Hm, looks like there is still a little more to this tale than we thought, just what do the Valar want now!?
Trust Glorfindel to get to the goodies first!
Bye the way is he any better at sailing now or does Falmaron still have to lay in the ginger cookies?
Sorry I am late with this, the 'Alarm Cat' didn't go off until nearly 7 this morning!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, Lynda, there is a little bit more to the tale, though not that much more. Next chapter will reveal what the Valar are up to. I suppose Falmaron needs to stock up on ginger cookies for Glorfindel, but only when the waters are rough. I think when there is smooth sailing, it's not so bad for him, but I don't think he will ever like sailing for the sake of sailing.
No problem about being late. Like Wizards, reviewers are never late, neither are they early: they review precisely when they mean to. *LOL* Glad you enjoyed this chapter, Lynda. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
think you got that thing at the beginning backwards, should be fate worse than death not death worse than fate unless you mean that marriage = death
Author's reply
No. Glorfindel deliberately reverses the saying, making it a joke, and he is not referring to Ingwion and Olwen's marriage but to Falmaron having to listen to all the wedding plans when he returns to Alqualondë. Go back and re-read that section and perhaps it will be clearer to you now.
This whole chapter made me smile!
Reunions indeed! Poor Glorfindel is still having seasickness issues? Or just discomfort being on the ship? However will he manage the trip back to Middle-earth? *grin*
You're really giving us teasers for The Darkening story in this, aren't you, with Falmaron trailing off when he mentions "circumstances" and Ingwion's name. I'm so glad that his relationship with Olwen has blossomed. And good for her for insisting on getting married sooner than Finrod and Amarie. Every bride deserves to be the center of attention on her special day. :)
I love the description of the matured Sador. There's a lot of interesting potential for short filler stories on Tol Eressea during this 5-year gap between the last chapter and this one. Maybe more tales from Vaire's loom, hmmm?
The idea of a road to connect Aewellond with the rest of Eldamar is wonderful. Shades of the first transcontinental railway in North America though: Start at each end and meet in the middle. I do hope that the Elven surveyors are able to be a bit more precise in guiding their ends of the project so they line up properly! *grin*
So Vondo is slowly being trained to accept and follow orders of those in authority over him... Proof that even frustration can have a positive effect on certain people! Regarding his oath to not leave Lorien without permission, has he subsequently caused Eonwe to remark that he needs to bind a new Book of Oaths? I'd think that he might need a Book just for Glorfindel and Vondo now! LOL!
The whole chapter was great, but I LOVED the last bit! “Well, I guess that’s just more dessert for us, then.” Hee! I could just see them charging for the dessert table!
It's a bit sad to see the story winding down, but it has been four whole years since you shared your initial vision of Glorfindel's arrival in Mandos, and with updates so frequent that we are all spoiled by them, it's been a great ride! If you ever have days when you wonder if anything you do is making a difference, please know that your writing this story has helped me through difficult days and frustrating times. Even the hardest parts of Glorfindel's re-adjustment to his new life helped me, as did the laughter that other parts of the story elicited.
A continuing "Well Done!" to you, my friend! :)
Author's reply
Hi Ryhselle. I'm not sure if he has suffering from seasickness as much as he used to, but I think he just hates being on a ship. Some people just like to have solid earth under the feet at all times. *grin*
And yes, this and the next chapter are really teasers for the upcoming Darkening story, which I will begin posting at the end of the month. And, of course, there is a lot of potential for gapfiller stories here as well. I actually do hope to write shorter companion pieces, similar to 'The Findaráto Diaries', about Glorfindel, et al. before he leaves for Middle-earth, as I'm sure there are plenty of stories to tell of Glorfindel's soujourn in Aman. We have, for instance, Finrod and Amarië's wedding. I hope to write about that eventually.
As for the road, I have no doubt that the surveyors are more precise than those who worked on the transcontinental railway. They are elves, after all, and they probably have gotten some help from Lord Aulë and his Maiar. *grin*
Not sure if Eönwë needed another Book of Oaths just for Vondo, but between him and Glorfindel, I'm sure Eönwë has been kept busy. *grin* Vondo is a bit more reckless than even Glorfindel, hence the need to keep in Lórien and being trained to accept authority and not go off on his own. That's how he happened to get killed in the first place. The mapping trip to the South will mature him, though, and once he returns, he won't be going back to Lórien but will be able to rejoin his parents in Tirion.
It has indeed been a wonderful four years writing this story and I thank you for your words of gratitude and encouragement. I appreciate them more than you can ever know. I hope my stories will continue to uplift you as well as entertain you, especially on those days when life hasn't been too kind. Thanks also for all your reviews. I have always enjoyed them and look forward to them.
More dessert for "the boys" - LOL. I am looking forward to this Valarian meeting as well as to Glorfindel's "training regime" for Vondo. That one should be interesting in the extreme. Can't wait for the next chapter. (I know....Monday, just have to be patient until Monday....)
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
We won't actually see Glorfindel with Vondo, at least, not here (sorry, but we are really at the end of the story and there are only two more chapters left), but we will see why the Valar are summoning all these people in the next chapter. I am afraid that I have to skip a lot of years and events but that just means that there are opportunities for gapfiller stories in the future, either as 'Loom' stories or stand-alone stories if they happen to be multi-chapter stories. Something to look forward to at least. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Erulisse. I really appreciate it.
So poor Vondo is still in Lorien? Five years in Lorien would drive me mad. I hope that his parents are allowed to visit him.
And yes, the one how Mistress Netilmírë sent a Maia packing, is my favorite one too.
Author's reply
Hi Serinde. Yes, he's still in Lórien, although being an Elf, he probably doesn't care that it's been five years. In fact, with the other Reborn I have never specified the amount of time they were actually in Lórien, since time for immortals is generally meaningless. I have no doubt that Lord Irmo allowed Vondo's parents to visit whevever they wished, and Vondo has had his brother Alundil and his nephew Vorondil with him, so he's not totally alone.
I'm glad that the story of Netilmírë sending a Maia packing is one of your favorites. It's always tickled me as well. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Midnight Promise
· 12 August 2010
· Chapter 146: An Oath Received
Hello!
Wow, cheers to Glorfindel for that oath - very nice. :3
I keep waiting for Glorfindel to mention Elwing's brothers! I know that the memories from Mandos are hazy, but since he remembers Finrod and Beleg so well, you would expect for him to remember the twins when he had such a big part in their existence for a time. : /
Its fun because everything is coming together, and the promise of future stories, but having Elf, Interrupted for so long makes the ending bittersweet. :_)
Aw! The scene with Finrod giving the elfling a hug was a mental picture of adorableness! Haha, I wonder how he'll be with his own kids? :D
Ouch, one thing that really stuck out was when Vorondil was attacked and Este tried to calm Aldundil down by saying it was unfortunate. I don't know, but she came off sounding a little callous with simple words. Eh, *shrug* maybe I just have a problem with the Valar, haha. ;D
Wow, didn't mean for it to be so long, but reviewing a lot of chapters here. :) As always, I love reading your stories, its one thing I look forward to every update day. :) Hope Life has been treating you well!
-MP
Author's reply
Hi MP. Glad you liked Glorfindel's oath. I have the feeling that Glorfindel has not mentioned Elwing's brothers simply because he knows that he cannot actually give her any information about them other than they are in Mandos and will someday be released. Or, it could be that the two spoke of Elwing's family in private and we have simply not been privy to it.
Yes, this is a bittersweet time for all Elf, Interrupted fans, but all good things eventually come to an end, and there is at least the promise of future stories, Eru and the Muse willing. *grin*
I was trying to find where Estë was speaking with Aldundil, but couldn't find it. I don't think she means to sound callous, but the incident was unfortunate and unforeseen. It could have been very tragic, but luckily it ended well and that's the important thing to remember.
I'm glad you enjoy reading my stories and I thank you for letting me know and for taking the time to review them when you can. I greatly appreciate it.
Tari
· 11 August 2010
· Chapter 145: A Releasing of Oaths
It seems Finrod has created quite a fan club for himself. No matter where the elflings go, or what they do, he will always have a big part of their hearts. I'm sure some of them will come back to him. First, they must spend time with their families who sorely missed them.
As for Glofindel; I think he is worried about nothing. I'm sure Lord Manwë has something good in mind for him.
Author's reply
Yes, Finrod has quite a following. *grin* I'm sure some if not all will return to him at some point. I know, for instance, that Lindorillë will and probably Veryandur.
As for what Manwë wants with Glorfindel, that will be revealed in the next chapter.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Tari. It's much appreciated.
Larner
· 10 August 2010
· Chapter 146: An Oath Received
At least now he has a concrete goal and purpose. I see he used a modification of the oath used in Gondor--that was very nice. And he's apparently at peace with the idea, which is good.
Author's reply
Rather, say that the Gondorian oath is a modification of this oath. *grin* I am sure that the Edain borrowed the phraseology of their oaths (if not the concept of oaths of fealty) from the Elves, modifiying them to suit their own purposes and circumstances. And of course, Tolkien derived the oath that Pippin swore to Denethor from actual historically recorded oaths of fealty from our own Middle Ages.
All Glorfindel has wanted is to have a purpose. Well, now he has one, one that he can 'see' and work towards, so, yes, he is at peace with the idea of returning to Middle-earth and looking after Elrond and be the Valar's emissary.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it.
Erulisse (one L)
· 10 August 2010
· Chapter 146: An Oath Received
As I had said - I am seeing the end game coming here. But what a lovely oath Glorfindel made to Earendil. It does put things into a framework of his history and gives reason and structure to his return. I am sure that more training will be necessary, but things are starting to culminate.
One question has been perched in the back of my mind. With Earendil present for the Council and afterward at the request of the Valar and the Kings, his star (i.e. Vingilot) has not been sailing over Middle Earth. Has hope fled? Or is all of Middle Earth cloud-covered for the span of several weeks? Or are they truly seeing the planet for a few days instead of the vessel? Inquiring minds, don'cha know? LOL.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Yes, things are winding down. I'm glad you liked Glorfindel's oath. As for your question, while Eärendil sailed Vingilot during the War of Wrath, afterwards, the Valar set the planet Venus in its orbit. Now Eärendil only sails Vingilot at the behest of the Valar for 'special' reasons. So, the elves and mortals of Arda see Venus when they look up into the heavens, though,at least those of Middle-earth if not Aman, still believe it to be the starship, Vingilot. Hope that clears things up a bit for you, Erulissë. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Tari
· 10 August 2010
· Chapter 144: Sador’s Investiture
What a beautiful ceremony. Sador's oath reminded me a bit of Pippin's to Denethor. That they wisely put Eru at their head and praised him was as it should be.
So far, so good. However, I'm still waiting for the fly in the ointment.
Author's reply
Glad you liked the ceremony, Tari. The oath is very similar to the one Pippin gave to Denethor and even that oath is based on historical oaths from our own world. It is always wise to put Eru at the head of one's endeavors. *grin* Whether there is a fly in the ointment, however, remains to be seen. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Viresse
· 10 August 2010
· Chapter 146: An Oath Received
Thank goodness that talk is done. Finrod’s reaction was a surprise. I had thought he was more mature than that. He sounded like Glorfindel! And then Glorfindel does a Finrod, with that wonderful oath. It’s a good thing though that elves have a different time sense that mortals, or several yéni to wait would drive him right back.
Author's reply
Well, Finrod has always believed that once Glorfindel was released from Mandos, and they were reunited, then they would never be separated again. All the Valar, specifically Námo, ever promised was that they would have many years together. And as Eärendil points out, Finrod is being naive, since he and Glorfindel are not together even now, going their separate ways. At least he is being given time to get used to the idea. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Viressë. I appreciate it.
Sunny
· 9 August 2010
· Chapter 146: An Oath Received
OK, now Glorfindel knows where he is going, so the Valar won't need to worry so much about what he might do when he starts getting bored. In Ennor he can at least be pointed at Orcs and other nasty critters, and the Elrondionnath (when they appear) will certainly serve to keep him occupied. ;-)
If he stayed in Valinor, I am sure that _someone_ would sooner or later want to send him back to Mandos, which would certainly cause Námo to go on a strike, and then where would Manwë be?
And I find that I agree with Eönwë: A very fine oath indeed!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny! I'm sure that if Glorfindel were to stay in Valinor for too long, someone might indeed be tempted to send him to Mandos. Luckily, of course, we know that didn't happen. *grin*
I'm glad you liked the oath. Thanks for letting me know and thanks for reading and reviewing. I much appreciate it.
6336
· 9 August 2010
· Chapter 146: An Oath Received
WOW! That was some chat with Manwe! It does give Glorfindel a purpose which is something he needs, traning for the Dagor Dagorath, however soon, is a bit nebulous. now he has a goal, to return to Ennorath and be Elronds friend.
Liked the 'map', I am trying to remember the saying about someones technology being the magic of others, this seems to be very like it!
Not too much more I think, just a few loose ends that need tidying away.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
HiLynda. You're probably thinking of Arthur C. Clarke's dictum that any technology sufficiently advanced will appear to be magic, or something along those lines.
Yes, just a few more chapters to go and then we say farewell to Glorfindel (at least for a time). Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Serinde
· 9 August 2010
· Chapter 146: An Oath Received
I am afraid that I am struggling with certain images of the Elder King myself.
Author's reply
We all have our own images of what Manwë is like, and seeing him in a new or different light just adds facets of his character and personality of which we were previously unaware, and that's not a bad thing, is it? *grin*
Hel
· 7 August 2010
· Chapter 145: A Releasing of Oaths
So the elflings are safely returned to their parents and Sador has started his life as Cano.
And now comes the long awaited talk between Manwë and Glorfindel. I guess it is about Glorfindels return to Middle-Earth. And I also guess that his stay with Eärendil´s little community is some kind of training for it. It reminds me a bit of his position in Elrond´s household.
His reaction as well as Finrod´s will be interesting. But how much does Eärendil know beforehand?
I hope you will write about his journey to Middle-Earth and his time there as well as Finrod´s and Sador´s lives in Aman.
Author's reply
Yes, the elflings are safely back with their parents and Sador has started his new life. Glorfindel's stay with Eärendil's little community has indeed been a part of his training for when he eventually returns to Middle-earth. And we will see how much Eärendil knows about this and what Glorfindel and Finrod's reactions are soon enough.
While I won't be writing about Glorfindel's journey per se, I will show him arriving in Middle-earth. Hopefully, this will be a satisfying end for all. I do plan to continue writing about Glorfindel as well as about Finrod and Sador and Ingwion and all the other friends still residing in Aman. But first up, once "Elf, Interrupted" is done (and that is only a few more chapters away), I will start posting my Darkening story. Hopefully people will find it as interesting a story as this one has been.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Hel. I appreciate it.
Kitty
· 7 August 2010
· Chapter 145: A Releasing of Oaths
*snicker* So having Námo as personal friend counts as qualification?
While I know the elflings need to return to their families, I'm still going to miss them being around so much, even if they will not be far away. The ceremony was nice, and I wanted to cuddle Veryandur, as usual. He's still my favourite. It was wise of Finrod to tell them missing him isn't reason enough to call for him, or he'd be very busy *grin*
Manwë is summoning Glorfindel? I wonder if he will tell him now that he's supposed to return to Endorë, though in my reckoning it's still quite a while away.
Author's reply
I'm sure Námo got a kick out of that when he heard. *grin*
I think Veryandur is everyone's favorite elfling after Vorondil. I'm glad you liked the ceremony. It was designed to make things special for both the children and their parents, especially the parents, as they would see how much their children have changed in the last year with their more courtly manners.
Manwë is indeed summoning Glorfindel and for the reason you suspect, though, as we will see, Glorfindel won't be sent off immediately. There is still much he needs to learn before he is. Just why Manwë is having this talk with Glorfindel now rather than later will also be revealed.
Thanks for the review, Kitty. I always look forward to hearing from you.
Kitty
· 7 August 2010
· Chapter 144: Sador’s Investiture
I can just imagine Netilmírë's face when she learned about the identity of the new cáno! But all in all, she took it well, and I am glad she's going to accompany Sador to Tol Eressëa. The more people he has with him he can trust the better.
The ceremony was nice, festive, but not too pompous, just what Sador needed. And Manwë made very clear why Sador was the right choice.
Now why am I surprised to learn when the coronet was made? I should have known the Valar had planned ahead quite a bit.
Author's reply
I'm sure Netilmírë's expression was priceless.*grin* And Sador needs all the supportive people he can get. Netilmírë is of the same generation as Arafinwë, so she has the wisdom and experience that the younger elves in Sador's entourage won't have and that will be very important for him.
As for the coronet.... I always knew why Niélë was at Nienna's and what her task was. That's how early in the storyline I knew who would eventually become Cáno. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing, Kitty.
Kitty
· 7 August 2010
· Chapter 143: Departure
Sador is just proving why he was the right choice, isn't he?
Good idea to take the elflings to Tol Eressëa to see Sador instituted as Cáno. They will be happy to be allowed to be there. And I'm glad Finrod and the others are contemplating how to help them and to continue their studies.
Glorfindel is truly growing up, considering how he took care of Vondo. Though I have to admit it's quite odd to see him as the voice of reason after he was mostly worse than Vondo.
Hm, is Manwë going to warn Eärendil about these beasts about to attack Aewellond?
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Indeed, Sador is proving to everyone that he was the right choice. And I don't think the elflings would ever forgive Finrod if he didn't take them to Tol Eressëa for the investiture. They are very fond of Sador since he was their primary minder during the Tournament, along with Alassiel.
And Glorfindel is indeed growing up, though he still has a way to go. I think he sees much of himself in Vondo and so was able to speak to him in a way that the others could not, thus getting him to behave.
I suspect that the attack by the Great Cats will be at least one topic of conversation between Eärendil and Manwë, though not the only one, as will be made clear in a later chapter.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Kitty. I appreciate it very much.
Kitty
· 7 August 2010
· Chapter 142: Sador
Ouch. That was to be expected, but it still wasn't pleasant. While I had known Sador would be angry, I hadn't expected him to think they want to get rid of him. Glad Arafinwë came in and took over before things got out of hand; he managed quite well to calm Sador down. Hopefully the poor guy now feels better. And I think it's a great idea to take Rumilion and the other two with him. He needs some people he knows and trusts.
Author's reply
Arafinwë has been an atto long enough to know how to smooth ruffled feathers among his children. Finrod and the others aren't experienced enough and they were just making things worse in their attempts to placate Sador, who didn't want to be placated. Arafinwë was able to put things in perspective for Sador which has helped him to be more accepting of what is happening. And yes, having Rúmilion and his cousins with him will be a tremendous help.
Thanks for the review, Kitty.
Kitty
· 7 August 2010
· Chapter 141: After the Council
Well, it was only to be expected that Sador lost his temper; I'm only surprised he waited that long. At least it's better he takes it out on Oromë than on his friends, though the latter will probably be in for it anyway.
"Is that all I am to you is some pawn in a political game? Glorfi is bait and I’m your dupe? And Finrod. What is he, your favorite pet?" Ah yes, Manwë has talked the Valar out of that trial, but the feelings are still lingering, aren't they?
While Oromë seems to have comforted Sador a bit, he certainly made himself scarce after dropping another bombshell on poor Sador. Do you think Alassiel would mind me giving the poor ellon a comforting hug? ;)
Author's reply
I'm sure Alassiel would not mind at all, Kitty. *grin* The Valar are experts at making themselves scarce after dropping a bombshell or two. And yes, I think the feelings of manipulation still linger in one degree or another. Such feelings do not go away quickly and the Valar will have to tread carefully for a time, because every request or command from them will be second-guessed by the Elves rather than instantly obeyed until trust can be re-established.
Thanks for the review, Kitty. I appreciate it.
You managed very well to have them all plot for quite a while without mentioning who would be the lucky (or unlucky, depending on view) one to be saddled with the job. These elves are such a sneaky bunch.
So I was right, Sador was the poor victim of this conspiracy. No wonder they kept it from him until the last moment. I don't really know if to be annoyed about that or not – I know it was the only way to get him to accept the job, but at the same time I feel so sorry for him for the way this surprise was sprung at him. No wonder the poor ellon was so distraught; it wasn't entirely fair how they did it. Somehow I think he'll not be too pleased with his friends ... but at least he accepted. And the longer I think about it, the more I believe he will do a great job, despite his youth.
Author's reply
It was a challenge to write these chapters without giving away who would be Cáno and not make the prose sound unnatural with circumlocutions. More than one reader guessed it must be Sador, so you're in good company, Kitty. *grin* It was rather sneaky and unfair of the others to spring this him but I am glad you agree with Eärendil and the others that Sador will do a great job as Cáno.
Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Viresse
· 7 August 2010
· Chapter 145: A Releasing of Oaths
Ahhh, finally Glorfindel and Manwe will have "the talk". I know I get more than a little confused re the timeline in Aman vs Middle-earth, but it must be close to the time for him to go back. (Number of chapters already in this part is a dead giveaway I'd think as well ). I'm eager to see how Glorfindel, and everyone else for that matter, reacts to the Valar sending him back.
Author's reply
Yes, Viressë, Glorfindel and Manwë will have 'the talk'. *grin* The time is close for him to return to Middle-earth but not immediate, as you will see in the next chapter. And yes, things are wrapping up and there are only a few more chapters left. Thanks for sticking with this story and letting me know how much you are enjoying it. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 7 August 2010
· Chapter 145: A Releasing of Oaths
Time now, do you think, to accept his new commission? To go back--and forward--to serving Turgon's great-son as he once served Turgon himself? To bear the love of the Gil-estel to that one's son? To be there when a new Estel comes into the Last Homely House at last?
A lovely return of the children to their families, and a delight to see Sador come into his own.
Author's reply
Yes, it is time, Larner, as we will see, though that time is not yet upon us (or Glorfindel). I'm glad you liked the way the children were returned to their parents and am delighted with Sador. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Sunny
· 6 August 2010
· Chapter 145: A Releasing of Oaths
I wonder if in a year or three, the elflings' parents will not congratulate themselves at the wonderful opportunity they got when their children were fostered with Finrod for a year. ;-)
Glorfy's talk with Manwë should be interesting. I look forward to Monday!
Author's reply
I'm sure they will, Sunny, and some of them will most likely claim it was their idea! *LOL*
Glorfindel's talk with Manwë should indeed be interesting. At least, I thought so. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Serinde
· 6 August 2010
· Chapter 145: A Releasing of Oaths
I can imagine very amused Námo asking poor Sador: "So, my best beloved, did I heard correctly? So you think that you can count me as one of yours personal friends?"
Author's reply
*LOL* And I'm sure Sador will stand up to him and say, "You better be, my lord, or you'll make me out to be a liar and that won't do anything for my image as Cáno."