Stories of Arda - Lord of the Rings Fan-Fiction Archive


	About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux by Fiondil	9 Review(s)
hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 12/15/2014
You have a wonderful way of bringing the Valar down to "earth" instead of ethereal beings, high and remote. I also thought that you did a nice job describing the mansion. The crystals and stones was a nice touch, made even better by the notes about their special properties. I'm sure the Valar intended that they have those when they were designing the world. This meeting with the Valar went much better for Glorfindel, especially assuming that the last time he saw Manwë was during judgement? I can see how he would be so nervous, even though he knows that all debts have been paid. I think it helped that they didn't drag him into a throne room. After Ingwion was not allowed to accompany Glorfindel, I was surprised to see others besides Manwë at the meeting. The part with Ulmo using his beard made me laugh. I suppose tears are water so... That aside, I get the impression that Glorfindel really needed to say what he did. In fact, I would not be surprised that was why Ulmo was there in the first place. Sometimes I wonder if Námo enjoys being dark and mysterious. He does have a sense of humour though grins It's a good thing Varda is looking out for Glorfindel. I think all of the Valar find him quite amusing here. I'm not surprised that Glorfindel had a hidden motive for this meeting. After sacrificing so much, everything really, I think he probably feels entitled to know the fate of Turgon and his family. Being denied that knowledge would not only be maddening but also, on some levels, hurtful. I'm not saying that he is entitled, but I can see how he might feel that way. The Valar's methods are a little disturbing here. Because of who they are, they have a unique perspective on time, not being totally bound by it. In that sense, their actions are more than likely justified. Still, even they admit that they don't know what the end will look like. Glorfindel is in a tenuous place right now, both emotionally and psychologically. It would be an easy thing for him to take things other than how they were intended. In that sense, I really do worry for him. Hopefully his previous experience with Lord Námo will help to get him through, as there is no doubt that each of the Valar love the Balrog-Slayer. Now to see what the Valar learn from their examination. That is if they are divulging information ;) Thanks for another fun chapter, Fiondil! Author Reply: Hi Hawkeye. I'm glad you like how I portray the Valar and their mansions. Since Tolkien never gives us actual descriptions of either, I did the best I could with what little information he gave us. I'm sure Námo enjoys being dark and mysterious. As he says in another story, "I do everything on purpose". As for the Valar's methods, yes they can seem a bit disturbing, but we will see that there is a reason for what they are doing and why. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

Kaylee	Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 8/7/2008
"I said drink, not spit." snort Heh! And the Valar, know everything? Perish the thought! Of course they don't know everything, that's Atar's job! grin Hmm...I wonder what game they're playing...grin although I probably already know what it is, to a point. Brilliant as usual, meldonya!! ~Kaylee! Author Reply: It is a fallacy among us 'lesser' beings to think that those who are greater than us (spritually if not physically) must be definition "know more" that we do and that often gets translated into "knows everything" and of course that isn't so. Glad you liked this chapter. As for what game is being played... the game of Life, of course... Valar-style. LOL

Tari	Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 2/26/2008
I do love a good mystery, but this one is a bit scary. I can't imagine what the Valar have in mind, but I'm sure I'll find out soon enough. Tari Author Reply: Well, you won't have to wait for long to find out what the Valar are all talking about. grin

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 2/12/2008
Now, who is planning what, and where? And now we see that Elvish devious natures have nothing on those of the Valar! Heh! Author Reply: No, the Elves have nothing on the Valar with regards to being devious. They probably learned deviousness from them anyway. grin

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 2/24/2007
Splendid Valar - clearly they are very clothes-conscious! Varda seems to have gone the other way - and realised the effectiveness of simplicity contrasting with all that bling. And Glorfindel is better sticking to the juice - and keeping his wits! Especially after having been distressed to see Ulmo. His apology for something he had no possibility of controlling is very sweet - but he can have no blame for that and I'm glad Ulmo acknowledges it. Shame that the Valar won't give Glorfindel a smidgeon of information about Tuor, Idril and Earendil, though, even if they don't bring him up to date. Just to know that they escaped from Gondolin would help him and that there had been some purpose to his Balrog-battle. "B-but you’re... you’re Valar! You’re suppose to understand everything!" Elfling! That is just such a young response! And the Valar are playing a dangerous game - I hope they know what they're doing! Author Reply: Manwë has his reasons for not discussing Turgon or his family with Glorfindel at this point in time, not even a little, and that reason will be revealed later. And yes, Glorfindel is much the elfling in his responses to the Valar sometimes, but then aren't we all? LOL "And the Valar are playing a dangerous game - I hope they know what they're doing!" A dangerous game indeed, as most of Eldamar is about to find out....

Ellie	Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 2/22/2007
Love the clothes on the quite fashionable Valar. I think it is fascinating seeing the world from their point of view - it is so different from what I had expected and I'm glad that they don't' always see themselves as high and mighty. I'm very creeped out by the ending. Can't wait for the next chapters! Author Reply: Part of the reason for writing this story, besides giving Glorfy a hard time, was to show the Valar as being more than high and mighty and with an overdeveloped sense of themselves as the Powers. Yet, at the same time, showing that they are indeed the Authorities of Arda (hence the last scene after Glorfy leaves) and are not to be trifled with.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 2/22/2007
Impressive image of the house. I can see it before my eyes. How typical for Glorfindel to apologise to Ulmo! As if it was his fault that Turgon was so stupid and arrogant! "but I will not answer any questions concerning Turgon or his family.">/i> That's hardly fair, if you ask me, considering what Glorfindel went through to protect Turgons son and his family. I wonder why everyone seems to avoid the topic so careful. Why should Glorfindel not know that Tuor, Idril and Eärendil escaped and what happened then? It was a very emotional day for Glorfindel, and considering the end of the chapter, I fear it was only the beginning. Just what have the Valar planned? Or whoever it may be. I have to admit I'm rather suspicious now ... Can't wait for more! Author Reply: There are reasons why the Valar will not discuss Turgon and his family with Glorfindel, and they will eventually become clear before the story ends, so just be patient. As for what will happen next... ah, that would be telling now, wouldn't it? LOL Glad my description of Valmar and the mansions were clear enough to see. I tried to be very descriptive without getting bogged down with architectural details, figuring each reader can fill in the blanks as they please. I'm sure everyone has their own ideas of what a city of the Powers would look like.

MithLuin	Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 2/21/2007
I'm going to start to think that you update just for me :> You are a very thoughtful author! I suspected that something serious was up that they weren't talking about, but I have no idea what their plan is. It was good to see Ulmo, and until you detailed the mansions, I'd forgotten that Namo is married! Why don't we ever see his spouse? Your descriptions of their outfits is much fun (I am a novice costumer/sewer). I particularly liked the image of a 10-year-old Ingwion playing with one of Varda's stars, and I'm suspicious of Namo's wine ;). Author Reply: Well, as for what is up with the Valar... you'll have to wait and see, though, I promise it won't be too long of a wait. grin I did introduce Vairë in an earlier chapter when Námo took Amarië to Mandos (see Chapter 17, "An Elleth Scorned"). You are correct, though, most of the Valar are barely mentioned by anyone. One reason I knew Námo wasn't as forbidding as most people think he is is because he was married. Why would any self-respecting Valië marry such a doom-and-gloom Vala, unless he had something else going for him? LOL

Rhyselle	Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 2/21/2007
Ooooh! rubbing hands with glee Intrigue and mystery abounds! I feel so bad for Glorfindel right now... he's such a confused elfling! The descriptions of Valmar and the mansions, particularly Manwe's mansion were exquisite. I had a very clear mental image of the rooms you described, and of the appearance of Manwe, Varda and Namo. I read your story and when I finish the chapters it is almost a shock coming back into the mundane world of today! Well done! :) Author Reply: Glad you like the description of Valmar. I had quite a time figuring it out and wondering how it would look. I'm happy to see that I was successful.

Return to Chapter List