Reviews (1,565)

Agape4Gondor · 8 February 2009 · Chapter 43: Gardener of Souls

The first part of this chapter was absolutely fraught with emotion – on MY part! I could empathize totally with Glorfindel. Ranting and raving in the arms of one who loves you is about the only way to do it. Manwë is gorgeous here…. Definitely! That Manwë should be the one who came to comfort Glorfindel seems appropriate to me. Not many of the Secondborn had ever personally and bodily spoke with Ilúvatar. There is meaning in that and I’m sure that fact has not escaped Manwë. "Would you like to help?" I really laughed at this – for a moment, I thought the Maia was asking Glorfindel if he’d like to help Vorondil attack people! : ) “The ellon stopped, cringing at the sound of the hated Quenya version of his name…” OH MY! “A gardener of souls…” – a beautiful thought. One little quibble – In researching my own writings, I have searched all of Tolkien’s books and found no mention of the word ‘soul’ – he does, however, use spirit, seemingly in its place. “You were ‘dead-heading’ a part of her that needed to be removed…” – THIS made me extremely uncomfortable, because it makes so much sense… too close to home, dear Fiondil…. As I’ve said before, my T-shirt reads: Everything I ever needed to know, I learned from Elf Interrupted! “In Ilúvatar’s eyes we are all equal.” I absolutely adored the dream of the garden – very well written. You never fail to surprise me!!!! However - - It brought to mind the image of Glorfindel dying as he slew the Balrog. It is Glorfindel’s own blood that waters the garden. A sad and chilling thought…. I will tell you this, Fiondil, you always make me think and feel and sometimes that is MOST uncomfortable. I sometimes feel like Glorfindel – slowly being nurtured into greater growth. Thank you! From the bottom of my heart!

Elflingimp · 8 February 2009 · Chapter 43: Gardener of Souls

Just wanted you to know how much I liked this chapter, you really know how to write a story, can't wait to see what happens next. Hugs The Imp P.S. You made me hungry for pancakes! LOL!

Sitara · 8 February 2009 · Chapter 43: Gardener of Souls

Gardener of souls...I like this, I like it very much. I believe Glorfindel has never thought until now that all that he was striving for, as a warrior and protector for his king and people, could be summed up like this. Niondil seems to be another precious Maia. The Children surely are in need of such Maiar. "sigh" And maybe Ingwe and Olwe know more than Glorfindel thinks concerning their guardian Maiars, if I'm remembering correctly one of your vignettes. As did know Finwe and Elwe too. And to think how clumsy was Glorfindel with gardening...only to find out that there is more than one kind of gardening and a gardener sometimes has to cut off a withered branch in order to save the rest of the plant. Or to let the hroa to die in order to save the fea. Of course, Glorfindel didn't have need to go that far with Lisselinde. "smile" But..."raising in a challenge an eyebrow at the Elder King" Indeed, if Glorfindel was capable to get the upper hand confronting three Maiar warriors, he certainly will deserve a Maia's respect, even if that Maia's name is Lisselinde. Even she would undestand that her arrogance is truly out of the place. Especially after her "chat" with Lord Namo. And after such a start, her future interactions with Glorfindel could bring forth other feelings as well. Understanding, acceptance, even affection, maybe? Time would tell. But that makes me to think that Manwe's warriors need more training...after all they have at least one battle more to fight. "laughing" Don't mind me, please. Well, this time I barely kept myself from applauding Glorfindel. To try giving a black eye to a Vala! I understand Glorfindel's anger, although I believe he's taking it out on the wrong persons. Neither Tiutalion nor Manwe had deserved this but I suppose they knew that's in their job descriptions. "smile" As for Manwe...he has disarmed me just with one act, you know. His job is the most difficult from all the jobs of Arda. The dream was also a beautiful way to project both the present and the future for our hero. I loved the idea, Fiondil. The entire story is more than lovely, dear writer, and while half of my heart enjoys it, the other half is weeping. Weeping and hoping. I suppose we would learn in the near future something about our other heroes. As interesting as Glorfindel is, I already miss them.

6336 · 8 February 2009 · Chapter 43: Gardener of Souls

I take it Glorfindel is having a kitten fit because Manwe only sent 3 Warrior Maia to protect him from Lissalinde! I think he enjoyed the work out along with the Maia! I liked how gentle and caring the rest of the chapter was and the image of Glorfindel as a gardener of prople! No reason they should not have pancakes and maple syrup in Aman, just so long as they don't have a Micky D's or an I.H.O.P.! More please, Lynda

Thalanee · 8 February 2009 · Chapter 43: Gardener of Souls

I loved that chapter. I wonder why Glorfindel was offended that Manwe sent three warrior Maia to look after him: after all he didn´t mean to imply that Glorfindel wasn´t capable of protecting himself. It only shows that the Valar love him and therefore want to protect him. Niondil´s conversation with Glorfindel was wonderful (though I kept misreading his name... I wonder why ;-) ) +"Now there you are wrong," Niondil interrupted. "We may have greater powers and have existed for longer than you but other than that we are created beings, no less than you, and we make mistakes just as you do. Each order of being has its own gifts and abilities which Ilúvatar meant to be shared with his other Children for the benefit of all. In Ilúvatar’s eyes we are all equal. In Ilúvatar’s eyes the lowest soul in all of Arda is of no less worth or importance than the Elder King himself and the converse is equally true.+ That is incredibly touching... somehow I had tears in my eyes when I read this. As always, I´m already looking forward to the naxt chapter! Greetings, Thalanee

Kitty · 8 February 2009 · Chapter 43: Gardener of Souls

That didn’t look too well in the beginning, with Glorfindel so furious. I’d not expected him to be offended that the warrior Maiar were sent to protect him. Oh well, warriors and their honour ... I rather admired Tiutalion for keeping so friendly and good-natured during all that. At the moment it is really difficult to keep up with Glorfindel and his fast changing moods. Though the chapter gives me the feeling he was able to spend a lot of his piled up anger now. Niondil (I keep misreading that name – wonder why? ;-)) did a great job with Glorfindel, I believe. The thought of the warrior as a gardener of souls is fascinating, and I think, appropriate. Particularly with someone who sacrificed himself for others without thought like Glorfindel did in Gondolin. And Niondil managed to keep Glorfindel busy and comparatively happy during the day. Well done! He needs something like that – doing something useful, keeping his hands busy while still being able to think about this or that. Glorfindel’s dream was lovely – I wonder if Lord Irmo had something to do with it? At the moment it seems he’s finally beginning to come to terms with what happened lately, though with Glorfindel, I’d not take anything for granted ... Now I look forward to his next encounter with Lisselindë. I wonder what state she will be in after her little chat with Námo ...

Sunny · 8 February 2009 · Chapter 43: Gardener of Souls

Glorfindel in a temper must be an impressive sight – one preferably viewed from a safe distance. I suppose Lisselindë should have been more concerned, but it seems rage drove away any other thought. Glorfindel is known as Balrog-slayer for a reason… though I suspect she might have preferred a pissed-off Glorfindel to one of Námo’s famous little talks. Wonder if Eönwë is binding a volume right now just for Glorfindel? He (Glorfy, that is) certainly seems bent on keeping Eönwë hard at work with his writing. So Manwë himself showed up to deal with Glorfindel’s bout of temper. I think that was a commendable bit of caution. The Valar are after all concerned about his mental state, and while Tiutalion might have been able to handle him on his own, I suppose the Valar felt it was better to be safe than sorry. And Glorfindel has this uncomfortable habit of surprising them. And an additional “surprise” – with the attendant mental stress, added to all the recent traumatic events Glorfindel has suffered … yep, opting for caution definitely makes sense. And when the adrenaline ran out, Glorfindel was out like a light. Yet something - either in his confrontation with Lisselindë or in his fight with Manveru, Fionwë and Erunáro – seems to have stirred up unpleasant memories from his previous life. Wonder what will come of that? No pranks in this chapter either – but then Glorfindel is hardly in the right mood for that right now. Though Glorfindel’s day was spent happily enough, “playing in the dirt”. Glorfindel’s interaction with Niondil was lovely. The idea of the warrior-protector as gardener is definitely original, and very well thought out. And I absolutely loved the dream sequence! Particularly the bare bit of earth that represented the future. That connected the dream very strongly with what he had been doing the last day, and must have made the dream very immediately real for Glorfindel. Irmo must have gotten a very thorough report on Glorfindel’s day with Niondil, and must also have spent a fair amount of time and effort crafting that dream. I suspect that Glorfindel is going to wake up in a much happier mood. (Dare I hope that that mood will last?)

rick · 3 February 2009 · Chapter 42: The First Lesson

yes! keep going... Nothing like a good spat to get things out from under the rug. In case you can't figure it out, I really liked this chapter (& the last one too)- can't wait for the next development.

Thalanee · 3 February 2009 · Chapter 42: The First Lesson

It seems that Lisselinde has some serious issues: granted as a Maya she is incredibly old and she did sing before Atar´s throne, but the Ainur are Eruhini just as the Quendi and the Edain, so being a Maya doesn´t make her superior. Glorfindel has some hard work cut out for him... I wonder why people always think that serving someone is something demeaning, something to be avoided... Glorfindel´s lesson was certainly impressive! The Mayar took it serious, I guess, even though they called it playing, but I think if they had really tried Glorfindel wouldn´t have won. Lisselinde is obviously not the only one with issues... Glorfindel is still angry at the Valar... Melkor´s lies still at work? Are we going to listen in on Namo´s words of wisdom?

Hel · 2 February 2009 · Chapter 42: The First Lesson

I get the impression that the warrior-maiar think of any fight in which they didn´t actually try to kill someone or someone tries to kill them as "play". Glorfindel shurely sees the situation different. I´m not even shure he wouldn´t hurt one of them if the maia reacts to late. But unlike the Balrog they can drop their form and leave. Why is Lisselindë starting to glow red? It´s not that she starts to glow when she is angry but I´m wondering about the colour. I´m tempted to retort at her ranting about beeing older than Ea and having sung before the throne of Iluvatar that other Maia and Valar have done that also and it didn´t keep them from fucking things up. And that didn´t even take her own actions into account. Her good intetions of learning about the Eldar didn´t seem to last long. And she has a way to high opinion about herself and Maia in general that she throws a temper tantrum at the mere suggestion of beeing a thrall to someone she thinks of at a child and therefore inferior to herself. The next two weeks will shurely be interesting with Glorfindel teaching the Maiar about the Eldar. I wonder if Nienna´s house still stands afterwards. Wow, that was a really long review. And I just wanted to say that this is a great chapter and I can´t wait for the next.

Sitara · 2 February 2009 · Chapter 42: The First Lesson

I must confess that, beyond my childish urge to congratulate Glorfindel for his words, I felt like I was witnessing how the most frightening legacy left to Aman by Melkor before fleeing for Middle-earth strikes again: twisted perception regarding the very nature of the Ainur, and ultimately the very nature of Iluvatar. Whatever reasons may Glorfindel have for his anger (and he does, I'm not denying it), it only seems to me that this is, more or less, the real issue. With all of them, not only with Glorfindel, of course. As for the "mystery of serving", I completely agree with you and your beta. But I understand Lisselinde too. After all, no one ever said that it's going to be an easy road to travel, to serve, and nowadays it's called The Cross, a very fitting name, I think. The Valar know that, you say. Yes, I have the best of reasons to agree once again with you. Sorry for ranting and I hope I didn't caused you a headache with my comments.

Tari · 2 February 2009 · Chapter 42: The First Lesson

Whew! What an extraordinary chapter. The Maia thought they were having fun with Glorfindel, did they. They seem to have forgotten one thing; he is the Balrog slayer. It seems Lisselindë is not the only Maia who needs to learn a thing or two about the Elda. They may think they were just playing with Glorfindel, but I think he can hold his own with any of then. Of course Glorfindel has a lot to learn too. I wonder what the Valar are thinking about all this. "grins"

Larner · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 42: The First Lesson

Lisselinde does have a good deal to learn about the incarnates, but it appears Glorfindel has his share to learn about the Maiar as well. And it sounds as if the warrior Maiar had a good time even if Lisselinde didn't. Time for both her and Glorfindel to rid themselves of a good deal of resentment.

Agape4Gondor · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 42: The First Lesson

Well, I've read it again and am still impressed by that battle and what led up to it. I must, however, quibble with the idea that the Maiar were not 'trying' too hard - Glorfindel, if you recall, killed a Balrog - and a Balrog is a Maia.... That Balrog was not playing and had every intention of killing Glorfindel (which, of course, he did) - so I do not believe the Maiar were not totally challenged by Glorfindel and had to give as well as they got... it probably would take at least three to 'best' our beloved golden-haired Elf.... : ) IMHO.

Agape4Gondor · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 42: The First Lesson

I wept as I finished reading this............. I'm not even sure why. This was a spectacular chapter... absolutely your best, IMHO.... I can't find any words to say anything more - I'm blinking tears away - I think it is the beauty of the words and the fury of Glorfindel's actions - just took my breath away. And the beauty of Glorfindel's righteous anger - if that makes any sense. Phew - I've got to go back and read it again for there was way too much to take in at one go.................... *sits back and sighs heavily before she hits 'post'*

Independence1776 · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 42: The First Lesson

"Schedule? What schedule? Do you see a schedule lying about? Where do you think we are, in the High King’s court?" *innocent look* Why, yes, of course! "Just don’t make it too long. I’m only one Maia, you know." Oh, only one *Maia*. "'What about some of the warrior Maiar?' Lisselindë suggested." Very good suggestion. Maybe she's learning something already, though it's more likely brought about by her battle experiances. "'Me, a thrall?' the Maia responded, shocked to the core of her being at the thought of being anyone’s thrall, especially one of the Children. It was too ludicrous and she felt insulted that this... this ellon would even suggest it." Uh-oh. She definitely has problems relating to the Incarnates. They aren't better, just different. Furthermore, if an Incarnate was good enough for one of the Maiar to _marry_, she truly needs some lessoning. "'I’ve changed my mind,' he said, speaking in a dangerously low voice. 'I’m going to stay for the two weeks and show you what we Eldar are all about. Here’s your first lesson.'" Uh-oh. Both good and bad. Lisselindë has no idea what she has done now. "Glorfindel laughed at the surprised looks he got from Fionwë and Erunáro. Manveru merely grinned, and he was the first to engage the ellon while the other two Maiar stood to the side and watched." *laughs as well* Finally Glorfindel wil get a chance to exhert his skills. "Glorfindel held the point of his sword at Manveru’s throat, both of them dripping with seawater. For the longest time the only sound on the beach was the shu-shursh of the surf breaking on the shore and Glorfindel’s breathing." *grins* He beat one Maia. But that armor is going to be a pain to clean. "'We fought against your fallen brethren," he said, moving slowly towards her, 'against balrogs and werewolves, against Morgoth himself and Sauron. We fought and died while you all sat behind your precious mountains wringing your hands and bewailing the loss of the Trees and did nothing!' By now he was almost screaming. 'So, yes, you could do much worse than to be a thrall to Finrod for a year or three, child!'" Exactly what she needed to hear, though it's also telling that there's still a large amount of resentment towards the Valar on Glorfindel's part. "Nyéreser, Nasarindil, Lord Námo is expecting Lisselindë. He apparently has a few words of wisdom he wishes to impart to our sister." I would not want to be in her shoes now. "'But we were,' rejoined Erunáro with a laugh, which was echoed by the other two warriors as they faded from view." I figured they were giving Glorfindel just enough of a workout to challenge him, for I doubt that he could win against a Maia who wasn't holding back. But he truly needed that challege. One grammar quibble: "the three warrior Maiar who only just brought there own swords out in time" the there should be their. Quite an interesting first lesson!

Nieriel Raina · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 42: The First Lesson

A very exciting chapter! Glorfindel does have a way of making a point, doesn't he?

Sitara · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 42: The First Lesson

Well, for all my years and claims to be a very serious person, "wide grin", I suddenly felt an urge to sit up and clap my hands at Glorfindel' speech. Although I do know that was not necessarily all the truth and the appearancies could be veeery deceiving. As they are in this particular case and most likely Glorfindel would be the first to admit it, after he will calm down, that's it. "sigh" Glorfindel's anger got again the better of him, in my opinion, and the lesson received by the Maia could be only about how blind can be an angry Elda. As the Maiar didn't know that. "scowl" True enough, a Maia's purpose in life is to serve, their masters and the Children, and perhaps this was the lesson for Lisselinde, but Glorfindel's tantrum is not going to help her to understand it. At least, in my opinion. As I understand it, the Maiar simply humoured Glorfindel, adjusting their fighting skills to his', for I refuse to believe that the Maiar fought against our elfling with all their might. Especially Fionwe, who, if I'm not mistaken, would play a certain part during Dagor Dagorath. Yes, I AM obssessed, sorry. "smiling guiltly" But, again, they displayed a moving care and patience towards Glorfindel, helping him to finally find himself. I would never tire to say things like these. As for Lisselinde's reaction to Glorfindel proposal...it's not peculiar, in my opinion. After all, the Maiar existed ages long before the Children's awakening and I do understand that serving creatures with less abilities than yours can be sometimes hard to do. And now she's in for an interesting "conversation" with Lord Namo. Poor thing. Well, perhaps this little chat would enlighten me too. Thanks for an adrenalin-filled chapter, Fiondil.

Sunny · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 42: The First Lesson

Uh-oh. _Someone_ seems to have quite a superiority complex towards the Elves. Glorfindel’s suggestion that she be made Finrod’s thrall for a while is not meant to be an insult after all. Glorfindel’s reaction to Lisselindë’s tantrum is certainly something that springs from his own nature as a warrior. That fight must have been – in its own way – as exciting to watch as his fight against Finrod in the tourney. The difference is, he has _three_ opponents this time, and they are _Maiar_. And he won. And I don’t think it was because they _let_ him win either. So much for him being a “mere” mirroanwi. Lisselindë is about neck deep in s**t now and sinking fast. And she know it. Her summons to Námo in order for him to impart a “few words of wisdom” only underscores that. So Manveru, Erunáro and Fiowë were having fun, were they? While Glorfindel enjoys “playing” most of the time, I don’t think “fun” was on his mind today. While may he have _started out_ in a sunny mood practicing his archery, his mood _after_ his session with the three warrior Maiar was certainly quite stormy. And it all started out with an offer from Glorfindel to share in his fun …

6336 · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 42: The First Lesson

Ah ha! I think, finally Glorfindel is getting some where! He has released some of the anger he feels at the manipulation of the Valar! Way to go Glofi! As for Lissalinde, I think part of her problem is her arrogance and superior attitude, I'm a Maia and I know what is best for you, child! I hope her little talk with Namo is beneficial! Well Manwe's Maia enjoyed the fight if nothing else! Now it is up to Tiutalion to pick up the peices! More please, Lynda

ellie · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 42: The First Lesson

This was weird. Twice in one week I heard this expression which I had never heard previously: "From your lips to Atar’s (God's) ears." So where did you first hear this expression? I liked the workout. It was obvious that Glorfindel was going at it full force, but the fact that the warrior maiar were only playing...Yikes! Loved this line: "Just don’t make it too long. I’m only one Maia, you know." hahaha yeah, right. only ONE MAIA. ahahahha great chapter!

Kitty · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 42: The First Lesson

Admittedly I had no clear idea what these lessons might be like, but I most definitely had not expected one to be like that! In some ways Glorfindel is right - Lisselindë could learn a lot simply by following Finrod around, not only about Finrod himself, but about the elves in general. It doesn't need to be as a thrall, after all; something Lisselindë is not appreciating very much, as it seems *grin* Ha, that must have been a sight to behold, Glorfindel taking on three warrior Maiar all at once and fighting dirty, so to speak! Of course, it's true there are not many other swordfighters in Valinor to really challenge him. And even if the three Maiar might not have been fighting in earnest, I think he did very well. It's so true what he said to Lisselindë afterwards about the Firstborn having to fight Morgoth and his minions for so long, so that's no reason for her to feel superior because she has fought Morgoth earlier on, too. Now I wonder what Námo wants to talk about with Lisselindë and how Glorfindel is doing ...

utfrog · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 42: The First Lesson

WOW I am trying to think of an inspired review, but I am still breathless from the impact of this chapter.

Larner · 27 January 2009 · Chapter 41: The Maiar Strike Back

Shall we say, "Beware of Valar bearing gifts and Maiar with thoughts of mischief"? Heh! What have they gotten themselves into, I wonder?

Independence1776 · 26 January 2009 · Chapter 41: The Maiar Strike Back

"'I think Lady Nienna would like you to,' the Maia said, choosing his words carefully. 'A week is hardly enough time in which to relax and I don’t think you’ve had as much time to think about things as you would like, have you?'" Nothing but the truth there! Very smart Maia. "'Perhaps not,' he admitted somewhat reluctantly. 'But to tell you the truth, I find thinking to be hard work. I’d rather be doing something instead.'" Yup, that's Glorfindel. But also he's trying to run and not think about what he's been through. "He grimaced at that, feeling somewhat insulted by the image the phrase evoked in him." Not terribly fond of the phrase either, but it fits. "For the moment, though, Nyéreser was concentrating on helping his fellow Maiar with Glorfindel who, truth to tell, intrigued the Maia very much." Are there *any* Maiar he doesn't intrigue? Smart of Pallando. (And won't he be one of the Blue Wizards?) "I... watched Glorfindel while he was in Lórien. Above all, he needs to feel needed. If... if he thinks that someone here needs him, perhaps...." Lisselindë is learning already- everyone needs to feel needed. "'I am glad that you are able to see your need, child,' she said to Lisselindë, 'and to see Glorfindel’s need as well. I think it just might work.'" I hope it does, for both their sakes! "Let our impossible ellon see that he has nothing on impossible Maiar." *laughs* After all, the Maiar have had far longer to practise. "I’m a Reborn, despised by half the population of Aman and apparently the bane of the Valar’s existence. Everything I knew and loved has been destroyed and I’m left picking up the pieces, but you don’t see me hiding in a corner, do you?" No, you aren't hiding, but aren't quite facing everything either. That whole conversation was heartrending. I think both of them were being far more honest than they had planned to be. But I am curious as to what Glorfindel's prank was that turned out so bad he spent a month in prison for it. "I did not mean to compare you to Morgoth. That was unforgivable of me." Not unforgivable, just difficult. "We never saw the Rebellion coming." *winces too* Much stems from that lack of foresight... "Then Lisselindë, feeling the time was right, set the trap. She reached out a tentative hand and placed it on Glorfindel’s arm to get his attention. 'Wo-would you teach me, lord?' she asked in all humility." Well, even with all the emotions running rampant, she didn't forget the plan. Two weeks certainly isn't long, especially for the Eldar. But will it be long enough? I wouldn't feel much like eating after that, either. "'Glorfindel will be good for Lisselindë,' Námo stated with a straight face. 'Just think of all the mischief the two of them can get themselves into, especially with Tiutalion there to goad them on.'" *eyes widen* If they thought Aldundil and Vorondil were bad, they ain't seen nothing yet. I have the feeling Atar will enjoy the hijinks as much as the Ainur.