Reviews (1,565)

Kitty · 12 April 2009 · Chapter 53: Clearwater Glade

Poor Glorfindel, he must be hurting quite bad. But of course he will be okay again soon - I doubt Námo would want to have him anywhere near his Halls again ;) Oh, that was why the Maiar didn't sense the attack earlier than Glorfindel did? I have to admit that I find it somehow touching that they wanted to be on the same level as he was. Even if I'm not so happy about the outcome. But maybe then they will appreciate him (and the other Elves) more, particularly Lisselindë. The ellon smiled weakly. "I attacked a balrog," he said in a hoarse whisper, his voice laced with pain. "What else would you expect from me?" How true! Námo can't in earnest expect Glorfindel to just stand by and watch the Maiar fighting, can he? Glorfindel is no court scribe, but a consummate warrior, after all. Hm ... Oromë had an interesting way to explain to the Maiar why Glorfindel needs to take care of himself and his security. Though I doubt Glorfindel would expect them to play babysitter in Endórë, too; he should know that he has to survive on his own there. Loved the banter between the Maiar. I really like these three - yes, I'm even beginning to like Lisselindë! And I would like to be a fly in a tree while these four are sitting together around the fire talking; these nights must be great! I can see that Glorfindel and Ecthelion made sure that Turgon didn't get bored in his isolated city ;) Well, that would be intriguing, Glorfindel learning to fight more on Maiar level than his own! And I'm sure the four other Maiar will have fun with that, too. Plus, I have to admit, I'm not entirely comfortable with the idea of Arafinwë going to Tol Eressëa, either, and I would feel better if a thusly trained Glorfindel would accompany him. On the other hand, I had always looked forward to learn how things will be going on there. More interesting plot to look forward to *rubs hands in anticipation* Frohe Ostern! :)

Larner · 7 April 2009 · Chapter 52: Hunting Evil

Beautiful chapter. And he was the first to realize some of the monsters were in ambush, eh? A bit more alert this time than the Maiar! Nice! Now to see what he wakes to.

Fantasia · 6 April 2009 · Chapter 52: Hunting Evil

Poor Glorfindel, not even with suppreme company he is safe, the Maiars are going to feel so guilty about this, and I like the interaction betweem Glorfindel and Lisselindë, she was very good with her lessons. Love the detail of the center of Arda, it reminds me of my home country, we had a Capitol (just a copy of the USA Capitol, when we were a newborn Republic)and in the building there was a diamond (I suppose that is long gone) that marked the zero Km of the Central Highway (this was done in the 1920's, previously in the colony times, was called the Royal Road, as it was the highway that cover the whole island)You just can step over the diamond (it was built-in on the floor) and say, Hey I'm in the beginning of the road!..Anyway, just imagine Glorfindel shooting Hey! I'm in the middle of Arda... Thanks

Hel · 6 April 2009 · Chapter 52: Hunting Evil

Looks like Glorfindel isn´t the only one who need training in sensing evil... How could some bear-wargs, even if they are smart animals, trick several Maia who know that they are near? Maybe they should less talk and concentrate more on the hunt. I like the part about the middle-point of Valinor. And the meneldëa coron sounds great. I like it, that it shows the world at that moment and not at some point in the past. And the elves in Valinor, who knows about it can always see if something in middle-earth changes. And about Glorfindel´s talk with Orome: I think everyone likes to think that things have a purpose exspecially if something bad happens.

Tari · 6 April 2009 · Chapter 52: Hunting Evil

What a chapter this is. It started out so good with Glorfindel fine tuning his talent. I doubt many other of the Elves are able to sense danger as he does. That being said, how did he miss the evil creature sneaking up on them. I'm sure the Maia could have just disappeared, but Glorfindel was trapped. He is seriously hurt and we are left hanging till next week. Mae Govannen

Agape4Gondor · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 52: Hunting Evil

Oh good grief - another thing for 'the' t-shirt! 'That is what you must do as well, learn to be joyful even in the midst of the sorrows and confusions of your life, for that is what will sustain you in your darkest hours." YOU are a total scalawag!!!! Nice cliffhanger, Oh Prince of Cliffhangers!!!

Radbooks · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 52: Hunting Evil

It was nice to come home to find all of these chapters to read! I really enjoyed these chapters of Glorfindel going out and learning how to hunt out evil and starting to find out more and more about himself and what he needs to know for his return to ME - even if he doesn't know that's why he's learning it. :) I liked the part in this chapter when Orome mentions about finding joy in whatever circumstances you're in (something like that!) - it's so true and it was a nice connection to the Glorfindel we see later. I really liked finding out even more about his past... his family, even as I was horrified by it all. How devastating that is for him to remember, well to have gone through and now to have it brought back to mind. I loved the scene on the beach of him fixing dinner for Nienna and then having Ulmo show up as well. Anyway, it's all been much enjoyed and appreciated even if I have done a lousy job of letting you know. :( Thanks so much.

Kitty · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 52: Hunting Evil

This meneldëa coron is amazing; I’d like to see that with my own eyes! And to think how old it has to be ... not to mention that it was adjusted after the loss of Beleriand. Fascinating to know what Glorfindel is learning – feeling the Song of Arda and the correct direction of any presence of evil. Certainly he will learn to distinct these presences over time, too. Oh – now they are being attacked from behind! I wonder why not at least the Maiar realised it? Tiutalion’s unfinished remark somehow doesn’t sound like it’s asked just for Glorfindel. Did again a Vala block their senses? Though I don’t truly see any reason for it. Our dear Glorfindel did very well, slaying two of these beasts, and the second one even when he was already injured! And now you have hurt poor Glorfindel again and are leaving us with yet another evil cliffhanger! *hugs Glorfindel protectively*

Kitty · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 51: Taurevayari

Glorfindel is doing quite well, I think, in coming to terms with his behaviour the day before. The situation can’t be easy for him. Hm ... Oromë is probably right in why Glorfindel was so badly affected by this particular memory. It must have been the first huge impact on his life. Oh yes, I can imagine that particularly the Sindar and Nandor would feel at home in these woods. And having to keep an eye on these monsters might tickle the former warriors, too. *lol* So Glorfindel was just following his nose in the end? Of course, that was a much better guide than anything else! That Rangers post is intriguing. Though I don’t like heights, I’d love to see and explore such a flet myself. The end of the chapter was surprising. These monsters are making their way to a place 14 leagues away, and Glorfindel can already sense them? That’s certainly a much wider range than I expected, and I think the Maiar will be surprised to learn that, too.

6336 · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 52: Hunting Evil

Oops! Somebody wasn't paying attention were they!? Sneaky critters! Hope Glorfindel will be alright, I don't think Irmo will be to happy to have him back in Lorien in his condition! Lissalinds seems to be a little less acerbic this time around, Glorfindel is already fine tuning his sense of evil. One forgets just how long Arda has been around, I know a little of how Glorfindel feels, I can't belive the orclings are four years old, it seems like only last week they were little pink, squirmy things! More please, Lynda

Kaylee · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 52: Hunting Evil

Meldonya! I got my review thing to work again! *grin* Yay! Anyway, this is a very intriguing chapter (and a cliffie! Glorfi's hurt by that...that THING! *tries to pull Glorfi out from under that thing*) It is also Rhyselle and Edlyn's Begetting Day gift, isn't it? *lol* or just well-timed? ^_^ I think the astrolabe-thing is pretty ^_^ It amazes me that the forest grew up around it! Tye-melin, meldonya! ~Kaylee!

Sunny · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 52: Hunting Evil

I suppose that when Glorfindel has perfected the listening-to-the-song-of-Arda, it will function like having a GPS unit always available. Another useful little thing. I suspected Murphy would poke his nose in! The hunters have become the hunted! Glorfindel didn’t do badly at all. He has accounted for two of the creatures. Perhaps the things were concentrating on him, somehow perceiving that he was the most vulnerable of their opponents. I don’t suppose Glorfindel will be an easy patient. But even he will have to wait to go looking for more trouble until whatever injuries he has sustained have healed. But _these_ injuries are at least plain physical ones, so hopefully he will have little holiday from emotional shocks. (Not the best way to go about it, I think, but whatever works…)

6336 · 3 April 2009 · Chapter 51: Taurevayari

Hm, looks like Glorfindel has more of a range than was first thought, 14 leagues is quite a distance, over 40 miles, even if it is just a sense of evil! Glad Glorfindel was able to get his feelings sorted out, it must be disconcerting to have memories come out of no where to assualt him as it were! Liked your idea of the redwood lodge, don't think they grow them quite that big here, but they do get pretty tall and old! Trust Glorfindel to follow his nose, never stand between a warrior and food, they are as bad as Hobbits in that respect! More please, Lynda

6336 · 3 April 2009 · Chapter 50: Dark Memory

It can take just the smallest thing to trigger a memory, a word, a turn of phrase, an image and it all comes back. Poor Glorfi, what a memory! Did his father even know what he had done, or was he so lost in Battle Rage that he did not know, just another enemy to defeat. Nobody deserves to be a Thrall of Morgoth. Hopefully both his Atar and Ammille will be there to greet Glorfindel when he returns from Middle Earth. Love is a form of selective blindness! More please, Lynda

Sitara · 1 April 2009 · Chapter 51: Taurevayari

I may be irritating, but I cannot stop thinking about the purpose of Glorfindel's training. I know, there could be more than just one purpose, but the first image crossing my mind is the night when one Ranger and four frightened hobbits had met on the road to Imladris an Elf riding on a mighty white horse. Glorfindel was then able to recognize the Morgul blade used on Frodo and was very much aware of the approaching Ringwraiths. I'm sure it wasn't the only occasion for him to put to good use his training but this one is canon. Well, I know it has little to do with the story, but I always wondered how some fallen Men were made to be even more terrifying than fallen Maiar and why Glorfindel seemingly would have prefered to deal with a Balrog or two rather than with these Ringwraiths. I appreciate your attention for details, as in describing Glorfindel's training with Nyereser. The Noldor living in the forest , as Orome's apprentices, are certainly a surprise, but not an unpleasant one. I only hope they wouldn't have to look for new jobs, as soon as the Nandor and Sindar will be permitted to move out of Tol Eressea. "lopsided grin" . Very nice was also Lisselinde's interaction with Palarran and his wife; she's doing well enough, after all. The less pleasant thing was the little cliffhanger ending the chapter. But, for seeing Glorfindel hotly defending his supposedly hated Atar, I think I'll have enough patience to wait for the next update, in order to find out what has Glorfindel sensed.

Sunny · 31 March 2009 · Chapter 51: Taurevayari

When Glorfindel goes off on a tesseract, life gets sooo _interesting_ for everybody in the vicinty. This times it was the Maiar in his company who gained the benefit – or something – of this effect. Although I am certain that Lisselindë, at least, at one point in the previous chapter was contemplating the benefits of boredom. ;-) In spite of the Life-getting-_Interesting_ effect, the Maiar seem undeterred. Though obviously Glorfindel’s reaction wasn’t something he was able to control. I very much liked the little scene of Glorfindel apologizing for his behaviour the previous day, and the answer Nyéreser gave for all the Maiar. I expect the carnitavari were _Sequoiadendron giganteum_, just given a Quenya name. And I expect Beleg would love those trees. It wouldn’t surprise me to hear, once he discovers them, that it would take a command from the Valar to pry him out of the forest again. And the same with the Sindar and Nandor currently on Tol Eressëa – once they are allowed to move to the mainland. *smirks* Of course, following one’s nose in going “home” can be quite effective. Especially close to supper. (What _did_ they use to spice the Stew – or is this a Management secret?) *smirk grows larger* Why do I get the feeling that the Maiar are going to get surprised in the next chapter? It is obvious that he already knows _where_ (more or less) he is going on the morrow. He can feel the evil like a cloud against the sun, and I expect he will home in on it like a bee homes in on honey-bearing flowers in the next chapter. It wouldn’t surprise me to see “interesting” popping up again then, too. With the hints about the possible origins of these creatures, it wouldn’t surprise me if Murphy pokes his nose in here and presents Glorfindel with a critter with a more-than-average amount of umaiarish genes. Or something with more-than-average amount of Melkor-inspired gengineering. Or a combination of the two. Or something else might happen to make things more Interesting. (And wasn’t there a complaint about not knowing how those cat-things got as far as Nienna’s house?) It seems that _Interesting_ is my Word of the Day. In particular, the flavour of the word so beloved of SF and Fantasy authors; what is described as an ancient Chinese curse: “May your life be _interesting_.” I don’t know if there is a _real_ Chinese curse like this, or if it is something invented by an author. Whatever the origin, this “Ancient Chinese Curse” has become an amazingly popular meme in the SF and Fantasy fields! And it somehow fits Glorfindel’s adventures well. ;-)

Agape4Gondor · 31 March 2009 · Chapter 51: Taurevayari

A beautiful chapter - especially after the last one was so horrific and sad. I found a peace and beauty - even knowing the 'task' ahead for our hero - yet, the beauty of the forest, the people who loved it, and the obedience of Glorfindel were touching.... I remember reading somewhere - sometime - that Glorfindel, when he came back to Middle-earth, possessed so many gifts that he even rivaled the Maiar. I can't remember where I read this - but if the dear Elf suffered so, and yet, through it all, kept that flame of passion alive..... Wow... And to think that the Valar so valued that flame - Thank you for writing this - the whole thing - it has been an experience - life-changing almost - definitely thought provoking. Let nothing stop you, dear Fiondil, from taking your place as one of the great writers.... Blessings, Agape

Aiwen · 31 March 2009 · Chapter 51: Taurevayari

I thought they sounded like redwoods... I am enjoying seeing Glorfindel heading towards his return to Middle-earth. I wish JRR Tolkien had told us a little more about precisely what he did in Middle-earth during the second age.

Tari · 31 March 2009 · Chapter 51: Taurevayari

It appears Glorfinel’s senses are much stronger then he knows. That is what saved him from falling into a deep hole and probable sustaining serious injuries; something he doesn’t need at this time. Already he senses evil in the far east. Good for him. I think he will be a quick study.

Larner · 30 March 2009 · Chapter 51: Taurevayari

An interesting training, and one I can appreciate from my own. I, too, have used olfactory feedback as well as auditory cues to correct my path while under blindfold. That was nicely done, as well as the mention of the hole he blithely remained ignorant of. I love the description of the treetop home for these rangers. Now, he feels the evil there already! It will be interesting watching him learn to use these skills.

Hel · 30 March 2009 · Chapter 51: Taurevayari

That up-date was fast. I hadn´t even time to comment the last chapter. No wonder that Glorfindel had such a bad day. From all the horrible things that happened in his life, the murdering of one parent by the other must be the worse. And I think another factor is, that he is in some kind of second puberty. The woods sound great. And Noldor living as Woodelves, who would have thought. But Glorfindel is right in thinking that the Silvan and Nandor would love this place and would be more than happy to live there. And I think as soon as they know about it and are alowed to leave Tol Eressa a lot will move there. Will we learn more about the elves who serve Lord Orome? I hope so. They sound very interesting. I´m a bit surprised that Glorfindel can feel the evil from this distance. Nyéreser sounds like he expects Glordindel feeling them only at a much shorter distance. Or did I get that wrong? The next chapter will hopefully give some answers. One could get used to the short up-date-intervals.

Sitara · 30 March 2009 · Chapter 50: Dark Memory

I know how it may sound, but even so I have to confess that, since Glorfindel's fight with those three Maiar warriors, I somewhat shared Lisselinde's opinion and growing frustration in regard to Glorfindel's puzzling behaviour. I thought that the poor Maia truly wanted to understand the Firstborn's ways and manner of thinking, she tried her best in Lorien, only to see herself abruptly ordered around, without so much as an explanation. I remember I even wanted to point out that Aman is not Gondolin under siege and Glorfindel is not Lisselinde's commanding officer. And now this! Another outburst, directed at the Maiar who never displayed towards him anything but understanding and kindness, Tiutalion and Nyereser, I mean. My annoyance with Glorfindel had become at that point pure enragement, I must confess, to my shame. What transpired this chapter about Glorfindel and his parents made me shut my mouth and bow my head in shame. And not on my account only. What happened then with Glorfindel's parents and no doubt with many others at Alqualonde and beyond is inexcusable. No reason can be offered for this, none. So, hanging my head in shame, I will heartily apologize to Glorfindel for being so quick to judge him, despite the fact that I should have known better. Forgive me for this rant, but I felt (and probably I was wrong) that it was necessary. At least for me. As in regard to Glorfindel' state of mind..I assume he had to face this memory during his Judgement as well. Taking this into account, I won't say it should have been healed by now, but I would have expected to have a lesser impact on Glorfindel. But still, a minor thing was able to trigger this dreadful issue, which in my opinion is as important as his issue regarding the oath given to Turgon. And, as he will feel his oath fulfilled only the day when the ship bearing the last descendants of Turgon (I'm not counting Arwen) will reach Aman, I think Glorfindel's issue with his parents will be put to rest only the day when they will both stand before him. As the things are looking right now, it seems that Glorfindel still has a long way to go before he'd be able to forgive his parents. Both of them, in my opinion. Instead of returning to her son, his mother chose to stay with the one who killed her! I cannot bring myself to blame Glorfindel for thinking this way or for the words he has spoken, hearing about his father's fate. I'd choose to recall his soul's reaction. It speaks volumes, in my opinion. On other note, Manwe had known in an instant what was all that about, Namo was close to follow, but Orome and Nienna hadn't been that close. Quite fascinating, these two Valar, for the implications of such knowledge are too important to be ignored, unless Glorfindel would be a special case, that's it. Very important is also Manwe'statement, according to which the decision to release a Reborn doesn't belong to Namo alone. If I recall correctly, said Vala had his share of curses and expletives for not releasing one or another, including from Finrod and Glorfindel. "grin" Well, perhaps someone would be so kind as to do justice to Namo...."sigh" Well, and because I've ranted enough, I won't say anything else about how happy I am for Glorfindel's atar, for he has sought and found forgiveness from the Valar. His wife and son are next in line, but he has done the most important step. Thank you a thousand times for the joy I have dreamt about since reading the story "Crossing the Ice" . P.S. I hope you have a pleasant time or, if you're back, that the trip was equally pleasant and fruiful.

Kitty · 28 March 2009 · Chapter 50: Dark Memory

At first I was quite surprised how irritable Glorfindel all of a sudden had become, but after the Valar joined them it became soon clear why he was so moody. Poor ellon, to be reminded of this terrible day must have been quite a burden. And of course the Maiar couldn't understand because the trigger was so subtle. So that was the fate of Glorfindel's father? Glorfindel was not the only one who had wondered. That ellon paid dearly for his crimes, no doubt. I really hope Glorfindel will not only be reunited, but reconciled with both his parents before he leaves for Middle-earth again. I think he needs to make his peace with his atar. On a brighter note - a black horse with a white mane and tail? Now, that's unusual! So far, I've seen only a snow white horse with completely black legs :) And the story about Aulë and his star core was just hilarious. Such a pity that Glorfindel wasn't in the mood to enjoy it! That would make such a great story for his otornor!

Agape4Gondor · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 50: Dark Memory

I think Ces is right - you definitely should consider writing 'The Best of The Book' - it would be a hoot! As for Glorfindel - they say adversity makes a man - but honestly, this poor Elf suffers... We see it daily. I think finally leaving Aman and going to Middle-earth will seem like a picnic to him! Great chapter - very tense, very disturbingly ssd.

Sunny · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 50: Dark Memory

Ouch! No wonder Glorfindel never, talks about his parents. And such a small thing that set his subconscious to work. Just that haversack beside the door. Which reminded him of the day he left Tirion. And what followed. And Lisselindë just made ir worse by calling him “child”. Which might have merely irked him in other circimstances. Now … No wonder he went ballistic. Hopefully he will feel better after talking about it and a good night’s sleep.