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Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux  by Fiondil 5 Review(s)
hawkeyeReviewed Chapter: 12 on 9/16/2014
Glorfindel's questions about oaths are really thought provoking. I rather think that he is going to come to a different conclusion than the one presented here (that the oaths died with his death). I'm thinking ahead to Elrond when I say this, but it's just speculation on my part ;)

I loved the interactions between Glorfindel and Sador, and I really hope that Sador stays in the picture. I'm getting really attached to him and it seems Glorfindel is too :) The image of Glorfindel as a potter made me laugh too, though I can actually see him doing something artistic. He's a warrior, yes, but there's more to him than that. Sador's asking though was sweet. It is a terrifying thing to stand on the brink of the unknown, and as social beings, I don't think we're necessarily meant to face them alone. All of this to say, I hope poor Sador doesn't end up alone with no family, and I don't think Glorfindel will let that happen if he can help it.

It's troubling, and I remember this from Finderato Diaries, that there were some issues with the treatment of the Reborn. Sador's reflection is even more troubling for me. The Sindar didn't do anything wrong, but they are looked down on by everyone, more so than the Noldor. I know Tolkien described the elves as "good people," but they have their faults too. I think Varda's suggestion has merit ;)

Glorfindel's need to forgive himself for dying was eye opening, and I loved that it was Sador who pointed out to him what he needed to know. He has so much to offer, and I'm glad he's finally starting to see that. Sador's observation that Glorfindel knows how to love fits well here too. He has, in a sense, shown the ultimate love and compassion when he gave his life for those special to him.

Thanks for writing, Fiondil. Your stories are amazing :)

Author Reply: The question of oaths and if they die with a person's death is one of the themes that will be explored in this story, as is the theme of the relationship between the various elven factions and their attitudes toward one another: those who never left Aman, those who left and have now returned, the Sindar and Nandor who have decided to Sail and the Reborn who have their own issues.

And not to worry. Sador is here to stay, I promise. He and Glorfindel are fast becoming gwedyr or brothers-of-the-heart and they'll be sticking together for some time.

Thanks for reviewing, Hawkeye, and for your kind praise. I'm glad you are enjoying this story. I appreciate you letting me know.

KayleeReviewed Chapter: 12 on 7/27/2008
I love Sador's interaction with Glorfi, I have to say, meldonya. They're wonderful friends. The image of Glorfi covered in clay had me laughing almost out loud (not quite, as I didn't want to wake my amille)

I'm glad that Glorfi and Sador will stay friends, no matter what. And some of those Once-born I think need a good kick in the head. Or elsewhere.

~Kaylee!!!

Author Reply: Sador is pretty cool. I liked him from the very beginning.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/12/2008
And he continues to learn and prepare for what comes next. His harping may give him acceptance and food and lodging, but his compassion will give him what he needs to truly face his renewed life.

Author Reply: Yes, harping is all well and good, but his compassion is what will truly define him and his life.

EdlynReviewed Chapter: 12 on 3/16/2007
Well, finals week is almost over and I have time to breathe and read and review again. So on to chapter 12. I figure if I can manage an average of two or three chapters a day I ought to be caught up on reviewing in about 18 days or so.

I have to assume that Ninniach is still in the Mardi Winiron given her age when she was killed. I hope that one day she and Sador will be reunited. Has it occurred to Sador that she is in Mandos?

I bet I know one reason why no one will tell Glorfindel specifics about Eärendil! They're afraid he'll stow away on Vingilot!

"Do loyalty and service and oaths die with the hröa? Are they not eternal, like the fëa? If these do not survive death, why should anything survive, even love?" Glorfindel definitely has some very good questions here. My initial answer would actually be "it depends." It depends on the intent and wording of the oath. And oath to the ending of the world would continue, an oath to the end of one's life would end with death. In my opinion, the love and attendant feelings of responsibility that you have for friends, family and others doesn't end with death. I can't provide proof that would satisfy a sceptic but I truly believe that is true.

When I read of Glorfindel trying the different arts and crafts it reminded me of trying all th different arts andsciences when I first joined the SCA. I tried carpentry (was really bad at it), calligraphy and illumination (was good at both and still do them), beer-making (something I enjoyed but didn't want to get further into), making period clothing andaccessories, learning the bardic arts, and so on.

It seems to me the thing that Glorfindel is best at is being a protector and a caregiver. Yes, he has political skills and warrior skills but I don't think he would have developed them without the ability and need to be a caregiver.

I would love to be able to sit under the stars with my friends, singing and playing music with each other. Unfortunately, the gorgeous 70 degree weather we had earlier in the week has vanished like smoke in the wind and it's in the 30s and wet. Not exactly conducive to the well being of musical instruments and voices.

I truly feel for Sador. He has no family to go to, is a race of elves looked down on by the elves who went to Aman, and isn't linked to a noble family. I can feel a hint of bitterness in his words but also a long held resignation that things were unlikely to change.

I do love your scenes of hte Valar talking together. Varda is just wonderful, not stuffy at all. Of course, she can be regal, commanding, and so on but she has a sense of humor, much affection for the Eruhini, and doesn't seem to suffer fools gladly. She's wonderfully three dimensional (as are the other Valar we have met so far).

Beekeeping is interesting. I wouldn't mind doing it but I have too many friends who are severely allergic to bee venom. I've done some jewlry making (mostly wire and beads), and my twin (inspried by you) has dragged me into doing ribbon embroidery (I do like it. I just never had thought of doing it as I usually do counted cross-stitch or crewelwork). Gee, if I add in the years I did foil and epee with the Scott AFB Fencing Team, I have more in common with Glorfindel than I thought.

Ah, Sador is so wise, isn't he? But he did the exact same thing! And actually, he is even more impressive because he wasn't trained as a warrior when he ran towards death to protect those he loved.

Now is the rest of Aman ready for Glorfindel?

An excellent chapter, mellon-nin. I hope that you have a good weekend!

Edlyn

Author Reply: >>I have to assume that Ninniach is still in the Mardi Winiron given her age when she was killed.

That's an awful big assumption. Nowhere have I stated what Ninniach's ultimate fate was. Sador doesn't know and the Valar, especially Námo, aren't telling. Even I don't know for sure if she and her parents survived the attack and if they did what happened to them afterwards. Some things are just not in our purview to know, not even the author's. *grin*

I'm glad you like *my* Valar. I've tried very hard to make them as three-dimensional as possible with their own little quirks (don't we all have them?) and foibles. They are, after all, created beings like the rest of us and while they can go into full Valar-mode when the occasion calls for it, why would they act that way towards each other?

Yes, Sador is much wiser about some things than Glorfindel. Glorfindel's identity is so wrapped up in being a warrior and protector that he can't see beyond that, can't see that there are other ways of being a protector without necessarily having a sword in one's hand. Sador's perspective is much more realistic and should be of help to Glorfindel as their friendship grows.

hanciReviewed Chapter: 12 on 12/11/2006
Glorfindel has good questions, lets see how long it takes him to go to Manwë after he's released.
Once-born is a nice term.
I recognised ribbon embroidery, the bee-keeping I will have to check out. :o) It's nice to see these little things from other stories, not only canon.

Chinese? That must be terrible. I guess elvish is nothing after that.

Author Reply: Oh Chinese isn't to bad, and I'm finding some similiarities between it and the Elvish language, like inclusive and exclusive "we", which you find in Quenya. Anway, please check out my other story where Glorfindel is also greatly featured.

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