideals of the place where they now live.
Yet it is also a reminder to those who have been so long in Middle-earth that hierarchy *is* the natural state of Elves and Maia.
Still, it is foolish and ill-done for some of these Elves to try and drive a wedge between Finrod and Glorfindel. And they are *still* paying no attention to their surroundings and assuming that no one's able to overhear them.
And Vorondur's role is growing more and more important--I hope there is someone *he* can confide in and seek advice from.
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. Your analysis of the situation is pretty much spot-on and there's nothing I can say to improve on it. While the Wiseman Elves as a whole have only been together for a couple of years, they've all, as you point out, have lived in the mortal world and have learned to be flexible so I suspect that there's been very little friction between them. Frankly, I think they were just bloody grateful to know that there were other Elves after having thought they were on the only ones left in Middle-earth, that any differences were quickly resolved between them, and having Ron with them probably helped with the transition. We will see how all this plays out and the rather grave consequences that will follow because of the inflexibility of some of the Valinórean Elves in their thinking.
And as for Ron, he has Holly to go to for advice. That is, after all, what a spouse is for, is it not?
Thanks for leaving a comment. It's very much appreciated.
Laer
· 24 February 2014
· Chapter 17: A Conversation Overheard
I would love to have a Vorondur in the neighborhood. He is wise in not telling Daeron what to do and allowing him to decide for himself the right path. And right path it is. Let the two leaders decide what to do. That is why they are leaders ;)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Yeah, I wouldn't mind having Vorondur in my neighborhood, either. LOL! Daeron is wise in his own way and knows when he needs to take something to a higher level. Going to Ron was the smart thing for him to do. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Sunny
· 24 February 2014
· Chapter 17: A Conversation Overheard
The plot keeps on getting thicker, I see! And really, if Helena wants Glorfindel as a boyfriend, she really should have more confidence in him.
It looks as if Daeron, too, needs at least some of Vorondur's professional services. And are we going to learn how Glorfindel found Daeron? It definitely seems to be a story there!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, the plot is thickening and will continue to do so. Helena, I'm afraid, has issues, as we will see soon enough. I don't know if we will ever learn about how Glorfidnel found Daeron, but you never know. If not in this story, perhaps later on. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog
· 24 February 2014
· Chapter 17: A Conversation Overheard
Daemon made an excellent choice in going for help and in his decision. The story just keeps getting more interesting. Thank you.
Author's reply
I'm glad you are enjoying this, UTfrog. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it. Daeron is nobody's fool and he knows when he needs to call in reinforcements. We'll see how it falls out soon enough.