Elf, Interrupted: Book Two: Glorfindel's Quest by Fiondil
Serinde · 12 July 2010 · Chapter 138: Reflections
And we have here also a young prince who was ordered to be shuttled at the conference urgently. Yesterday I had a lot of fun by imagining Earendil asking Námo with a sly wink: "Do you have specific reasons why you want us to elect him, my Lord?"
Author's reply
Ah... well, we'll find out soon enough, Serindë. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Anonymous · 11 July 2010 · Chapter 138: Reflections
So Ingwë wants to banish the women from the training camps to protect the poor warriors. Someone his age should know that it would´t work as the women would find a way around the order. And setting up two separate camps is superfluos. And if the males wouldn´t rate the females if they get a chance. I think he is just a bit disgruntled that he and the other leaders didn´t come up with the idea. And why are they so shocked about the women being a bit frivolous? They are married for ages! As who becomes the first cano... I´m at a loss. Earendil would be a good choice if he weren´t already the leader of a little country of his own. As for anybody else: there are always as many arguments for as against them. But I´m wondering who the Valar have in mind.
Author's reply
Hi Hel. You're probably right about Ingwë being disgruntled for not having come up with the idea first. It's the male ego thing.*grin* We will learn soon enough whom the Valar have in mind as Cáno, as well as what solution is offered and by whom. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
UTfrog · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 138: Reflections
Yes, all the ellyn would be distressed to know how the women talk. Love the way you followed up and then took us back to the council. I never say "Thank you" enough. I really enjoy your stories.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I'm glad you liked this chapter. Ellie had written her story sometime before but had to wait until I'd found an appropriate spot where she could segué her story into mine. I didn't want to actually deal with the evening's gathering so I figured this would be a good place where we would at least get a glimpse of what went on during the evening between Council meetings. *grin* And you are most welcome. Thank you for taking the time to review and letting me know how much you enjoy my stories. I very much appreciate it.
Erulisse · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 138: Reflections
I was thinking about this while looking at a tree for a possible flet. While reviewing your cast of characters in this saga, it appears that there is only one possibility that meets the criteria as set forth in this chapter - Sador. The major question that I have with him, however, is maturity, but that also was addressed in this chapter. He is reborn, but a guild member - a crafts man. He is close to the kings and in their confidence and training, he is thoughtful and listens well to others. He would likely be accepted by most of the Tol Eresseans. I could be completely wrong, but this is the direction that my musings now drive me. Feel free to tell me how totally wrong I am :-) (And I'm looking forward to the next chapter - as always!) - Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulissë. Naturally, I can't say either yea or nay to your choice as that would spoil it for everyone. All I can say is we'll find out who it is within the next week. So just be patient and all will be revealed soon enough. *grin* Thanks for sharing your thoughts and observations. I appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 138: Reflections
Atar Fiondil! I know I've been bad at leaving reviews for chapters again :( (Did I tell you I've graduated now?? Now I just have to find a job...) I LOVED Arafinwe here and I adored Ellie's story, by the way *snicker* I just thought everything was perfect! Ruby trail...hah! I think someone's been corrupted by his sons! (And the ellith surely got a nice view when he went to pick up the rubies...*snicker*) Speaking of ellith and how important they are, I think a female Cano might do the job just as well. No one's put forward Alassiel yet, have they? *grin* After all, when the neri INSIST on fighting over who does what...never send a ner to do a nis' job...:p Tye-melin! Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Congratulations on graduating. Good job! and all the best of luck in finding employment. I'm glad you found Ellie's story amusing and that you liked Arafinwë here. Yeah, he's been around too many Reborn lately and it's showing.*grin* A female Cáno would be an interesting choice but perhaps not very practical right now. But you never know. Thanks for reviewing, Kaylee. I appreciate it very much. Tye-melin!
Sunny · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 138: Reflections
Erm, I mean, Eärendil was trying to second-guess who the Valar _wanted as Cáno_. If the Valar were doing something with one of Varda's black holes, I think those words just sort of slipped past the event horizon there...
Author's reply
I sort of figured out what was missing. And no, as far as I know, the Valar weren't messing about with any black holes this time. *grin*
Sunny · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 138: Reflections
It is a sure bet that if the training camps and fairs are set up as was suggested in Ellie’s little gem, the ellith will flock to them, to do a lot of windowshopping, and no doubt discuss in minute detail the goods that are on display. (I am NOT able to keep my mind out of the gutter here...) And no doubt the married ladies will be in the thick of it. Just because they are married, it doesn’t mean they are struck blind, and no doubt they will enjoy admiring the local ... scenery. ;-) Heh. I wonder if the classifications of Námo, Oromë and Tulkas will be amended after a certain incident at The Laughing Vala to include something about their behaviour when under the influence... ;-) Oooh, Ingwë – you are seriously contemplating banning ellith from the training camps? If so, I suggest that you also try to order the tide not to come in. You will be far more successful with that! Better keep your mouth shut and bow to the inevitable, or the ladies (or Elindis, at least) WILL make you regret it! Heh. Behind every successful man, you will find an astonished woman! XD Now, Eärendil was really interesting in this chapter, trying to second-guess who the Valar and evidently seeing if he could help their plans along. And if he figures out the “right” person and nominates him/her, his suggestion will probably carry a fair bit of weight, since he will probably be considered the only “real” outsider there, as well as having a good reason for _not_ being a candidate for the position himself, being the guardian of the Silmaril. The other Tol Eressëans – at least the leaders – will already be neck-deep in politics already, and will definitely be considered too partisan to be considered. And I think it unlikely that the Tol Eressëans will want one of the mainlanders in the position. Well, actually, I suspect that Brethorn just might be a possible candidate. As a Reborn, he will be less partisan than most, and the faction that he represents is one that is island-wide, probably has its representatives among all the trades, classes and other factions, and the council of Reborn is actually working on helping “their” people, and not concentrating on controlling trade, amassing power or displaying the status of its members. And if the Reborn find that they can help the once-born as well, they are the kind of people that would simply do that, and not turn their backs because the others are not Reborn.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, well, Ingwë is a bit naive here. *grin* I doubt he will be able to maintain his stance for very long, especially if it's suggested that the ellith should also train as warriors, since I doubt they'll be able to just sit back and watch when that particular war comes along. As for whom Eärendil might choose, that will be revealed sometime in the next week. Whether readers will agree with the choice or not remains to be seen. Thanks for reviewing. You know how much I really appreciate it.
Shemyaza · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 138: Reflections
Ha! Just wait until the girls set up a Women's Royal Army Corps camp of their own. I have a feeling everyone would be fighting in the final battle no matter whether their reproductive organs were on the inside or the outside! Training camps for Ellith and fair rating for all. Why should the ladies have all the fun? As for rating the males among us, well, that's been going on since 1900 and frozen to death! I defy any woman or man to watch another person go through some sort of physical training and not rate them. It comes as naturally as breathing. Interesting the thoughts of Namo on the matter of Feanaro and his inciting of the Noldor to leave. Manwe's grief and sense of betrayal would have been akin to that of a father for his children. However the Valar didn't always get it right and I maintain that if they had wanted to avoid that situation they shouldn't have allowed Finwe to remarry. Still it wouldn't have been such an interesting tale or would it? Judging by Feanor's nature, he was capricious, charimsatic and manipulative enough anyway. Even if his mother had remained to look after him, I still think he would have found it restrictive being under the sight of the Valar. I think he still would have rebelled at some stage.
Author's reply
Hi Shemyaza! You're probably quite right about the rating. *LOL* And I have no doubt that the ellith will indeed by fighting alongside their menfolk at the Last Battle, but it may take the Valar a little time to convince them of this necessity. As for the Valar and Fëanáro... there was much debate among the Valar about Finwë's request to marry Indis and some of the Valar were against it. Still, as you say, the story wouldn't have been half as interesting if he hadn't married Indis, nor would we have had such great Elves as Arafinwë and Finrod. I think you might be right that regardless of what happened, Fëanáro would eventually have rebelled. After all, whether Míriel was there or not, Melkor would still have been there to whisper his lies in Fëanáro's ears. Thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter.
Fantasia · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 138: Reflections
Who will be the Cano? that is the question.......Poor Ingwë, we Women can be frivolous some times, but the ideas are incredible good and there is not harm in watching warriors, sometimes men forget that women carry a vary heavy burden when war is happening, the life in rearguard is not an easy life...some merriment is harmless....I bet that if relationship between women is good, their kinfolk will follow. As usual love this chapter and Ellie’s ‘Drawing Comparisons’ was priceless....
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Yes, when it comes to war, the women have the burden of keeping the homefires burning, so a little levity is harmless and probably keeps them sane. We'll know soon enough who will become Cáno. It'll still be a couple of weeks but that's not too long a time to wait. I'm glad you liked this chapter as well as Ellie's story. It is indeed priceless. Thanks for reading and reviewing, I greatly appreciate it (and I know Ellie does, too).
ellie · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 138: Reflections
Ingwe's reaction to the ladies's comments was amusing, but he will have a tough time enacting it. teehee! Loved Arafinwe's solution to the ruby situation. Too funny! I really liked Arafinwe and Finrod being held up as examples of wise rulers (and humble ones too). They are great elves who were largely or completely ignored by everyone before the rebellion of the Noldor. Earendil still needs his own story by your hand. You write him way too well. Love your earendil in his shyness and his careful, clever, and highly observant reasoning.
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. Yes, Ingwë is a bit clueless, like all males, when it comes to such things, isn't he? *grin* Arafinwë and Finrod are indeed great exemplars of what good rulers should be like and it's a pity none of our rulers anywhere come even close. They were pretty much ignored and dismissed until the rebellion, so perhaps this is one of the good things that came out of that sorry mess, that both ellyn found their calling as leaders. Thanks for your praise about my writing of Eärendil. He's surprisingly easy to write. Perhaps someday I will be able to do him justice with his own story. He has depths to him that I barely have plumbed. Thanks for reviewing, Ellie. I know how busy you are with RL so I really appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Serinde · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 138: Reflections
It is getting interesting. I would pick Eärendil, but it is clear that he is not at all interested. His son Elrond would be a good choice too, but he is not here yet. We have Ingwion with his ‘apprenticeship’. He would be willing to take the job, but will the Tol Eressëans play? I am not sure. I like the Eärendils musing. He is probably spot on.
Author's reply
Hi Serinde. Yes, Eärendil would be many people's choice, but he's not interested in the job. Ingwion actually has a job as the Valar's emissary to the Tol Eressëans and so he would not want to be Cáno as well, nor would the Tol Eressëans want him to be both emissary and Cáno. I'm glad you like Eärendil's musings. We will see just how spot on he is in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
6336 · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 138: Reflections
I don't think Ingwee should worry about banning Ellith from the training camps, if he sets them up and I think he will if only on a temporary basis. The Ellith were only having a little fun, just because they are married and most, if not all the Ellith in question were, dosen't mean they are blind to a good looking Ellon, I should know, I've been married for 38 years and I still can admire a good looking man or woman come to that! The idea of markets and fairs is good too as some of the warriors are likely to bring their families with them for some if not all the time ther are training. Boromir, I think it was Boromir, was right, the Cano does not have to be a warrior just a good leader, his/her job is much more administretive than protective, just about any one with the skills needed would work. Erendile needs to get out more, spending all his time in Awellond or plying the skies is not good for him, he is getting too set in his ways! Wonder what has the Valar so busy, not another galaxy collision I hope. Waiting for Monday, Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Well, Lynda, perhaps Ingwë is feeling slighted because he did not join in the training and is probably wondering how his wife would 'rate' him if he had. *LOL* Anyway, I'm sure that the markets and fairs will spring up of their own accord and will be a focal point for cultural exchange while the ellyn are all beating up on one another. And it was Boromir who pointed out that the Cáno did not have to be a warrior, just a good leader. I'm sure with Glorfindel's encouragement, Eärendil and Elwing will become more fully involved with the rest of the elves of Eldamar in the future. It'll take a bit of time, but I'm sure he'll do it. As for what the Valar are up to... no, no galaxy collision, just a minor 'repair' in the fabric of the cosmos. Probably a rogue comet or something that would make life miserable for the people of Arda if it came too close to the planet. *grin* Thanks for reviewing, Lynda. I'm glad you are enjoying this story.
bookworm · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 138: Reflections
Aw, I love how Ingwe thinks he actually has any say in what the Queens set up XD Arafinwe wanting to pick up the ruby trail was also cute (he has most definitely been corrupted by his son, hasn't he?) ...I'm voting for Earendil
Author's reply
Hi Bookworm. Well, the male of the species (any species) is pretty clueless about such things. *LOL* I'm sure he'll be unpleasantly surprised to learn that, High King or not, Elindis will have her own way in this. And Arafinwë is merely leting his inner elfling out a bit more these days. *grin* We'll see soon enough who ends up becoming Cáno. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Larner · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 138: Reflections
Most interesting idea, to look at those who are younger and more flexible. No, the older, established leaders wouldn't be likely to accept such an idea, at least not at first. Love the praise given for Findrod's own rule, of course!
Author's reply
The younger elves would not be so set in their ways as the older ones would be and you have to admit that whoever ends up becoming Cáno would have to be flexible to be able to work with all the different interests groups among the Tol Eressëans with all their different agendas. I'm glad you loved the praise given to Finrod for his own rule. It's richly deserved, of course. *grin* Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it very much.
Tari · 6 July 2010 · Chapter 136: The Elder King’s Defense
Well done Finrod!! Everything was handled in a superb fashion and a just decision was made.
Author's reply
I'm glad you think so, Tari. Thank you for letting me know.
Larner · 6 July 2010 · Chapter 137: Trial’s Aftermath
A proper repercussion for his offense, and a most constructive and needed one. Now, to see that relationship grow. Love the predictions that Glorfindel has unconsciously taken Earendil as his lord!
Author's reply
Hopefully the relationship between Vorondil and his maternal grandparents will indeed grow and they will in fact become the family they were always meant to be. Glorfindel may not see it that way, but certainly the others do and their certainly is causing Glorfindel to have some doubts about his insistence that he hasn't taken Eärendil as his lord, at least not yet. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it.
Larner · 6 July 2010 · Chapter 136: The Elder King’s Defense
An excellently delivered defense, and a worthwhile strategy for Finrod to have taken. I'm proud of him!
Author's reply
I'm glad you agree, Larner, on both counts. I'm proud of Finrod also. Thanks for reviewing.
ellie · 5 July 2010 · Chapter 137: Trial’s Aftermath
"Oromë smiled knowingly. "Are you volunteering to join me and my People?" Olórin raised an eyebrow. "Actually, I was thinking of standing on the sidelines and cheering you on, as well as offering my unbiased critique of my brethren’s fighting skills." " ROTFL!!!!! I feel sorry for the Valar as they can't seem to do anything right at this point. If they make a show of helping they are intruding and if they do nothing they are guilty of failure to act and responsible for possible deaths. I do not envy them their position. I think Arafinwe has the right idea for making the offender have to intereact with his family and become a friend to the grandson. The best way to beat an "enemy" is to make him your friend. Ah yes...and the informal gathering...teehee teehee I have to wonder if the queen will ever be allowed to make arrangements for such a thing again after this *laughs evilly*
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. Yes, the Valar are presently between a rock and a hard place right now so they have to tread carefully. And Arafinwë is perhaps taking a page out of Finrod's book on creative punishments with Selmacas. Hopefully, it will work out to everyone's benefit, especially Vorondil's. And as for the informal gathering.... you should know. *LOL* Thanks for reviewing and I'm glad you found the interchange between Oromë and Olórin amusing. That Olórin is quite the character, isn't he? *grin*
Sunny · 5 July 2010 · Chapter 137: Trial’s Aftermath
Well, well, well. Finrod certaonly seems to be growing into his duties as a Fëanturinildo! I wonder if he is due for another promotion soon? ;-) I wonder if _this_ ”punishment” Arafinwë gave Selmacas here may be one of the most difficult tasks Arafinwë could ever set Selmacas and his wife. But the situation is one they have created themselves, so setting it to rights is their own responsibility anyway. It wouldn’t surprise me if Arafinwë decides that it should take precedence over any “unimportant” court functions, and decides to lighten that load so that Selmacas can concentrate on the _really_ important things (though I somehow cannot see Selmacas being overwhelmingly grateful for such a chance...) And if there is something in the family situation that turned Calalindalë into such a twisted b**ch, I suspect whatever-it-is will be discovered, since I expect both Arafinwë, Finrod and the Valar will be keeping a close eye on matters.
Author's reply
Ah, another promotion! Well, we'll have to see. *grin* And Arafinwë's punishment is probably the most difficult task he could possibly come up with, especially knowing Selmacas' animosity towards Aldundil. And you may be right that Arafinwë will decide to give Selmacas an indeterminate leave of absence from court duties to concentrate on 'family matters'. *grin* Anyway, thanks for reviewing, Sunny. I appreciate it.
6336 · 5 July 2010 · Chapter 137: Trial’s Aftermath
Finrod is one sneaky ellon, he was right though, the Valars interferance or lack of it needed to be explored, the Trial was the easiest way to do it! Well Glorfindel did leave in rather a hurry, so that could explain why he did not think to set up a watch, I am a little surprised that the warriors already there had not already done so, Aman or not, they are still out in Boony Land. I think Salamacas has his work cut out for him, just because you do not like your son in law is no reason to cut your self off from your daughter or grand son, perhaps things would have been differant if he had kept communication open between them, Calalindale might not have been so twisted and might not have bent her son so badly. At least Salmacas is trying. Now to find out who they pick as Cano and if he/she wants to be Cano? Hope you had a happy Fourth, Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Well, there probably is some sort of watch set up in Aewellond, but the implication is that the holiness of the Silmaril has kept any evil creatures at bay so the watch is more pro forma than anything. And yes, Glorfindel and the others did leave rater precipitously and were probably not thinking about such things. I'm sure that when they get back and hear from the warriors there that they will be glad that someone had the 'initiative' to set a watch anyway. Selmacas does indeed have his work cut out for him and he also has to convince his wife to join him in his endeavors. It will take time and trial and error but if it were easy it wouldn't be a punishment, would it? *grin* Looks as if Arafinwë is taking a page out of his son's book here. Perhaps if Selmacas and Tarwen had not cut off their relationship with Calalindalë and Vorondil things would have gone better but we'll never know. They all have to deal with what is rather than what could have been. I'll be wrapping up the Council pretty soon and we'll see what solution is offered as to who should be Cáno. Hopefully, the solution won't be a disappointment to you. My Fourth was productive and relaxing. I hope yours was equally fine. Thanks for reivewing. I appreciate it.
Tari · 2 July 2010 · Chapter 135: The Valar on Trial
Indeed, how could anyone pass judgment on the Vala and if they did what kind of sentence could they possibly enforce? This gets more interesting with each chapter.
Author's reply
That's certainly the million dollar question here, isn't Tari? *grin* Glad you are enjoying this. Thanks for letting me know.
Fantasia · 2 July 2010 · Chapter 136: The Elder King’s Defense
WOW!!!i'm speeschless...let me re-read this and digest all the information...I like Finrod, he is really a very good King.
Author's reply
Take all the time you need, Fantasia. I know there's a lot in this chapter and the implications of what Manwë reveals to the Elves is quite deep and needs reflection. I'm glad you like Finrod. He is indeed a very good king and always will be, whether he wears a crown or not. Thanks for reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
6336 · 2 July 2010 · Chapter 136: The Elder King’s Defense
I kind of thought that might be Manwe's reason for the blocking Glorfindel's memories of Earrendil, considering all the trouble they had getting him to stay in Mandos, when it is time for him to see Tancol, he will. The Valar are an inspiring lot aren't they, which in a way could be considered manipulation, look at what happened with the Elflings when one of them was inspired to clean Finrods desk? They do like to watch the Children play don't they, proper, admiring grand parents! Have a happy 4th of July, Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Well, we do know that that is the explanation Manwë gave Glorfindel in the beginning of this book (see chapter 14 "What the Elder King Revealed"). And technically speaking, the Valar had nothing to do with Lindorillë being 'inspired' to clean Finrod's desk. That was the doing of a Maia who was exceeding her mandate. You will recall the Valar took a very dim view of her actions. Thanks for reviewing, Lynda, and have a Happy Fourth, yourself!
Serinde · 2 July 2010 · Chapter 136: The Elder King’s Defense
Findrod is getting very devious, indeed. It seems he is picking quite a lot from Valars way of doing things.
Author's reply
You're probably right, Serinde. As they say, learn from the pros and that's just what Finrod is doing. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Parmalokwen · 1 July 2010 · Chapter 135: The Valar on Trial
I'm really glad that Manwë is not treating the trial like a big joke or a game. Hopefully the Valar will take the elves more seriously after this even if the verdict is "not guilty," because the trial sends a clear message of "we notice what you are doing and We Are Not Amused." I wonder what sort of reparations Glorfindel could claim for the potentially permanent damage done to his mind through ill-advised experimental procedures done without his consent? And Vondo-- the degree of Selmacas' guilt is unclear (he basically plead temporary insanity), but the Valar are clearly guilty of something more than the usual negligence when they let Vondo out of Lorien just to see what would happen. I am really done with trusting Irmo by now. When kids poke anthills with sticks, they usually aren't thinking about how they are destroying the ants' city. They just want to see the ants run around. But the fact remains that they have ruined a lot of hard work. Now the elves are turning out to be more like bees, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. Kids and beekeepers alike learn respect for bees. Morgoth is the kid who pulls wings off of flies, of course.
Author's reply
A rather interesting take on things, Parmalokwen. I have no idea if Glorfindel would even think he could recover damages from the Valar. I doubt anyone has thought it out quite that far. Ingwë did tell Glorfindel way back when the ellon first came to Vanyamar (in Book One), that when it came to the Elves the Valar were like twelve-year-olds poking at an anthill to see how the ants scurry and if you give them enough cause they'll poke even harder. But as you say, when the bees turns around and sting you, you learn to be more respectful towards them. We'll see soon enough what Manwë's defense entails and how the situation is resolved. Thanks for reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.