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Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux  by Fiondil 7 Review(s)
hawkeyeReviewed Chapter: 30 on 10/25/2014
I sense trouble is on the way, and I wonder if perhaps Arafinwë might have miscalculated on this one. That being said, I am very curious why he feels he needs to send Glorfindel at all. I'm sure he has reasons, he just hasn't revealed what they are yet. Despite the fact that Arafinwë is older and Glorfindel's Atar, it was a bit shocking that he wasn't more proactive here, especially where Tinwetariel is concerned. She really is a piece of work. Interesting about her son, but I would think that would make her more understanding and less of a... well I just won't go there :) Surprisingly, Eärwen is the one to step in.

Irmo wanting Finrod was a bit of a surprise, even more so that he didn't send for both Glorfindel and Finrod. I'm interested to see where this is headed. Hopefully Laurendil and Manwen will not feel that they are being punished. On the one hand though, I can see how they could easily get that impression. I would not be surprised if Finrod felt the same way either.

Glorfindel's reaction to Arafinwë was sad. At first, his reaction to Tinwetariel impressed me because he kept his cool quite well and at the same time didn't let her walk all over him. I think Glorfindel may actually feel hurt that Arafinwë did not step in at that point. Also, he may not feel safe. Children look to parents for both love and protection. Lack thereof can make someone very insecure and I wonder if that's not what is happening with Glorfindel because he doesn't think that Arafinwë will protect him from Tinwetariel. So, the solution is to avoid the situation altogether. Sadly though, I have to wonder if he had sat with Arafinwë like he was used to doing, if it might not have improved the situation somewhat. Arafinwë seems to respect what Glorfindel has to say, and that goes a lot way sometimes. As it is, people only see him as being childish, which is exactly what he doesn't want.

Refusing to speak to has Atar later and refusing to say goodbye to both Arafinwë and Eärwen was rather immature. Unfortunately I think he's trying to punish Arafinwë the way that young people sometimes do. Really, he's just hurting everyone, himself included. Finrod was right calling him Pityaván. *grins*

Thank you for another interesting chapter, Fiondil :)

Author Reply: Hi Hawkeye. In many ways, Glorfindel is an adolescent, at least emotionally, and we all know that adolescents are all over the map, mature one minute and childish the next and then everything in between. Arafinwë as the unenviable task of not only being an 'atar' to Glorfindel, but also his king and sometimes he has to bite the bullet as it were and play the bad guy. I'm sure Arafinwë and Eärwen understand and forgive him for his behavior, however hurtful it might be. Most parents do, after all. We'll see how things go for him once he reaches Vanyamar. That's a whole different kettle of fish, believe me. *grin*

Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

KayleeReviewed Chapter: 30 on 7/29/2008
I dislike Tinwetariel very much. Just where does she get her ideas about Glorfi and the other Reborn? *shakes head* She's just impossible. *sighs*

Poor Glorfi, having to deal with the likes of her.

~Kaylee!!

Author Reply: Tinwetariel is like many of the Amaneldi believing that because they never rebelled against the Valar that they are somehow superior to those who did and that the Reborn should never have been allowed to leave Mandos at all. Of course, it does not make it any better for her that her own son is presently in Mandos, having died during the War of Wrath. She definitely has a lot of issues.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 30 on 2/12/2008
Ooh, I don't particularly like her, either. And it's good to see her get her comeuppance from Glorfindel, not that she accepts it. I don't blame Glorfindel for being so upset as he rides away.

Author Reply: Tinwetariel is a piece of work, that's for sure.

EdlynReviewed Chapter: 30 on 5/2/2007
Poor Glorfindel! It's obvious that he's feeling abandoned and insecure. I would expect that he's uneasy about being parted from his "big brother" as well as feeling somewhat useless. Perhaps some of his complaint that "everyone" has a mission but him is wounded pride but there's probably some fear there as well--fear that he's not capable of being trusted or that he's not competent enough to fulfill a mission like Sador. And there's the uncomfortableness of feeling like Sador is behaving/acting outside the role of "little brother" that Glorfindel's mind has placed him in to deal with as well. Our balrog-slayer is likely feeling that the underpinnings of his world are being shifted and he's young enough emotionally right now to not like it one bit.

I suspect that Lord Namo probably had a short word with Glorfindel that led to that "I-I’m sorry. I’ll be good." because of his physical reaction. I don't think he'd go pale like that just because Finrod said what he said.

His reaction to the news that Finrod would be staying in Lorien is also proof of how young he still is in his new life. Children tend to generalize from a single example and that's certainly what Glorfindel's doing. I'm glad that Arafinwë (even if he doesn't really undertand why Glorfindel is so upset) realizes that Glorfindel is in need of serious comfort.

"Laurendil might think so," Oh, that made me laugh out loud.

Oh, Tinwetariel made my skin crawl from the moment she opened her condescending mouth! I can't believe how horribly rude she was. Of course, Glorfindel erally shouldn't have been rude back but I can't blame him one bit for his response. Hmmmm, does Glorfindel actually remember who his parents are? Intellectually if not emotionally?

Oh, I'm so proud of Glorfindel for not losing control. His response to Tinwetariel's "Did you learn nothing while in the Halls of Waiting, child?" was exactly the right thing to say, and also reminded him that regardless of what any Eldar says he is forgiven and loved beyond measure.

Those surprised murmurs and reactions whenever Eärendil is mentioned must be driving Glorfindel crazy even if he's not in a state of mind ot think about it at this moment.

Rudeness is one thing but Tinwetariel's bigotry is absolutely appalling! I wonder if her attitutude towards the Reborn would be the same even if any of the Vanyar had been released from Mandos. She seems the sort of individual who will always find some segment of the population to sneer at and treat as though they are second class citizens.

I don't blame Glorfindel for being so upset by the way he's being treated by the delegation or for not wanting to go to Vanyamar but by refusing to talk to Arafinwë and not saying goodbye really wasn't a very good thing for them or him. But he's hurt and upset and feeling betrayed and I just want to hug him.

So many changes and hard things to learn in this chapter, meldonya... transitions are always difficult and I have a bad feelingthat things aren't going to get any easier for our balrog-slayer.

I hope you had a lovely holiday and got to relax and have fun.

May you live blessed,

Edlyn

Author Reply: Glorfindel is in a vulnerable position at this point in time and finds himself having to reinvent himself as he goes along. Whatever his self-image was in his previous life, it will not likely hold him in good stead in his new life, except in the face of hostility such as he encounters with Tinwetariel and the Vanyar. As Tolkien never really explains Glorfindel's parentage or just how close to the royal Eldarin families he might genetically be, I have left it rather vague myself. Others might wish to explore this aspect of Glorfindel's life, but I've decided to let sleeping orcs lie...

Glorfindel shows how he is progressing in maturity (or not) in this chapter, refusing to be baited by Tinwetariel but also refusing to say good-bye to Arafinwë and Eärwen. He is bordering on two worlds and teeters back and forth as his emotions take over. He hasn't yet re-learned the proper balance.

Transitions are indeed difficult and no, Glorfindel's life isn't going to get any easier. If anything, it's about to get even more interesting than it already is. *grin*

I had a wonderful holiday in spite of the fact that I caught a cold along the way. And it was loads of fun.

hanciReviewed Chapter: 30 on 1/24/2007
Námo did leave a strong impression... What awaits Finrod in Lórien? And Sador is gone, too.
The trip to Taniquetil will be really interesting.
None of the Vanyar have been released from Mandos? Well, I guess since they have had much less dead... Doesn't Glorfindel count a bit? He has some Vanyar blood, or not?
I'm so happy you update so often!


Author Reply: Yes, Námo is pretty impressive. What awaits Finrod in Lórien? Well, you'll find out soon enough. LOL. Updating on a regular basis, to me, is only common courtesy, when faithful readers are waiting for the next chapter. I hate waiting for months on end for the next installment of a story that I'm interested in. Sometimes I forget I was even reading it!

MithLuinReviewed Chapter: 30 on 1/22/2007
I have just spent most of today reading this story, and I don't know what to say. It is very...moving. I have had a funny smile on my face that I find it hard to wipe away. I'm starting to suspect that I have a crush on your elves! But not really. There is something...wonderful...about this story, though. It is fresh and cleansing, soft but never easy. At first, I was surprised by Namo - I didn't think he could be so gentle, or know pity. But then I realized that you haven't softened him, his will is just as hard...only now, we can see his love as well. Breathtaking.

I do wish they'd learn to keep their clothes on, though!

Author Reply: I'm so glad you found this story and that it brings a smile on your face, funny or otherwise. Our perception of Namo is based, I think, on the experienccs of the Exilic Noldor who obviously don't have too many fond memories of the Doomsman of Arda. They have a rather jaundiced view. But it makes sense that Namo would express love since he has stood before the Throne of Love in the Timeless Halls. No one, unless they are fallen, could be anything but full of love and joy if they have stood before Eru Iluvatar. We do, of course, speak of "tough love" and I think that is what Namo exhibits, especially towards his charges, the Reborn.

As for learning to keep their clothes on... well, I think they've moved past that stage. *grin*

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 30 on 1/20/2007
It must be very disconcerting to have the Valar just popping into existence in your dining room as you are sitting down to dinner. Finarfin deals with it surprisingly well. But then, he deals with the trio of reborn elves remarkably well too!

I wonder why Olorin told Glorfindel not to go to Taniquetl alone!! And why Glorfindel didn't pass that piece of information on to Finarfin straight away! It might have spared him the company of that sanctimonious besom, Lady Tinwetariel. Now, if Manwe was looking for someone to send to a very unpleasant part of the Hither Lands to bring the elves to an awareness of their own inferiority, I can think of a suitable candidate for the post ......

Poor Glorfindel. He's not a happy bunny. Not a happy bunny at all.

Author Reply: Arafinwë is in his element with the trio of reborn elves and being the King of the Noldor, he probably has the Valar (or at least their Maiar servants) popping in and out all the time.

When my beta reader read the chapter where Olórin tells Glorfindel that if he goes to Taniquetil, not to go alone, she said it was a typical "Gandalf saying". I'm sure there's a reason, I just haven't been told it.

Lady Tinwetariel is typical of some of the elves who feel the Exiled Noldor got off too easily and resent the fact that they are being re-embodied when innocent Vanyar and Teleri who died because of the Noldor, either at Alqualondë or during the War of Wrath, are still "languishing" in Mandos.

And no, Glorfindel is definitely not a happy bunny at all.

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