Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux by Fiondil
Ellie · 29 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Aftermath
I am thoroughly enjoying this story. Your characterizations are superb and the drama and healing and child-like innocence are wonderful. Keep up the good work. I eagerly await the next update!
Author's reply
Thanks Ellie, I appreciate your comments and encouragement.
hanci · 27 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Aftermath
That was lovely! Clueless Arafinwë and protective Finrod. This was Arafinwë's chapter, he's wonderful. I forgot he, too, had had an encounter with Námo... He really leaves a lasting impression - I guess that's the point. I loved Arafinwë's comment on 'almost' envying their relationship with Mandos, not to mention the "don’t you think it’s about time you followed your two brothers’ example and just call me ‘Atar’?" Now I can continue my day with a smile on my face that will last a long time (as always with your writing). Thank you for this christmas gift.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Yes, Arafinwë really begins to shine in this chapter. And Finrod begins to take ownership of his own heritage, both as the firstborn son of the King of the Noldor and King of Nargothrond in his own right. I'm glad my writing leaves you with a smile on your face, even when the chapters are not light-hearted. And thank you for your kind reviews. They are the best Christmas gift I can ever receive.
hanci · 27 December 2006 · Chapter 19: Return to the Maze
That went from lighthearted to tense really quickly. Angry Námo, not a nice experience. Especially when one has seen only his kindness and love for such a long time. Glorfindel needs more purpose in his life... Well, if he needs to feel responsible for someone he will be really happy in Imladris for he will have his hands full with the twins, according to fanon. :o) Sador?! He really flourishes there, doesn't he?
Author's reply
No, Angry Námo is not a nice experience at all. Glorfindel has some growing up to do, as this chapter shows. Actually, as the last scene shows, they all need some growing up to do. Sador, of course, is in his element, playing the "younger sibling" to Finrod and Glorfindel.
hanci · 27 December 2006 · Chapter 18: Reflections Before Sleep
Oh, I can just see that scene with porridge, awesome. Tol Eressëa has to become really crowded in time, with all the returning elves... I wonder, will the Valar allow them to Aman or perhaps expand the isle somehow? - I know it's not a concern of here and now in your story, I just always wondered and thought you might have some ideas on this. Maybe after all elves return... I'm sure they'll find some really good way to change the general opinion on the Reborn. Can't wait to see what you have planned. :o) What does Glorfindel intend to do with Amarië? I hope nothing drastic...
Author's reply
According to the Middle-earth Atlas, Tol Eressëa is 150 by 100 miles in dimensions (I forget which direction is which). I once took a map of my home state (New York), found the center of the state (more or less) and measured out 150 miles in one direction and 100 miles in another and found that there were an amazing number of small towns and medium-sized cities within that radius, and yet there were long stretches of open land and even wilderness as well. So I don't think they will be running out of room on Tol Eressëa too soon, especially since elves don't seem to have a high birth-rate anyway. I liked the porridge scene too.
hanci · 27 December 2006 · Chapter 17: An Elleth Scorned
Poor Amarië, suddenly in Mandos. It's good to see her healed, I felt bad for her. Námo is great.
Author's reply
I think Námo is great too, which is why I like writing about him. He's my favorite Vala.
Bodkin · 24 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Aftermath
Finrod has his moments of being grown up now. He handled this well. And poor Glorfindel needs his understanding right now. I like it that Finarfin has adopted the other two into his family ... which will make Glorfindel Galadriel's adopted brother and Elrond's uncle-by-marriage. Most enjoyable story.
Author's reply
Yes, Finrod, having been released from Mandos before either Glorfindel or Sador, has had the chance to mature and is beginning to take on more adult responsibilities. As for Glorfindel's adopted status in Finarfin's family... I doubt if he ever tells either Galadriel or Elrond about it.
Bodkin · 24 December 2006 · Chapter 17: An Elleth Scorned
I'm glad to see Namo's care extending to those whose fear have not passed into his care. Amarie hasn't seemed a particularly pleasant character - but, when you think about her, you can understand her resentment. And she has now learned some things she needs to know.
Author's reply
Part of the fun of writing this story is expanding beyond Glorfindel and exploring some of the other elves and how they were affected by the Rebellion of the Noldor. Amarië is one such canon character and I will be exploring others along the way.
J. · 19 December 2006 · Chapter 16: Progress
LOL. Teleporno...I was having indecent thoughts about that. One thing is that Glorfindel *is* a member of Noldorin Royalty (that Tolkien never accounted for). From what I gleaned from 'The Silmarillion' the Noldor were dark-haired, and the people who had 'golden hair' were Finarfin, his kids and Idril Celebrindal - both the descendants of the Vanya (Indis and Elenwe). Or he may be related to the daughters of Finwe or the wife of Fingolfin or Turgon. Otherwise, somewhere in his family line there is Vanyarin blood, such as through his mother (which would account for his being blond and still allow him to be counted among the Noldor). Another thing is that the Noldor are accounted the greatest of the Elves in lore, warfare and smithcraft. :P But anyway I really enjoyed reading your story, please update soon :)
Author's reply
Since Tolkien never specifically states Glorfindel's parentage, I purposely have left if vague. That he may be a member of Noldorin royalty, I think, would not impress Glorfindel in the least. Glad you are enjoying the story. I will be updating every week, never fear.
hanci · 16 December 2006 · Chapter 16: Progress
Another great chapter! Funny and serious, you write both equally well, it's a treat. Olwë and Finrod talked, Sador has his future planned and an unusual master... After all they did since being reborn, weaving baskets doesn't sound that strange, does it? :o) - I'm curious, how did you pick Finrod's crafts? (Last review - my problem was with "it's" instead of "its". I'm sorry for not being clear, I was running out of time. Even though, you are probably right to add the Valar in your explanation - once more you broaden my horizons, I was content with only the kings.)
Author's reply
Thanks for the clarification. I'll go and make the correction. As for Finrod's crafts: the horseshoeing, etc. was a natural choice given the society in which he lives. I thought it would be fun that a Prince of the Noldo would have to learn how to shoe a horse and make his own bridle, etc. before being allowed to ride one again, especially since that kind of physical activity would further help to integrate his hröa to the physical world. The basket weaving came about because of all the jokes of people "majoring" in basket-making in college while on an athletic scholarship. Plus, I've seen traditional basket-weaving done and it's not as simple as one might think. And I wanted a craft that was so incongruous to the image most of us have of this particular noble Elf-lord for the humor of it. Hopefully no one will take offense *grin*.
vampfan30 · 15 December 2006 · Chapter 16: Progress
Can't put into words how much I have enjoyed this story so far. I get up at the crack of why am I awake to send my girl off to school & I get 3 chapters this morning & could barely get there for the giggling I was doing over those three now-inseperable guys.......
Author's reply
Yoú're welcome. Think of it as an early Christmas present. Glad you're enjoying the story.
hanci · 15 December 2006 · Chapter 15: An Unexpected Meeting
"Uh-oh, we are so dead," he said in a strained voice. "Again?" ---- and Celeborn making an appearance, at least indirectly - I'm really happy. I never thought about all the slain Teleri being reborn, good thing you didn't forget them! "Before Aman can be healed, it’s rulers..." (feel free to correct my reviews to improve your mood, if you feel the need) :o)
Author's reply
"I never thought about all the slain Teleri being reborn, good thing you didn't forget them!" I think many people tend to forget that before the first Noldo died in Beleriand, the Teleri died first on the shores of Valinor. Naturally, they would be reborn, and sooner than any Noldo, I suspect. I'm not sure what your last comment means, but if it's in reference to "rulers", here I am referring specifically to the two elven kings, Arafinwë and Olwë, who were most effected by what happened during the Rebellion, but also Ingwë as the High King. Perhaps, I even mean the Valar themselves, who must feel some guilt (I would hope) for their part in all of this. They need healing too and their method of healing themselves is to make redress by providing healing for the elves.
hanci · 15 December 2006 · Chapter 14: Adjustments
I like the idea of Arafinwë having these children instead of his own for a while. And him being comforted about his sons in Mandos, too. You write really funny banter, really, and not just in this chapter. Not to forget, the cumulative oak-sleeping was very nice. Your spellchecking didn't catch everything - "...where they preceded to make themselves presentable." - proceeded
Author's reply
Oops. Thanks for the spell-check. I'll fix it. I think Arafinwë knew intellectually that his other two sons were well, but I don't think he understood it in his heart until now. And thanks for thinking I write really funny banter. It's not as easy as it looks *grin*. I appreciate the fact that you enjoy the banter, here and in other chapters.
Bodkin · 15 December 2006 · Chapter 16: Progress
This is just such a gorgeous feelgood story - I smiled all the way through reading it. Hopefully I will get back to you with something more coherent and admiring later!
Author's reply
Glad you are enjoying the story. I look forward to whatever review you care to send me, coherent or not *grin*.
Elflingimp · 15 December 2006 · Chapter 16: Progress
I enjoyed your last three chapters and hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Author's reply
Thank you. And a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, too.
Aglarendis · 14 December 2006 · Chapter 6: Awakening
You know Fiondil, you really need to stop taking sneak peaks inside my head! Glorfindel's process of awakening and getting used to his world is extremely similar to what I, too, picture it to be. And yes, I loved Nilmandra's descriptions of this same event as well. They're excellent inspirations, both of them. Olorin is precious with Glorfindel! It's cute the way he half chides and teases, yet always encourages him. This is the way he was with the halflings and the rest of the fellowship, when it was possible, that is. His experiences with the tree and the stars were very elvish. They show the innocence of the child he is still, with the beginnings of an echo of the adult he once was, and which he will be again. I see from the title of the next chapter that all does not remain peaceful in Glorfindel's world. Now what possible trouble could one very sweet, innocent, newly-rehoused elf get into here?
Author's reply
Although I didn't know it at the time, it was reading Nilmandra's story of Glorfindel's re-embodiment that was the initial inspiration for this entire story. And how many sweet, innocent children do you know who *don't* get into trouble of some kind or another? *grin*
hanci · 11 December 2006 · Chapter 13: iAndondi Entulessëo
Ow. Some drastic change in attitude is really needed. Finrod is great, his impatience is endearing. But it must be strange to see adults behaving like children. When seeing elves' different reactions to Námo, one would say those "once-born" missed something. Royal family now numbering six, two of them Finrod and Glorfindel, and young Sador - can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's reply
It must have been difficult for many elves who watched the Noldor leave Aman as Rebels under a Curse to see them return as innocent Reborn. They must have thought there was something wrong with that picture. And then there were those Moriquendi... Glad you are enjoying the story. New chapters will be posted at least once a week.
hanci · 11 December 2006 · Chapter 12: Lessons in Compassion
Glorfindel has good questions, lets see how long it takes him to go to Manwë after he's released. Once-born is a nice term. I recognised ribbon embroidery, the bee-keeping I will have to check out. :o) It's nice to see these little things from other stories, not only canon. Chinese? That must be terrible. I guess elvish is nothing after that.
Author's reply
Oh Chinese isn't to bad, and I'm finding some similiarities between it and the Elvish language, like inclusive and exclusive "we", which you find in Quenya. Anway, please check out my other story where Glorfindel is also greatly featured.
hanci · 11 December 2006 · Chapter 11: Artelemnar and Sador
Authors use both Quenya and Sindarin all the time, but to use bad Quenya based on Sindarin grammar, that's... incredible. Glorfindel is better than me, I'm afraid I wouldn't care about Artelemnar after his display. Well, he's Glorfindel.
Author's reply
It was actually quite fun to see how I could mangle this favorite greeting in such a way as to seem plausible. Living in China and trying to learn Chinese, I can sympathize with Sador. He's known one way of speaking and must now learn another way and he easily confuses the "rules" between the two languages. At least he doesn't have to deal with tones. After five months, I still have a problem differentiating between the second and fourth tones. *grin* And Glorfindel is indeed Glorfindel... which is why he's my favorite Third Age elf, for all that he's barely mentioned in the book.
hanci · 11 December 2006 · Chapter 10: Tea with the Fëanturi
I found your story a bit late to review each chapter, so to summarise things I like about first ten chapters: - Your concept of Halls of Waiting is truly captivating, original and ingenious. Fëar starting like children and slowly learning and maturing… It’s a good place. - Valar are kind and mighty, clever, caring and amused. Mandos, Yavanna getting Glorfindel from the tree, Mandos and Lórien betting on Glorfindel… And it's good to see Olórin, of course. - The elves (or fëar at the point) help, teach and heal each other, it’s not only on higher beings. BTW, I noticed all Glorfindel's friends had had some connection to humans, is that on purpose? And when he met the twins, I thought – he will be prepared for Elrond’s sons. :o) - And Glorfindel, of course, is just great. With other elves, with the Valar, gardening, not wanting to wear clothes...
Author's reply
I'm glad you found my story, early or late. So many writers depict Mandos as something between Alcatraz and the Gulag and I just can't imagine it that way. Same with Námo. How can any being who has stood before the Throne of Ilúvatar be anything but joyful? I suspect that our impressions of this particular Vala are based on the Exilic Noldor who had good reason to fear the Lord of Mandos. Actually, I didn't notice that all Glorfindel's friends have some connection with humans, although maybe I did on an unconscious level. Now that you've pointed it out to me, it does make sense — Glorifndel has had almost no experience with dealing with humans, having only known three. He will need to have a better understanding of humans when he returns to Middle-earth, for he will be dealing with them on a regular basis, even help raise them. As for the twins, well Manwë did tell Námo that Glorfindel needed the practice. *grin* Thanks for reviewing and I look forward to reading any other reviews you care to send my way.
Aglarendis · 10 December 2006 · Chapter 5: Endings and Beginnings
Ai! Now I'm crying too. I'm glad the twins and Glorfindel were mature enough to move on, but it's hard to think that they might not see one another until beyond the ending of Arda. I did not like the word "blubbered". I have heard this word used too often in an insulting manner. The word "sobbed" or "wept" would have conveyed the same idea without seeming to put down the one doing it. It's interesting to compare the way you see Namo's halls with the way I see them. For the most part our views are very similar, though I see the Mardi Envenyato and the Mardi Winiron as being one in the same. I think it would be heartening to hear the voices and laughter of children. I really like the names you have given to those halls, by the way. It's wonderful that we can agree on so many details, yet still have the freedom to play in Tolkien's world!
Author's reply
The verb "to blubber" means "to weep loudly" and children tend to do that quite well. While there may be some negative connotations to the word I used it deliberately at this point (and frankly I was tired of saying "sobbed" or "wept" all the time). I decided that there would be separate Halls for the adults and children because the chlldren have their own spiritual needs that are best provided for in their own place. And the adult elves are children enough in their innocence that they provide all the laughter necessary. Keep the reviews coming. I enjoy them even when we don't agree on all the details. That's what makes it fun.
Aglarendis · 9 December 2006 · Chapter 4: Progress Reports
As always, well done! Oh, poor Elured and Elurin! These are another pair about whom I am quite curious. I wondered how old they were when they died. How did you figure out that they were born in 500? Hmm, perhaps I should be reading the History of Middle-earth instead of fan fiction. What a cute picture of Glorfindel crawling over Namo, quite amusing. And why do I suspect that dear Namo could easily have helped the twins to awaken, but, as I have been told many times, God is pleased to work through His people, and not just his messengers. I loved the portrayals of Manwe and Varda. I think people often think that the valar are too high above both elves and men, but at least in the way I see this world, this is far from the truth. I think it is the wish of the valar to be more like older brothers and sisters to those who will have it so. So, Finrod has an important role to play in the outside world, does he? I trust we shall learn more about this role as the story continues? Poor Finrod, trying so hard to be an adult, yet still feeling so much like a child. I'm glad Namo was so patient with him. So, I move on to the next chapter! Still want me to review every chapter? (grin)
Author's reply
I believe in my historical note I state that they were 7 years old when Doriath was destroyed and probably died shortly thereafter. I gave no details of their death because it remains a mystery. I have even read some fan fiction in which they didn't die at all but survived (which is an equally valid reality since no one knows for sure what happened to them). At any rate, I thought it would be interesting for Glorfindel to have some "practice" dealing with twins since he's going to be heavily involved in Elrond's twin sons for a long time. And yes, I suspect Námo was quite capable of bringing the twins out of their nightmare, but it was important for both Glorfindel and the twins that Glorfindel do it. I have tried to portray the Valar as more than distant and forbidding figures, but beings who are so full of love and Love that they can't help but be merry and see themselves as older siblings to us younger Children. That's why my portrayal of Námo in all my stories involving him portray him as a joyful being, for how can anyone who's stood before the Throne of Ilúvatar be anything else? And you'll just have to wait and see about Finrod.... You go ahead and review every chapter. I enjoy reading your comments. Thanks.
Bodkin · 9 December 2006 · Chapter 13: iAndondi Entulessëo
That kinslayer didn't seem to have managed to come to terms with his past properly! Although it seems that he would probably have found some of the once-born were in agreement with his feelings towards the elves of Endore, even if they managed to dislike his kinslaying proclivities. What a nasty bunch of snobby elves the Blessed Realm seems to possess! I hope Finarfin places his foot very firmly on some necks - and that Finrod and Glorfindel and Sador manage to readjust some thinking before Manwe feels forced to come down and administer a few firm rebukes. I love the combination of very young innocent enthusiasm and traces of mature adulthood that the Reborn show. Watching Finrod and Glorfindel play like puppies must be very disconcerting to Finrod's parents. Most enjoyable.
Author's reply
Sometimes not even a stint in Mandos does any good (look what happened with Melkor!). But hopefully Irmo and Olórin will straighten him out. I think you will see in future chapters that Manwë has already set things in motion where the Reborn are concerned. And watching Finrod and Glorfindel play like puppies probably is a bit disconcerting to Finrod's parents, especially when they are probably remembering that after childhood comes adolescence. *Grin* Glad you are enjoying the story so far. More to come.
Elflingimp · 8 December 2006 · Chapter 13: iAndondi Entulessëo
I really enjoyed reading this when I woke up this morning ,what a treat,I am impressed with all your knowledge of the elves and their languages,its way over my head sometimes,its also kinda of weird to see Glorfindle as helpless as he goes thru his different things before he is released but it goes to my heart I have almost cried at some points in the story(sniff) I cant wait for more as usual its such a lovely story Oh and Merry Christmas! Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing! Tolkien revolved his great tales around the Elvish languages and I like to do it too. And I'm glad (as a writer) that I have brought you to tears a time or two in the telling of this tale. And Merry Christmas to you, too!
vampfan30 · 8 December 2006 · Chapter 13: iAndondi Entulessëo
you pack in so much stuff in so little space! I have to go back & reread some stuff to get everybody reorganized in my brain... this is such an interesting story............
Author's reply
And I would finish writing a chapter, emotionally drained, look at the clock to see I've just spent the last three hours writing, look at the number of pages I've written and I'm shocked I've only written 3-4 pages. I am as amazed at how much I pack into a single chapter as any sometimes. I'm glad you find this such an interesting story. I hope I can continue keeping your interest. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate your input.
Aglarendis · 6 December 2006 · Chapter 3: Return to Innocence
How beautiful, a return to the innocence of a child! What a precious gift to receive, if only for a time. The picture of the mayar having to sort out the fear gave me an extra smile. I like the fact that you included both Sindar and Noldor elves in the group who played together. Neither Finrod, nor Glorfindel would care to which group an elf belonged, and you brought this out well. Speaking of Finrod, well, there is another dear friend. Will this be the last time he is seen in the story? No, say tis not so! Now then, things I learned from this chapter: I was saying "well met" wrong. One of the phrase lists has it as "Mana omentaina", but I'll trust your language skills. So Finrod has blue eyes, hmm? Is this cannon, or is it your imagination? Finrod died in 468, and Glorfindel in 510. I never could figure out what years they died in. How good authors like you keep all these facts straight, I will never know. Once again, a very well-written chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you for your review, Arglarendis. I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Yes, a return to the innocence of a child, however temporary, is a precious gift. And the elves in Mandos, not having any memory of their previous lives, would not understand nor care about the distinction between Noldor, Sindar, Teleri, or whomever; they are simply elves. Never fear! Finrod will return in due time. I don't know if he has blue eyes or not, but I figured with golden-blond hair it would be most likely. We now know that the Quenya equivalent of the Sindarin "mae" is "mai" based on recently released writings of Tolkien. As for keeping facts straight, that's what Wikipedia or the Encyclopedia of Arda is for. *grin*