Kitty
· 25 February 2007
· Chapter 45: Slipping the Leash
I’d love to see these rooms myself – it sounds truly beautiful. But I’d prefer them without Valar around, they’re a bit too intimidating ;-)
Poor Glorfindel! I’m getting even more curious what’s the matter with him. Though I was glad that he this time only sought to reach his friends. This examination seems rather frightening for everyone save the Valar themselves.
Author's reply
Having been on the business end of medical examinations for one thing or another throughout my life I entirely sympathize with Glorifndel and Ingwion, but at least the Valar aren't condenscending, so that helps. And really, the two of them are in good hands, so I don't worry too much for them.
Kitty
· 25 February 2007
· Chapter 44: The Spiral Maze
Fourteen guards for two persons seems a bit excessive – no wonder Ingwion was a bit irritated. And I was amused about the way Glorfindel used to convince Ingwion that Námo isn’t so bad.
You have a way to end chapters ... *shakes head* I am glad there is already more, so I don't have to wait and worry.
Author's reply
Well, they weren't so much guards as an honor escort (even Ingwë got one in an earlier chapter), and as Glorfindel points out, they wanted to make sure he arrived at his destination as he did have a nasty habit of late of running off without warning *grin*.
Bodkin
· 24 February 2007
· Chapter 43: Meeting With the Elder King
Splendid Valar - clearly they are very clothes-conscious! Varda seems to have gone the other way - and realised the effectiveness of simplicity contrasting with all that bling.
And Glorfindel is better sticking to the juice - and keeping his wits! Especially after having been distressed to see Ulmo. His apology for something he had no possibility of controlling is very sweet - but he can have no blame for that and I'm glad Ulmo acknowledges it. Shame that the Valar won't give Glorfindel a smidgeon of information about Tuor, Idril and Earendil, though, even if they don't bring him up to date. Just to know that they escaped from Gondolin would help him and that there had been some purpose to his Balrog-battle.
"B-but you’re... you’re Valar! You’re suppose to understand everything!"
Elfling! That is just such a young response!
And the Valar are playing a dangerous game - I hope they know what they're doing!
Author's reply
Manwë has his reasons for not discussing Turgon or his family with Glorfindel at this point in time, not even a little, and that reason will be revealed later. And yes, Glorfindel is much the elfling in his responses to the Valar sometimes, but then aren't we all? LOL
"And the Valar are playing a dangerous game - I hope they know what they're doing!"
A dangerous game indeed, as most of Eldamar is about to find out....
Bodkin
· 24 February 2007
· Chapter 42: An Appointment in Valmar
I love the inn being called the Laughing Vala. Such a great name.
The clothing - and the setting - are beautifully done, but I think the thing I liked best was Ingwion's revelation of the details of his first visit - and the image of little Ingwion sitting on Varda's lap and playing with one of her stars. Even if it was only a very small one!
Author's reply
Yes, I thought the image of little Ingwion happily playing with one of Varda's stars while the 'grown-ups' talked rather cute myself. I also imagine they had quite the time convincing said little Ingwion to "give the star back to aunty Varda, dear, it's time to go home". LOL
hanci
· 22 February 2007
· Chapter 41: A Slow Recovery
What a surprise, new chapters already! I'm really curious. Just wanted to thank you for your answers.
Ingwion is great! It's good to have such friends, Glorfindel is a lucky elf.
Author's reply
Yes, Glorfindel is pretty lucky in his friends, which is just as well, as he's going to need them in spades. *grin*
Ellie
· 22 February 2007
· Chapter 43: Meeting With the Elder King
Love the clothes on the quite fashionable Valar. I think it is fascinating seeing the world from their point of view - it is so different from what I had expected and I'm glad that they don't' always see themselves as high and mighty. I'm very creeped out by the ending. Can't wait for the next chapters!
Author's reply
Part of the reason for writing this story, besides giving Glorfy a hard time, was to show the Valar as being more than high and mighty and with an overdeveloped sense of themselves as the Powers. Yet, at the same time, showing that they are indeed the Authorities of Arda (hence the last scene after Glorfy leaves) and are not to be trifled with.
Ellie
· 22 February 2007
· Chapter 42: An Appointment in Valmar
I love the way they dressed up Glorfy! And poor Ingwion with his first experience there! Too funny! I really like the way you are depicting Ingwe's family (the nice, reasonable ones who don't take themselves too seriously anyway). Wonderful chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Dressing up Glorfy is loads of fun! LOL. Glad you like Ingwë's family (the nice ones at least).
Kitty
· 22 February 2007
· Chapter 43: Meeting With the Elder King
Impressive image of the house. I can see it before my eyes.
How typical for Glorfindel to apologise to Ulmo! As if it was his fault that Turgon was so stupid and arrogant!
"but I will not answer any questions concerning Turgon or his family.">/i> That's hardly fair, if you ask me, considering what Glorfindel went through to protect Turgons son and his family. I wonder why everyone seems to avoid the topic so careful. Why should Glorfindel not know that Tuor, Idril and Eärendil escaped and what happened then?
It was a very emotional day for Glorfindel, and considering the end of the chapter, I fear it was only the beginning. Just *what* have the Valar planned? Or whoever it may be. I have to admit I'm rather suspicious now ...
Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
There are reasons why the Valar will not discuss Turgon and his family with Glorfindel, and they will eventually become clear before the story ends, so just be patient. As for what will happen next... ah, that would be telling now, wouldn't it? LOL
Glad my description of Valmar and the mansions were clear enough to see. I tried to be very descriptive without getting bogged down with architectural details, figuring each reader can fill in the blanks as they please. I'm sure everyone has their own ideas of what a city of the Powers would look like.
Kitty
· 22 February 2007
· Chapter 42: An Appointment in Valmar
Two updates at once :-)))
"I will leave it to you and the other ellyn to protect the denizens of Valmar from Glorfindel." *LOL* Well, Ingwë is learning fast, isn't he?
Poor Glorfindel, it is understandable why he is so nervous. I'd probably *die* from nervousness ;-(
Nice image of Ingwion's first visit there, not screaming only as long as he was allowed to play with Varda's star. I'm sure Glorfindel will tease him a bit about that later.
Author's reply
Yes, I'm sure Ingwë is learning very quickly that wherever Glorfindel goes, trouble is sure to follow. *grin*
MithLuin
· 21 February 2007
· Chapter 43: Meeting With the Elder King
I'm going to start to think that you update just for me :> You are a very thoughtful author! I suspected that something serious was up that they weren't talking about, but I have no idea what their plan is. It was good to see Ulmo, and until you detailed the mansions, I'd forgotten that Namo is married! Why don't we ever see his spouse? Your descriptions of their outfits is much fun (I am a novice costumer/sewer). I particularly liked the image of a 10-year-old Ingwion playing with one of Varda's stars, and I'm suspicious of Namo's wine ;).
Author's reply
Well, as for what is up with the Valar... you'll have to wait and see, though, I promise it won't be too long of a wait. *grin* I did introduce Vairë in an earlier chapter when Námo took Amarië to Mandos (see Chapter 17, "An Elleth Scorned"). You are correct, though, most of the Valar are barely mentioned by anyone. One reason I knew Námo wasn't as forbidding as most people think he is is because he was married. Why would any self-respecting Valië marry such a doom-and-gloom Vala, unless he had something else going for him? LOL
Rhyselle
· 21 February 2007
· Chapter 43: Meeting With the Elder King
Ooooh! *rubbing hands with glee* Intrigue and mystery abounds!
I feel so bad for Glorfindel right now... he's such a confused elfling!
The descriptions of Valmar and the mansions, particularly Manwe's mansion were exquisite. I had a very clear mental image of the rooms you described, and of the appearance of Manwe, Varda and Namo. I read your story and when I finish the chapters it is almost a shock coming back into the mundane world of today!
Well done! :)
Author's reply
Glad you like the description of Valmar. I had quite a time figuring it out and wondering how it would look. I'm happy to see that I was successful.
Kitty
· 21 February 2007
· Chapter 41: A Slow Recovery
Just finished reading through the whole fic. It’s already too long to review every chapter, so I can only pick up some points now.
Hadn’t read anything similar before and was fascinated about the story; it’s rather exceptional in my opinion with the detailed description of Glorfindel’s time in the Halls of Mandos and his slow maturing after the rebirth. During the time before his rebirth, I felt particularly touched by the care Glorfindel showed for Elured and Elurin and later for Sador. (Somehow now I hope the twins are released only when Glorfindel is back after Sauron’s fall and they are fostered in the household of Elrond, but at least I want Glorfindel to be there for them)
I love the way you describe the Valar, and particularly Namo and his relationship with Glorfindel. Though by now I am tempted to say they finally sent him back to Middle-earth partly to get a reprieve from all the excitement surrounding him *grin*
As for our favourite balrog slayer himself, poor Glorfindel has lost much, and I think what he needs now most is to feel needed and to have friends. So I am glad he has Finrod and Sador, and now probably Ingwion as well, not to mention their fathers. They recognise his qualities as well, I think – his loyalty and protectiveness towards these he loves and trusts. And I think it is about time someone tells him more about Eärendil and that his sacrifice wasn’t in vain. Maybe he even could meet him?
Now I look forward to more!
Author's reply
Hi Kitty,
I'm glad you found this story and that you are enjoying it. Thank you for taking the time to review and I look forward to reading any other reviews you care to write.
I suspect you are correct about the *real* reason the Valar sent Glorfindel back to Middle-earth — they probably needed the vacation *LOL*.
As for Glorfindel meeting Eärendil — well, we'll just have to see won't we? *grin*
Bodkin
· 20 February 2007
· Chapter 41: A Slow Recovery
An invitation to tea! Well, that might stimulate Glorfindel out of his depression ... I only hope it's in a good way!
Poor elf. So much has happened to him since he has been reborn - and there he is with the emotional maturity of an adolescent, trying desperately to cope and seem grown-up at the same time!
Author's reply
Yes, things have been rather hard on our poor Balrog-slayer lately. LOL. Not to worry though. Glorfindel's up to the task, or he wouldn't be Glorfindel, would he?
Bodkin
· 20 February 2007
· Chapter 40: Damage Assessment
Poor Glorfindel! He really didn't need to wake to find himself tied to the bed. But still - he seems to have found a good friend in Ingwion.
And if even the Valar are confused and left scratching their heads, what chance to the Eldar have of understanding what happened!
Author's reply
Yes, what happened to Ingwë and Glorfindel, among others, is something that the Valar never anticipated, though they will have plenty of time to think about it, and so will the Eldar. Perhaps between the two of them, answers will be found.
And I think Ingwion will prove to be a very good friend indeed....
hanci
· 19 February 2007
· Chapter 40: Damage Assessment
The Valar's analysis of the situation is very interesting. And Lirulin was a special case indeed.
I just love that Eru laughed with them at Varda's joke, it somehow makes His presence, and caring, more real. More real than all the manifestations before, if that makes sense.
Glorfindel's waking didn't go well. Tying him... they could be glad they didn't understand Sindarin. A pity there was no one to handle it better.
Ingwion will be a good friend.
Third stage in their existence? What do you mean?
Author's reply
Tolkien mentions that in the third stage of their existence (however that's defined; he never actually said) the male elves tend to grow beards, hence, Círdan, who is considered one of the oldest elves. How old exactly one has to be, I have no idea, but I suspect any elf that woke up in Cuiviénen would by now be entering that stage.
Rhyselle
· 19 February 2007
· Chapter 41: A Slow Recovery
Oh, I dearly wish that I could just sweep Glorfindel up in my arms like Namo does and comfort him. I'm so glad that he has Ingwion in his camp, even if it takes him time to realize it. And now he's been given a summons to speak with Lord Manwe....
The socio-political issues between the various Elven races and the way the societies react to the Reborn has been fascinating, and watching the development of the friendships and relationships that Glorfindel has in his life even more so. It occurred to me that in a lot of ways, Namo is treating Glorfindel as a son--loving him and disciplining him and caring for him. And our lovely elfling is reacting so much like a teenager to a parent! I love how Glorfindel is slowly realizing that he is not alone in Aman and that he is loved by many. He has a need to be needed... and I'm looking forward to seeing just what needs he will be able to fulfil in the future--after he's gotten to talk to Lord Manwe! :)
I went back and reread all of the chapters before reading the most recent two, and I wondered if it was my imagination, or are there hints that Glorfindel ultimately might just find that Alassiel has a special place in his heart? Maybe it's wishful thinking on my part, but somehow I rather wish that when he is done with his mission in Middle Earth, and returns to Aman that she would be waiting for him. :) I'm a hopeful romantic! :)
Lovely, lovely work; well written and a joy to read... and I like the idea that the Valar DON'T know everything! :)
Author's reply
Trying to imagine the socio-political issues between the various Elven clans has not been easy, and how do you make them not be too "human" in tone? I'm glad you are finding them fascinating.
Námo does indeed treat Glorfindel as a son, even as Eru would, I suspect, and as one of Eru's representatives in Arda, the closest thing to it for our favorite elfling. And Glorfindel is still emotionally an adolescent in many ways though he is beginning to show signs of maturity (or will in later chapters).
As for his relationship with Alassiel: that remains to be seen.
And of course the Valar don't know everything! What would be the fun of that! LOL.
Thanks for reviewing.
Anonymous
· 17 February 2007
· Chapter 40: Damage Assessment
Ingwion is handling her nervousness quite well. Poor guy! And poor Glorfindel!
It is so nice to see the overwhelming love the Valar have for the Eldar. What a beautiful tale you are telling!
Author's reply
Thanks. I'm glad you're enjoying this tale so much. Yes, the Valar have a great deal of love for the Eldar, more than the Eldar can ever fully appreciate or even comprehend. As the (physical) representatives of Eru in Arda at this time, they show the love that Eru has for all his Children.
Ellie
· 17 February 2007
· Chapter 41: A Slow Recovery
Ingwe refusing to even acknowledge the presence of Namo? My, we are hacked, aren't we? Yikes! I'm glad that his son had more sense. This is such a great story. Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Ingwë was badly shaken by his experience and needs time to recover his equilibrium. I'm sure he'll come around eventually, though it may take a little time. Ingwion is probably a bit rattled too given all that has happened lately but his brotherly concern and love for Glorfindel drives him to seek help from the one source he feels can give it.
Agape4Gondor
· 15 February 2007
· Chapter 1: Here At the End of All Things
Well, I have now ready everything else you've posted here at SoA and now I am ready to read the one story that I came here to read... Elf Interrupted.
Author's reply
And may you have joy in the reading.
Rhyselle
· 14 February 2007
· Chapter 39: Rescue Mission Into the Past
Oh, I don't know what to say... there's so much about this story that just grabs my heart and wrings emotions from me.
I bow in utter respect for the vision you have of the death and rebirth of Glorfindel, and how you describe the Valar--particularly Namo and Manwe.
I look forward to your continuation of this tale--and will avidly pounce upon your next update. :)
Author's reply
Thank you. I really appreciate your support. I've been having a great deal of fun with this story, especially with writing about the Valar, trying to make them each as individual and as interesting in their own rights as possible. I'm glad I'm succeeding, at least in some small way.
hanci
· 14 February 2007
· Chapter 39: Rescue Mission Into the Past
Time dilation, wow. And they are able to map it! And they plan a rescue mission! But I don't think everyone would go to Cuiviénen, I suppose they would flee to a safe place of their past, so those born later would (have to) run elsewhere?
As always the conversation was just great, "I doubt if I could repeat the performance..." and "We may have a problem..." :o)
Glorfindel's first reaction is to arm himself, it shows that he has had different life than Ingwë (or perhaps had had fits better). Passing through the mountains? Interesting. Why bother going over them when through is faster? :o)
The care the Maiar have with him, it's almost funny to see how many Maiar it takes to handle him.
It's a closure, to see Gondolin dead. Perhaps he needed to see that, just as Laurendil and others needed to see Finrod.
This story is wonderful, surprise in every chapter.
Author's reply
Yes, it's probable that each elf would flee to a different place and time where they felt 'safe'. For Glorfindel that would be Gondolin, but the Gondolin he finds is not the Gondolin he remembers and begins to realize that the Past is not necessarily a good place to be in, so it is a type of closure for him.
I did have a bit of fun, in a Doctor-Whoish sort of way, with the whole time dilation, temporal displacement and space-time continuum thing. Just goes to show that the Valar were way more advanced than they tended to let on. *grin*
And the Maiar are remembering that this particular elf fought and destroyed a Balrog. You do not want to mess with this guy, so they're taking no chances.
Glad you are enjoying this story so much.
hanci
· 14 February 2007
· Chapter 38: Ingwë Alone
Ingwë is like a prince in certain fairy tale, except this is his city (and no roses around). I was relieved with Ingwë when he saw the Maiar guarding his people. I know they are in Valinor but...
Ingwë's fleeing is like a nightmare, fear without reason and need to run. And he ran to Cuiviénen! After all these years, he still considers it his home. Of course, given he is running from his home in Aman, there are not many places to go, but still, it's nice.
Good thing that the next chapter, hopefully with explanations, is already posted.
(Now I know why Glorfindel isn't in this chapter; what a good reason indeed!)
Author's reply
Ingwë's panic brought on by something similar to a psychic breatk probably caused him to retreat to a 'safe' place and what safer place is there for any of us but the place of our beginnings? For Ingwë that would have to be Cuiviénen.
hanci
· 14 February 2007
· Chapter 37: An Ancient Lullaby
Homesickness... even Glorfindel has missed Gondolin already, he's not that different from other fosterlings.
Glorfindel and Alassiel friendly, what will her anamillë think? :o)
Lirulin... that was great. I hope the talking to will help. The change in Lirulin was probably so slow, so gradual that no one noticed. Námo must be relieved now.
Námo's lullaby is not Námo's. I love the idea of Eru singing to elves at Cuiviénen, but a lullaby when they are waking? Why not, at least the waking isn't abrupt (terrible!). Nevertheless, what a nice first sound to hear.
Author's reply
Well, it may not have started out as a lullaby, obviously, but Námo must have decided that singing it as one would trigger a sort of racial memory in its hearers and provide comfort to the fëar in his care. Seems to work, too, even with mortals.
Bodkin
· 12 February 2007
· Chapter 39: Rescue Mission Into the Past
And, somehow, I'm neither surprised by the fact that Glorfindel was similarly affected, not by his choice of destination. Sad to return to the destroyed Gondolin, though, and walk its streets again. But, perhaps, necessary. Sometimes we need to confront the past before we realise that it is past and we have moved on. Maybe Glorfindel will trail less grief for Gondolin after this.
Author's reply
Yes, hopefully the experience will help Glorfindel to move on, to put the Past behind him and simply take joy in the Present in hope for the Future. He's lost much, but he's gained much, if only he can accept it.
Bodkin
· 12 February 2007
· Chapter 38: Ingwë Alone
Goodness! Ingwe has been very powerfully affected. Although it's very interesting to see his return to Cuivienen. It must be very odd to be as old as Ingwe and yet revert to infancy in the presence of the Valar. Although I suppose he's used to the Valar effect.
Author's reply
I think the "return to infancy" is more a consequence of the psychic break that he is experiencing rather than it being a consequence of the "Valar effect" (I like that phrase) *grin*. Thus, his flight to the site of his own infancy.