Chapters from Finduilas’s POV
Wounds – Finduilas POV – 1 of 2
In which Finduilas observes the wounds carried by those around her, physical and metaphysical, fresh and closed, the scars they leave behind, the emotional toll they take.
*****
This was the chapter when Thorongil convinced me he wasn’t such a bad fellow after all, and where he took a large step towards becoming Aragorn.
Fortress – Finduilas POV – 6 of 6
In which there is a visit paid, a warning given, a dance performed, a challenge issued, a dream recounted, an apology offered, a seduction continued, a vision intrudes, a plan hatched and a soul transformed. Pretty much in that order.
*****
And this chapter probably isn’t safe for work – depending on the kind of place you work, of course.
State – Finduilas POV – 5 of 6
In which the ship of state, affairs of state (carnal and bureaucratic), lying in state, what state is someone in, the state of affairs, what is static and what is not are all considered.
***
Finduilas is frustrated with Denethor and deeply shaken by other events. They are trying to figure out the balance between them, now that they are husband/wife as well as friend/Alquallë. The immediacy of politics displaces their uncertainty over more personal things.
Forever – Finduilas POV – 4 of 6
In which an iconic object makes an appearance, souls are promised, kisses are exchanged, and dreams become real.
*****
They never can do anything the easy way, can they?
Between – Finduilas POV – 3 of 6
In which Finduilas spends the last few days between her old life and her new. Tales are told, dreams occur, and wishes come true. Politics and portents abound.
*****
This is a bridging chapter, wrapping up a few narrative odds and ends and laying the groundwork for what’s to come next. Kind of like getting ready for a wedding. Maiaberiel is in for a nasty surprise is all I can say.
Cold – Finduilas POV – 2 of 6
In which more than the weather has a chilling effect.
*****
Special treat! At the foot of the chapter is a link to a PDF diagram of the four floors of the Stewards House. Not really to scale, but will give you an idea of how the rooms are laid out.
Finduilas has arrived in Minas Tirith much in the way her brother, Imrahil, will do so just over 40 years later, though what she arrives to battle is more subtle than Sauron. Her return to Minas Tirith begins, as so many marriages do, with the household and economics. As days pass and the City fills, politics is as much on Finduilas’s mind as romance. A new prince has arisen, and is to be reckoned with.
Fate – Finduilas POV – 1 of 6
In which a prince returns on the wings of swans, and many fates are changed.
*****
And we are back to Finduilas. The opening of this chapter will make better sense if you read the last few paragraphs of Ch. 30, Cunning, to pick up the story. I introduce 14 new characters in this chapter, though most are only in passing. Don’t worry, they will all come back in at some point – it’s a long story. There are a lot of Silmarillion references, direct and oblique; see if you can pick them out. There is also a reference to one of my favorite fairy tales.
Troth – Finduilas POV – 4 of 4
In which Finduilas’s choice becomes known to all and various vows are declared.
*****
The girl does know how to set things off.
Some notes added after the cut. Also, fair warning, I may not post another chapter for a few days due to Real Life.
Betwixt – Finduilas POV – 3 of 4
In which Finduilas deals with the attentions of a swan, a harpy, a viper, a rat, an eagle, a hound, and the High Warden of the White Tower, and in doing so comes to understand her part in the tale. Not that she cares to play along.
*****
Finduilas and Denethor share the trait of impulsiveness, which serves them both well in this chapter. Of course, those words will come back to haunt them both. SPOILERS after the cut.
Tales – Finduilas POV – 2 of 4
In which the tall, dark, taciturn fellow finally admits his feelings, Finduilas plans a wedding, and poetry is in the air.
*****
Another talismanic object is introduced in this chapter and a new theme enters the mix of legends. The answer to Finduilas’s question to herself is, well, duh.
Anglachel 