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Elf, Interrupted: Book Two: Glorfindel's Quest  by Fiondil 11 Review(s)
FantasiaReviewed Chapter: 56 on 5/11/2009
I wanted to shout out for someone to send you this review, but I'm sure it won't work, so better to write one for you...

I'm thinking that all this Reborn elves (the ones that will be bodyguards) are in a cross path, most of them should have been in Tol Eressëa if not for the fact that they went to Mandos, I'm sure that in the island are a lot of their own people, how can they fight againts them? The elves from mainland do not welcome them either, so I will see their loyalties going to Tol Eressëa people. And you will think that Glorfindel, Beleg and Finrod presence in the delegation will convince a lot of the island elves to at least listen to the Kings, Those three were legend in Middle Earth, I'm sure that they will be impress and maybe surprise to see them

Now, the Valars are a little responsible for the situation, they haven't learn yet how to deal with the other children, the fact that they took the Firstborn to Valinor before their time has contribute a lot to this mess, they should be a little less cryptic and more helpful, at least more friendly...

Now, for last, I can understand a little bit the Noldors that do not welcome the exiles, we really don't know what happened in Valinor after that, I'm sure that wasn’t easy for anybody and for them the worst...they live with the guilt of what their people did, they live with grief for what they lost and I'm pretty sure that the other elves blame them and isolate them too, it is a normal behavior to vent the frustrations with the survivors...

Thanks for this wonderful tale, I'm waiting for the time that Glorfindel meet Earendil and when he is ready to leave, I want to see the reactions...I would like to see some stories about them learning about Glorfindel in Middel Earth from elves arriving to Aman, I know that you did one whit Erestor and I loved it, OK, I finished my shopping list, I'll have another one ready by the next chapter


Author Reply: Hi Fantasia. You set out some interesting points about the Tol Eresseans and the Reborn, especially the fact that Glorfindel, Finrod and Beleg are all legends to the Tol Eresseans. It remains to be seen just how everyone reacts to them and to the Royal Progress.

I'm glad you are beginning to understand about the Noldor. It is my hope to actually write about what happens to those Elves who remained in Aman during the Darkening, including those of the Noldor who turned back with Arafinwe. Hopefully, I will have something to post before the end of the year.

I'm glad you are enjoying this tale. Your suggestion about writing some stories about Finrod and the others learning about Glorfindel from Elves who come to Aman during the Second and Third Ages is a good one and perhaps there will be such (short) stories in the future. It all depends on the Muse.

Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.

ThalaneeReviewed Chapter: 56 on 5/7/2009
Sorry that this review hast taken so long: university has taken up nearly all my time the last week.
What they said about Arafinwe and the other kings was right: they would have every right to be cynic or bitter about what happened, but they chose not to. Being cynic about something is easier than trying not to lose faith, but if you chose the hard way and fight it, you will be stronger for it... and happier. That is something we easily forget, so thanks for reminding me and others :-)

Our Glorfindel is growing up *sigh* I hope that doesn´t mean that he will stay out of mischief? *grin* but I think we can all rest assured that he will not. After all he enjoys it as much as we do: so I´m already looking forward to whatever scheme our favourite elf will cook up.

Greetings, Thalanee

Author Reply: Hi Thalanee. That's okay. University stuff takes precedence over everything else. Been there, done that, myself. *grin*

Anyway, you're right that refusing to become cynical and not lose faith does make you stronger and happier. I'm glad I was able to provide this reminder to you and others.

Yes, our Glorfindel is beginning to grow up, but I doubt he will ever abandon his inner child. There will always be a streak of mischief in his soul that delights in causing innocent trouble. I suspect that in later years in Imladris, he kept Elrond from getting too serious about himself with his mischief-making. He probably considered it his bounden duty to do so. *grin*

Hope the university stuff goes well for you. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 56 on 5/4/2009
You know, it's good that Glorfindel has matured quite a bit during these weeks with the Maiar, but I find it more entertaining when he's not going to be always all adult and responsible and sometimes the child is coming out a bit to play. Life is just more fun that way - not only for Glorfindel.

Interesting conversation about Arafinwë. It's true that he - and the other two kings - aren't as bitter as they could be, and that's amazing, considering all that has happened. But I do understand why Glorfindel is uncomfortable with the whole Tol Eressëa thing; he knows that not all are as friendly as Gilvagor or Laurendil, and he's too much a warrior to not see the risks. Well, I trust that between him and his gwedyr they will make sure that the kings are well protected and every possible safety measure taken. (Not that it would prevent them from having a few adventures!)

Oh, I think Glorfindel will need his refresher now and then. Was just yesterday thinking that on the one hand they want Glorfindel not to depend on the Maiar, but on the other hand, Finrod was the only one able to keep up with Glorfindel's fighting skills, and even he will now not be able to do that. And as probably no one will allow these two to spar again, Glorfindel will need his Maiar swordbrothers anyway to keep his form. And to be honest, I'll miss Glorfindel's teachers; I really like these Maiar.

It's good that Glorfindel can think of the good times in Gondolin, too, even if it is sad to remember how it ended. And I loved that explanation of 'stupid' *grin*

Even if it did not work properly, thanks to his training with the Maiar, it was still touching that his friends wanted to give him a surprise welcome. And it is good that he is thinking of them as his family.

Very nice, peaceful chapter - probably the calm before the storm ;)

Author Reply: I doubt that Glorfindel will ever fully grow up. He will always nurture his inner child no matter where he is. Hopefully the measures Glorfindel and the others take to ensure Arafinwë and Olwë's safety will be enough, but of course, there is no guarantee. At least Glorfindel's new skills should come in handy especially when no one knows what they are exactly. *grin* I'm sure that Glorfindel will continue seeking out his Maiar friends for refresher courses while he's still in Aman. I doubt any of them will be able to stay away for too long, either. I rather like them myself. *grin*

After the revelations about his own parents, it's nice that Glorfindel does have 'family' to rely on. And unlike before, he has lOTS of brothers to play with. *lol*

I'm glad you liked the chapter, Kitty. Thanks for letting me know. Yes, the calm before the storm, but you knew that, didn't you? *sly grin*

TariReviewed Chapter: 56 on 5/4/2009
Who wants to mature completely? It’s much more fun to have the child inside surface every now and then. The Maia have now evolved from his enemies to his friends. Friends he will definitely miss. (I’m sure they’ll miss him too.)

I love this Glorfindel. Unfortunately for his family, a surprise welcome was impossible given his training. Nevertheless, it was a most joyous occasion.


Author Reply: Hi, Tari. We all need to celebrate the inner child in all of us. I don't think Glorfindel will ever fully 'grow up'; there will always be that little streak of mischief in him, part of the legacy of being a Reborn, I think. And the Maiar have now evolved into his friends and mentors rather than his enemies, as you say. That will stand him in good stead in the future, I have no doubt.

HildigrimReviewed Chapter: 56 on 5/4/2009
Lest you feel that your sign-posting had gone unnoticed by your loyal readers (and reach for a bigger two-by-four to cure the problem), I want to acknowledge the two pointed references to Alassiel's presence .... I felt you rolled a cannon on stage back in Chapter 102 of Book One, but more or less refrained from setting it off to this point.

Author Reply: I had to go back to chapter 102 as I'd forgotten what that chapter was about. *lol* We'll see just what the 'sign-posting' leads to. There is a reason for Alassiel to be in Tirion at this time, and not necessarily as a handmaid to Amarië either. Glad you are still reading this story, Hildigrim. Thanks. I appreciate it.

Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 56 on 5/3/2009
Ah ha! I finally realized why I have felt such peace reading these last few chapters.... It's because, even though Glorfindel's had some 'adventures' and a few scrapes - he was with the Valar / Maiar and so - I guess I figured he was safe......................

NOW - he's back and my stomach is already churning at the thought of what on earth - er Arda - is going to happen to him next.

Thanks for the time of respite - my stomach appreciated it! : )

Author Reply: You're most welcome, Agape. I hope you have some alka-seltzer handy now that Glorfindel is back in Tirion, if your stomach is already churning and nothing's happened yet. *lol* At any rate, I'm glad you've been enjoyging the respite and the chapters. I hope you continue enjoying the ones to follow in spite of your stomach. And just remember, even though the Maiar/Valar aren't visible to anyone doesn't mean they are around keeping an eye on things... and GLorfindel.

njomoReviewed Chapter: 56 on 5/3/2009
It is just so good to see Glorfindel relaxed and enjoying just being with his family. Would that it could last longer for his sake, as I expect life will get "interesting" again soon with the Royal Progress looming on the horizon!

I found Glorfindel's conversation with Eönwë regarding Arafinwë very enlightening. The Darkening would have been a pivotal time in the history of Aman. Any society finding itself in the middle of such an upheaval--the actions of Fëanor and his judgment, the theft of the Silmarils, the killing of Finwë, along with the departure of a significant portion of the population--would create a challange for any society. For Arafinwë to return with his "remnant" and to plunge in to learning to be king while dealing with all the inherent problems faced at that time would not be easy.

It is good that Glorfindel has gained the maturity and equilibrium to begin to understand some of what has made Arafinwë as he is in the present. That should stand Glorfindel in good stead as he helps plan for the royal progress.

I thought it telling that the one Maiar Glorfindel is especially sorry to leave behind is Nyéreser, but maybe I'm reading more into that than I should. I'm still trying to figure just what Nyéreser's usually doing: he rarely interacts with the Children and he states, "My... interests lie in a different direction..." I'm still curious after all these chapters, and hope we'll meet up with Nyéreser again.

So now (on the light side) I have only a few things to ponder this week: what was the "thing or two" that Glorfindel was able to teach the Maia, and what are Glorfindel's favorite dishes, anyway!?







Author Reply: Hi Joanne. Nyéreser is as much a mystery to me as he is to you (and presumably the other readers). He literally just showed up where I least expected anyone to do so and he wouldn't even tell me his name at first! *sigh* I think there is a connection between him and Glorfindel, or at least Glorfindel feels one, but what it means I'm not sure yet. I think Nyéreser is too good a character (from a writer's pov) to discard. I'm sure he'll be showing up sooner or later when least expected. Perhaps his 'interests' have now changed. *grin*

As for Arafinwë and the Darkening... definitely the Amanians experienced grave upheavals in their societies and I hope to explore that issue in another story that begins with Fëanor's trial and banishment and continued on through the Darkening until the first rising of Ithil. It will be some time though before that story is ready for posting but hopefully sometime later this year, so keep your eyes open for it.

Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.

HelReviewed Chapter: 56 on 5/3/2009
As happy as I am that Glorfindel feels he has a home and a family in Valinor, it will make his leaving for Middle-Earth much, much harder. For him as well as for the others. I wonder how he and his family will react when they come to know about the intention of the Valar.

But is good to see that he matures and that he has started to practice what he has learned during his time with Olorin.

I wonder what the elves in the country would think about the whole affair with the Reborn and the Returnees from Middle-Earth and if they even heard about the problems in the cities and on Tol Eressëa. The opinion of the "elf in the street" so to say.

I like the idea that Arafinwë has choosen to stay unprejudiced in his dealings with others even if some think of him as naive or weak.

Author Reply: Hi, Hel. Yes, I think you may be right that when the time comes for Glorfindel to leave for Middle-earth, there will be tears aplenty on both sides. Still, by the time he's told about it, he will have matured to the point where we see him in LOTR (or nearly so).

I'm not sure if the country elves would be too impressed by all the bally-hoo in Tirion or elsewhere. That's why Glorfindel gave his name in Quenya, because trying to explain "Sindarin" to them would be useless. I'm sure that even the doings of the Valar are mere rumors to them, never mind what is happening among their own people.

Arafinwë, as Eönwë tells Glorfindel, suffered gravely during the Darkening, as did Ingwë and Olwë. All three kings came away from the experience scarred but in the end they made a conscious decision not to let that destroy them. Harsh lessons for all of them, but they are better kings for that, I think.

SitaraReviewed Chapter: 56 on 5/3/2009
It seems to be a "transitional" chapter, if I can say so, signalling the ending of the first stage of Glorfindel's training and the beginning of a new one. Perhaps this time the others would be also involved in this matter, especially Finarfin, Finrod and Ingwion. But it remains to be seen.

I do hope that Glorfindel was able to appreciate the beauty of the lanscape and the harvest in particular, despite the painful memories awakened by this sight. If he did, he has all my respect. "bitter smile" The depiction of the view was much appreciated, especially the one regarding the sunset's light bathing Tirion's walls.

As for the choices of Valinor's Eldarani during the Darkening...I have yet to be convinced. But, in my opinion, the issue will be approached in the near future, either in this story or in your next one. Finarfin's trip to Tol Eressea may have something to do with this, if I'm to start assuming things. But, as I've said before, it remains to be seen.

Looking forward to read more, I wish you a pleasant afternoon,
Sitara

Author Reply: Yes, this is a transitional chapter as we move from one phase of the story to the next which will revolve around the Royal Progress through Tol Eressëa. I'm glad you appreciated my descriptions of the views. I like to give readers a sense of place without bogging the story down too much with descriptions that end up sounding like a travelogue.

It's dangerous to assume anything where Elves are concerned and where this writer is concerned. *grin* I think you've read enough of my stories to know that I don't always follow a straigt course and like to give unexpected twists to the plot and the characters. Just a friendly warning. *grin*

Thanks for your comments, Sitara. They are thoughtful as always and I wish you a pleasant day as well.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 56 on 5/3/2009
A nice return of the prodigal! No, it would be difficult now to fully surprise Glorfindel, or so I would expect as well.

Author Reply: Yes, the others are unaware of Glorfindel's special training, so they're rather disappointed that their surprise didn't work.

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