Celeth
· 14 March 2013
· Chapter 5: Endings and Beginnings
Hi Fiondil!
Its one of the hardest things to do, opening your heart to someone, learning to love them, and then having to say goodbye and watch them go. I don't know if I could ever learn that lesson well, even if I were given a hundred years.
Hope you had a good day! Looking forward to the next chapter of Journey Home tomorrow :)
Author's reply
It's a very hard lesson to learn, Celeth, and few of us are capable of doing so as fully as we should.
Actually, my day is really just beginning but so far it hasn't been too shabby. *grin* Thanks for reviewing and I hope you enjoy the next Journey Home chapter.
Celeth
· 14 March 2013
· Chapter 4: Progress Reports
Glorfindel's mother hen role seems rather incongruous with his image as a seasoned and mighty warrior, but it shows a softer side of him. And of course, after all the time he has spent receiving the same loving care from Lord Namo and the Maiar, it's not really hard to imagine that he would be ready and willing to show the same to Elured and Elurin, and others who need it.
You actually dreamt of the scenes in Mandos? Wow! I wonder if your Muse might not be Lord Namo himself? Maybe he decided he had enough of the inaccuracies in other people's portrayal of him and his domain, and enlisted his brother Irmo's help to put the record straight?
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. Of course, the ironic thing is that, at this point, Glorfindel has no memory of being a seasoned and mighty warrior who fought in the Nirnaeth and killed a balrog, so his nurturing the twins does seem incongruous, but as Námo points out, it's good practice for the future.
And I suspect you're right about Lord Námo wanting to set the record straight about himself and chose me as his conduit. Lucky me! LOL! Oh well, I can't complain that it hasn't been fun.
Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Celeth
· 13 March 2013
· Chapter 3: Return to Innocence
I'm glad Glorfindel made new friends so soon, and that he had a long time to rest after his judgment.
I often wonder how you got all your ideas about what the elves go thru during their time in Mandos. What a terrific imagination you have!
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. I can't honestly say just where I get my ideas, except that the first five chapters of this story came to me as a series of dreams and I just started writing them out and the story was born. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Celeth
· 12 March 2013
· Chapter 2: Máhanaxar
Poor Glorfindel, still battle-weary and they had to rush him thru judgment. Others who died before him took all the time they needed to rest, but not Glorfindel…
The judgment puzzles me a bit. No reward or punishment as a result? Or is it enough punishment to have all one's deeds and motives laid bare and sifted by the Valar themselves? And the reward is the rest afterwards, and the return to life? Or maybe I am just mixed up because of my own preconceptions based on what we mortals know of judgment. Nevertheless, I still love this tale and the way you handled it.
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. Well, there is a reason for the rush, as we will see. At any rate, as I often have Námo and others point out, judgment has nothing to do with punishment (or reward) but everything to do with justice, which is what Glorfindel is receiving here, along with mercy, which flows from justice (and not the other way round). At any rate, I'm glad you are enjoying the tale and how I handle it. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Celeth
· 11 March 2013
· Chapter 1: Here At the End of All Things
This will be my third time to read this story. The first time around I was so happy and excited to actually find a story all about Glorfindel that I simply gobbled everything up as fast as I could go. I have to admit I skipped the chapters about Finrod and Sador and everyone else that time, concentrating only on one of my favorite LOTR heroes and soaking up as much of his story as I could as fast as possible. Later on I went back over the story and read everything again, and this time around taking the time to read everything and enjoying the whole story.
I first read the Lord of the Rings trilogy when an uncle gifted me with an unabridged book when I was 11 years old. I enjoyed the book thoroughly and read it over and over again until it was literally in pieces. I practically lived in Middle Earth (just the third age) for most of my teenage years; boys in school could never measure to the likes of Glorfindel and Elrond and Aragorn (shakes head).
It was only when The Hobbit movie came out that I remembered to revisit the fantasy world of my teenage years (I liked the LOTR movies, but I was very disappointed because they left out Glorfindel. Then again I suppose its not that easy to find someone to play him...Brad Pitt in his Achilles character in Troy would have done nicely with a few tweaks here and there, but with the budget PJ reportedly worked with...and considering that Glorfindel only appears in a few scenes, I guess its just not possible).
Anyway, I only discovered the world of fanfiction when the The Hobbit came out. So for the last four months I've been scouring the internet for fanfiction stories as well as the other LOTR books (I never thought there were so many!). I was terribly dismayed at all the slash stories :( Why can't they just find other names to work with? Still, that was how I found Elf Interrupted, so its not too bad after all. And this is getting to be very long, but I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate this story. I can see that it must have taken a lot of background research, thought, and yes, lots of love and respect for Tolkien's creations. Thank you so much for this one. And for the other stories too.
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. I could certainly do without the slash stories, too, especially since most of them are just plain ludicrous and nothing more than these writers' wet dreams, as far as I'm concerned.
At any rate, I was upset that PJ didn't have Glorfindel in the movie, too, so you're not the only one. *grin*
I'm glad you have found Tolkien fanfic and are enjoying my stories (and hopefully other people's stories; there are many fine writers here on SoA and on other fanfic sites). I am grateful for you taking the time to leave a review. Enjoy your third time round with Glorfindel and his mates.
Isilarma
· 3 February 2013
· Chapter 142: Songs of Power and Glory
This is absolutely amazing. Your characterisations and descriptions are superb, and I'm very impressed at how well you've developed such a complex plot. I adore your characterisation of Namo; I've never really thought much about the Valar, but he became my favourite character after only a few chapters. Thank you so much for a very enjoyable read. Now to read the sequel...
Author's reply
Hello Isilarma. Sorry for the delay in answering your review. I am so glad you enjoyed this tale and especially my characterization of Námo. I appreciate you letting me. Thank you.
Em
· 28 October 2012
· Chapter 999999: Character List
I love all your stories, but I want to query something in the "Elf Interuppted" series. In book 1, you use the the name Olwen for Olwe's sister/Beleg's mother, but in book 2, Olwen is Olwe's daughter and Ingwion's betrothed. Is this just something you didn't notice, or is Olwe's daughter named after her aunt? Sorry, but this is confusing! I am a reader of the Elf Academy series, so maybe this can be addressed in one of Alex and Derek's history lessons? :)
Author's reply
Hello, Em. It can certainly be confusing with people having the same name, but yes, Olwë's daughter, Olwen, is named after the aunt (Olwë's sister) she never knew. I'm glad you have enjoyed all my stories, especially the Elf Academy series and I appreciate you taking the time to let me know. Thanks.
ekaterin
· 4 June 2012
· Chapter 111: Tea With Balrogs... er... Sugar
I've been reading these stories in the wrong order, but each of them stands on its' own. Thank you for writing these brilliant stories.
Author's reply
Hi ekaterin. As long as you enjoy them, it matters little in which order you read them. Thanks for letting me know how much you are enjoying the stories. I appreciate it very much.
Siiw
· 8 November 2011
· Chapter 49: Plots and Counterplots
These chapters make a lot more sense now after reading IDB. And Valandur slow...? Lol! That is wrong and we know it even more now. I want to re-read the whole story now, knowing what happened in the past puts many things into a different light.
Author's reply
Hi Siiw. I'm sure they do make more sense now after reading IDB. And re-reading the whole story is fine by me. *grin* And you're right. Knowing what happened in the past will put what is said (and not said) into a different light. Enjoy! And thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it.
tkid
· 2 August 2011
· Chapter 56: Repercussions
"First of all, my lord, you ordered me here and second..." Finrod’s eyes glinted with some undefinable dark emotion, yet there was a hint of humor in them as well. "Sauron said the same thing... just before he set his werewolf on me."
Glee!
Author's reply
Glad you liked this passage, tkid. It's one of my favorites, too, and shows Finrod can hold his own even against the Valar, which is why I like him so much and enjoy writing about him. He is definitely a force to be reckoned with.
tkid
· 1 August 2011
· Chapter 27: Judgment Recalled
I've read a few of your other stories and I understand now what went on before the tapestry (lol at Freud). I also understand Finrod's mood as he stood before the Valar. It may have been a lot of 'the best defence is a good offence' but I think he was very angry at the Valar there. I wonder if he presented a similar fell mood to Sauron, or was he less polite? Even if he thought well of the Valar he also seemed very very angry at all of them, Fallen and Non-fallen. It comes across very nicely in various chapters in various of the stories.
I also like that the Valar did seem to underestimate Finrod - I wonder if they were surprised he defended them to the wise woman - and certainly Irmo's surprise that he took the oath in another chapter is a nice touch, especially given Irmo expecting Finrod to refuse judgement. I wonder if there will be more scenes where the Valar underestimate Finrod, and I'd love to see him hurl his rage in their teeth again, seeing as it isn't likely he'll get to confront Sauron or any other of Melkor's baddies. Maybe even see a few more Sauron, uh, quips?
The only thing I don't like is the Valar don't seem to ever face the possibility that they'll lose someone in their care, as many of the elven leaders have done. They seem to understand this intellectually, but they haven't actually endured this. Not even Melkor or Sauron seem to be lost to them at this point - there is always the hope, however remote, that they might reform. It makes them much less omnipotent. But this is by no means a criticism of your writing, I'm just mulling things over in my head ...
Author's reply
Hi Tkid. Many of my stories are interwoven with one another. Finrod is easy for people, including the Valar, to underestimate, which is why he is so surprising for many. And, of course, he is angry or simply doesn't care. He's not about to give them the satisfaction of seeing him crawl. I think you will see him hurl his rage in their teeth in later chapters. He is a force to be reckoned with and the Valar will learn to respect that and him.
You may be right about the Valar only intellectually understanding that they could lose someone in their care, but, like God, they are fierce lovers and will not give up the beloved easily. And being created beings, however more powerful they are in comparison to Elves and Mortals, they are not omnipotent. Only God is. They make mistakes and judgments of error just like the rest of us, and in that sense, they are truly our companions along life's road instead of our masters.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate you doing so very much.
Agape4Gondor
· 2 August 2010
· Chapter 999999: Character List
Well, as I finished Findarato's diary, I just had to read where he and Glorfindel met again in this tale... Then I couldn't stop reading.
So I have now completed my second reading of this tale and still Find it wondrous and fun and entertaining and very informative.
Now onto Elf II..... good grief! And I still have to read for the MEFAs!
Blessings!
Author's reply
Funny how these stories suck you right in, isn't it? *LOL* Glad you enjoyed this the second time around. And this is the best time to be re-reading the entire story because I will be finishing up Book 2 in a couple of weeks.
I know what you mean about the MEFAs. I keep saying to myself... as soon as I finish writing the last chapter of Elf, Interrupted.... *LOL*
Thanks for re-reading this and letting me know how much you enjoyed it, Agape. I really appreciate it.
Mîdhaer
· 29 March 2010
· Chapter 112: Dinner and Diversion
Glorfindel and Finrod stole glances at each other before answering in unison, “I am, of course.”
Nice bit of foreshadowing there. I love this series, and this story especially. Keep up the good work.
~Mîdhaer
Author's reply
Hello Mídhaer! Wow! It's always a pleasant surprise when I get a review for one of my older stories. I'm so glad you are enjoying this. Thanks for letting me know. I greatly appreciate it.
Scarlet
· 27 November 2009
· Chapter 19: Return to the Maze
I am reading your story now (only at about ch.19) and I can't say I like what I feel.
Your Valar treat the Elves like their puppets, seemingly merciful and loving, but try think independently, or act upon your own wishes.... You'll immediately be put back in chains, even if they are of gold.
I hope to see some real independence as the story goes on.
I try all the time to remember your view of a reborn being child-like again, at least emotionally, but with all my personal views of the Valar in Tolkien's world, it's hard.
I am NOT their admirer, to put it mildly.
Sorry, I had to vent my feelings somehow.
Apart from that, I am captivated, and caught in the web of this story. I am now going back to see what's next.
Thank you for this story.
Author's reply
Hi Scarlet. I appreciate your point of view with regards to the Valar. They are not everyone's cup of tea and I think the way they are portrayed in the Silmarillion work against them. I hope as you continue reading you will see that the Valar are not putting the Elves in chains, gold or otherwise, or treating them like puppets. They are very much in parental-mode at times and perhaps that is what you resent. *grin* At any rate, I thank you for letting me know how you feel. The fact that you are willing to read on is hopeful.
6336
· 16 July 2009
· Chapter 138: The Reborn Archer's Tale
Is Sador's seeming maturity due to the fact that he is about where he would have been anyway had he not died? Assuming he was just past majority when he was reborn. Hope this makes sense.
Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, it makes sense. Sador was 68 when he died, so he was only 18 year past his majority. He will mature at least to where he was before his death more quickly than the others, but Tolkien does say that full maturity usually does not take place until an Elf is about 100, so Sador does have a few more years to go. *grin*
6336
· 16 July 2009
· Chapter 134: Justice Is Not Healing
Rereading this, again, and I was wondering just what twisted Calalindale? I know that in a future chapter her parents response to Adundil is less than enthusiastic as is their response to Vorondil. Melkor seems to have a few willing pupils still.
Darn Unvalar, nasty, nasty being!
How is your internet situation, hope all that coffee you are having to buy is not making you too jittery?
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I think that it was the realization that she would have to wait until her betrothed was released from Mandos and not wanting to wait that twisted her. She saw any who died as weak and unworthy of her love.
Internet situation is still the same and will be for at least the next month, but I do not have to buy anything at the cafe so not to worry. *grin*
Wow, I read this story a long time ago and forgot how good it was! :)
Aw, poor twins! *huggles* I hope to see them in later stories, good and whole. :)
Author's reply
Hi, MP. I know what you mean. I re-read this myself not too long ago to make some minor corrections and was amazed at how much I'd forgotten had happened. *lol* I'm glad you are enjoying this story the second time around. We may see the twins later, good and whole, but I can't promise anything specific at this time.
6336
· 7 July 2009
· Chapter 57: Those Who Guard
Seems those oaths affect every one, Elf and Valar alike.
Trying to trace the travels of the Ring of Barahir, from Beren to Dior to Elwing to Elros. I wonder why it did not stay with the 'Royal' line as the Lord of Andunie was not the king, or was he?
I wonder how the ring got to Elwing as I don't think Dior would have just handed it to her as he bundled her out the back door with the Nauglamir(sp?)!
Somebody must have been on the ball when it came to gathering up the Family Jewels in the midst of battle, elves must have cooler heads than us mere mortals!
I really should not write these reviews late at night, I get punchy and rambly!
Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, giving these particular oaths is very emotionally draining for both parties.
That's a good question about the Ring of Barahir. I imagine that when it seemed that all was lost Dior gave the ring to whoever was commanded to get Elwing out of Doriath. I never understood why Elwing was rescued but not her brothers, except, of course, with them out of the way, there's no chance of genealogical bloodlines being furthered muddied with additional Peredhil. *grin*
6336
· 11 May 2009
· Chapter 4: Progress Reports
Did Glorfindel ever meet up with Elured and Elurin after he returned from Endore?
Lynda
Author's reply
Well, that's a tale for another time, but I greatly suspect that he did. Perhaps someday if I write about Glorfndel's return to Aman, we will find out.
Mr.Namo
· 15 April 2009
· Chapter 62: A Familiar Scene
Is this Haldir the same Haldir that we see in LOTR?
Also, in your chapter "In the High King's Garden", you said that Indis was the sister of Ingwe. If Ingwe's brother is Finwe, then how exactly does that fit together?
Author's reply
Hi. No this is not the same Haldir. 'Haldir' is the Sindarin form of the Quenya 'Halatiro'. This character is a Noldo who, when he fled to Beleriand, adopted 'Haldir' as his Sindarin name. The Haldir in LoTR is a Sinda or possibly one of the Silvan elves of Lórien. Ingwë and Finwë are not brothers, though they are brothers-in-law, at least in my story. Ingwë is of the Vanyar and Finwë is of the Noldor. In the Silmarillion it only says that Indis was a close kin of Ingwë. In other writings Tolkien went back and forth as to how close, from being a daughter, a sister and a niece. For purposes of my story I chose that she was his sister. Whichever degree of closeness one chooses though, if Ingwë and Finwë were true brothers then Finwë would be guilty of incest.
Edlyn
· 10 March 2009
· Chapter 139: Day of Reckoning
Hello, meldonya. I'm re-reading EI1 and noted the following line:
"Eärendil, on the other hand," Námo picked up the narrative, "came to us in all humility in the name of both Eldar and Edain. Turgon and the others who sent emissaries to us were more concerned for themselves and none of them were truly interested in the plight of the Mortals who were their allies, only in keeping what they had for themselves above all else. Eärendil had nothing, and he was Peredhel, having the blood of both Elves and Men, so could speak for both races."
Given the fact that Glorfindel died while Eärendil was still a child and no one will speak to him of it (for good reason, apparently per what you've shared with us in EI2), why didn't Glorfindel question Námo about this? He was sitting right there havign his hair braided, so I would have thought that he would have jumped on the mention of Eärendil with both feet.
Just curious to know if the Valar had blocked this little discussion from Glorfindel's ears.
Eru bless!
Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi Edlyn. I'm sure the Valar's prohibition still held, though perhaps in this case the memory was allowed to remain so that it was still there after the prohibition was lifted. Since Námo and Irmo were speaking to Finrod, Beleg and Sador, as well as to Glorfindel, they couldn't exactly cover Glorfindel's ears whenever they mentioned Eärendil. *grin* They knew that any mention of Eärendil would be forgotten by Glorfindel shortly afterwards anyway, although the gist of the conversation would remain with him, since Eärendil is only mentioned at this one point in what is a rather long discourse about why there will be resentment in some quarters regardless of who won the tournament.
Anyway, thanks for your question. Others probably wondered as well.
Thalanee
· 27 January 2009
· Chapter 999999: Character List
That character list certainly is helpful!
There´s only one thing that´s confusing me: Macalaure´s Sindarin name Maglor is marked with the sign that would mean that he´s currently residing in Mandos... I´m pretty sure that in the Silmarillion he is said to be walking beside the waves singing in regret?
Author's reply
Hi Thalanee. Thanks for pointing out the error; it's been corrected. I'm glad the character list is proving helpful. When Rhyselle and I put it together we were both amazed at just how many characters there actually were! *grin*
Thalanee
· 26 January 2009
· Chapter 130: Turindil
I think the last chapter with that anecdote about our sneaky Namo is one of my favourites in this story! Is there any chance that we´re ever going to get to read Rhyselle´s story about that?
Let me guess: Turindil is Beleg Cuthalion, isn´t he?
Author's reply
I do not know when or if Rhyselle will ever post her story, though I sincerely hope to see it some day for what I've read of it is quite good.
As for Turindil's identity.... it will be revealed soon enough. I don't want to spoil the surprise. *grin*
6336
· 11 September 2008
· Chapter 133: Vorondil On Trial
Oh, I do so want you to write the story behind Ingwion's out burst in this chapter, I am assuming that somebody Ingwion was very close to was killed and Ingwion wanted to go with them to Mandos.
Lynda
Author's reply
That story will be written eventually... I need to finish "Elf, Interrupted: Book Two" first, otherwise certain plotlines would be revealed sooner than they should be. Just be patient.
6336
· 29 August 2008
· Chapter 49: Plots and Counterplots
Hi, rereading, again, just had a thought. Is Namo holding onto the Vanya dead until the Elves who refused to fight in the War of Wrath (and why is this never translated into Quenya or Sindarin, it's always refered to as the War of Wrath, even the final battle is translated?) have forgiven themselves for failing to heed the Valar's request? Or are they still pissed with the Noldo for leaving in the first place, may be a little touch of envy for having the guts to go in the first place, Feanor's Oath or not?
Do you know how many referance books I have to keep handy when reading one of your stories? I must have a shelf full of Elf stuff!
Keep on writing,
Lynda
Author's reply
Namo is holding onto the Vanyar dead because they did not die first. It's sort of a first-in-first-out thing. At the same time, he is withholding their release simply because the Vanyar and the Noldor who did not rebel feel that they are entitled to have their dead released before the Rebels because of their 'supposed' privileged position of never having rebelled. He will not release them under those conditions, something that is hinted at if not explicitly said throughout this story.