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Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux  by Fiondil 15 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 141 on 2/17/2008
Too exciting, eh? Heh! Now, to see to the final match!

And Vana is TOO naughty by half! Heh!

As for Glorfindel and Finrod--the two who stripped as they danced before Aranfinwe's court are prudish before a mere Valie?

Author Reply: Well, stripping before one's peers and stripping before one of the Powers... not the same in my book and apparently not the same in Finrod or Glorfindel's book either.

artistic spriteReviewed Chapter: 141 on 12/5/2007
Hi Fiondil! On holiday for a week and no internet connection! The horror...
Anyway, because of your great and detailed description of what goes on after death in Middle Earth, where do the souls of elves mutated into orcs in the First Age go if they are killed? And what happened to them? Sorry for the endless questions, all these were the cause of my brother's nagging.Blame him!

Author Reply: Hi Sprite! No internet connection for a week... doesn't really bear thinking on. LOL

As for your question, several other people wonder the same thing. Perhasp someday there will be an answer, but I can't promise anything.

hanciReviewed Chapter: 141 on 12/5/2007
Calm before the storm - well, I'm not very calm now nad won't be till the next chapter! This one belonged to the Valar and Maiar - they were great. And fathers, too. Three cheers for Amarië's father and a big hug for Aldundil.
I wonder if more memories will surface, or someone will interfere... Just this match of Finrod and Glorfindel is exciting enough, what will make it even more exciting? Balrog in the stands? Muddy elflings running everywhere? Angry elves who lost their bets? Happy elves who won their bets? Can't wait!

Author Reply: Hi Hanci! Yes, this was definitely a chapter for the Valar and Maiar, and adars. *grin* As for what will happen in the afternoon match... we'll all find out soon enough.

RadbooksReviewed Chapter: 141 on 12/5/2007
A quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed the chapter - it certainly heightened my anticipation for the next one. :) I'm not feeling well so I can't go into lots of details here except to say that it was very good.

Also, loved reading a new chapter of Wars of the Valar - glad to see Namo is starting to heal.

Author Reply: Thanks, Radbooks. I appreciate you taking the time to drop me a note to tell me how much you enjoy the chapter. Hope you feel better soon.

Caddy de La BrisReviewed Chapter: 141 on 12/4/2007
Dear Fiondil,

Please note that I have to apologise for being a real silent reader and for my bad English (because English is not my first language).

This is my first review to your real great story and I wanted to let you know how you brightend my real life whenever I saw and read an update.

I have to admit that I am a late reader of The Silmarillion - first I read Lord Of The Rings, then I tried The Hobbit (but I stopped) and then I tried The Silmarillion (but I stopped too).

Since 1977 I read The Lord Of The Ring almost every year but I could not read the other books.

After reading The Lord Of The Ring so often and after the films and after the discovery of fanfiction (in my late year:-)) I noticed in real that there is and was far more than only The Lord Of The Rings - especially far more to Glorfindel as my favourite elf although he is only a minor character in Lord Of The Rings.

So I searcherd for stories about him and I found your story - unfortunately before I read The Silmarillion. And first I lost my interest.

But then I found more and more stories about the first and the second age and I tried again to read The Silmarillion. And I read it and then I heard it through a German audio book and than I read it again.

And at last at this time I realised howe fitting your story is. Now I am reading The Silmarillion the fourth time - after hearing the audio book every time possible.

And please note how enjoyable and thrilling it is every time I see an update - especially now that there are my three most favourite elves involved: naturally Glorfindel, then Finrod and at last Beleg.

So I want to thank you for your wonderful story - one of my most favourites - and I hope there will be the next one very soon - although - there are still two more stories of you which I will have the pleasure to read. Unfortunately I am one of the readers which try to make sure to read only completed stories - because there is (almost) nothing more disappointing than good forsaken stories.

At last let me say thank you for sharing your imagination of your stories and I hope you will update soon - because I am going on holiday on Friday and I hope for an update before.

Caddy from Germany



Author Reply: Dear Caddy,

Thank you for your wonderful review and your English was just fine. *grin* I know how difficult the Silmarillion is for many people. It isn't written in the same vein as the Lord of the Rings and modern readers are not used to that particular style of writing. Being an Enlgish major at university and being a lover of history I had a great deal of exposure to that style of writing so it never really bothered me, but I know that is not true for everyone.

I am glad though that you have found my own story enjoyable and perhaps having read my story you will find the Silmarillion more interesting. I know a number of my readers have thanked me for sparking an interest in the Silmarillion they never had before because they read this story.

You can go ahead and read my other stories because I have no intention of forsaking them. In fact, I've just updated both of them this week with new chapters and I will be updating Stirrings of Shadow again before the end of the week. I have every intention of finishing these stories as well as continuing with Elf, Interrupted.

Unfortunately I will probably not be updating until Saturday or Sunday, but at least you have the comfort of knowing that when you return from your holiday, the new chapter will be waiting for you. *grin*

EdlynReviewed Chapter: 141 on 12/4/2007
Oh, meldonya, I am on the edge of my seat with anticipation! Have you ever thought about writing teasers for television shows?

Just joking, honest! However, you certainly gave us a lot to think about in this chapter.

I would have never thought about Oromë being someone who would have the same addiction to sweets like berry pies as an elfling. That's not to say that he wouldn't but that it had never occurred to me before. The picnic scene really set up the theme of the Valar and Maiar as foster parents to the elves. And while I had an instinctual understanding of why Oromë would adopt Beleg from the moment Beleg showed up re-embodied, I must admit that the reasons behind him adopting Sador still escape me. I suppose that it something that is meant to be merely accepted. Oromë has his reasons as does Vána and neither are required to explain everything after all.

I liked seeing the Maiar's responses to the various people wanting to see Finrod and Glorfindel and being prevented. I've liked Manveru since was first introduced but he is wonderful in this chapter. I can understand his amusement at the mercurial (in his opinion anyway) behavior of the Eldar (particularly Arafinwë). I couldn't help laughing as I read that section. Though the idea of Lord Manwë coming down on him like a Valarauco in a bad mood is quite a mental image and not funny at all. I'm sure that Manwë overheard that little thought... You realize that I'm going to have that in my head for the rest of the day, don't you?

I can certainly understand Alassiel feeling put upon and if I didn't love and appreciate the wonderful, thoughtful elf Finrod is already, I certainly would now. With everything going on and the upcoming bout on his mind as well as the emotional and psychological effects of dealing with Vorondil's situation, the other elfling's parents and everything else, it wouldn't have been unreasonable for him to let her situation slip his mind. But he didn't, bless him.

The Leaping Frog...hmmm...I suppose it will make you laugh to know that when I think of the group of ellyn, ellith and elflings eating there, I imagine the corner "booth" of Fado where we ate supper after visiting the zoo last summer.

My humor vanished in an instant when the elves accosted Vorondil and Aldundil. If I could have transported myself to the spot there would have been some hurting Vanyarin and Noldor! I was relieved and very pleased to see Tiutalion come to the rescue. Well, I have loved that particular Maiar since he showed up when Ingwion went to Nienna's house and here he is no less kind and supportive to his charges. If anyone needed any proof that Vorondil is indeed still an elfling they'd have it in his: "Wh-why do they all hate me?" he whispered forlornly. "I... I said I was sorry." I just wanted to hug him when he said that. I hope that we eventually see more of this particular Maia.

Oh, Nienna you are definitely your brothers' sister! I laughed out loud at her subterfuge with the mirror. Well, I don't blame her at all. I'd probably do the same thing with two examples of handsome Eldar manhood on display [evil grin].

Oh, I could just wring Amarië's mother's neck. I really could. Now, her father sounds like someone I could deal with (any father that would supply the rope to help his daughter get out of durance vile to see her true love is more than OK in my book). Well, at least she'll be able to see the final bout and hopefully get some time with her betrothed (and no, I haven't forgotten about that story I'm working on, honest. The muse is just on holiday in a different fic-verse at the moment).

Like everyone at the tournament I am holding my breath in anticipation to see who wins. I am making no bets and no predictions at all on which of the two ellyn will win. In fact, I am not rooting for anyone in particular. I just want them to leave the lists unscathed and without the equivalent of World War III breaking out.

Did you ever think that this story would grow into the masterwork it is? It has been wonderful being able to read it and get to know your version of Aman, the Valar and Maiar as well as explore the social and personal effects of death and rebirth among the Eldar. I am looking forward to the continuation of Glorfindel and Finrod's adventures in the sequel (as well as finding out how Sador, Vorondil, Alassiel, Ingwion and the other characters I've come to care about) when you are ready to tell us that tale.

Hugs!

Edlyn

Author Reply: What a nice loooong review! It has certainly made my day! *grin*

The reasons for Oromë's interest in Sador will become clear in the next book, i think. At any rate, the relationship between Beleg and Sador on many levels will, I think prove important in the future.

I had fun writing the scene with the Maiar from their perspective, showing how they see the Eldar amongst them. I think we get a sense that as annoying as the Eldar might be at times, the Maiar truly love and care for them. The Valarauco in a bad mood image I thought very funny... as when is a Valarauco ever NOT in a bad mood? *grin* And I'm sure Manwë was quite aware of what Manveru was thinking and why and found it very amusing himself.

I like the image of Fado and our dinner together because I think that's just what it was like with the elflings, only more so. *grin*

The confrontation with Vorondil and Aldundil is sad on many levels and I feel the most for Aldundil because he's as much caught in the web of his wife's deceit as their son and he knows that he's partly to blame for the situation. Tiutalion showing up was vala-sent in more than one way. I was afraid things would get ugly there for a moment myself.

And Nienna is indeed her brothers' sister. *grin* I'm sure Námo and Irmo got quite a kick out her subterfuge and I loved her "Can I turn around now?". Definitely not the Weeping Wilma the Silmarillion makes her out to be.

And no, I never thought tis story would become an epic. *grin* And I won't be keeping people too long on tenderhooks waiting for the continuation, though it'll be a few months before I'm ready to post. Thanks for the review. I really appreciate it.

eilujReviewed Chapter: 141 on 12/4/2007
So Sador and Beleg are increasingly having more in common: Sindar Reborn; Doriathrim; Finrod’s and Glorfindel’s gwedyr; sharing a connection from Doriath (through Sador’s grandfather); and both apparently adopted by Oromë and Vána.

She was supposed to be her cousin’s squire but so far she had done no squiring at all -- The final line in all our job descriptions was *always* “And other duties as assigned.” [And I wonder just what percentage of my work time was spent doing tasks that fell into that category.]

Yes, by all means let Alassiel go shopping! Even if she’s not normally fond of shopping, what chance has the poor kid had to do *any* shopping in Lórien all those months? (And who’s going to look after the elflings when they go *back* to Lórien?)

"Death is the usual punishment," he declared -- But have they ever actually executed anyone? Or even needed to hold a trial before Vorondil’s?

It’s always enjoyable to see the helpful Tiutalion.

Reminiscing about earlier times when the Eldar had first arrived in Aman, all innocent and wide-eyed with wonder -- Wonderfully evocative: I can just see them! (The Two Trees! The Valar's Mansions! The Sea! All the Valar and Maiar! Taniquetil!)


None of them, not even the Valar, could have predicted just how exciting -- Now, why do I get the feeling that you’re going to leave us at the end of this story with the Evil Cliffie to End All Evil Cliffies?

I was really expecting some sort of attack before the tournament ends and everyone goes home (though holding no illusions about my success rate in these matters). At the moment, I’m sure you aren’t going to do it -- the only possibilities would be leaving us at the end of the next chapter either: 1) with the aforementioned Evil Cliffie to End All Evil Cliffies; or 2) with a nice happy ending for this story (wonderfully exciting match, Glorfindel wins, kings congratulate, Glorfindel does happy dance, period, The End) -- but planning to spring the Bad Guys on us in the first paragraph of the next story. One more chapter ... that’s not much time to handle the final round *and* anything else: so no matter what you’re going to do, I guess I’m expecting *some* sort of Evil Cliffie (with or without Bad Guys).

My Unified Field Theory of Bad Guys At the Tournament (very short version) involved Súlimondil and/or Valancar panicking (perhaps after the announcement of a pending trial of their own, fearing Lindorillë’s father’s testimony?), grabbing a guard’s weapon when everyone was distracted by *whatever* (originally the revelation of Beleg’s identity), and Glorfindel-and/or-Finrod being Impressively Heroick.


Author Reply: At last, someone who doesn't mind Alassiel going shopping. LOL And you're correct, she hasn't had much chance to do the things she is normally used to doing as a member of Ingwë's extended family and a lady of consequence, so just being able to stroll through the streets of Vanyamar with another elleth and window-shop would be enough to lift her spirits and help her feel less put upon.

As for all your theories about how this will end... I rather like the Evil Cliffie to End All Evil Cliffies myself. *grin* You, of course, will have to decide for yourself.

AlquawendeReviewed Chapter: 141 on 12/4/2007
I'm so glad that the Valier have received there chances to be in the spotlight. I loved how clever Nienna was when Findarato and Glorfindel were undressing. I can just imagine their response to this if they ever find out.

Alassiel finally is given her chance too. I always wondered when she would get angry at her cousin because she's always having to 'play' nanny when she's supposed to be his squire. It's good that she's given her chance to have fun.

Thanks for writing!

Alquawende

Author Reply: Yes, Nienna is being very naughty here, but in a harmless way, and don't we all wish we could have joined her in front of that particular mirror. LOL

Alassiel doesn't realize it but she's getting practice for when she gets to play "auntie" to Finrod and Amarië's future children. *grin* The experience of herding these five elflings about will stand her in good stead someday. Perhaps Finrod had some foresight of this and decided to give his squire this task for that very reason. It is good though that he is aware of her rising resentment and feelings of neglect to be the one to suggest the outing to Manwen and Laurendil. It shows that he's not as clueless an ellon as the ellith would all like to think he is. *grin*

NarielReviewed Chapter: 141 on 12/4/2007
This was just lovely. Thanks for including Amarie finally! I was wondering why she wasn't there. I'm so glad that Vorondil and the elflings are close still. Thanks for updating!

Author Reply: Glad you liked this chapter Nariel. I'm sure other readers had wondered what had happened to Amarië after the New Year's Ball. And the elflings don't care or even understand about how Vorondil's history and though they understand he did something wrong and is being punished, that is no reason to shun him. After all, they've all done something wrong and they've all been punished, so Vorondil is not unique in their eyes. If anything, that just makes him more "one of us" than before. The adults around them could do worse than follow those elflings example of forgiveness and friendship.

taralomeReviewed Chapter: 141 on 12/3/2007
Ohh, the final fight!! YEAH!! But oh, such a cliffie, hurry up now!!

Author Reply: If you think this is a cliffie....

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