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Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux  by Fiondil 11 Review(s)
TariReviewed Chapter: 129 on 5/15/2008
This is the first time you brought Tulkas into this story and I'm so glad you did. He is really cool and I love his sense of humor. One more chink in Finrod's healing.

Tari

Author Reply: Part of the challenge (for myself) in writing this tale was to bring each of the fourteen Valar into the story at some point. Tulkas seemed to be the best one to handle Finrod at this juncture so I let him. *grin* And Finrod is indeed further along in his healing.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 129 on 2/17/2008
It appears that Finrod has exaggerated ideas as to how omniscient and omnipotent the Valar ought to be, and now is having a bit of a reality check.

Author Reply: I'm sure he's not the only Elf in Aman (or Middle-earth) who thinks this way. At least he's offered the opportunity to have a reality check and therefoe mature in his relationship with the Valar even further.

eilujReviewed Chapter: 129 on 10/25/2007
I’m wondering if Lindorillë’s father will make trouble (violent Finrod’s unfit to be guardian for his daughter and the other elflings, etc.). No doubt the visit to the elflings' homes will be an interesting experience for Sador and Alassiel, though I have faith in their ability to cope. You haven’t mentioned whether Finrod or Ingwion has yet informed Ingwë about L’s father being chummy with Súlimondil and Valancar.

“He cannot help the fact that had all gone as planned, he would never have been born." -- That reminded me of something I can’t find but think I’m remembering: Vorondil blaming the rebel Noldor for Aldundil’s risking his life in the War of Wrath, because if Aldundil had been killed, Vorondil wouldn’t have been born.

I’m glad there’s no danger here of Tulkas squeezing Glorfindel until he turns purple -- and I’m sure Glorfindel is happy about it too!

So Tulkas is teaching Finrod tricks he can use to defeat Glorfindel in the first match. Tit for tat, after the Ardamirë episode....


Actually, when I described DWJ as “a favorite (mostly) children’s fantasy author” I meant that most of her books were *children’s* books (though I have to admit there are a few I’m unlikely ever to read a second time). My most-reread favorites would be “Charmed Life,” “Howl’s Moving Castle” (though the film was rather ... well ... *Japanese*), “Dark Lord of Derkholm,” “The Magicians of Caprona,” “The Ogre Downstairs,” “Archer’s Goon,” and the frequently-anthologized story “Nad and Dan adn (sic) Quaffy” (which inspired me to make a list of all the possible ways to spell ‘coffee’). “Deep Secret” a friend and I decided had to be read before (or during) every science fiction convention we attended.... I heard DWJ speak years ago (she read us bits from her then-WIP “The Tough Guide to Fantasyland”): she was every bit as clever and funny as you’d expect her to be.

It was interesting to learn she’d been very ill some years before (medical malpractice stuff which took years to correct and recover from). I figured that explained the dark tone of some of the books I hadn’t been so happy with.

An autobiographical essay about her *very* strange childhood (weirder even than “Time of the Ghost”): http://www.leemac.freeserve.co.uk/autobiog.htm -- and other stuff at that site. She wrote an essay about LotR, though I have no memory of having read it.


Author Reply: I mentioned in at least one reply to a review Vorondil's mental take on why he hates the Reborn and the Tol Eressëans as possibly realizing that if his atar had died during the War, he himself would not have been born. Of course, had things gone according to plan, Vorondil still wouldn't have been born. But still the psychological fear of "what if" playing against the insinuations of his mother about his own worth probably played havoc with his emotional health and certainly twisted his fëa enough to cause serious damage. At any rate, how all that will play out remains to be seen.

As for DWJ... I enjoyed the Christopher Chant stories a lot. And I thought "Deep Secret" very interesting, though I didn't care for the "sequel". At any rate, I quite like most of her writing whether written for children (or those of us who like to let their inner child out every once in a while) or for older readers. Like I said, "Eight Days of Luke" is my personal favorite, probably because I've always had a thing for the Norse Gods, Thor esepcially. *grin*

CalenlassReviewed Chapter: 129 on 10/25/2007
*giggles at the thought of Namo being sneaky* A wonderful touch to the story. And Tulkas...he was perfect. On top of that, you made the chapter Finrod-centric. *happy sigh* You've made my day, Fiondil!

-Cal

Author Reply: Hi Cal. Let me guess... you're a Finrod fan, right? LOL. I'm glad you liked Tulkas in this chapter. He doesn't get as much "air" time as some of the other Valar... must be because he's a late-comer on the scene, but I think he's an interesting character... heck! they all are, which is why I enjoy writing about them. I'g happy to have made your day.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 129 on 10/25/2007
Glad Sador and Alassiel cared so well for the elflings. It had to be quite a nasty shock for them to witness that.

Had guessed Finrod would consider to step out of the tournament, so I wasn’t surprised that he did. Though I think the same argument he used with Haldir has to be used to stop him from doing that. Was rather amused about Glorfindel’s more emotional reason why Finrod has to finish the tournament, because I thought the same – he can’t draw back and disappoint me so! As I said before, I take it for granted these two will fight the last round against each other, and you had promised to have them fight against each other, after all.

But was shocked me a bit was Finrod’s reaction to Glorfindel’s pleas. Poor guy – when he remembered *this*, it explains his mood very well. And the actions of certain Amanians had to hurt more than usual under the circumstances.

Stupidity, like the air we breathe, is available to everyone, and we Valar have used up our fair share of it over the long ages since we came into Eä That is very nicely put! This chapter showed the Valar in a very nice way, so much more ... human, for lack of a better word, while the elves have to learn that even the Valar do not know everything.

And I *so* enjoyed Tulkas’ story about the newborn elfling. Sneaky Námo, indeed, to simply take her while Manwë and Aul¨ still argued! And the Valier plottin how to encourage more elflings *grin* Now I want to read the story in detail! *turns to Rhyselle* Please?

Hm, if I understand the end correctly, then Tulkas is going to spar with Finrod? Good idea! In his current shape he’s certainly no match for Glorfindel – our favourite balrog-slayer would wipe the ground with him.

Author Reply: I think EVERYONE is expecting the final round(s) to be between Finrod and Glorfindel, so Finrod can't disappoint all my readers, either. *grin*

Throughout this story I point out the fact that the Valar, being created beings like the rest of us, are not perfect and they are as capab le of making mistakes as the rest of us. Admitting it is, as another reviewer put it, the first step towards healing for both the Valar and the Elves.

I'm sure Tulkas' tutoring of Finrod will stand the ellon in good stead agasint Glorfindel. He hasn't had as much time to practice as his otorno, so he's at a slight disadvantage. Still, he's older and wiser and steadier than Glorfindel and that might work in his favor against the younger, more excitable Balrog-Slayer.

And Rhyselle is busily writing away. Hopefully, if her muse plays nice, she'll have the story written soon enough and we can all find out what happened when the first elf was born in Aman. *grin*

LilandrielReviewed Chapter: 129 on 10/25/2007
this story is fantastic! i thought it about time i left you a review saying how much your work is appreciated, coz it really is :) *blushes* i'm just sorry i didn't do so sooner!

i look forward to the next chapter xx

Author Reply: Hi Lilandriel. I'm glad you are enjoying the story. I know not everyone who reads, comments (I'm guilty of that as well), so I really appreciate it when someone takes the time, as you have, to drop me a line and letting me know how much they enjoy my story. Thanks.

NarielReviewed Chapter: 129 on 10/24/2007
I'm glad you were quicker to update! This was quite interesting to see Finrod in tantrum mode. The part where he realizes he was building his own tomb is what I always thought he would think one day and you have written the part perfectly. I do think it's a bit ironic that he built the place where he was to die. Tulkas was a suprise when I saw the title of the chapter. I almost forgot about him. I guess the only ones I was really thinking about were the Feanturi, the Elder King and the Elentari. I'm glad that he is in the story again. He isn't written of enough.

I realize it's not good to read other peoples' reviews, but you said in one response that the chapter about why Amarie didn't come and what the elflings were doing was to be coming up soon. Is it going to be the next chapters?

Thanks for writing!

Author Reply: Well, Finrod is, among other things, a consumate warrior, so it stands to reason that the Warrior Vala would show an interest in him, especially if Finrod is thinking of quitting the tournament.

As for Amarië and the elflngs... Glorfindel told Finrod what was up with the elflings in this chapter (go back and read it), and we will most likely see Amarië soon (she has to get past her mother first *grin*).

Thanks for reviewing.

vampfan30Reviewed Chapter: 129 on 10/24/2007
I enjoy your writing so much, it kills me ! you cram so much stuff in there & the characters are just that... characters, especially that Namo. I love him to death. keep up the amazing & complicated story - I always look forward to the next installment....

V

Author Reply: Hi V! I'm glad to hear from you and happy that you are still reading this story which is sort of taking over my life. LOL Thanks for taking the time to let me know how much you are enjoying it.

6336Reviewed Chapter: 129 on 10/24/2007
I am beginning to wonder if those Elves who dislike the Re-born are jelous(sp?)? They have gone off and had an Adventure, they have fought and died have been re-born and all they have done has been to stay safe at home in Aman sitting on their hands and doing what the Valar seem to want them to do!
Aldundil's wife seems to me to be a very bitter woman, one who can hold a grudge too! Serve Vorondil right, if I can't have him, and I am not waiting around for him to be re-born, I am going to have his brother! Why else did she name him Vorondil? Nasty twisted woman!
Yes, Finrod needs to fight again, he has to 'Get back up on the horse!', I hope Tulkas can give him a few pointers, does Manwe plan on giving Glorfindal a few too?
More please,
6336

Author Reply: The word is _jealous_ but I knew what you meant. *grin*

Yes, there is probably that sense among some of the Amanians that "Hey, these other elves may have snubbed their noses at the Valar, but they sure have some great stories to tell, while all we can talk about is the newest poem to Yavanna we wrote, or the price of flour in Tirion. Not very exciting."

On the other hand I'm sure there are a number of Amanian elves who wonder why these other elves are being allowed back in after having either left or refused to come in the first place. Think of the parable of the Prodigal Son and the reaction of the elder brother to the younger brother's return and the father's reaction to it all and you have a good paradigm for what's going on in Aman at this time. Even though the War of Wrath ended over 500 years prior to the events in EI, they are still trying to work things out. But, then, if you have all the Ages of Arda in which to do so, there's no real hurry is there?

Nieriel RainaReviewed Chapter: 129 on 10/24/2007
Oh my what a chapter! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Tulkas! And I was so happy to see him in this chapter taking a main role with Finrod. I laughed so hard I could hardly breath when he grabbed Finrod and just marched off into a different reality and the other elves just stared. LOL! His talk with Finrod was wonderful too. I think that is another of those things I really like about your work is each of your characters is so distinct in personality. And I just adore Tulkas. He is definitely my 2nd place favorite after Namo, followed closely by Eonwe. *Grin*

And Glorfindel. What can I say about him except he is ADORABLE! I had no doubts he would choke when Finrod said he was withdrawing from the list. And he might be in for a surprise or two after Finrod trains with Tulkas! *rubs hands in anticipation*

And now you have me wanting to read this story of Rhyselle's! Sounds very good. Loved Namo being the 1st to hold the newborn. *grin*

Thanks for another wonderful update! You made my night, since I'm still stuck in bed sick. Yuck.

NiRi

Author Reply: I'm glad you like Tulkas. I have tried to portray him as not being such a dimwitted, muscle-bound Vala as others make him out to be. Of course, I sort of gave that impression when he appeared at the trial and tried to smother Glorfindel, but I suspect that was merely Tulkas playing a role. I thihk in this chapter you see him in a different and truer light as he interacts with both Glorfindel and Finrod. He's obviously a Vala to be reckoned with and deeper than one suspects just from reading about him in the Silmarillion.

I'm glad this chapter made your night and hope you get better soon.

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