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| Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux by Fiondil | 15 Review(s) |
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| hawkeye | Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 1/3/2015 |
| Another amazing chapter. Whenever I read about Glorfindel's discoveries, I smile. He feels, in some ways, very young here, but I think that is more my perception than anything else. In some ways, society almost conditions us to lose the joy and wonder in the world around us. It sees that as childish. But really, I think the people who preserve that wonder and joy have the right of it. I hope he never grows up in this respect. There were many surprises in this chapter. The revelation that, when summoned by the Elder King, Glorfindel also needs his leave to depart disturbed me as well. It's no different, I suppose, than being summoned by any other great king, but it still felt odd. For Glorfindel, this is where things start to go wrong. His mood changes drastically from here on, and he seems to retreat into himself and to even become more cunning. It's also telling that the others don't pick up on things sooner, something which might not have happened had Finrod been around. Regardless, not taking Ingwion was unwise in Glorfindel's part and, I think, on Ingwion's. Interesting that Glorfindel was "permitted" to go to the Ring of Doom. With all the uncloaked Maiar intervention lately, especially at the meeting with Lord Ulmo and the warning against visiting there by Lord Námo's Maia, it's surprising he was not redirected. The Valar are obviously playing things close for now, but it will be interesting to see how Glorfindel takes all of this. He is, after all, still quite "young" and his ability to process all these things might be a problem. It will also be interesting to see how this plays out from the Valar's end. Manwë came down quite hard on Námo for not getting Glorfindel and Alassiel's permission for his earlier intervention. Here again, the elves have not been consulted, but I feel like there are bigger issues at stake. Ultimately the Valar have everyone's best interest in mind. "Ingwion was forced to acquiesce, not willing or perhaps unable to articulate his concerns in such a way as to make any sense to the others." I can really sympathise with Ingwion here, despite the fact that I disagree with him. As haryon of the Ingaran, as Arafinwë's elder, he could have made things happen. Then again, hindsight is always 20/20. On a side note, there is something about Ingwion that just feels... "young" I guess. Perhaps some of this comes in on your previous writings (which I can't wait to read). Granted, we still haven't seen much of him, but something about him feels lacking given his position. Perhaps I'm overreacting here :) Regardless, Ingwion certainly has plenty of pluck. I'm not sure many people would have had the nerve to march in on Lord Manwë like that. For Ingwion though, I think it's an attempt to regain himself after failing. He probably wishes he hadn't let Glorfindel out of his sight. I cheered when I saw Lord Oromë (even if it was under stressful circumstances). You have such a wonderful way of writing all of the Valar. The fact that Glorfindel is the bait at least gives me hope that the Valar know where he is. Despite Manwë's enigmatic response, I don't think Glorfindel will end up dead. I have a feeling Námo would be extremely displeased with that arrangement, not to mention Finrod ;) Author Reply: Hi Hawkeye. Ingwion was reminding Glorfindel that there are protocols that must be observed, so when Manwë summoned him, he was not immediately free to just leave but needed Manwë's permission to do so, just as he would have needed Ingwë's or Arafinwë's permission to leave their presence after they had summoned him. There is really nothing odd about that, but certainly what followed here was, shall we say, planned by others. Glorfindel needed to remain in Valmar for reasons other than his own as we will see. Ingwion has his own issues that stem from the time of the Darkening and if you ever get around to reading "In Darkness Bound" you might begin to understand where he's coming from. He's not really "young" but he certainly is insecure, at least in this instance. At the end of the chapter, he's anything but, and certainly he blames himself for Glorfindel being missing, though he does not realize that higher powers, literally, are at work here. And of course Glorfindel does not end up dead, since we all know he eventually goes back to Middle-earth, but that doesn't mean he won't get hurt along the way. ;) Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much. | |
| Amony | Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 8/7/2014 |
| I'm sorry but i cannot understand why did Glorfindel linger in front of Lord Namo's mansion and throne, and his earlier joke about " You must be a lot of fun at parties" Author Reply: Hello Amony. Well, in answer to your first question, keep in mind that Glorfindel has (relatively speaking) only just been released from Mandos. I suspect that at the sight of Námo's mansion he was remembering more clearly his time in Mandos and perhaps was feeling a bit of homesickness for it, the way we sometimes yearn to return to the womb where all was warm and safe and worry-free. As for your second question, Glorfindel is obviously being sarcastic here, responding to Námo's explanation as to why he forces people to walk the labyrinth in order to enter his mansion. His quip is meant to convey just the opposite of his words: that Námo isn't a lot of fun at parties. Manwë, however, choses to take his words at face value, assuring Glorfindel that, if anything, Námo is the life of the party. The humor is subtle, I grant you, but that is essentially what is going on here. Hope this helps clears things up for you. | |
| Kaylee | Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 8/10/2008 |
| "Ingwion, Ingwion, what are you doing?" Elessairon turned his head to see two other Valar standing nearby staring down at the supine prince. One was Tulkas, his golden hair shining even in the gloom, for the storm still raged above them, an echo of the storm occurring below the crystal ceiling. The other was Oromë. It was he who had spoken. The Vala gave a short bow to Manwë before going to the prince who still wept and lifting him up, gave him a slight shake, his expression not unkindly. "Have you forgotten everything I ever taught you about the Hunt, child?" he asked quietly. Ingwion did not respond, going still, the light in his eyes flaming with something bordering on glee, dark and manic. Elessairon struggled to understand what was going on, but could not. He leaned against Erunáro who had never released him and felt the Maia stroke his hair, sending soothing waves of comfort his way. "Is this what this is, my lord?" Ingwion finally asked, speaking in a harsh whisper that sent chills up Elessairon’s spine. "The Hunt?" Oromë nodded. "And is Glorfindel the Hunted?" Now Ingwion’s tone became dark again with anger. "Nay, child," Manwë said. "He’s the bait." Ingwion looked between the various Valar, their expressions ranging from neutral (Ulmo) to feral (Tulkas) and took a deep breath, stepping back from Oromë’s embrace. He walked over to the knife and picked it up, then, turning to Oromë and never taking his eyes off the Vala, he sliced the palm of his right hand and began calmly bloodying his hair. "When you sound the Valaróma, my lord," he said flatly as he ran his bloody palm through his golden locks, "I will join you in the Hunt... and Eru help anyone who gets in my way." *SHIVER* I can see why Ingoldo fears Ingwion!!!! What or who else has Ingwion Hunted with Oromë before, then? ~Kaylee!!!!! Author Reply: We may find out someday about the first Hunt that Ingwion went on with Oromë. And you missed reviewing the previous chapter. *grin* | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 2/13/2008 |
| Then who is the target, if Glorfindel is the bait? Sardos? Finrod? Finarfin himself? Author Reply: As we will learn, the target is those who would disturb the Peace of the Valar. Glorfindel is the lion's goat, though he doesn't know this yet. | |
| hanci | Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 3/7/2007 |
| There's so much from my last review! I will try not to repeat others, as I mostly agree with them. You describe Valmar as if you've been there! Inn named Laughing Vala, that's something. Good idea with the gems and homes of the Valar, but I miss flowers there. With detailed descriptions of the houses and the stones, mentions of a garden fade into background. But I really liked Ulmo's home, the spiral was also interesting... Oh, back to stones, beryl isn't only a proper name for emerald, emerald is just a variety of beryl, others are f.e. aquamarine or heliodor. Normally, beryl is colourless. Oh, that's nothing important, I just had a different impression of Valmar up to your first note. And staying with beryls, the backstory you have given to the stone Glorfindel leaves for Aragorn and the hobbits... I don't have words. I always thought of it as a "trinket", a symbol only. Now I see WHY it was an emerald, and to think it was a stone from Aman, and from Olórin, it has so much more meaning now. Thanks. I will skip comments on actions, let me mention only that the examination was scary, begetting day celebration surprising and beautiful, the first visit to the Máhanaxar symbolic (to me) and the cliffhanger really evil! Hooded figure in the corner... I guess it won't be a ranger, here. LOL. I tried to persuade myself I was being overly suspicious of that person, it could be anyone, but it seems not. Unless it was Finrod, for example, there to help - but since he's in Lórien... Author Reply: You're correct about there being different types of beryl depending on color, but every reference I read specifically states that 'beryl' is the emerald's proper name, which I assumed meant that unless oherwise specified, if you simply say 'bery' you mean 'emerald'. Tolkien does the same thing, only describing it's green color later. And I thought it would be interesting to provide a backstory for the 'elfstone' Glorfindel leaves on the Bridge for Aragorn to find. I would like to think that Aragorn even recognized the stone and knew who was out there looking for them. He wouldn't have said anything to te hobbits since the name wouldn't have meant anything to them. I decided to leave off describing gardens except to mention that they were there to let readers fill in the blanks with their own images of their favorite flowers and such, but I wanted a specific image of Valmar that could only be achieved by describing its buildings and layout. And no, I've never been there *sigh*. I am glad you think my descriptions of the city vivid enough to think that I have, though. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 3/6/2007 |
| Oh my. That Ingwion is one imposing elf! Standing up to Manwe like that - bloodying his hair in preparation for battle! I wouldn't want to be the one to have carried off his sworn brother. Glorfindel had just better be unharmed! That Hunt sounds a dangerous thing - and Ingwion is more than ready for it. I'm not sure that being bait isn't worse ... when Glorfindel's friends come to think about it. Maybe going back to the Ring of Doom wasn't the wisest thing Glorfindel could have done - but then, he needs to face what happened and come to terms with it if he is to become complete again. Bit early, perhaps. And now! I hope he's all right. Author Reply: Yes, we get a glimpse of what it means to be Haryon to the High Kingship. Ingwion is not an elf to be trifled with and is a warrior in his own right, though he does not wear warrior braids (a Sindarin custom anyway and one that he would not have known about). The Hunt is indeed dangerous as future chapters will attest. As for Glorfindel's fate, that will remain to be seen. As the Valar are fond of saying, "Everything is as it should be and nothing is as it seems". | |
| Rhyselle | Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 3/5/2007 |
| I'm reviewing as I read, so this will be a sort of stream of thought review--hopefully it will be more coherent than my usual notetaking style from when I read my textbooks for university! Starting out, I recall that the Maiar were ordered to guard Glorfindel for two full days... but I didn't think of what might happen after that assignment was over. The description of the two ellon exploring the town made me smile. It reminded me of when I dragged my friend Kathy, who had lived in London for about two years when I got there, all over the place, looking for places I'd read about and finding gems of locations that the guidebooks don't mention. :) The locals must have thought we were crazy for getting excited over little gardens in the middle of residential squares and architectural details that most people never even notice. *grin* The description of the fountain of Ulmo and Osse that they found sound familiar to me but darned if I can remember where. This is going to niggle me until I find it... Ah, he needs Manwë's permission to depart. Another reminder of Glorfindel being recently reborn after a life away from Valinor... his lack of knowledge of the protocol when dealing with being summoned to visit the Valar. I like the mental image of all of the elves sitting around and chattering about what to see and do the following day. I keep getting reminded of scenes of my own life during the four years I lived in England and things my friends and I would do there--arguing over whether to spend the day in the V&A or to go down to Greenwich or just to wander Bloomsbury or one of the parks... :) Hmmm. A hooded figure... watching our dear Glorfi... this could be good or bad. I'm reserving judgement, as there could be all sorts of reasons for someone keeping their identity hidden. Your stories are complicated enough that I don't want to assume this is a bad guy. *g* The visit to the Ezellohar and the Máhanaxar was intriguing. I'm trying to figure out Glorfindel's emotional reactions to seeing Lord Námo's home and when he pointed out his throne in the Ring of Doom. He really is of mixed feelings about that particular Vala, but this seems odd somehow. I can't figure out WHY he's reacting this way. It was interesting that only he entered the ring. I wonder if the others had a subconscious feeling that by entering so, they would be opening themselves up for judgment? Hmmmm. The point about Glorfindel's age and experience compared to that of his companions was needed, I think. It's so easy, when being enchanted by the youthfulness of his reactions to things since his rebirth, to forget that he was a Lord of Gondolin and a mighty warrior, and someone of power and note from centuries before most of these Eldari were begotten. I wonder what he was saying that his companions could not hear. I'm certain that Námo knows... but obviously he isn't telling. Oops... has he slipped the leash? Oh, Valar... he doesn't return. Ingwion should have acted upon his initial instinct to go searching, I bet! This is probably a wierd comment since it has nothing to do with the plot, but I like that fact that Valinor has weather and not climate! It rains, it has seasons and even elves have to deal with getting soaked or getting snowed on in winter. I've read other stories set in the Undying Lands, and it seems that the weather is always perfect, no one there trips and skins their knees or gets caught at the top of a tree they can't climb down (*wink*), and their elves don't get mad at each other... Your Valinor is a "real" place in my mind. I like Ingwion very much. He's definitely a take charge type person, and I'm glad that Glorfindel has made a true friend in him. And I'm glad to Alassiel has learned enough of what kind of person Glorfindel is to be able to figure out where he was likely to go. Oh Valar!.... This does NOT look good! Whose blood is on the knife? I hope it's not Glorfindel's. "Then I will stand here until he does." Ingwion’s voice was cold and implacable. "I will not leave of my own volition otherwise." Oh, this line gave me shivers. I can feel his adamancy. Was it the Maiar's idea to allow him entrance, or was the the will of their boss? Oh boy, irresistable force meet immovable object... I truly would not want to have been the one facing Manwë and the rest at this point. I wonder if Ingwion had any idea of how much his heart had taken in Glorfindel until this point where he is willing to face the wrath of the Valar with his own wrath. Again, like many other critical scenes that you've written, this scene of confrontation screams to be drawn out! I wish I had the talent. Seeing this section through Elessairon's eyes is an interesting POV. We see the action but we have to guess the motivations and thoughts of those Elessairon is observing. "He struggled to remain conscious, willing himself to remain a witness to whatever disaster was about to befall the heir to the High Kingship of Eldamar." Yep, if the crown prince is going to be toast, someone needs to tell his dad what happened... "Is he alive?" "For the moment." Oh, again with the shivers. What would happen if Glorfindel dies again? Would that mean that he will be stuck in Mandos until Arda's renewing? or would he be given a third chance? I truly don't want to have to find out! Can't go home nor send a message... they've got to find him themselves... oh my! Is a quest to find the Balrog Slayer going to ensue? Poor Ingwion! The fear and frustration and rage that must be tearing him up inside is awful. I feel so bad for him--And how many of us have wanted to rage at those in authority over us who have given us conflicting direction, the same way that Ingwion raged against the Valar? I've wanted to, but haven't had the courage--or stupidity--to do so! Ooh, more of the Valar that I haven't met before other than name. I like the implication that Ingwion spent time with Oromë in his younger days... "He's the bait." And so this is what they were leading up to... removing the protections on Glorfindel so whomever the bad guys are will nab him... so they can be nabbed? I wish I were better at discerning clues... you've likely fit in the information we need to at least get an idea of the perpetrators, but I can't quite see who all of the likely suspects might be--although we have got people identified as disliking the Reborn, and Glorfindel in particular--If we were going for the obvious, I'd say that it was Ingoldo and Lady Tinwetariel behind it... Bloodying his hair... omigosh... It's not quite an oath, but I definitely would not want to be anywhere near Ingwion's outward path when the hunt begins. (And they'd better start by following that trace at the Ring of Doom where the body had been dragged away--unless that downpour has washed away any signs.) I look forward to seeing the next chapter--will we get to hear the Valaróma then? (And you are probably relieved to get to the end of this review! It's your own fault it's this long, you know *teasing grin* If you didn't pack so much into each chapter there would be much less to comment on!) Author Reply: What can I say after a review like this? *grin* Glorfindel and Ingwion exploring Eldamas together is a nod to when I explored London (oh yes) with a Londoner friend of mine from Uni. I was afraid he would be bored, but there was at least once when we came upon a place and Mick exclaimed that he never knew such a place existed in a city he'd grown up in. ANd I like to think that he saw London for the first time through my unjaded eyes. "Ooh, more of the Valar that I haven't met before other than by name..." Readers will be meeting both Oromë and Tulkas in more detail in later chapters, along with their respective wives. Before this story ends I will have introduced each of the fourteen Valar as more than just names. Each of them plays a vital role in the storyline to one extent or another. This is a challenge I set myself when I started writing this story. And I lOVE long reviews! The longer the better. Thanks for taking the time to write this one. I reall appreciate it. | |
| MithLuin | Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 3/4/2007 |
| Well, the pace has certainly picked up - the tension is palpable! Poor Ingwion - he never would have left a distraught Glorfindel alone, if he had been there. It is good that the Valar had the Maiar guards in place. Eagerly awaiting the next chapters, and thank you again for your prompt updates! (Even with your new story in the works....) Author Reply: Yes, I'm sure that Ingwion would not have left Glorfindel alone had he known what would happen, but he did and now.... Well, as Oromë says, the Hunt is up. | |
| eiluj | Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 3/4/2007 |
| Hullo. I've been reading this story for a few weeks now, and am seriously hooked! But I'm not so good at writing reviews, so I'll mostly be among the silent majority. Why has Glorfindel been kidnapped? Um -- elves silly enough to think they can blackmail the Valar into releasing their kin from Mandos? Does the fact that he was kidnapped there (rather than in Tirion) indicate the kidnappers were Vanyar? [That spy was hooded, cleverly allowing you to omit mentioning hair color.] Surely the Ainur could locate Glorfindel no matter how well the kidnappers hide him. So are the kidnappers betting the Valar won't interfere, or are they simply -- in the manner of neophyte criminals everywhere -- missing the obvious? And -- major issue here -- will Glorfindel's whining drive the kidnappers crazy enough to release him before Ingwion & co. find him? Why the significant pauses whenever Glorfindel mentions Eärendil? [Someone really should give that elf an astronomy update!] And how come Glorfindel doesn't have any family of his own? [Suspicious, highly suspicious!] And.... Again, thank you for a great story. Author Reply: Ah, so many questions... so few answers. LOL As to the whys and the wherefores of Glorfindel's plight, you'll just have to wait and find out. Glad you are enjoying the story nonetheless. | |
| jwdisney | Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 3/4/2007 |
| Oh my goodness, I have loved this series! And the suspense is incredible.. thank you for the hard work. I really enjoy this insight into what might have brought Glorfy from Balrog-killer to friend of Elrond. And the Valar are beautifully depicted. Thanks so much, and I hope the next installment comes soon! :) :) Author Reply: Thank you for reviewing. I'm glad you are enjoying this story so much and I'm gratified that all my hard work is paying off. *grin* I usually update twice a week with this story so the next installment shouldn't be too long in coming. | |